Chapter 19
The fact that Loki had died a hero left Percy with somewhat of a bitter taste in his mouth. The man had nearly single handedly caused the fall of Western Civilization. But he had likely saved their lives. Thor mourned for the man, but the only thing that stopped Percy from completely disregarding the fallen warrior was that he had likely saved their lives.
Malekith had fled in the wake of his greatest warrior being defeated. The likelihood that Thor, Calypso, and himself would've walked away from a direct conflict with the Aether was extraordinarily unlikely. Loki had died to defeat the nearly invincible Dark Elf that Thor identified as a cursed one. From what the man had told Percy and Calypso they were lucky to be rid of the brute.
Regardless, finding their way to their next battleground was not as difficult as Percy had first expected. It had started with Jane getting a phone call, and the group entering a cave in which items that clearly belonged on Earth were found. Calypso had to explain to Harry that Tony had warned them about the convergence, and she had experienced the event once many thousands of years ago. The line between realms and worlds would become so thin that they would be crossed by accident at times. The group was fortunate enough that one of these lines was found and brought them back to London where Jane had apparently been working and investigating the anomaly.
Meeting up with Thor's mortal friends was something of an oddity considering the older male scientist that greeted them was in his underwear. Then there was the woman that was apparently Jane's assistant who had described all sorts of odd phenomenons happening around the Greenwich area flippantly. Percy knew they were in trouble when this was all over, and that the weapon that they had lost was going to come back to haunt them as he watched the group conversate in silence.
The demigod was still exhausted from his battle in Svartalvheim and did not relish another encounter with the Dark Elf that was wielding an Infinity Stone that scared his family so much. Regardless he listened with rapt attention waiting for the others to decide on their next move.
Calypso was able to help Dr. Selvig determine a location in the city they were in that would be an ideal focal point in the aligning of the realms which made it the perfect target for Malkeith. This was enough to convince Percy and Thor to take the fight into the city.
On the way they discussed an invention that Dr. Selvig had been working on and if the Dr was to be believed he could force the shift in time and space banishing their enemies to other realms. It seemed like magic and a long shot, but the group was desperate for victory.
Arriving in the city, Jane's assistant, Darcy, and her friend began spreading Dr. Selvigs devices out around the area in preparation for the arrival of the Dark Elves. Percy who had been standing beside Calypso outside the library on the green lawns of the Old Royal Naval College. The others were scattering around in attempts to lay down the device, but Percy and Calypso were scouting the area for the coming battle.
Percy stared out towards the Thames river, and sighed wistfully. He had always wanted to come here, but these were less than ideal circumstances. It was hard to let the thought get far from his mind either that even if success followed the battle here there was a chance they would be returning to exile. Diplomatic relations with Asgard likely fell with the treason they committed standing beside the Prince. He hoped the Olympians would understand the direness of the situation, but then again they had never been the understanding type.
Calypso squeezed his hand gently at his side, "It is going to be different this time. You have the water from the river, and I will be more able to fight with you at a shorter range. We are going to beat the Dark Elves, Percy."
Nodding his head his eyes scanned the area before glancing at the woman he loved, "I know Caly, there were just so many things I would've liked to have done before we returned to our island. I can't see this ending any other way and I hoped we would be married before something like that would happen… I was really hoping my mom would get a chance to see that."
Calypso squeezed his hand harder at his words, "We did what we had to. We owed it to Thor, and Queen Frigga who lost her life on my watch, to avenge her. It's what we do."
"You're right." Percy said softly, "It's just the cost I am worried about. I wouldn't do it any different, but-"
"No buts, Percy." Calypso interrupted, "You wouldn't have been able to live with yourself if it happened any other way."
Knowing she was right Percy merely nodded and kissed the girl on the cheek. Before Percy could say anything else he felt the presence in the water. A ship with cloaking technology approached, and Percy stepped forward pulling Riptide from his pocket and uncapping the pen, "They are here."
His words were brought to life before the eyes of the people when the concrete began to rip apart from the impact of the ship touching the ground. Percy gripped his sword hard as moved to the center of the green lawn and the door lowered to show Malekith arriving.
Percy stepped forward to greet the Dark Elf, and in no time Thor arrived at his side with his hammer drawn looking angry. Before either could address the creature Malekith called to Percy, "You have chosen the wrong side Olympian! Your family and your place in the universe was never earned in blood. We would've conquered your pantheon had we just been able to hold onto our weapon. Now you will tremble before our power."
