A:N I took inspiration from GOW for this chapter as I feel it has one of the greatest video game speeches of all time. Hope you enjoy
-Rift
Chapter 33.
Stepping out from a shadow, Percy materialized in the Olympian throne room. He strolled confidently to the center of the room and waited. Within moments, a bolt of lightning struck Zeus's throne, and the king of the gods appeared in his seat.
"Hello, Percy. What can I do for you?" Zeus inquired.
"Lord Zeus, what's the status of Typhon's escape?" Percy asked directly.
Zeus grimaced before responding, "Typhon will likely break free within the next few days. The gods are preparing for battle, but without Poseidon or Hades, it will be a daunting task."
Percy nodded thoughtfully before a grin spread across his face. "Well, that won't be an issue. I aided Poseidon in dispatching Oceanus. He will be present for the battle. And as for Hades, if he's unable to assist, I will fill his role. My powers are similar to his, albeit stronger. Either way, Typhon will fall," Percy declared confidently.
Zeus looked surprised but Percy could see the fire and confidence return to his eyes. "Good. Then prepare for battle Percy. If he reaches New York, there is nothing we can do to stop him," Zeus responded firmly.
Percy nodded determinedly before replying," You got it. Let's put this bitch back where he belongs." Zeus laughed as he nodded before they both vanished from the throne room. Materializing in the Underworld, Percy made his way to Hades's palace.
As he reached the throne room, Percy pushed the doors open with determination before striding over to where Hades sat upon his throne, with Persephone seated next to him on her own.
"My lord, my lady," Percy greeted respectfully, dipping his head in a nod before straightening up.
"Hello, Percy," Persephone said warmly, offering a smile. Hades regarded Percy with a puzzled expression. "Percy, what do you need?" he inquired.
"Are you going to assist in the fight against Typhon alongside the Olympians?" Percy asked directly, cutting to the chase. Hades appeared surprised by the question before shaking his head in response.
"No. This is their battle to wage. Enemies of Olympus are not my enemies, as the Olympians have made it clear that I am not welcome among them. This fight belongs to them and them alone," Hades declared firmly, his tone resolute.
Percy's expression darkened as shadows ominously began to creep towards him, reflecting his inner turmoil. However, he quickly regained his composure, understanding that escalating the issue in Hades' domain would only worsen the situation.
"Very well," Percy said, his voice firm and resolute. "I hope for your sake, then, that Bianca and Nico make it out alive, as I will be taking your place in the fight against Typhon. If I can't save them because I'm fighting your battle, that's on you," he stated firmly, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
With that declaration, Percy vanished from the throne room, leaving behind a tense atmosphere in his wake and a stunned god.
The next few days passed in a blur for Percy, as he tirelessly jumped between the camps and Olympus, offering assistance wherever it was needed. Now, he found himself heading to the Olympian throne room. Stepping out of the shadows, he realized he must have been the last to arrive.
"Ah, Percy. Good to see you. Are you ready for the battle?" Zeus greeted him as he noticed Percy's arrival.
"I am, my lord," Percy replied respectfully. Despite not harboring particularly warm feelings towards Zeus, he appreciated the seriousness with which the king of the gods was taking the threat of Kronos and Typhon. Therefore, he didn't mind being respectful in return.
"Good. Then find your place and let us begin," Zeus declared authoritatively. Percy nodded in acknowledgment before making his way over to Artemis's side, taking his place as her charioteer, eliciting a nod of approval from the goddess.
"I'm glad you decided to fight at my side, Percy," Artemis remarked with a genuine smile.
Percy returned the grin, his confidence evident. "I wouldn't fight with anyone else, my lady," he replied steadfastly. Artemis's smile widened at his words, and she nodded in acceptance before they both turned their attention to listen to Zeus's speech, preparing themselves for the imminent battle.
"Olympians, my brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. Typhon is free. Kronos approaches our home as we speak," Zeus's voice boomed through the throne room, commanding the attention of all present.
"We have ruled for millennia, and our reign shall not be brought to an end by these inferior deities. Our home has stood as the epitome of strength and power. Now, I implore you to set aside the petty grievances that have divided us for far too long. Together, we shall confront this monstrous threat. Together, we shall drive him back to his prison. And I... will eradicate this blight of a father!" Zeus's words echoed with determination and resolve, rallying the Olympians for the impending battle.
