Chapter 31.
(One year later)
Percy swiftly evaded a scythe swing aimed for his head, his muscles tensing with the effort. As the scythe came hurtling towards him once more, he flipped his grip on his own weapon and swung upward, connecting with the handle of the opposing scythe and snapping it in half.
Thanatos looked stunned as he surveyed his broken weapon before breaking into a grin. "Well done, Percy. That's certainly one way to disarm Kronos."
Percy returned the grin, his adrenaline still coursing through him. "Yeah, I didn't expect to have the opportunity to try it, but I'm glad I did," he replied.
Thanatos nodded before dismissing his broken scythe with a wave of his hand. "Guess I'll have to make a trip to the forge," he mused.
Percy laughed and waved as Thanatos dissolved into shadows, leaving the training ground behind. Percy waved his scythe away before following Thanatos out of the training room, and to the throne room.
Materializing on his throne, Percy waited until he sensed the presence of his parents arriving. A few moments later, they appeared on their respective thrones. "Hello, Percy. How did your last duel with Thanatos go?" Nyx inquired.
"It was a good fight, but I eventually got the opportunity to disarm him. I broke his scythe handle in half with my blade," Percy replied, grinning proudly. Nyx smiled warmly in response, while Erebus erupted into laughter.
"If you manage to do that to Kronos, I will never let him live it down," Erebus remarked, his grin widening. Percy joined in the laughter before responding, "I will certainly attempt it, but I make no promises."
Erebus nodded in understanding before Nyx interjected with a note of concern. "Percy, are you sure the training we put you through over the last year will be enough to stop Typhon?" she asked, her tone serious. Percy's expression turned grim as he replied, "I hope so. We're out of time to continue training."
Nyx nodded solemnly before adding, "We believe in you, Percy. You will stop the Titans and save Olympus." Percy smiled, a sense of determination shining in his eyes as he nodded in agreement. "Yes, I will. And anyone else who tries after them."
Nyx and Erebus smiled proudly as Percy rose from his throne. He enveloped his parents in a tight hug before stepping back and dissolving into shadows, intent on finding Calypso. When he reappeared, he found himself inside her room.
Calypso was tending to some plants by the window, but she turned around as she sensed his presence. A warm smile lit up her face as she stood up and embraced him. "Caly, it's time," Percy said softly.
Calypso looked up, her expression tinged with worry. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. Percy nodded solemnly, conveying his determination. Calypso reached up and gently pulled his head down until their foreheads touched.
"Be careful, Percy. Please," she whispered earnestly. Percy returned her gaze with a soft smile before nodding. "I will. I'll be back tonight and with any luck, I'll be back home soon for good," he assured her. Calypso nodded, her smile reflecting a mixture of love and concern, as Percy stepped back and dissolved into shadows, heading towards Nico's home.
Appearing in Nico's living room, Percy looked around and smiled as he sensed Nico's presence approaching. Moments later, Nico emerged from a shadow with a smile. "Hey, Percy, what's going on?" he greeted warmly.
"Nico, it's time," Percy replied firmly. Nico's expression shifted, his smile fading into one of determination. "Alright. Let's do this," he declared resolutely. Percy nodded in agreement before they both disappeared into the shadows.
Emerging from a shadow in the Poseidon cabin, Percy glanced around. It was getting dark, indicating that Theo should be returning to his cabin soon. True to his expectation, a few minutes later, the door swung open, and Theo walked in.
He paused, looking at Percy with a mixture of confusion and surprise. "Hey, Percy. What are you doing here?" he asked, clearly puzzled.
"It's time, Theo," Percy replied solemnly. Theo's eyes widened as the gravity of Percy's words sank in, and he nodded slowly. "Alright. I suppose it's too late to get Annabeth?"
Percy smiled and nodded, understanding Theo's concern, before walking over and placing his hand on Theo's shoulder, pulling them both into the shadows. When they emerged, they found themselves in the Underworld, facing the dark waters of the River Styx. Nico was already waiting for them on the riverbank.
"Alright, Theo. Are you ready for this?" Percy asked, his voice steady. Theo looked nervous but determined as he nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied.
