Broken Dreams

by ThunderReborn

Ichigo finally killed Aizen. But, from that he gained two new spirits, two big secrets and 1 lonely time. Rated T for language. This does contain some anime crossovers and minor cameos. PM if you have a possible idea to incorporate for potential visits or cameos. Current schedule: one chapter every two months, odd numbered months.

50. Chapter 50 (Arc 11)

Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter was originally edited by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.

The following is a fan-based parody.

Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot.

Percy Jackson is owned by Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion.

All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.

Please support the official release.

"Hello." – Normal talking

"Hello." – Ichigo's thoughts.

"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking

"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.

"$:Hello.:$" – Parseltongue.

Chapter 50:

Scene Change: San Francisco

(Language will be in English)

A young man stood before a crowd of armored soldiers. He was well-muscled, with sky-blue eyes and close-cropped blond hair. His armor matched the soldiers who stood below him. His name was Jason Grace, the son of Jupiter, and he stood before his legion of Roman soldiers. They were gathered in the Field of Mars, all dressed in Imperial Gold armor, preparing for battle.

"All the soldiers are ready, Praetor," someone said. Jason turned to see a Hispanic girl with matching black hair and eyes. She wore her own Imperial Gold armor.

"Thank you, Reyna," Jason replied. He turned back to face the Roman soldiers. "Romans!" Jason yelled. "It is time for war. The war against the Titans has begun. Our target is Mount Othrys, located at Mount Tamalpais!"

The Romans let out a loud war cry as they boarded their chariots and rode into battle.

Scene Change: Mount Othrys/Mount Tamalpais

Two hours had passed since Jason and his legion began their assault on Mount Othrys. They had to cross the San Francisco Bay, but fortunately, the children of Vulcan had enchanted the horseshoes and chariot wheels to allow them to run on water. They were halfway across the Bay when wind spirits attacked them. Luckily, Jason and the children of Apollo managed to defeat the spirits before the Legionnaires suffered any casualties.

Soon, they reached land. Saturn's army was prepared. Along the base of the mountain were hellhounds, the Empousai of Hecate, and various other monsters. The Roman Legionnaires were forced to split into two groups: one stayed behind to fight at the base, while the other continued up Mount Othrys. Jason and the remaining legionnaires rode up the gravel trail, only to be attacked by harpies. The Roman soldiers fought them off, but once again, they were forced to split.

By the time Jason reached the summit of Mount Othrys, he was exhausted and alone. His legionnaires had scattered across the mountain. Jason was stunned by what he saw. Saturn's palace, made of black marble, towered above him, reaching up to the sky.

"This looks both beautiful and terrifying," Jason thought. He pulled out a gold coin. On one side was an image of a sword, and on the other, an ax. Along the edge of both sides were the words Ivlivs. Jason flipped the coin. It landed on the sword side, and the coin transformed into a golden sword. Jason carefully approached the palace.

Inside, the main pavilion was decorated with Greek columns, and the floor was polished black marble. Greek fire burned in braziers mounted along the walls. Jason entered the throne room, where a giant black throne made of obsidian and encrusted with gold and diamonds stood. A figure stood beside it.

The person was about twenty feet (6.1 meters) tall, dressed in black armor adorned with stars. The figure wore a helmet shaped like a ram's head, and beside them was a massive sword.

"Ah, the Romans finally arrived," the figure said.

"Who are you?" Jason asked.

The figure sighed.

"I am Krios, the Titan of Stars and Constellations, and Lord of the South," Krios proclaimed. "And you are?"

"I am Jason Grace, son of Jupiter," Jason replied. "I'm here to destroy Saturn's throne."

"Very well, Grandnephew," Krios said, shrinking down to seven feet tall. He pointed his sword at Jason. "Let's see if you can beat me like this."

Jason charged, but Krios easily blocked every strike.

"Is this all, Grandnephew?" Krios taunted.

"No!" Jason yelled, summoning bolts of lightning. Krios countered with an energy blast that easily neutralized Jason's attack. Jason jumped aside, narrowly dodging Krios's blast.

