Chapter 7: Hi sis, I'm going on a quest
"But if a hero isn't ready to lose everything for a greater cause, is that person really a hero?"
Jason Grace
Son of Jupiter
Rest in peace
Percy was miserable. He had been confined to the big house. Just when he felt somewhat accepted, he was separated like a rare disease.
The other campers steered far from him. They didn't mention the hellhound but were talking behind his back. The attack scared everyone. And it sent two messages.
The first? He was a son of a titan, an enemy of Olympus. And the second? Monsters and gods alike would stop at nothing to kill him whatsoever.
He didn't understand how he could be the titan lord's son. His mother may have kept secrets from him, but he knew her better than his name. She would never be involved with someone as cruel as Kronos. There was no chance of it. So how was the lord of time his father?
And his powers? Well, some of them made sense. The slow-motion spell he'd caused on Mrs Dodds and whatever creatures had hunted him. He wasn't an expert in divine power, but he could understand that, somehow, he had manipulated time to the extent that he could slow those around him. That power alone scared him enough, but considering everything he'd just been through, he pushed the thought aside.
His other powers, though? They made no sense. He had made Nancy float through the air, and he had managed to fly into the air when fighting the Minotaur. The water had somehow responded to his emotions when fighting Clarisse. The earth had shot up when he punched it during Capture the Flag. How was he able to manipulate all that? Kronos didn't control any of those elements?
He even had to start training on his own. Not a single camper was willing to face him at all, except Luke. He had one-on-one lessons with Luke, who was determined to push him to the extreme limits.
He was sure that someone very much hated him when he found a newspaper on his bed in the big house. It highlighted the whole incident between him and his mom and how they went missing on their weekend vacation to Montauk and had left hastily under mysterious circumstances.
Gabe had made some vile comments about his stepson, Percy Jackson, who had violent tendencies and enjoyed hurting people for his own amusement.
Percy ripped the paper in half, ready to break the windows in his tiny bedroom.
He went out to get some fresh air. It was nighttime, and the sky was clear for the first time in months. He could see the vast expanse of the stars. Percy knew Olympus was somewhere above, watching over them if the myths were accurate. He knew he shouldn't be technically outside past curfew, but he'd been dealing with enough stress from having everyone practically avoid him like a disease, and we needed some time alone with the slight breeze lapping past his face. Besides, he wasn't afraid of the harpies. Well, maybe a little bit. But it was a risk he was willing to take.
In the distance, near the dining pavilion, the hearth was burning. The sounds of the crackling fire drifted to Percy's ears. He narrowed his eyes. Who else would be awake at this time of night?
He walked towards it. To his surprise, a young girl, perhaps eight or nine years old, sat cross-legged, stoking the fire.
"Hello Perseus Jackson," the girl said, not even glancing at him. "What has you wondering around this late?"
Percy shrugged, not sensing any danger from her. He wasn't quite sure who she was, but she didn't seem interested in killing him. That, by itself, was an improvement from everyone else so far. And when he focused on her, she had the same aura that Chiron and Mr D had. Someone far older than they looked. He wasn't sure if he could tell this because of some other time power he'd inherited from Kronos. But it told him one thing. Whoever this person was, they were an immortal. Maybe even a god. But she didn't seem dangerous at all.
Also, her voice sounded strangely familiar.
"Have a seat young one," she said in a kind voice. "You look like you haven't rested at all recently. Everyone needs some time to relax."
Percy sat opposite her, the hearth burning brightly between them.
"Do- do I know you?" Percy asked. He had the strangest feeling he'd met or seen her before. He couldn't quite place it at the moment though. The girl simply nodded.
"We've met before child of time. But you do not need to concern yourself with that for now. I simply wished to give you a moment of respite. You have had a difficult few days, have you not?"
Percy nodded, still somewhat wary. Not of her, but he could tell she knew something, something he didn't.
"You spoke to me," Percy recognised her voice. The night the Minotaur chased him, she was the one who encouraged him to fight the creatures attacking him and told him to protect Grover and his mom. "The night I was being chased. Who are you?"
The girl sighed. "You demigods," she said, some fondness entering her voice. "Always wanting to know more, go out and prove yourself. Considering many of you have the misfortune of living such short lives, you truly are very restless and impatient. You should sometimes learn to appreciate the moment Perseus Jackson. You never truly know when you will have the time to do so again. Each moment given to you is a gift and one you should treasure." She gave him a warm smile, making him feel somewhat more at ease. "I've learnt to do the same. It's why I don't have a throne on the council. It's far simpler to live in the present. It's why I tend to the hearth, providing warmth and comfort to those who need it whenever possible. People are always so focused on conflict and conquest that they never take in the beauty surrounding them. To take a moment and step back."
An immortal who liked to appear at a young age.
Had powers over fire and tended to the hearth.
Gave up her throne.
Gave comfort and warmth to those who needed it.
Percy smiled.
"You are Hestia," He said. "Goddess of the Hearth."