Percy gritted his teeth as the large elf then addressed Thor, "You needn't have come so far Asgardian, death would come to you soon enough."
Not wishing to trade insults any longer Percy reached out with his hand and pulled the water from the River ahead. A massive tidal rose rapidly as Percy circled his hand swept his father's domain across the area attempting to drown Malekith. As soon as the water enveloped the small group of Dark Elves Thor sent a massive bolt of lightning down upon them electrifying the majority of his forces. Before Percy could begin attempting to whisk the creatures back to the sea where he would really let them have it, a blast of red power ripped the area apart in a tidal wave of cosmic energy. Suddenly the group was thrown back and Percy stabbed the ground with Riptide to prevent himself from going further and surged back forward with the intent to kill.
Malekith was not idle however as a massive blast of red energy was now enveloping the area. Percy tried to penetrate the energy, but dropped to his knees in agony, and was only saved by an invisible force yanking him backwards, "Percy!"
The voice of his girlfriend broke his pain induced state and he blinked rapidly trying to figure out what had happened. Calypso didn't leave him in suspense, "It's too late. The stone is giving him power. Thor can't penetrate it with lightning and we can't get through it."
"How did he do it so fast?" Percy asked desperately, getting back up to his feet searching for a solution.
Thor stood beside them now a look of rage on his countenance, "His people once held the Aether. He knew to control it. His arrogance was the only thing that delayed him from doing this elsewhere. He wanted to make us pay. After we killed his followers he knew to act quickly."
"Can you breach the energy field?" Percy asked.
Thor grunted, "We are going to die if I don't. We are out of options. I must get through."
Before either Calypso or Percy could stop the man they watched as Malekith created a large vortex of dark dust, and the clouds darkened the sky around the area. Boldly Thor stepped forward, and Percy began to follow, but Calypso placed a hand on his chest, "Let him do it. The very foundation of the universe could change soon. Stay close to me."
Feeling a pang of failure Percy watched as Thor fought his way towards the Dark Elf that was commanding all the power of the Aether to his body. Thor launched one of Jane's gravity devices into the Dark Elf, but the creature merely smacked it aside, and sent a blast of raw energy into Thor knocking him to the ground, it was over.
Percy shook his head and held his hand out towards the water, "I'm sorry, Caly. We can't let him do this. I have to try."
The water answered to his command, and he whirled a massive amount of water to his will, but before he could send it towards the Dark Elf a bright blinding light struck him, and he fell to the ground.
"Percy!" Calypso screamed, and before she could move to assist him she too fell to a bright light.
The son of Poseidon's eyes were hazed from the disorientation of the blast, and he pushed himself weakly off the ground, and his eyes couldn't quite believe what they were seeing.
A man in pure golden armor, was striding forward, with a sinister smile on his handsome features. The being was tall, with a neatly trimmed beard, with glowing skin, indicating his divine presence.
Despite seeing the man with his own eyes, Percy couldn't believe it. Even with Calypso's fallen form beside him whispering, "The Lord of Lite."
"That's impossible." Percy said now back on his feet. In awe he watched as Hyperion, the Titan of the East, used his golden sword to cut through the swirling dirt. Before Percy could hardly lift a finger to stop the man, he watched as massive golden light erupted from the man's body enveloping Malekith, and nearly blinding Percy in the process.
When his vision became clear again, Malekith was on the ground, eviscerated, and Hyperion stood above him with the red mist of the Aether now swirling around him. Percy's jaw dropped, and suddenly felt incredibly foolish. The dreams of the figure in Central Park, the booming voice, the power Percy knew was familiar…Hyperion had practically spelt out his arrival, and he missed it every step of the way.
"We can't let him control this power." Percy said defiantly as he offered Calypso a hand, and assisted her to her feet.
Hyperion grinned across the battlefield as the power of the Aether began to swirl around him, his voice boomed, "Percy Jackson! I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Feel the power of the LIGHT!"
The man's form began to radiate a soft, ethereal glow. It intensified rapidly, the luminescence growing so potent that Percy was compelled to avert his gaze. He raised his sword, squinting against the blinding light, and lunged forward in a desperate, final attack.
The heat emanating from the man was scorching; Percy's skin prickled and burned as he advanced. The air itself seemed to shimmer and distort with the intensity of the energy. He was close, so close, but his body suddenly began to tingle, a strange numbness spreading through his limbs. And then, abruptly, all sensation ceased. The clash of steel, the roar of the battle, the heat of the man's energy – all of it vanished in an instant, replaced by an eerie silence.