"I'm getting bored with this, Grandnephew," Krios said, snapping his fingers. Clouds began to form overhead, shifting to reveal the battle outside Mount Othrys. Jason was horrified to see his Roman Legionaries struggling against Saturn's army.

"Just give up. You and your Legionaries are no match for us. Your parents would never have won the war without outside help," Krios sneered.

"Is Krios right?" Jason thought, seeing his fellow soldiers struggle. Suddenly, a golden ship appeared out of nowhere.

"What?" Krios questioned.

"How did that ship arrive here without me noticing?" Krios thought, stunned.

They watched as the golden ship fired energy blasts at Saturn's army, obliterating the monsters in its path. Three figures jumped from the ship. The first was a woman in black robes, holding a glowing purple staff. The second was another woman, dressed in a matching black fedora and overcoat, wielding two pistols. Both began annihilating Saturn's army. The third figure was a man with orange hair, wearing a strange black robe. He landed outside the palace and casually walked in.

"Looks like you need help, kid," the man said.

Scene Change: Onboard Vimana

Ichigo, Medea, Akasha, and Gilgamesh sat aboard the Vimana, heading toward Hawaii. Using one of Gilgamesh's many treasures, they observed the Roman Legionaries fighting against Saturn's monsters. The former Servants identified the monsters that the Romans were facing. As they neared San Francisco, they saw that the Romans were losing the battle.

"Gilgamesh, steer towards them," Ichigo commanded. Gilgamesh smirked.

"Let's show these foolish Romans how to fight these monsters," Medea said, clearly biased against the Romans.

"Gilgamesh, can you use your Gate of Babylon to attack the monsters?" Ichigo asked.

"I could, but the Vimana has its own weapons," Gilgamesh replied.

As they approached San Francisco, they saw the black palace atop Mount Tamalpais. Medea's eyes widened in shock.

"It's Mount Othrys," she said.

Ichigo glanced at her. "A little explanation for those who don't know Greek mythology?"

"Sorry," Medea said. "Mount Othrys was the base of Kronos, or Saturn, for the Romans."

"I see…" Ichigo said.

"So, what's the plan?" Akasha asked.

"Medea and Akasha will assist those around Mount Othrys," Ichigo ordered. "Gilgamesh, are the monsters within range of the Vimana?"

"They are," Gilgamesh replied.

"Good. You'll provide aerial support."

"What about you?" Akasha asked.

"I'll enter the palace," Ichigo said.

Ichigo, Medea, and Akasha stood up as their seats vanished. Akasha entered her battle form, Medea summoned her black robe and magic staff, and Ichigo entered his spirit form. They all jumped off the Vimana. Medea used her magic to slow her descent, while Akasha followed. Ichigo shunpō'ed directly to the black palace. He walked in and saw a human and an armored figure looking at him.

"Looks like you need help, kid. The name's Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo said, summoning Yorugetsu. "You can rest, kid. I got this."

Jason hesitated at Ichigo's words, unsure whether to trust him. Krios, however, made the decision for him. With a swing of his sword, Krios smacked Jason with the flat side, sending him flying into the black marble wall.

"Stay there, Grandnephew," Krios said. Jason, groaning, looked up at the Titan. "Unlike you, this stranger's presence speaks of power, confidence, and experience that easily dwarfs you and your Roman Legionaries."

Jason gave Krios a defeated look as he slid down and sat against the cold marble floor. Krios turned to Ichigo, and with a single look, they charged at each other. Their blows echoed throughout the throne room. Jason stood frozen, his eyes wide in shock.

"Krios actually looks like he's trying against him," Jason thought. "Compared to me…"

"Ichigo… was it?" Krios asked, swinging his sword.

"It is," Ichigo replied. "What's your name again? You never introduced yourself."

"My bad," Krios said, pausing mid-swing. "I am Krios, the Titan of Stars and Constellations, and the Lord of the South."

Ichigo nodded. "Let's kick this up a notch." Ichigo could almost feel the smile behind Krios's helmet.

"Indeed," Krios replied, launching an energy blast at Ichigo. Ichigo stood his ground, raising Yorugetsu to split the attack in two.

"Impressive weapon you have there," Krios said, giving a nod of approval.