The Olympians cheered in agreement, their weapons gleaming in the light before they settled down, ready for the impending battle. "To the chariots!" Zeus's command rang out as he led the way out of the throne room, his presence commanding respect and determination.
"That was a truly impressive speech," Percy remarked to Artemis as they followed the others out of the room.
Artemis smiled in agreement. "Yes, he's always been quite skilled at rallying the Olympians."
Percy grinned before he shifted into his battle-hardened mode, his focus sharpening as he prepared for the coming conflict. They observed as the gods made their way to their chariots, each taking their positions and awaiting Zeus's signal to lead them into battle.
Percy, however, continued walking. "Percy, where are you going?" Artemis asked, puzzled by his actions. Percy turned to look at her before responding, "I'm going to my chariot." Artemis's confusion deepened, but she followed him nonetheless.
They walked until they reached the edge of Olympus. Percy peered down at New York before turning his gaze, watching intently at a swiftly approaching chariot. As it soared past, Artemis couldn't help but gasp in awe. The chariot was a stunning blend of black and silver, drawn by horses crafted entirely from shadow.
Percy turned to Artemis and nodded determinedly before taking a few steps back from the edge, with Artemis mirroring his actions. As the chariot completed its turn and approached once more, Percy and Artemis took a few steps forward and leaped, landing safely in the chariot as it flew by the edge.
Percy took the reins confidently as Artemis readied her bow. "This chariot is truly remarkable, Percy," Artemis remarked admiringly as she examined his chariot.
"You can thank my parents for it. I made it clear to them that if I had to face Typhon, it would be with you or on my own. They were more than willing to create it for me," Percy explained.
Artemis grinned, pleased that Percy had chosen to fight by her side in advance. Percy skillfully guided the chariot towards where the other gods were taking off from Olympus, and aligned their chariot with Apollo's as he took off.
"Yo, Perce!" Apollo's voice boomed across the gap. Percy turned his head towards the sun god, offering a nod in response. "What's up, Apollo?" he called back.
"You ready to kick some ass?" Apollo asked, his confidence radiating.
Percy grinned, his resolve unwavering. "Hell yeah, let's get this son of a bitch," he replied, his voice brimming with determination.
Apollo laughed heartily as his chariot pulled away, leaving Percy and Artemis soaring through the evening sky on their own. Together, they followed Zeus as he led the charge towards the location where Typhon had begun his ominous journey from Mount St. Helens towards Olympus.
As they continued their flight through the night sky, Percy urged the horses forward, determined to catch up to Zeus and Athena's chariot. Upon reaching them, Percy turned to address Athena.
"My lady, what do you need me to do? My powers over shadows aren't particularly suited for direct attacks," Percy inquired, seeking their field commander's opinion.
Athena nodded thoughtfully before responding, "Percy, we need you to do your best to restrain Typhon. Any delay to his advance will afford us precious time to inflict damage upon him."
Percy nodded in understanding, prepared to fulfill his assigned task. However, before he could maneuver the chariot back into position, Zeus addressed him directly.
"Perseus. You have my daughter there. My daughter," Zeus's voice carried a note of both pride and firmness. Percy acknowledged the gravity of the situation with a respectful nod. "I will protect her, my lord," he affirmed. Zeus nodded before turning back to look ahead.
With Zeus's words hanging in the air, Percy returned his focus to his duties, guiding the chariot back to its original position. Glancing over at Artemis, he observed the mix of surprise, love, and pride evident in her expression as she regarded her father.
Percy offered her a reassuring smile before turning his gaze forward once more, mentally preparing himself for the long strenuous battle that lay ahead.
After flying for several more hours, Percy could finally sense Typhon's looming presence. "We're approaching," he announced, turning his head to Artemis. She nodded in acknowledgment before notching an arrow on her bowstring, ready for battle.
As they drew nearer, the gods could discern the colossal hurricane enveloping the monstrous form of Typhon, obscuring him from view. With determination coursing through their veins, the gods pressed forward, undeterred by the daunting sight before them.