A large smile appeared on her face. "It's been many years since I've been recognised. Yes Perseus, I am Hestia, the firstborn of the titan lord. Sister of the elder Olympians. And by blood, your elder sister as well. You've come far child. We are truly proud of what you've achieved till now."
Percy frowned. "What have I achieved? I haven't done anything yet. I failed to protect my mother, a woman I thought I knew better than anyone my whole life, but now I'm not so sure. I'm the son of one of the most evil tyrants in all of Greek history. And I have at least two, if not more, gods hunting me down just because I was born. And as a result of it, I've managed to lose the people I love and care about. None of the campers wish to talk to me. I'm all alone."
It felt good to let it all out. He had been holding a lot of baggage, and it felt freeing to let it out to someone, even if it was a godly sister he was meeting for the first time. Hestia simply shook her head, her eyes looking at him with pride.
"You've done more than you can understand Percy. You protected your friend Grover from suffering a terrible fate. You challenged the Erinyes and the Minotaur to keep him safe and provided him the opportunity to follow his life's dream. And soon, you'll be presented with an opportunity to correct the wrongs done to you. Tomorrow morning, you'll learn." She paused for a moment before continuing.
"And are you truly going to judge your mother, young Perseus?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"I'm… I'm not trying to judge her. I mean, I've known her all my life. No matter how badly I would mess up, no matter how many times I got expelled, or much trouble I caused, she never ever raised her voice at me. Or got angry at me. She never stopped loving me. She never even got mad at my stepfather, a useless pathetic loser who deserves to be sent to Tartarus instead. And now I find out that my father is the king of all evil. How…" Percy stopped talking, not even being able to put the question into words.
"How was she involved with the Crooked One to give birth to you?" Hestia finished for him. Percy nodded, bowing his head down in embarrassment. He couldn't believe he doubted his mother, but he honestly didn't understand.
"Percy, look at me," Hestia said in a kind but firm voice. He met her gaze, and she continued. "You say you've known her all your life. That she is the one person who loved you unconditionally, right?" Percy nodded, not seeing where she was going with this.
"Then does that not earn her the benefit of your doubt?" she asked. "As you've come to learn from experiencing the divine realm, nothing is truly as it seems in this world Perseus. Gods, Immortals, we're all capable of unimaginable feats. Until you hear it from her directly, shouldn't she at least be given a chance to explain her side of things, without any animosity or confusion from you?"
Percy thought upon her words for a moment before nodding slowly. Hestia took this as a sign to carry on.
"As for your birth, that does not determine who you are. The elder Olympians, your own brothers and sisters, they are also children of the titan lord, are they not? I am as well. Athena, Hermes, Apollo, Artemis are also born from titans. During the era of Greece, we even welcomed Helios and Selene as our allies. You may not get to choose your ancestry. But, that does not determine the person you are. What truly matters are the choices you make going forward."
Percy was silent momentarily before asking the question burning in his mind.
"Why aren't I dead yet?"
Hestia looked at him in confusion, and he hastily elaborated.
"I mean many gods want to kill me. They have the means to do so. I can see why as well. If I were to join the enemy, I could be used as a weapon to bring them down and overthrow the Olympians. Why haven't they done so?"
"Because there are those who are interested in your arrival and invested in your success. Not all of us see you to be a threat, but a means of survival. I'm afraid I can not elaborate more than that at the moment. I may be Zeus's favoured sister, but even then he can only show me a limited leniency, being the king. He must set an example after all."
"Zeus shows leniency?" Percy asked, not being able to disguise the surprise in his voice. A cold gust of wind brushed past them as the fire lowered slightly. He was surprised to see Hestia looking at him with some sympathy.
"Do not judge your brother too harshly half-blood," she said. "It may seem easy to simply blame the proud king for many of his mistakes, and I do not deny that Zeus doesn't always make the best choices, but try and put yourself in his shoes. Imagine the burden that lays on his shoulders day by day as the king of the Olympian forces. Having his choices constantly challenged by the other gods, his own children and siblings, day in and day out. Having to distance himself and make decision to set an example as a king. Even for a god, that much responsibility can wear someone down. Deep down, Zeus knows that not all blame is at you. Despite his many flaws, he does have an understanding of family and through his paranoia and pride is only the decisions he makes for his family on the council. It's one of the biggest perils of immortality young one. Being wrapped up in our power and responsibilities, we often forget that our actions and decisions affect not just other forces of nature, but the very people we reside over to protect. That is why some of us wish to protect you Percy. You are unique, even amongst demigods. You have the power to challenge the gods, but you have the humanity to guide that power in the right direction. The only question is whether you'll use it for the right or wrong purposes."
The hearth burned brighter at her words.
"I think that's enough for one night Percy. You have a tough day coming and you'll need your rest."
Before Percy could respond, he felt his vision dimming. The next thing he knew, he sat on his bed in the big house. Weirdly enough, he felt well-rested, even though he didn't even remember going to sleep. Percy looked outside. It was morning already. But it was dark. Even though there had been clear night skies, the clouds suddenly gathered over them. A storm was brewing.
