Chapter 32.
As he closed in on Oceanus, Percy swung his scythe downward, aiming for the Titan's head. But Oceanus was quick to react, thrusting his trident upward and intercepting the scythe blade in between its prongs. With a swift movement, Oceanus redirected Percy's momentum, angling the staff of his trident upward.
Caught off guard, Percy found himself pulled towards Oceanus. His eyes widened in alarm as he saw the trident's handle hurtling towards his face. Before he could evade it, the handle struck him across the face, sending a jolt of pain through him.
"AHH!" Percy yelled as he was thrown back several feet, releasing his grip on his scythe. Oceanus let out a mocking laugh before casually tossing the scythe aside. "Is that the best you can do, Percy? I expected more," Oceanus taunted, his voice dripping with disappointment.
Percy's expression darkened, his determination fueling him as he summoned his spear and shield, preparing to charge once more. With a grim determination, he lunged forward, meeting Oceanus head-on. Their weapons clashed with a resounding clang, the force of their collision sending shockwaves rippling through the water and pushing both combatants back.
"That's what I'm talking about, Percy! Come on then!" Oceanus taunted, his laughter echoing through the water as he charged once more. Percy grinned in response, matching Oceanus's charge with his own.
Percy thrust his spear towards Oceanus's face, but the Titan deftly parried the attack with his trident, swiftly countering with a downward thrust. Percy blocked the strike with his shield, the clash of metal ringing out in the underwater battlefield.
Seizing the opportunity, Percy retaliated with a jab aimed at Oceanus's midsection. However, Oceanus was quick to bat away the spear with the handle of his trident, launching another attack in response. Percy deflected the strike with his shield once more, then feinted with his spear, hoping to bait Oceanus into overextending himself and creating an opening for a counterattack.
Undeterred, Oceanus flipped the trident in his hand into a reverse grip before jabbing down with the prongs, pushing Percy's spear down and leaving him vulnerable. As Oceanus pulled the trident up for another strike aimed at Percy's face, Percy braced himself for impact.
But just as the trident came dangerously close, another trident intercepted Oceanus's attack, knocking his weapon away. Percy's eyes widened in surprise as he glanced to the side, spotting Poseidon wielding a trident, his expression seething with anger.
"Percy, use your shadow powers to slow him down!" Poseidon's voice echoed in Percy's mind. Understanding the command, Percy nodded and focused, channeling his primordial abilities. As Poseidon engaged Oceanus alongside Amphitrite and Triton, Percy unleashed a surge of darkness, enveloping Oceanus in a shadowy haze, slowing his movements and creating an opening for the gods to strike.
Oceanus's expression twisted into one of furious rage as his duel with Percy was abruptly interrupted. "You dare interfere, Poseidon? Your kingdom will soon fall!" he bellowed, launching himself at Poseidon with renewed vigor.
Percy observed the gods forcing Oceanus on the defensive, waiting for the opportune moment to intervene. It came when the gods managed to push Oceanus back into a shadowed area beneath a cliff edge.
With a grin spreading across his face, Percy willed his weapons back into bracelets and summoned his scythe once more before vanishing into the shadows. He positioned himself behind Oceanus, concealed within the darkness, and patiently waited while the gods continued their relentless onslaught. Finally, as Oceanus threw Triton and Poseidon back and knocked Amphitrite down before pinning her with his foot, Percy saw his opening.
"New blood for the new war," Oceanus declared with a sinister grin, lifting his trident to strike Amphitrite through the chest. "NOOO!" Poseidon's desperate cry filled the air as he lunged towards his wife. But Oceanus's downward strike was halted, thwarted by an unexpected force.
Confusion clouded Oceanus's expression as he examined his restrained arm, ensnared in shadow. "You dare touch the Queen of the Seas, little Titan?" Percy's voice rang out, seething with rage.
Before Oceanus could respond, Percy materialized behind him in a blur of motion, his scythe descending swiftly and mercilessly. With a single decisive strike, Percy severed Oceanus's arm from the shoulder down.
"AHHH!" Oceanus's cry of pain echoed through the water as his arm floated away, leaving him disarmed and incapacitated. Percy wasted no time, swiftly spinning his scythe before bringing the handle down on Oceanus's head, rendering him unconscious. With the threat neutralized, Percy waved his scythe away and hurried over to Amphitrite's side.
"Thank you, Percy," Amphitrite expressed her gratitude, her eyes reflecting her relief. Percy nodded, his concern evident as he helped her to her feet. "Of course, my lady," he responded respectfully.