Nico turned to Theo, offering guidance. "Remember, Theo. Focus on what keeps you grounded to your mortal life. Choose a point on your body and use your memories to anchor yourself. Otherwise, the river will consume you entirely."
Theo's nerves seemed to intensify at Nico's words, but he steeled himself and nodded resolutely. With a deep breath, he approached the edge of the river. But as he took the first step, he stumbled and fell face-first into the dark waters of the Styx, disappearing beneath the surface.
As they waited, a ghostly spirit materialized beside them. "Ah, Achilles. I was wondering when you'd appear," Percy greeted with a smile. Achilles returned the smile with a nod. "It seems I am a bit late to stop him," he remarked. Percy nodded in understanding before asserting, "It needs to be done. And with Annabeth as his anchor, I'm sure he will survive."
Achilles nodded in agreement before Nico turned to them with a puzzled expression. "Percy, you know Achilles?" he inquired. Percy's grin widened as he replied, "I was his charioteer during the Trojan War. I had to leave the battle when the Olympians joined, so I wasn't there to save him."
Nico's eyes widened in realization as he looked at Achilles, who grinned and nodded in confirmation. "Well, my friend, I must go. Be warned, though, his mortal point must be protected at all times, and make sure to inform him not to tell anyone," Achilles advised Percy. Percy nodded solemnly before the two clasped forearms in farewell, and Achilles faded into nothingness.
They waited for a few more minutes before Percy's grin widened. "He's coming." Nico looked towards the river, and a moment later, Theo shot out of the water and crashed onto the sand. Percy burst into laughter before walking over and crouching down next to him. "Hey, Theo, how do you feel?" he asked teasingly.
Theo shot him a glare before replying, "I hate you. That sucked." Percy and Nico chuckled as they helped Theo to his feet. "Alright, Theo, now that you've survived, remember that your mortal point must be protected, even outside of combat. And do not divulge your mortal point to anyone, not even Annabeth, under any circumstances," Nico said firmly.
Theo looked frustrated at that, but he nodded. "Okay," he replied. Nico nodded in approval before patting Percy on the back and then fading into the shadows. "Your mortal point isn't on your arm right?" Percy asked. Theo shook his head before looking at Percy in confusion. Percy grinned mischievously at Theo before summoning a butter knife and playfully jabbing it into Theo's arm.
Theo jumped in surprise, but his expression relaxed as he realized the knife blade bent harmlessly. "Had to make sure it worked," Percy said with a laugh. Theo chuckled in response, "Well, I'd rather you test it here than in battle."
Percy nodded in agreement before grabbing Theo's arm and pulling him into the shadows, transporting them back to Poseidon's cabin. Once he dropped off Theo, Percy vanished again, this time headed home for the night.
The next morning, he geared up again before jumping into a shadow in his room, headed towards Posiedon's realm.
Emerging from a shadow, Percy found himself in Poseidon's throne room. Though he possessed the ability to breathe underwater due to his birth parentage, he rarely relied on Poseidon's powers since they significantly diminished after his adoption by Nyx and Erebus. However, he retained the innate ability to breathe underwater, which proved useful when he needed to visit Posiedon's realm.
The throne room was empty, so Percy followed Poseidon's godly aura through the castle until he reached a closed door. Pushing it open, he found Poseidon hunched over a table, manipulating pieces on a large board.
"We need to engage Oceanus and put him down for good," Poseidon muttered to the dolphin companion beside him. The dolphin chattered in response, moving a piece on the board before swimming away through another door.
Poseidon sighed, looking up as he finally sensed another presence in the room. "Percy? How are you here?" he asked, puzzled. "Long story, I'll explain later. I'm here to help put Oceanus down. We need you for the fight with Typhon," Percy replied earnestly.
Poseidon's eyes widened before a smile spread across his face. "Thank Nyx for you, Percy. He's been slowly advancing on the palace. I don't know for sure, but if he coordinates his attack on the palace with father's assault on New York, we have only a few days at most."