He heard a knock on the door.
"Come in?"
Grover trotted inside, looking worried. "Mr. D wants to see you."
"Why?"
"He wants to kill… uh talk to you."
Nervously Percy got dressed. He remembered Hestia's words. He had a tough day coming.
They walked to the front porch of the Big House. Dionysus sat in his tiger-striped Hawaiian shirt with his Diet Coke at the pinochle table. Chiron sat across the table in his fake wheelchair. There were two invisible opponents with cards hovering in the air.
"Well, well," Mr D said without looking up. "Our little celebrity."
Percy waited, standing a bit away from him.
"Come closer," Mr D said. "And don't expect me to kowtow to you, mortal, cuz the old blowhard of my father is your father."
A net of lightning flashed across the clouds. Thunder shook the windows of the house. Grover cowered by the railings.
"Blah, blah, blah," Dionysus said. "If I had it my way, I would burn your molecules in flames and sweep the ashes. Problem solved for the lot of us. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp; to keep you little brats safe from harm."
"Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm, Mr D," Chiron put in.
"Nonsense," Dionysus said. "Boy wouldn't feel a thing. Nevertheless, I've agreed to restrain myself I'm thinking of turning you into a mechanical stopwatch instead, sending you back to your father, straight down to Tartarus."
"That's restraining yourself?" Percy said incredulously.
"Mr D," Chiron warned.
"Oh, all right," Dionysus relented. "There's one more option. But it's deadly foolishness." Dionysus rose, and the invisible players' cards dropped to the table. "I'm off to Olympus for the emergency meeting. If the boy is still here when I get back, I'll turn him into an Atlantic bottlenose. Do you understand? And Perseus Jackson, if you're at all smart, you'll see that's a much more sensible choice than what Chiron feels you must do."
Dionysus picked up a playing card, twisted it, and it became a plastic rectangle. A credit card? No. A security pass.
He snapped his fingers.
The air seemed to fold and bend around him. First, he became a hologram, then a wind, and then he was gone, leaving only the smell of fresh-pressed grapes lingering behind.
Chiron smiled at him, but he looked tired and strained. "Sit, Percy, please. And Grover."
They did.
Chiron laid his cards on the table, a winning hand he hadn't gotten to use.
"Tell me, Percy," he said. "What did you make of the hellhound?"
Just hearing the name made him shudder.
Chiron probably wanted him to say, Heck, it was nothing. I eat hellhounds for breakfast. But Percy didn't feel like lying.
"It scared me," he said. "If you hadn't shot it, I'd be dead."
"You'll meet worse, Percy. Far worse, before you're done."
"Done ... with what?"
"Your quest, of course. Will you accept it?"
Percy glanced at Grover, who was crossing his fingers.
"I've got a quest? Quest for what?"
Chiron grimaced. "See, that's the hard part, the details."
Thunder rumbled across the valley. The storm clouds had now reached the edge of the beach. As far as he could see, the sky and the sea were boiling together.
"Poseidon and Zeus," Percy said. "They're fighting over something valuable ... something that was stolen, aren't they?".
Chiron and Grover exchanged looks.
Chiron sat forward in his wheelchair. "How did you know that?"
His face felt hot. He wished he hadn't opened his big mouth. "The weather since Christmas has been weird, like the sea and the sky are fighting. Then I talked to Annabeth, and she'd overheard something about a theft. And ... I've also been having these dreams. And um, I spoke to Hestia. Last night actually."
Grover's eyes widened, but Chiron didn't seem surprised. "It's his!" Grover said excitedly.
"Hush, satyr," Chiron ordered.
"But it is his quest!" Grover's eyes were bright with excitement. "It must be!"
"Only the Oracle can determine." Chiron stroked his bristly beard. "Nevertheless, Percy, you are correct. Your brothers, Poseidon and Zeus, are having their worst quarrel in centuries. They are fighting over something valuable that was stolen. To be precise: a lightning bolt."
He laughed nervously. "A what?"
"Do not take this lightly," Chiron warned. "I'm not talking about some tinfoil-covered zigzag you'd see in a second-grade play. I'm talking about a two-foot-long cylinder of high-grade celestial bronze, capped on both ends with god-level explosives."
Percy was confused. Then how had lightning shot him the night he was coming to camp?
"Oh."
"Zeus's master bolt," Chiron said, getting worked up now. "The symbol of his power, from which all other lightning bolts are patterned. The first weapon made by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans, the bolt that sheered the top off Mount Etna and hurled Kronos from his throne; the master bolt, which packs enough power to make mortal hydrogen bombs look like firecrackers."
That made more sense. The other lightning bolts were just copies of the original weapon. Percy shuddered. If he had been shot by a cheap copy, he didn't want to think about what the original could do.
"And it's missing?"
"Stolen," Chiron said.
"By who?"
"By whom," Chiron corrected. Once a teacher, always a teacher. "By you."
His mouth fell open.