As Poseidon approached, his worry palpable, Percy stepped back, allowing the couple a moment together. Poseidon enveloped Amphitrite in a protective embrace, his relief evident as he checked her for injuries. "Are you okay, Amph?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Amphitrite smiled warmly, reassured by her husband's embrace. "Yes, my love. I'm okay," she assured him. Poseidon nodded, his gratitude towards Percy evident as he glanced at the primordial.
"Thank you, Percy. I don't know what I would have done if I lost her," Poseidon expressed his gratitude sincerely. Percy smiled warmly and nodded. "I would not let anything happen to her if I could help it," he assured Poseidon, his determination evident.
Poseidon nodded, his gaze shifting back to Amphitrite, who met his loving gaze with one of her own.
Triton approached, extending his hand to Percy in gratitude. "Thank you for saving my mother and helping save our kingdom," he said earnestly as Percy shook his hand.
"It was not a problem. I need to return to the surface to help there. I'm sure you guys can handle Oceanus. Although, I severed his arm with a void silver weapon so if he ends up vanishing he probably faded to the Void," Percy explained.
Triton nodded before turning to observe the fallen Titan. "We will watch him and let you know if anything happens," he assured Percy.
Percy nodded in acknowledgment before bidding farewell to the rulers of the oceans with a wave and disappearing into the shadows.
Reappearing, Percy found himself on a cruise ship, confusion clouding his senses. As he looked around, he realized he was aboard Luke's ship—now under the control of Kronos. He reached out with his senses and locked onto what he felt as Theo's presence.
Slipping through the shadows, Percy made his way to the top deck, where he remained hidden, watching the scene unfold before him with a mix of shock and concern. Theo was present, along with another demigod he hadn't met before. He observed silently as monsters handling the other demigod rifled through his backpack, spilling its contents onto the deck. Percy's eyes widened as he realized it was a bunch of peaches.
Percy listened intently as Kronos's voice thundered across the ship, his eyes widening in realization. Theo and the other demigod were attempting to sabotage the vessel, likely with Greek fire if Percy knew anything about Greek tactics.
Observing the scene unfold, Percy noted the subtle gestures exchanged between the demigod and Theo. The demigod indicated his watch, likely the detonator, and silently urged Theo to leap into the safety of the water.
Seeing Theo's reluctance, Percy watched as he improvised, splashing Kronos with water from the deck pool before swiftly diving overboard and landing on a pegasus as it flew by. In that split second distraction, the other demigod triggered the explosion.
Seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos, Percy materialized behind the monsters restraining the demigod, swiftly dispatching them before enveloping the young demigod in shadow, whisking them away from the impending disaster as the ship erupted into flames.
Reappearing, they found themselves on an island nearby. Percy turned to observe the demigod, who appeared disoriented, uncertain of how he arrived there. "That was a risky stunt, even by my standards," Percy remarked, chuckling.
The demigod spun around, visibly relieved. "Who are you?" he inquired. Percy smiled before answering, "I am Percy. And who might you be?" The demigod's eyes widened as he replied, "I'm Beckendorf, lead counselor of the Hephaestus cabin. Are you Artemis's companion, Percy?"
Percy grinned, nodding affirmatively. "Indeed I am. I typically avoid revealing my human form to campers, but I sensed something amiss in the area and decided to investigate. It's fortunate I did, or you might not have made it," he explained.
Beckendorf nodded gratefully. "Well, thank you, Percy. I don't suppose you can get me back home?" Percy chuckled before placing a hand on Beckendorf's shoulder and pulling them both into the shadows, returning to Camp Half-Blood.
When they arrived, they found themselves in the amphitheater. "I can sense that Theo has already arrived. Let's get moving," Percy said, shifting into his wolf form before enlarging enough for Beckendorf to mount him. Once Beckendorf was situated, Percy took off into a shadow, heading towards the main camp area where he sensed everyone congregating.
As they approached, they could see the campers conversing with Theo, while off to the side, Annabeth was comforting a sobbing girl. "That's Silena, my girlfriend. They probably think I'm dead," Beckendorf remarked with a worried tone. Percy nodded understandingly before slipping out of the shadows and striding towards the campers.
Theo spotted them first, his eyes widening before he shouted, "PERCY! BECKENDORF!" The campers turned around, erupting into cheers at the sight of their friend being alive. Beckendorf grinned and waved before sliding off Percy's back, settling down as he hurried over to Silena, who was sprinting towards him.