Suddenly, Zeus's commanding voice echoed through the air from the front of the formation. "Olympians! To battle! For Olympus!" he thundered. The rallying cry ignited a fervor among the assembled gods, their spirits soaring as they prepared to engage in the ultimate confrontation.
With resolute determination, they veered off from their orderly line, each god heading directly towards the massive vortex, ready to face the formidable foe and defend their reign and home.
As the gods plunged into the fray against Typhon, the sky erupted in a cascade of vivid colors, each flash representing the fierce onslaught from Olympus's divine gods. Zeus, in his rage-filled wrath, unleashed relentless torrents of lightning upon the monstrous adversary, yet the formidable creature remained unfazed by the barrage.
Percy observed the relentless assault of the gods as they encircled the colossal foe, raining down their divine powers upon him with unyielding determination. Poseidon unleashed torrents of water, Ares unleashed the thunderous clips of his twin guns, and Apollo ignited the air with flames from his blazing bow. Despite their combined efforts, it became apparent that victory would not come swiftly or easily in this arduous battle.
Meanwhile, Percy and Artemis maintained their aerial dance around Typhon, coordinating their attacks with precision. Artemis unleashed a relentless barrage of arrows, each aimed with deadly accuracy, while Percy wielded his spear with expert skill, hurling it at the monster before summoning it back to his hand in a continuous cycle. With one hand managing the chariot's course, Percy ensured they navigated safely through the chaos, avoiding collisions with both the giant and the surrounding terrain.
As the relentless battle stretched into the following days, Percy keenly observed the waning vigor of the gods as their attacks gradually lost momentum. Despite their weariness, however, they persisted in their assault with unwavering determination. "The gods are slowing down," Percy shouted to Artemis over the tumult of battle.
Artemis nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the chaotic scene before her. "Yes, but so is Typhon," she replied, her voice resolute amidst the chaos of the ongoing conflict.
Percy's attention snapped back to the monstrous foe looming before them. Surprisingly, Typhon's movements had indeed become sluggish, a result of the prolonged duration of their relentless engagement. However, amidst the chaos of battle, Percy hadn't initially noticed the subtle change in the giant's pace.
Before Percy could react, Artemis's urgent warning cut through the chaos. "Watch out!" she yelled, her voice tinged with urgency. Percy's eyes widened in alarm as Typhon's massive hand loomed before them, a formidable obstacle in their path.
Gritting his teeth with determination, Percy swiftly maneuvered the chariot into the shadow cast by Typhon's hand, disappearing from view and reappearing behind the colossal hand in a deft evasion maneuver. However, their swift evasion came too late for Dionysus, whose chariot was mercilessly struck out of the air by Typhon's colossal hand, sending it crashing down amidst the chaos of battle.
Percy's heart pounded with a mixture of horror and anger as he witnessed Dionysus's fall from the sky, his emotions momentarily overtaken by a fierce determination to protect his allies, and more importantly, his charioteer, Artemis. Despite the setback, Percy and Artemis pressed on with their relentless assault, their resolve only strengthening as they watched Hephaestus suffer a similar fate later that evening.
As the day began to wane into evening, Percy guided the chariot until they reached Athena and Zeus at the forefront of the battle. "My lord, my lady," Percy shouted over the din of battle, "we're nearing Missouri, and nightfall approaches. If we're to make a move, it must be soon, or else we'll reach Olympus within the next few days."
His voice carried with urgency, a sense of impending necessity driving his words as he spoke to their field commander.
"He's slowing down, after another day of this you should be able to restrain him Percy," Athena yelled back. With Athena's reassurance echoing in his mind, Percy acknowledged her words with a determined nod before swiftly steering his chariot away, allowing Zeus to continue his relentless assault on Typhon. As the battle raged on, the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a golden hue over the battlefield.
Just as dusk began to settle in, Percy sensed a prayer reaching out to him through Reyna's necklace. "Hey Percy, we're at the garden. We need your help," the urgent message conveyed. Turning to Artemis, Percy relayed the message with a sense of urgency. "Rome needs my help to get to Othrys. I shouldn't be gone long."
Artemis nodded understandingly, swiftly taking the reins as Percy prepared to depart. With a final glance at his companion, Percy faded into the shadows, his resolve firm as he embarked on his journey back to California to aid his allies in their crucial mission.