"At least"—Chiron held up a hand—"that's what Zeus thinks. During the winter solstice, at the last council of the gods, Zeus and Poseidon had an argument. The usual nonsense: 'Mother Rhea always liked you best', 'Air disasters are more spectacular than sea disasters,' et cetera. Afterward, Zeus realised his master bolt was missing, taken from the throne room under his very nose. He immediately blamed Poseidon. Now, a god cannot usurp another god's symbol of power directly—that is forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws. But Zeus believes Poseidon convinced a human hero to take it. More specifically, you."
"But I didn't—"
"Patience and listen, child," Chiron said. "There are reasons for his suspicion, and I'm now at liberty to divulge them to you. Zeus has good reason to be suspicious. The forges of the Cyclopes are under the ocean, which gives Poseidon some influence over the makers of his brother's lightning. Zeus believes Poseidon has taken the master bolt, and is now secretly having the Cyclopes build an arsenal of illegal copies, which might be used to topple Zeus from his throne. The only thing Zeus wasn't sure about was which hero Poseidon used to steal the bolt."
"Didn't Apollo kill the cyclopes that made Zeus's lightning bolt in the first place?"
"Percy, since when does any secret truly remain a secret in the Greek world? If the original cyclopes knew how to form the lightning bolt, the other cyclopes will have most likely learnt as well. And Poseidon has certain pull over those cyclopes."
"But, I don't have any affiliation or connection with Poseidon. Nor have I ever been to Olympus. Zeus is crazy!"
Chiron and Grover glanced nervously at the sky. As Grover had promised, the clouds didn't seem to be parting around them. They rolled straight over the valley, sealing them like a coffin lid.
"Er, Percy ...?" Grover said. "We don't use the c-word to describe the Lord of the Sky."
"And you are incorrect as well. You do have an affiliation with Poseidon. One no one realised until recently."
Percy looked at Chiron questioningly.
"Percy, what did your mother tell you about your father. At least the one she claimed to be your father before your parentage was revealed."
Percy frowned, recalling what she had told him.
"That he was an important businessman. And that he wasn't dead. Just lost at sea…." Percy's eyes widened as the pieces fit together.
No, it wasn't possible. But Chiron nodded grimly.
"Percy, the god your mother was involved with was Poseidon, god of the seas."
There was a stunned silence at that proclamation.
"But-but how…"
"Are you a child of the crooked one?" Chiron finished. "I'm afraid we do not know at the moment. The only reason we're even aware that the titan lord's blood flows through your veins is because Poseidon bore witness to your birth and read your aura. Who do you think sent the symbol to claim you? The fates confirmed it to him when he demanded an explanation. And this very action has inflamed Zeus's temper beyond anything before. He is furious at Poseidon and you."
"But how is it Poseidon's fault?"
"Percy, despite him not being your father, he still sired you. Had he not fallen for your mother, Kronos wouldn't have had the means to implant his essence the night you were conceived. Now imagine if you're Zeus. Your own brother who you do not trust has admitted to falling for a mortal against his sacred oath."
"Didn't Zeus break the oath first, giving birth to Thalia," he said, glancing ahead to where he knew the pine tree would be standing.
"Percy, Poseidon being responsible for the birth of Zeus's most bitter enemy's child is infinitely far worse than himself breaking the oath and giving birth to a child. You stand on a completely different level. Your powers are far more dangerous and volatile than any child of the big three. Why do you think there are more than just two gods who want you dead. You are living proof of the one deity who has claim to Zeus's rule and supremacy and the power to overthrow them. What makes the situation far worse is despite knowing all this, Poseidon has sworn to defend and protect you at all costs. Even as we speak, he's threatened multiple Olympians with war should they attempt to harm you one bit."
Percy frowned, not following the logic. "Why? Why would he risk so much to protect me? I'm not his child."
Chiron shrugged. "I don't often understand the Sea God Percy. But I believe some part of him feels responsible for you. After all, his actions are the reason you were born in the first place. I'm afraid you'll have to ask him yourself when the time comes. But know this Percy, there's only one reason why Zeus had not struck you down the night you arrived at Camp."
"Which is?"
"Your sisters Percy."
Percy looked at him blankly. "My sisters? I don't have any…. Oh you mean….." Chiron nodded in affirmation.
"Hestia and Demeter have pleaded with Zeus to spare you, to give you a chance. Even Hera has defied him, claiming to give you an opportunity in the name of peace."
Grover's eyes widened. "Hera? But, she doesn't like demigods. She normally has nothing to do with them at all? Especially since Thalia…"
"Exactly," Chiron nodded. "The Queen of Olympus, who very rarely interacts with mortals and demigods has intervened to defend you Percy. Many are interested in your situation and would like to see you prevail. Zeus has been quelled, even if it's temporarily at the insistence of his favourite sister and the other Olympians. That's four elder Olympians who are backing you Percy, the proverbial last straw. Should you undertake this quest, you will honour their names and efforts. If you prove your innocence, you'll gain allies and be given a chance to prove yourself."
