Ch35

Daedalus effortlessly decapitated the undead warrior with his sword while Mrs. O'Leary cleared the path for him. Inside frustration grew as a few undead warriors destroyed a few things he had been working on and messing up his lab.

Damn this boy is persistent. Around him, a few automatons fought off the corpses as he quickly ran with Mrs. O'Leary out of his hideout. He took down a few more undead soldiers when he saw his pursuer up ahead.

The boy called Nico wore Greek armor a size too small for him beneath a black jacket and dark pants. The boy looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks, his dark beady eyes bore into him with nothing but irritation.

"You can't run forever Daedalus," Nico said as he raised his sword. "Lord Kronos demands your fealty!"

He laughed. "Yet he sends a snot nosed brat to relay his message? The Titan lord must be falling on hard times." Pressing a button the automatons around him also laughed and pointed at the boy causing Nico's face to redden.

"I AM THE GHOST KING!" The boy yelled his voice echoing throughout the halls of the labyrinth like a lunatic in an asylum.

He shook his head. "A person who has to say they are the king is no true king. Why don't you put the sword down and go back to your mother."

Nico spat on the ground. "I'll free her soul when Olympus is destroyed."

He blew his whistle and Mrs. O'Leary came to his side. Pressing another button the automatons sprayed the area with smoke giving him the chance to flee with Mrs. O'Leary. "Really what a pitiful child."

The shadows enveloped them as he felt himself transported through the shadows. He landed on the grass and looked up to see the New York City skyline. "Central Park, not bad girl." He patted Mrs. O'Leary on the head.

The hellhound looked at him with concern as she sat down and played in the grass. "I know girl we can't keep running," He rubbed her belly. "I won't go down easily though, especially to some whiny brat." He looked up at the Empire State Building in the distance. Reaching into his pocket he felt the String of Ariadne.

He had been thinking about a lot of things, a lot of inventions. Unfortunately, that brat Nico had been finding his hideouts and destroying his things thus interrupting his progress.

"Come," he said as he gripped Mrs. O'Leary by the collar. "We have only so much time before that bratty child comes after us." Anger filled his body, who was this boy to demand things of him? I won't be chased out of my own labyrinth and have my legacy destroyed.

Hecate was calmly observing the flames when she felt the presence of two powerful gods approaching. Summer is close by already. Looking up she saw Hera and Dionysus in regal attire.

She inclined her head to the gods. "Lady Hera Lord Dionysus what a surprise." With a snap of her fingers chairs appeared for all of them. She was with Medea and Circe in the middle of an abandoned building one of the many used for the workshops Medea ran for her children.

The queen of Olympus nodded. "Hecate, it's a pleasure to see you during these tough times."

Circe and Medea stood behind her their faces emotionless as Dionysus cleared his throat. "Your children have been getting along at camp, yet as summer comes we could use assistance."

She only nodded. "A war is coming from what the flames tell me."

"That is why we want to assure your assistance," Hera said firmly. "Poseidon is listening to his boy about getting you a throne, while that is something the council has to agree on I'm sure finding the votes won't be hard."

Her voice was calm and persuasive but she didn't show her interest outward, she needed to play

"Nothing is ever easy," she said calmly. Of course, she was paying attention to all the gossip about her, but she had to play her cards right with a poker face.

Hera gave her a diplomatic smile. "Me and Dionysus are willing to swear on the River Styx for our vote to give you one, in exchange for your cooperation. Trust me, I'm a skilled negotiator on Olympus. I can get you along with Nemesis and any other unrecognized god a throne and a place for your children."

"That could be acceptable, what do you ask for?"

Dionysus cleared his throat. "In addition to your support against Kronos, any support you can provide to defend the camp will be appreciated."

"My children have told me they asked for Medea and Circe to help defend the camp," She said calmly. "They are willing to help if you are willing to let them."

She had spoken about it to both of them. While Medea was reluctant she knew that this was a big opportunity they could not refuse and Circe would listen to her even if she had to force her a bit.

Hera stood up her scepter in her hand. "If they swear on the Styx to not harm any demigod that fights for Olympus and to not rebel against us then they shall be allowed to fight alongside us."

She nodded and Circe and Medea stepped forward. "We swear on the River Styx to not harm any demigod that fights for Olympus and to not rebel against the Olympians." The thunder rumbled as the oath was made."

"Good. Hecate I swear so long as that if you are loyal to Olympus I will do all I can do give you your thrown," Hera said. Dionysus repeated the same oath and thunder rumbled overhead as the oaths were made.

She met Hera's gaze, the queen of Olympus loved her family more than anything and helping them could be good leverage for the future. "Then I promise on the River Styx to fight for Olympus so long as my children are respected and that I gain respect among you Olympians."

The oath was made and even she couldn't break it. Did she trust them? No. But they were all bound by their promises and she would make sure her interests and those of her children were met.

Hera smiled at her. "I look forward to when you can fully sit on the council."

As soon as the two disappeared she turned to Circe and Medea. "You both will do all in your powers to defend the camp, don't let old grudges blind you."

Medea and Circe bowed. "We won't fail."

Percy sighed as he walked home from his latest training session with Triton. His body ached as he walked alongside the ocean to return home. Triton still beat him easily but his older brother had become somewhat nicer to him and had taught him a few sword techniques and water tricks.

"You look tired young demigod."

He turned around to see an old man sitting on a chair wearing an old Hawaiian shirt. The old man smelled of sea salt and water and his dark gaze was calm yet powerful.

A shiver went down his spine as he looked at the man. "Uh can I help you?"

The man smiled. "Your father always did have a habit of producing great heroes. I wonder what kind you will be?"

He looked the man over. "Are you a god?"

"Of sorts," the man said. "I am Oceanus, I ruled the oceans before your father."

His eyes widened as he took a step back. "Oceans like the Titan?"

"I mean you no harm," Oceanus said. "I've heard your prayers and have enjoyed the attention of the sacrifices you have offered."

"N-No problem." The titan didn't look dangerous but his body was still on edge.

"I was neutral during the last war but it appears as if another war will start and my brother has his intentions," Oceanus said.

"Are you going to fight for him?" He asked.

Oceanus shrugged. "Still deciding. I gave my realm to your father and helped him a few times yet I never received so much as a thank you. Perhaps your father would be more willing to listen on the battlefield? My own brother has his own ideas of what the future will be like."

He frowned as his mind thought of what to say. "My father isn't the best with showing his gratitude but he is still better than Kronos, no offense."

Oceanus laughed. "None taken." The Titan stood up. "Tell me will there be a place for me and my wife in the future under Olympus?"

A tremble ran down his spine as he met the Titan's gaze. "There will be. If you help my father and his realm will be grateful and I'll see to it that you are recognized for your efforts." He spoke without thinking after not knowing what that would mean but he knew things would have to change on Olympus.

The titan looked at him over. "We'll see how things go." Oceanus turned around. "A word of advice boy my brother plans to march on your little camp this summer whether it be on land or sea he'll come."

He did a double-take. "Why are you telling me this?"

Oceanus looked out at the ocean. "Just laying some groundwork. Good luck Percy Jackson."

AN: Next chapter we'll start with book four but it will be a while before I post it. Yeah I kind of like writing villain Nico these days.