"Thanks," Ichigo replied before firing a nameless Getsuga Tenshō at Krios. Krios countered, using his sword to cancel out the attack. The two charged at each other again, their swords clashing with a renewed intensity.

Jason sat there, stunned. He couldn't believe how much Krios had been holding back against him. The battle seemed like an entirely different world.

Krios swung his sword again, sending a wave of hot air at Ichigo. Ichigo activated Schrift T: The Taiyō, absorbing the attack with ease.

"It's been a long time since I fought someone who's fireproof," Krios said, amusement in his voice. The winds around Krios's sword began to shift. Ichigo, unwavering, stood with Yorugetsu in hand.

Krios swung again, releasing a blast of freezing winds toward Ichigo. Ichigo simply ignored the cold, his focus unshaken.

"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted, unleashing the attack. It tore through the wind and struck Krios, knocking him back several feet.

"GAH!" Krios cried, staggered by the force of the attack. Both Jason and Ichigo noticed the cracks appearing in Krios's armor.

Krios, unaware of the damage, continued his assault. He sent stronger wind blasts at Ichigo, but Ichigo responded with more Getsuga Tenshōs. With each attack, Krios's armor seemed to weaken further.

"To think I would find someone, not a Titan or a God, capable of breaking my armor," Krios laughed. "Let's see if you can handle what you just unleashed."

Krios began to glow, releasing even more divine energy.

"He's regressing to his Divine Titan form! Us mortals can't handle that kind of power!" Jason warned, quickly backing away.

"What will you do now, Ichigo Kurosaki?" Krios roared as the light intensified.

Ichigo responded with two simple words: "Getsuga Tenshō!"

The attack shot toward Krios, colliding with a powerful explosion that kicked up dust throughout the room. Jason hid behind a nearby Greek column, peering around the corner with the blade of his sword to catch a glimpse of the battle. The dust slowly settled, revealing Krios in a new, humanoid form, composed entirely of his divine energy. His form was black with little white dots, and ram horns protruded from his forehead. Ichigo could feel the immense divine energy radiating off him. His brown eyes involuntarily shifted to their true form, as Krios's energy threatened to burn him. Fortunately, Ichigo's Hierro protected him, and his body began absorbing some of Krios's divine energy.

"It looks like you can withstand my Divine Titan Form," Krios commented.

Ichigo replied by firing another Getsuga Tenshō at him. Krios stood still and backhanded the attack, canceling it with ease.

"Looks like I need to step it up," Ichigo said, gathering his reiatsu. "Stride forth to the gates of Heaven and use your might to tear the Heavens asunder. Charge forth to the gates of Hell and destroy the chains of the damned. Enter the doors of your Humanity and use your strength to shatter Fate… ZANGETSU!" Ichigo's shout echoed through the throne room as he entered his Shikai.

"Impressive," Krios said, summoning two swords. One was surrounded by hot air, while the other was chilled by cold winds. He pointed the swords at Ichigo, and two massive cyclones shot toward him.

"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo called out. The cyclones were torn apart by Ichigo's attack, and Krios was thrown back.

"Gah!" Krios grunted in pain.

"Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo followed up. Krios, unable to react in time, was struck by the powerful attack.

"GAH!" Krios screamed, staggering backward. The force of the blow knocked him out of his Divine Titan Form. He was now dressed only in a white undergarment and cloak. He looked at Ichigo with a mix of surprise and grudging respect.

"To think there's a human who can defeat me," Krios said, stunned. Ichigo stepped forward, his eyes cold and focused.

In one swift motion, Ichigo decapitated Krios. Golden blood spilled from his neck as the Titan's body crumpled to the floor.

"Don't worry. I'll be back," Krios managed to say with a faint smile before his body began to dissipate.

Ichigo shook his head and dropped Zangetsu to the ground. He summoned a Schrift in his right hand, grabbing Krios's decapitated head with his left.

"I, Ichigo Kurosaki, have defeated Krios, the Titan of Stars and Constellations and the Lord of the South," Ichigo declared. "I invoke the Rites of Conquest." Krios's eyes widened in shock.