"But Poseidon, he didn't steal the bolt, did he? I mean I know his children, like Sciron or Chryasor have a history of thievery. But Poseidon himself wouldn't do that, would he?"
Chiron sighed. "Most thinking observers would agree that thievery is not Poseidon's style. But the Sea God is too proud to try convincing Zeus of that. Zeus has demanded that Poseidon return the bolt by the summer solstice. That's June twenty-first, ten days from now. Poseidon wants an apology for being called a thief by the same date. Unless the bolt is found before the solstice, there will be war. And do you know what a full-fledged war would look like, Percy?"
"Bad?" he guessed.
"Imagine the world in chaos. Nature at war with itself. Olympians forced to choose sides between Zeus and Poseidon. Destruction. Carnage. Millions dead. Western civilisation turned into a battleground so big it will make the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight. No amount of pleading from Hera, Demeter, Hestia or any other god would be able to stop them."
"Bad."
"And you, Percy Jackson, would be the first to feel Zeus's wrath."
It started to rain. Volleyball players stopped their game and stared in stunned silence at the sky.
He had brought this storm to Half-Blood Hill. Zeus was punishing the whole camp because of Percy. Oh, he was furious.
"So I have to find the stupid bolt," he said. "And return it to Zeus."
"What better peace offering," Chiron said, "than to have the child of Zeus's most bitter enemy return his property."
There was a moment of silence. Chiron then gestured to Percy. "If you wish to know more Percy, you must officially take this quest. You must seek the counsel of the Oracle."
Percy looked at Grover, who nodded encouragingly.
Easy for him. Zeus didn't want to kill him.
"Well, it sounds better than being sent to Tartarus. Let's do this."
"Go upstairs, Percy Jackson, to the attic. When you come back down, assuming you're still sane, we will talk more."
Four flights up, the stairs ended under a green trapdoor.
He pulled the cord. The door swung down, and a wooden ladder clattered into place.
The warm air from above smelled like mildew, rotten wood, and something else, a smell he remembered from biology class. Reptiles. The smell of snakes.
In the middle of the room, on a wooden tripod stool, sat… a mummy? Even from there, he could sense its power. It was old, far older than Chiron, Mr D, and even Hestia. A green mist poured from her mouth, coiling over the floor in thick tendrils, hissing like twenty thousand snakes. Behind him, the trapdoor slammed shut.
"I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the might Python. Approach, seeker, and ask."
Percy wanted to say no, lol. Wrong room. I'm good. Maybe next time.
He forced himself to take a deep breath.
He could tell the mummy wasn't alive. It was immortal, like the Fates. Not necessarily interested in killing him.
Yet.
"What is my destiny?" Percy asked.
The mist swirled more thickly, collecting in front of him. The scene changed around him. He stood in a large beautiful throne room. Sat on the thrones were four beings and one in the hearth. One stood right behind him.
He instinctively knew who they were. They were the elder Olympians. His siblings.
Hera spoke first in the rasping voice of the Oracle: "You shall go west, and face the god who has turned."
Zeus said, "You shall find what was stolen and see it safely returned."
Demeter said, "You will enter the gambling flower and find the children time neglected."
Hades spoke behind him: "You shall delve to the Erebos, and time will find your loyalty tested."
Poseidon rasped from his throne: "You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend."
And Hestia delivered the worst line of all: "And you shall fail to save matters most, in the end."
The figures began to dissolve. Percy roared in anger. "What do you mean I'll fail? What friend? Who's testing my loyalty."
The mist disappeared right back into the mummy's mouth.
Percy's audience with the Oracle was over.
"Well?" Chiron asked him as he slumped into a chair.
"She said I would retrieve what was stolen."
Grover sat forward, chewing excitedly on the remains of a Diet Coke can. "That's great!"
"What did the Oracle say exactly?" Chiron pressed. "This is important."
Percy's ears were still ringing, echoing the words in his head.
"She said I would go west and face the god who had turned. I would find what was stolen and see it safely returned. Something else about entering a gambling flower to find the children time neglected. Delving into the Erebos and stuff like that."
Chiron didn't look satisfied. "Anything else?"
Percy couldn't bring himself to tell him. He didn't have any friends. His loyalty would be tested. And who would betray him?
And the last line. What Oracle sends someone on a quest and says, oh, btw you gonna fail lmao. Good luck have fun.
"No," he said. "That's about it."
Chiron studied him. He knew Percy was hiding something but didn't press. "Very well, Percy. But know this: the Oracle's words often have double meanings. Don't dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."
Percy changed topics. "I want an explanation for something." Chiron gestured for him to continue.
"If I'm supposedly the son of the titan lord, then explain my abilities. I get the slow motion thing. Slowing down time, Kronos, lord of time. But controlling water? Being able to fly? Shooting stumps of earth at people? That's not his domain?"
Chiron smiled, nodding at him. "Not exactly Percy. Remember what I taught you about the titan lord. What did the stories of Hesiod say about Kronos?"