His eyes, still struggling to adjust to the abrupt shift in illumination, gradually discerned the familiar grandeur of a throne room. The oppressive weight of divine presence bore down on him, confirming his displacement. No longer in the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, he stood amidst the imposing figures of the twelve Olympians, their ethereal aura casting an otherworldly glow upon the chamber. A wave of trepidation washed over him as he realized the magnitude of his situation, his heart pounding against his ribs like a frantic drummer. The air thrummed with an unseen energy, thick with anticipation and imbued with the potent essence of the divine council.
To his right Thor slowly limped over to his side. On his left Calypso did the same. Thor was the first to speak, "What's happened? Where is Jane?"
The voice of Zeus boomed over the throne room in an instant, "Hyperion has taken the infinity stone, and wields it well. It is taking all our combined power to prevent him from joining us in this very room."
To Zeus' left Lady Athena glared down at the trio, "We suspect the mortal death toll is in the half a million range, potentially more. Edinburgh…is gone."
"Wiped out of existence." Ares said snidely, "Well done, punk."
"You have failed, son." Poseidon said with an even expression.
Thor shook his head and stepped before the counsel, a devastated look on his face, "It was not the son of Jack that failed. I led us into battle. This failure lies with me."
"That will not be forgotten." Zeus said with a voice of steel, "Your pantheon has choked away one of the greatest weapons in all the cosmos. You have descended my family into war, and will likely cost lives of billions. For the life of one mortal!"
The thundering of Zeus' voice drowned out all of Percy's other senses. Never before had he seen the King of the Gods so agitated. Thors fingers began to sparkle with electricity however, as Mjolnir thudded into his hand, "That mortal had a name!"
Calypso immediately moved to stop Thor from slinging the hammer, and she put a hand on his chest, "You can't win this fight, Thor. We have bigger problems and enemies to fight. Save your strength."
"You have no more enemies to fight!" Zeus said, raising to his feet, "You and the son of Poseidon should be cast to the pit for your failure."
Calypso recoiled as if she had been struck, but Percy moved forward to plead with his uncle, "Please, Lord Zeus, we can fix this. Let us face him."
"Son." Poseidon cut off with a pained expression, "A Titan is immensely powerful under normal circumstances. With an Infinity Stone in his hand, particularly the hands of Hyperion, he will be unstoppable. Even with the combined power of the counsel…I am uncertain of our victory."
Feeling desperate Percy turned to Athena, "My lady, please. Hyperion controls the Aether, will he be able to wield its power completely?"
The tension in the throne room was palpable. Every gaze, from gods and goddesses alike, was fixed on the imposing figure of Zeus' lieutenant. Her penetrating grey eyes scrutinized Percy with an intensity that made him shift uneasily.
As she continued her silent assessment, Percy found his thoughts drifting to another pair of grey eyes, eyes that had once held warmth and affection for him. The memory of Annabeth, his wise and strategic partner, flooded his mind. A pang of guilt and longing pierced his heart. He knew that Annabeth would never have allowed them to fall into such a precarious situation. Her sharp mind and tactical brilliance would have ensured a better plan, a safer path.
The weight of Athena's thoughts hung heavy in the air, casting a somber hue over the gathering. A wave of failure continued to wash over him, but it was quickly dispelled by the warmth of Calypso's touch. Her hand, soft and reassuring, found his own, grounding him in the present moment. He turned to find her gaze fixed intently on Lady Athena, mirroring his own expression.
Athena, ever perceptive, didn't keep them waiting. "Not right away," she began, her voice laced with a hint of caution, "The Aether," she paused, allowing the gravity of her next words to sink in, "hosts what is known as the Reality Stone. In time," she continued, her gaze sweeping over them, "he will be able to wield this power, and bend the universe to its will."
The revelation sent a ripple of unease through the room. The Reality Stone, a force of unimaginable power, capable of reshaping reality itself, was now intertwined with their fate. The implications were staggering, the potential both terrifying and horrific.
"Hyperion is not the most patient member of my family." Calypso immediately said, trying to seize the opportunity, "He even told Percy he had waited for this moment for years. He will come straight to Olympus."
Athena shook her head, "Even only being able to wield a fraction of the power of the Aether, Hyperion will be beyond any of you."
"Then let us die trying." Thor said, holding his head up now.