"NO!" Krios screamed.

"For defeating Krios, the Titan of Stars and Constellations and the Lord of the South," Ichigo continued, his Schrift glowing with power. "I lay claim to Krios's divinity and authority."

"NOOOO!" Krios cried out in frustration as he began to transform into golden dust, composed of his divine essence. It was absorbed by the schrift, turning golden in the process. Once the process was complete, Krios was gone. Ichig glanced at the Schrift in his hand, he could feel the power it now contained.

"Ichigo, don't absorb the Schrift yet," Yhwach's voice echoed in his mind.

"Why?" Ichigo asked, confused.

"I'm not sure what abilities this Schrift has," Yhwach explained.

"Got it," Ichigo said, sending the Schrift into his mindscape.

Jason, emerging from his hiding spot, approached Ichigo. "Y-you managed to kill him?" he asked.

"I did." Ichigo nodded. "He won't be back." Jason shook his head.

"Most monsters we kill don't stay dead for long. Their souls return to Tartarus," Jason said. Ichigo simply shook his head.

"Not him," Ichigo stated, glancing at the spot where Krios had fallen. Jason decided not to try to correct Ichigo.

"Um… how are we going to destroy the throne?" Jason asked.

Ichigo replied with two words, "Getsuga Jūjishō!" The attack effortlessly destroyed the black throne. The walls around the throne room began to collapse. Ichigo walked out of the palace, with Jason trailing behind him, amazed and shocked by what he had just witnessed.

"How's it going out there?" Ichigo asked.

"The enemy army has been wiped out," Medea replied.

"According to the demigod I have with me, as long as the monster's soul remains, it will reform," Ichigo said.

"I see…" Medea acknowledged.

"I'll keep that in mind," Akasha added. As they walked out, they were greeted by a figure. The figure appeared male, with black curly hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in golden armor similar to Jason's. Jason immediately recognized who stood before them. He kneeled and bowed. Ichigo remained standing.

"Rise, Jason Grace, son of Jupiter," the figure commanded.

Jason rose to his feet.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Mercury," Jason said.

"It seems you and your Roman Legionaries have defeated Saturn's army," Mercury observed.

"Not without some outside help," Jason admitted. Mercury's gaze shifted to Ichigo.

"I see…" Mercury said. "I have a message from your father."

Jason tensed, and Mercury continued, "Jason Grace, thank you for your efforts at Mount Othrys. The actions of the Roman Legionnaires here have aided me and the other Gods in our battle against Saturn. For now, you and your Legionaries are to return to Camp Jupiter for further instructions."

"That's the end of the message," Mercury concluded.

"Very well, Lord Mercury. I will do as Lord Jupiter instructed," Jason said, walking toward the remaining Roman Legionaries. Akasha and Medea appeared next to Ichigo. Ichigo noticed a charm placed on Medea's hood, obscuring her face. The Vimana hovered overhead as the Roman Legionaries departed on their chariots.

Mercury turned to Ichigo and the others, his face softening as his clothes shifted. He was now dressed in a white T-shirt, running shorts, and shoes with little wings.

"Sorry about that," Hermes said, his tone noticeably more relaxed than before.

"I assume I'm speaking to Hermes?" Ichigo asked, recognizing the change.

"That's right," Hermes confirmed. "Seeing as you managed to defeat Krios single-handedly, we could use your help."

"With what?" Ichigo asked.

"The other Olympians and I are fighting Typhon, the Storm Giant, and Father of All Monsters," Hermes explained. "Though Dad hates admitting it, we're losing the battle."

"And you want my help," Ichigo concluded.

"Yes," Hermes said.

"Sure," Ichigo replied. Hermes' face lit up with joy. "But," Ichigo continued, "all the Olympians in the battle owe me a debt."

Hermes' enthusiasm faltered. "That might not be so easy…"

"Who's not at the battle?" Ichigo pressed.

"Poseidon's occupied in his own fight," Hermes explained, "and Hades, Persephone, and Demeter are hiding in the Underworld."

"I see…" Ichigo shrugged. "My price still stands."

Hermes sighed. "Be right back." With that, he vanished.