"Uhh…" Percy tried recalling what those books had listed. But, curse his dyslexia, he had a hard time reading through those books in general. How was he meant to remember what some greek poet said about a titan?
"You didn't read through it, did you?" Chiron asked with a raised eyebrow. Percy grinned sheepishly. He sighed, shaking his head.
"Percy, try and remember the lessons. What titles did Kronos's mother, Gaia, present him with at his victory over Ouranos?"
"Lord of Titans," Percy recalled. "Titan of Time and Agriculture. King of the universe."
"Exactly Percy, king of the universe. During his reign, there was no big three. The three primary domains of this world were managed by him primarily. How do you think your brothers Zeus, Poseidon and Hades laid claim to those domains? After defeating him, they bartered with his powers over the world."
"Zeus got the sky," he remembered. "Poseidon got the seas. Hades got the Underworld."
"Precisely. But those domains were originally his. Of course, because of the Ancient Laws, Kronos no longer holds claim to those three elements due to your brothers. But remember Percy, you are a half-blood. The Ancient Laws do not apply to you. So, as long as the titan lord's blood flows through your veins, you hold some divine authority over those domains. It's the very reason you summoned lightning when Hades's minions attacked you, why you managed to fly with the Minotaur, caused the water plumbing in the toilets to respond to you and caused spires of the under earth to respond to your will. Combine that with your ability to manipulate time and your surroundings; this very power alone is the primary reason many gods want you dead. If you're corrupted, you put their powers at major risk. Should you be trained properly, you could surpass them."
"Wait wait wait," Percy cut in. "I thought the seas and oceans belonged to Oceanus."
"Percy, there are more than one deity for certain are multiple examples of this. Look at war. You've got Ares, Athena, Enyo. Ares represents rivalries and bloodlust. Athena symbolises strategy, craftiness and defence. Enyo likes to showcase carnage. But every one of them is a war deity. For the skies, you have Zeus, the main lord of the skies, lightning and wind. But you also have Aeolus, the master of winds, who answers to Zeus. And Aeolus has four deities who he manages, each one of them dealing with the four cardinal directions of the compass. They're all wind deities. So is Zeus. Domains can be split into many different aspects, and you can have specific deities controlling individual aspects, and one deity who represents it overall. Poseidon is the lord of the seas. But there's also his wife Amphitire, who is the goddess of the seas, but also saltwater. Poseidon has multiple naiads, such as Thetis, and river spirits who deal with certain parts of bodies of water. But since they're all under his umbrella, he is the being who represents the seas as a whole. The same goes for your father. Oceanus was the main deity who represented the oceans during his time. But he gained his abilities from Pontus, the original sea god. And after Kronos was crowned lord of the universe, he also gained certain dominion over the seas. Not that he truly cared for it as much, but it was still a part of his jurisdiction. The same goes for the Underworld. He laid claim to it after defeating Lord Erebus, who had created and represented the underworld."
"Well, that makes sense, I guess," Percy said. "Still a bit confusing, but I'll take your word for it."
"It'll make more sense the more you learn about your abilities. Also, I suspect that Kronos may not be the only reason pertaining to your water abilities."
"What do you mean?"
"I believe Poseidon may have some involvement with your abilities."
"What, like he gave me some extra water powers?"
"Perhaps," Chiron shrugged. "As I said, the Sea God claims responsibility for you. And he needs you right now, to clear his name. I wouldn't say he blessed you outright and gave you major abilities, but I suspect he may have ordered for the water spirits to aid you on your journey."
"Okay, getting back to the quest. Where do I go? Who's this god in the west?"
"I believe you know the answer yourself Percy." Chiron gave him a knowing look.
"Hades."
Chiron nodded. "The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."
A scrap of aluminium dribbled out of Grover's mouth. "Whoa, wait. Wh-what?"
"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded him. "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity, then tried to kill him. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."
"Yes, but—but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he has found out Percy is a son of Kronos... The biggest threat to ever be born."
"A hellhound got into the forest," Chiron continued. "Those can only be summoned from the Fields of Punishment, and it had to be summoned by someone within the camp. Hades must have a spy here. He must suspect Poseidon will try to use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on the quest. He took the bolt to the Underworld, knowing full well that Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the lord of the Dead's motives perfectly, or why he chose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go to the Underworld, find the master bolt, and reveal the truth."
Percy nodded, a wave of fiery anger burning in him. He wanted revenge. He was beyond furious with Hades himself. He had sent spirits, a Fury, the Minotaur and a hellhound. He had also lost his mother and was now willing to frame him for a theft.
He wanted his mother back more than anything else. And Hades would give it back to him. He didn't care if Hades was a god. If there was one, just one good thing about being Kronos's child, it gave him direct access to the power of the Underworld.
Then a thought occurred to Percy.
"Couldn't it be my father?" he asked. "If he could have enough power to conceive me, what's to say he didn't steal the bolt?"
"If the titan lord was responsible Percy," Chiron replied. "The gods would know. Your father's power is far too great for the gods to not notice."
"You say that, but he still managed to, as you said it, implant his essence into me without any of the gods realising."