"He's right." Percy agreed, "Why cast us into the pit and be useless? Give us a chance to at least slow him down, and injure him."
"It's suicide." Ares said, sounding calmer than the war god had ever been before.
Percy turned to face his greatest rival on the counsel and nodded his head, "So it is. Allow us to die in service to Olympus. You all say we failed. Give us a chance, no matter how small, to form a team, and try to stop Hyperion. I beat him once against all odds, and I did it alone. Give me Thor, Calypso, and a few friends…maybe we can do it again."
"We will not send our children to die in battle against this Titan." Demeter said, looking angry at the suggestion.
"I would not ask any of the demigods to fight by my side." Percy said, shaking his head, "I lost that right, years ago.
"The Avengers." Calypso said at once, "Let us assemble our team that helped us defend New York. If they knew what was at stake they would answer the call."
"Mere mortals cannot stop Hyperion." Zeus said with a scoff.
"What do you have to lose?" Percy asked desperately.
Each member of the council seemed to exchange looks. The younger Olympians seemed to shrug, thinking it made no difference, but Zeus and Poseidon were the ones who held eye contact the longest.
Finally Poseidon spoke, "Percy."
The man's voice was thick with emotion, and seemed to clear his throat, as he stood with his trident in hand, "Many times this council has doubted your ability to overcome the tasks destiny has thrown at you, and each time you have succeeded. I fear this may be where your good fortune comes to an end. I do not speak for the council when I say this, but I fear we asked too much of you this time. To face one of these weapons that are older than the cosmos themselves…I can't imagine how you will win."
Percy felt his heart sink, and Calypso squeezed his hand tightly. Even his own father was going to forsake him at this moment. Unimaginable horrors may await them if Zeus had his way.
"But I couldn't imagine you defeating our father either, or how you would give us the right motivation to defeat Typhon." With a mighty thud into the floor Poseidon drove his trident into the ground, "If my son is prepared to die to fight for Olympus, then I say he has earned the right to do that. A Hero of Olympus, does not belong in Tartarus."
Zeus showed no emotion to his brother's proclamation, but his eyes shifted to Athena, who offered the King of the Gods a nod. Next he looked to his wife, and then down the line at each member of the council who offered the smallest of nods in agreement.
Grumbling, the man shook his head, rose to his feet, summoned the master bolt and raised his voice, "Olympians prepare for battle! Percy Jackson, we grant you your last request to die with honor. Hyperion is coming, and time is short. You will receive no divine intervention in this battle in the mortal world. We will do all we can to force Hyperion to make his here, it is our only hope of combatting him."
A bolt of lightning suddenly came crashing through the ceiling and Lord Zeus was gone. Each of the Olympians flashed out at this, except for Poseidon who gave his son a face that held his sorrow, "Goodbye my son."
With a thud of his trident the man was gone, and the three were left in the throne room.
Calypso moved to embrace her boyfriend at once, and let out a soft sob. Percy felt stiff as he held the woman close to him.
Thor sunk to his knees when they were all alone, and Caly separated from Percy immediately wrapping her arms around the large fallen man, "I'm so sorry about Jane, Thor. She was a good woman."
"And an innocent one." The man said with grief evident in his voice, "Caught in the crossfires of our world."
"We can avenge her." Percy said in a soft voice, "It's what we are supposed to be best at."
Wiping at his eyes, and rising to his feet, allowing Calypso to step away, Thor approached his friend, and put a hand on Percy's shoulder, "The day is not lost yet friends. While there's still breath in my body, I will fight beside you."
"And us with you." Percy promised while offering his arm to the man that was embraced tightly.
"Let's make some calls. We probably have an hour or two before Hyperion arrives...At best." Calypso said.
Percy nodded, and led the two out of the throne room. Thor seemed struck by the wonders of Olympus, but for Percy he had seen this tour the hard way on multiple occasions.
"It is beautiful, very different from my own home. Jane would've enjoyed it." Thor said softly.
Knowing the man must be hurting, and grieving the loss of paramor along with his mother, Percy offered him a supportive pat on the shoulder, "Maybe I can give you the tour if we survive the next few hours."
Nodding the man said nothing further, and as they made their way through the eternal city whispers of fear followed them. They knew Hyperion was coming. The world had seen what he had done in Edinburgh, and his next target would be obvious. The fact that a Lord of another Pantheon was walking through their city hardly even rated a mention in comparison to that.
Before they could make it to the elevator a booming feminine voice reached Percy's ears, "Jackson!"