Percy smiled warmly at the reunited couple before swiftly darting into a shadow, leaving the approaching hunters momentarily puzzled. "Why did he run away from us?" Zoe asked, sounding somewhat disheartened.
Artemis smiled knowingly before responding, "He's probably off to see Reyna. Remember, when they lost that demigod on their quest to save Hermes, he went to see Reyna immediately once we were safe. And now that he just saved another person from losing their loved one, he's probably going to check on his own."
Zoe's eyes widened in realization before a bright smile spread across her face. Despite her general disdain for most men and love in general, she couldn't help but admire how deeply Percy cared for Reyna. With a nod of understanding, she turned to discuss their next course of action with Thalia.
Percy reappeared in New Rome, transforming back into his human form as he materialized outside Reyna's home. He knocked on the door, patiently awaiting a response. After a moment, he heard movement inside, and the door swung open.
To Percy's surprise, it was Jason who greeted him at the door. "Hey, Percy! What's up?" Jason asked, smiling warmly. Percy's eyes narrowed slightly before he replied, "Where's Reyna?" Jason's expression shifted to confusion before widening in realization of the implications of Percy's question.
"She's inside her office. We were just going over our final plans for the siege on Othrys in a few days," Jason explained as he stepped aside to let Percy enter. Percy's expression returned to its usual calm demeanor as he nodded in acknowledgment and made his way directly to her office.
He reached the office and stepped inside, his grin widening as he spotted Reyna leaning over a table, engrossed in marking a large map. Moving swiftly, Percy approached her, wrapping his arms around her and planting a kiss on her neck.
Startled, Reyna jumped before spinning around, her eyes narrowing in suspicion before softening as she recognized Percy. "Hi, Percy," she greeted warmly, pulling him into a deep kiss, which he eagerly reciprocated.
After a moment, they reluctantly pulled away, and Reyna turned back to the table just as Jason entered the room. "What's this map?" Percy inquired as Jason approached.
"It's our map of Othrys and the surrounding terrain. We're attempting to identify the optimal invasion route into the castle. The garden appears to be the most straightforward option, but the Hesperides will pose a significant obstacle if we attempt to breach through there," Jason explained.
Percy grinned confidently before declaring, "I'll go with you. The Hesperides have already nearly faced my wrath once before; I doubt they'll be eager for a second encounter." Jason's eyes widened in surprise before he nodded in agreement.
Reyna gazed up at Percy with relief evident in her eyes as she said, "Have I ever told you I love you?" Percy chuckled softly before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Yes, but you can tell me again," he replied tenderly. She smiled before returning her attention to the table, but silently reached for his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Percy smiled warmly before nuzzling her hair affectionately as Jason spoke up. "So Percy will lead us through the garden. From there, it should be just a short hike to the castle. Once inside, there should only be one or two remaining Titans to deal with. When we destroy them, we need to locate Kronos's seat of power and destroy it as well; weakening him in New York," Jason outlined.
Reyna nodded in agreement before adding, "That sounds like a solid plan. With only a few days left at most, we need to be prepared. Jason, can you continue to train the soldiers until we're certain the Titans have vacated the castle? Every available minute counts."
Jason nodded, offering Percy a reassuring pat on the shoulder before exiting the room. Reyna sighed, leaning back into Percy's chest. Percy smiled softly before resting his chin on her head. "I'm scared, Percy," she confessed softly.
Concern flickered across Percy's features as he gently turned her to face him. "Of what, Rey?" he asked gently.
"Of not making it through this war. I know Jason can handle the legion, but I don't want to be separated from you," she replied, her eyes glistening with tears.
Percy tenderly cradled her face in his hands before speaking, "My love, I will always be here to protect you. I've already aided in dispatching Oceanus, so Neptune will be there to support the Olympians in their fight. If you ever feel scared, you can always call me with your necklace, and I will come to your aid. But know this, regardless of what happens, you're walking away from this war with me. I promise."
Reyna nodded, finding solace in his comforting words as she leaned into his chest. "I love you," she murmured softly. Percy smiled tenderly before responding, "I love you too. Now, get ready to lead your soldiers to Othrys. When the time comes, I'll be there to help you get through the garden."
With a nod of determination, Reyna pulled him into a gentle kiss before breaking away and slipping past him, heading out of the room. Percy watched her go with a proud smile before vanishing into the shadows, making his way towards Olympus.