"Percy, your birth was in the mortal world. A place where a numerous number of activities take place. It's simpler for even the innocent titans to hide their actions that happen here. Olympus has far more powerful magic and security guarding it. They would know within moments if an enemy titan, that is supposed to be in Tartarus, had entered their vicinity. Why do you think Poseidon is being blamed? He is a god of Olympus, so their magic wouldn't hinder him and he can go undetected. Unless Kronos has his own spy, which is possible I don't deny, it's more probable for Hades, who owns the Helm of Darkness, to have someone take the Master Bolt. Plus keep in mind the prophecy Percy. The prophecy states to delve to the Erebos. The Erebos is the original name of the Underworld, in honour of the god who resided over it before Kronos took control. You must confront the King of the Underworld."
Percy turned to Grover, and a wave of sympathy filled him for his one friend. The poor guy needed to complete a quest to get his searcher's licence, but how could he ask Grover to join a suicide mission.
Percy looked at Chiron. "I'm guessing the laws that give me my powers also prohibit the other gods from confronting one another, right? That was why the gods used heroes to do their work. Perseus for Zeus, Athena and Hermes. Jason for Hera and Athena. Cyrene for Apollo and Ares. Otrera for Ares and Artemis."
Chiron nodded. "Heroes have certain privileges. Such as yourself. They can go anywhere, challenge anyone, as long as they're bold enough and strong enough to do it. No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions."
A multitude of emotions rolled inside Percy. He wasn't sure if he was angry, confused, annoyed or irritated. Maybe all four.
Percy looked at Chiron straight in the eyes. "You've known I was Kronos's son all along haven't you? Or at the very least you had your suspicions?"
"Honestly Percy, I suspected you to be Poseidon's child. You have his looks. With the exception of your eyes, the golden timeless eyes of Kronos, you look very much like him. Your hair, your facial expressions, even the way your jaw is set. A very clear resemblance of Poseidon. However, when I saw your battle against the Fury, my suspicions changed. No demigod had ever possessed the ability to manipulate the stream of time in all of history. Not to your extent. When Grover mentioned a darkness around you, it made sense. I had prayed I was wrong, however it appears the Fates have a plan for you.."
With a chill, he remembered the words the Fates had told him. He wondered whether it'd be productive to tell Chiron.
Percy sighed. He couldn't change the past (at least, he didn't think he could time travel. Could he?). He had to confront what was ahead of him.
"So let me get this straight," he said. "I'm supposed go to the Underworld and confront the Lord of the Dead."
"Check," Chiron said.
"Find the most powerful weapon in the universe."
"Check."
"And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days."
"That's about right."
He looked at Grover, who gulped down the ace of hearts.
"Did I mention that Maine is very nice this time of year?" Grover asked weakly.
"You don't have to go," Percy told him. "I can't ask that of you.
"Oh ..." He shifted his hooves. "No ... it's just that satyrs and underground places ... well..."
He took a deep breath, then stood, brushing the shredded cards and aluminium bits off his T-shirt. "You saved my life, Percy. If ... if you're serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down."
Percy wasn't sure how helpful a satyr would be against the eldest child of his father, the literal lord of the dead. But Percy valued his loyalty far more. He'd much rather take someone he trusted with his life instead of a brave warrior who could backstab him.
You'll be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.
"All the way, G-man." He turned back to Chiron. "If the Western civilisation moved along the Greek forces, I assume the Underworld is to the west of here. Where exactly?"
Chiron looked surprised. "I thought it'd be obvious enough. The entrance to the Underworld is in Los Angeles."
"Brilliant. So we get on a plane—"
"No!" Grover shrieked. "Percy, what are you thinking? Have you ever been on a plane?"
Percy shook his head, slightly embarrassed. His mom didn't have the money to travel by plane, and her parents had died in a plane crash.
"Is this because it's Zeus's domain?" Percy asked, catching on to what they were thinking. "But I thought I have powers over the sky. Won't I be fine?"
Chiron shook his head. "No Percy, it isn't that simple. You have certain control over the sky to your advantage. Zeus has full dominion over the sky. He is beyond enraged at your birth. He's barely backed off his attacks on you at the insistence of your own siblings. Travelling into his domain is like adding insult to injury. You take foot in the sky for one moment? You would never come down alive."
Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.
"Fine," Percy said, determined not to look at the storm. "So, I'll travel overland."
"Correct. Two companions may accompany you. Grover is one. The other has already volunteered, if you will accept her help."
"Oh really. She wouldn't happen to be listening to this whole conversation, would she?" Percy smirked internally, knowing she'd be shocked.
The air shimmered behind Chiron. Percy raised an eyebrow at the apologetic look on her face. Annabeth took a deep breath before talking.
"Look, what happened at capture the flag, I'm sorry, I really am. I was focused on getting a win and played by that strategy. I should have told you beforehand what I was putting you in for. So I do apologise for it."