Turning his head, Percy saw a short haired teenage girl approaching him, with a squad of other young girls behind her. All the girls were dressed in silver and the son of Poseidon sighed, "Thalia, I really don't have time for this."
"You gave a Titan the most powerful weapon in the world, and you want to talk about time?" Thalia growled out, storming towards them.
Knowing he could lash out at the girl without being smited he stepped towards her, "What did you expect us to do? We had no idea he was back, and he suddenly appeared on a battlefield we were already losing. Wiped out the competition and took us for a spin. What would you have had us do?"
The indignity of it was too much. There were too many witnesses for Percy to take it lying down.
"It's that kind of attitude that cost us Annabeth!"
The ground shook, and Percy's eyes flashed. Before he could do anything, Calypso surged forward and decked the girl with her fist. Thalia dropped like a sack of rocks, and many weapons were suddenly pointed at the trio. Lightning flashed, and Percy wasn't sure if it was Thor or Thalia, but Calypso spat out, "How dare you! He saved the world, multiple times, and you dare make accusations? Turn that finger back to yourself daughter of Zeus, I don't see any of you prepared to confront the Titan."
Thalia was helped back to her feet by her huntresses, and suddenly a large spear with an electric tip was in her hand. It reminded Percy immediately of a spear Clarisse once used against him, and he attempted to push Calypso behind him, but the woman remained firm in her tracks, completely unafraid of the daughter of Zeus.
Before the teen could escalate things another voice shouted out, "Thalia, stand down."
A young man in a purple shirt was making his way through the crowd, a young man that Percy recognized as Jason Grace, the son of Jupiter. Thaia growled out, "Stay out of this little brother."
A few of the lead huntresses were now visibly holding Thalia back, but Jason was now firmly in between the two females, "The Titaness is right. We could not have done any better in their shoes. They faced impossible odds. They have also been given a mission by the gods, and we are not to interfere."
The girl was red in the face, and her eyes shifted from her brother, to Calypso, to Percy, rapidly. Finally the girl turned on her heel and stormed away. Jason shook his head immediately, and Calypso became less tense. The teen in his purple shirt shouted over his shoulder, "Back to work people, we have a defense to prepare for."
Instantly the onlookers dispersed and busied themselves. It was clear Jason Grace had some pull on Olympus, and was obeyed by mortals and immortals alike. When the group was alone, Jason turned to Percy and addressed him, "I meant what I said. The cards were stacked against you. I could not have done any better, and if history allows it, I will not let them hold this over you."
"History will be kind to us, because we will be there to write." Thor said confidently.
Jason shook his head at the man, "I hope you're right, Lord Thor. Of course I will be praying for each of you."
The teen then did something that surprised Percy and offered his hand, "I know all about what happened in Edinburgh, and what you have to do. I don't agree with all your choices that led you here, but I do respect all of you for what you are about to attempt. From one Titan slayer to another."
When he said this last part he did with a bit of a grin that showed off a scar on his lip. For the first time in hours Percy felt a small smile take over his face and took the offered hand, "You're not bad, Grace. It's nice to know not everyone on Olympus hates us."
"People are just scared." Jason sympathized, "Hell, I'm scared, but I know you will fight to the end, and just know, we will too."
The exchange of respect gave Percy a surge of adrenaline, and for some reason he wanted to prove himself to his younger cousin. When the two released hands Jason offered him a salute, "I'll buy you a coke if you survive this! Good luck, all of you."
With that Jason Grace turned and before long was hurling orders at people across Olympus. Calypso looked dumbfounded by the interaction and said, "A son of the skies that has some humility. The world is truly coming to an end."
Thor said nothing, but Percy just shook his head, "Well at least one of my cousins doesn't hate me. Write that down in case we live to send him a Christmas card. Now come on, we have some Titan ass to kick and some friends to gather."
(A/N) Wow, never thought this story would see the light of day again, but GUESS WHAT, there's hope. Definitely don't count on regular updates, but I had a surge of inspiration for this story, SO HERE WE GO! I want Phase 3 for this story so bad. I totally changed my mind on how this was going to play out too. Originally I had them being out casted back to the Island, but this is where my mind took me after all this time.
Just for posterity sakes, I had them getting sent back, and not re-appearing till POST SNAP, when Calypso was going to disappear, and in his grief, Percy destroys Ogygia. Who knows what will happen now, but at least the story is BACK! LFG!