Percy nodded, his expression turning resolute. "Then we take him out now before Kronos besieges Olympus. Whatever it takes," he declared firmly. Poseidon nodded in agreement, his determination and fury reignited.
"Very well, Percy. Let us go." Percy nodded as Poseidon pointed his trident at him, transporting both of them to the front lines. As they arrived, Percy grimaced at the state of the battle.
Bodies were floating through the water, scattered across the ground. Flashes of light pierced the water intermittently, accompanied by occasional explosions. "Poseidon, where are Amphitrite and Triton?" Percy asked, scanning the chaotic scene.
Poseidon grinned before pointing into the distance. "Very far, Percy." Following his gesture, Percy squinted through the darkness and discerned a colossal figure resembling a merman, slowly approaching on a chariot pulled by giant crabs.
Percy's confusion turned to realization as he spotted a large sea-green and blue chariot not far from Oceanus. Inside, Poseidon's wife and son were locked in a standoff against the Titan.
"They've been at a sort of standstill for days, but Oceanus is pushing forward slowly. Other than the armies skirmishing, we're all that's left between him and the palace," Poseidon explained solemnly.
"Poseidon, I don't suppose you could grant me the ability to move freely in the water like you can, could you? I'm not very effective in combat when confined to walking," Percy requested.
Poseidon nodded before placing his hand on Percy's shoulder, emitting a sea-green glow. After a minute, he withdrew his hand, and Percy felt a surge of power coursing through him, strengthening his connection to the sea.
However, Poseidon appeared puzzled. "What's wrong, Poseidon?" Percy inquired, noticing his father's expression. "Normally when I grant my blessing, it's a sense of establishing a connection. But with you, I felt the connection was already there, just severely weakened," Poseidon explained.
Percy sighed before revealing, "Remember when I said it's a long story? I am one of your children, from ancient Greece. Nyx adopted me when I was very young and alone, trying to escape from the monsters that tormented and hunted me."
Poseidon looked shocked, expressing his apology. "I'm sorry. I didn't know," he responded. Percy shrugged before refocusing on the battle ahead. "It's not a problem anymore. Let's focus on the bigger fish at the moment," he assured.
Poseidon nodded, feeling guilty, but determined. Turning to the standoff between his family and Oceanus, he declared, "Oceanus dies today. One way or another." Percy echoed the sentiment, stating firmly, "Let's do this," before propelling himself into the water towards the Titan.
As the two deities reached the chariot, its occupants turned around to see who approached. "My love, who is this?" Amphitrite asked, looking puzzled as she gazed at Percy. "This is Percy, the primordial son of Nyx and Erebus. He's here to help us deal with Oceanus," Poseidon replied confidently.
Amphitrite's eyes widened before she continued, "It's good to have you here, Percy. This Titan has been a thorn in our side for weeks." Percy nodded in agreement before turning to Triton, sensing the silent assessment from the sea god.
"I hope I'm not a disappointment, Triton," Percy said, chuckling. Triton looked stunned before his expression softened into a sheepish smile. "Not at all. Just curious to see what you can do," he replied.
Percy nodded before extending his hand and summoning his scythe. "Let's go put this Titan down. Permanently," he said, his smile turning slightly sadistic. The other gods glanced at each other, slightly concerned about his expression but nodded as they readied their weapons, each brandishing their own unique trident.
Percy grinned as he surged forward towards Oceanus. The Titan's booming laughter echoed through the water. "And who might you be, little demigod?" he bellowed, amusement lacing his voice. Percy quickly formulated a response, knowing he couldn't reveal his true identity as a primordial.
"I am Percy, son of Hades and blessed by Poseidon," Percy stated proudly, hoping his words would be convincing enough. Oceanus's expression shifted to one of astonishment. "A son of Hades, blessed by Poseidon? Now I have seen everything," the Titan replied, his voice tinged with surprise.
Percy maintained his confident demeanor. "What can I say? Everyone loves me," he quipped, his grin widening. Oceanus chuckled before assuming a ready stance with his trident. "Very well then, Percy. Let's see what's so special about you," the Titan challenged. Percy laughed in response, adrenaline coursing through him as he propelled himself towards the looming figure of Oceanus.