Percy knew that it was a big deal for her to apologise. That alone said a lot about how badly she wanted to go on a quest. Annabeth had a lot of pride from what he had understood about her in the short time they had interacted. But from what Luke said, she was genuinely a good person and someone who could be trusted. He was willing to look past their rocky start.
"Apology accepted," Percy smiled. "I understand tactics better than most. It was a good strategy, I just don't like being used."
Her cheeks coloured slightly, but she gave him a smile back. Percy turned to Chiron.
"A trio works. We got this."
"Excellent," Chiron said. "This afternoon, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you're on your own. Get packing."
Author's Note: First up, thanks to the people who wished me happy birthday (Anaklusmos404 and Death Fury). Love you all.
Secondly, a long chapter for you all. 7659 words. Not too bad if I do say so myself. Get a bit of a conversation between Percy and Hestia, which I thought was a good touch. I think I nailed the key aspects, kind and supportive goddess, still can't give too much away as gods can't meddle too much but gave Percy some clarity and help. Let me know if there's anything I missed from it, I'll try and include it in further interactions. Confusing questions of how Percy's still Kronos's child I know. That'll remain a big mystery for quite some time.
A little bit of expanding on Percy's powers. Just hear me out. The explanation given here is like the basis for why Percy has the powers he does. I'm using Hesiod's version of the myths regarding Kronos and his reign during the Golden Age, so he had claim over the big three domains: sky, sea and underworld. There are some other hidden abilities but that'll come later. And Ancient Laws don't exactly apply to half-bloods so Percy gets claim to them as well, along with time powers. There's going to be a lot of major expanding on why Percy has these powers, this is just a starting explanation to it. I also added a slight favouring of Percy's water abilities from Poseidon, but that'll be touched on in the later chapters. And before some people start talking about making Percy too OP, I'm not doing that, just bear with me this once. It'll seem like Percy has a lot of powers, and I don't deny that, but each of his abilities will come with major repercussions, huge responsibilities and will be equally balanced out with Percy's personality and flaws he has from Kronos. This won't be an OP Percy is badass at everything. Things are going to get very very difficult and tough for him, and he'll be stretched to the limits. Each of his powers comes with their limitations and issues and it'll be shown through the series. He'll almost wish he never had all the powers he did.
Also, slight change in prophecy. I'm sure most of you can guess what the prophecy is eluding to, but it's a good twist I'm adding to it to change up how certain events play out. The power of being an author, can change whatever the hell I like to make things interesting.
Now for the reviews.
Anaklusmos404: Firstly, Thank you :)
Secondly, you were on the right track, almost there. It's to do with the Elder gods, but slight adaptation of Kronos's abilities. I'm trying to stick with the myths for accuracy and proper representation. As mentioned above, I'll be delving a lot deeper into how he has his powers and how they work. Hope you liked the current explanation so far. It gets good.
titus5: Thanks. Yeah sorry about the skip, I kinda wanted to get the people into the main action. Don't worry, there won't be any more skips through the story at all. I'm making sure I keep everything else involved in this series. As for upload schedule, I'm gonna be honest, I don't particularly have one. Since I'm in the final 3 months of the school year, my own personal timetable and schedule is all over the place with work and exams and all that stuff. My aim is to at least upload once or twice a week, but I do also have 2 other stories I'm writing in parallel to this so it's a bit of a tricky one. At the very least though, you'll be getting one upload a week unless things get really out of hand. But since I'll be trying to upload all of my stories once a week, that's two other uploads you potentially get, if you're interested in the other ones I'm writing. But yeah, that's my current schedule until June 22nd. After then, I'm a free man so it'll be a whole lot more consistent.
UUTWO: Hope this chapter cleared things up somewhat. He has a minor 'blessing' from Poseidon, but the basis of all his powers come from Kronos's former title of King of the Universe, where he was the being in control of the Big Three domains. It'll make a lot more sense as I explain it a lot more in the coming chapters. Don't worry though, it won't derail the story or make Percy OP.
Djberneman: Same for you, answers explained in the review above and Author's Note. Hope it clears things up, even if it's just for now. I'll be going over it more thoroughly soon. Thanks for the review.
Lord Kronos1950: Indeed it does. And don't worry, right off from the start, Percy will create a major mess, and makes things worse for himself. That's the spoiler for today.
Death Fury: Thank you :) Hope you're enjoying.
SeaweedBrainIsBlue: Yup. His time manipulation power is probably the most volatile and dangerous one, hence why a lot of gods fear him. But yes, he does have other inherited powers as explained in the other reviews above. It'll make sense as the chapters go on.
Thank you to all of you for the reviews. Please keep them coming, if you have a bit of time to spare, they genuinely keep me motivated to write more and more. Much love and appreciation to you all.
Yeah, that's pretty much all for now. I'll try and upload on Thursday cuz I'll be free on Wednesday to review my next chapter, so keep an eye out then.
Hope you all enjoyed. As usual, stay safe people. Imma now go cry and do my stupid maths assignment :(
Discord Server: VUMM3Sb
SpiritsOfTheWorld