"You're playing a dangerous game," Medea warned.

"Indeed," Ichigo agreed.

"If they agree to your terms, make sure they swear on the River Styx. They can't break an oath sworn on it," Medea advised.

"Very well," Ichigo said. A moment later, Hermes reappeared.

"My father wishes to meet you," Hermes said.

"Where is he?" Ichigo asked.

"Just past the Hudson River," Hermes replied.

"Ichigo, we'll meet you there," Akasha said.

"Very well," Ichigo said, as Hermes grabbed his hand and vanished. Akasha and Medea joined Gilgamesh on the Vimana, heading toward the Hudson River.

Scene Change: Hudson River

Ichigo and Hermes appeared by a large river. In the distance, Ichigo could see a massive figure slithering eastward. The figure's face was obscured by dark clouds, and long matted hair hung from its head. Its upper body appeared humanoid, but its lower body was serpent-like. The creature had two hands, each with an uncountable number of fingers. On its back were enormous leathery wings. Despite the efforts of seven smaller beings attacking it, the giant remained unscathed.

"I'm going to assume that the giant is Typhon and the smaller ones are the Olympians?" Ichigo asked.

"Correct," Hermes confirmed. One of the Olympians flew toward them, a tall, muscular man with shoulder-length black hair and a gray-black beard. His electrically blue eyes stood out. He wore slightly worn white robes with threads of gold.

"I assume you are the one Hermes found," the Olympian said.

"I am. And you are?" Ichigo asked.

"I am Zeus, King of the Olympians. And you are?"

"Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo replied.

Zeus nodded. "Haven't heard of you."

Ichigo shrugged. "Anyways, Hermes said you might need help with Typhon."

"I can try," Ichigo said, drawing Zangetsu. "Getsuga Tenshō!" he shouted, sending his signature attack flying toward Typhon. The blast severed Typhon's hand. The Olympians stared in shock as Typhon roared in pain and searched for the source of the attack.

"Based on that, I believe I can help," Ichigo said. Zeus turned to Hermes.

"Fine. I, and the rest of the Olympians, accept your terms."

Ichigo nodded. "Swear by the River Styx that each Olympian will owe me a debt."

Zeus nodded solemnly. "In the name of the Council, we swear by the River Styx to acknowledge the debt we owe to Ichigo Kurosaki and will honor that debt when the time comes."

Thunder boomed overhead, not from Typhon but from the oath. Zeus turned to the other Olympians. "Hermes, stay here with him," Zeus ordered. Hermes nodded. "The rest of you, return to Olympus!"

With that, the Olympians vanished, leaving Ichigo and Hermes to face Typhon. The giant stormed forward, enraged. Ichigo stepped forward with a determined look.

"Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo yelled, sending a massive blast toward Typhon's head. The giant raised his left hand to strike Ichigo, but before he could, the blast hit him squarely in the chest. As the attack battered Typhon's body, Ichigo's expression remained calm, while Hermes watched, puzzled by Ichigo's lack of concern.

Typhon roared in pain, his body beginning to reform. Ichigo and Hermes both noticed that Typhon had grown slightly smaller than before.

"This might work," Hermes thought.

"This is surprisingly easy," Ichigo thought as he continued using Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō to decimate Typhon's body. "Either the Olympians are that weak, or something else is at play here." After several minutes of constant abuse from Mugen Getsuga Jūjishō, Typhon had been reduced to about Hermes' height. He now appeared more human. His long matted hair still hung on his head, and his face was wild and elongated. His fingers, once too numerous to count, were now reduced to five. Typhon turned to Ichigo.

"Foolish mortal! I am Typhon, the Storm Giant, and Father of All Monsters!" Typhon roared.

Ichigo responded by decapitating him. Typhon's head flew through the air and landed at Hermes's feet. Hermes pulled out his phone and took a photo of the head.

"Fate decreed that I can never die!" Typhon proclaimed.

Ichigo shook his head. "I am one who defies Fate," he said. He dropped Zangetsu beside him and summoned a Schrift. "I, Ichigo Kurosaki, have defeated Typhon, the Storm Giant and Father of All Monsters," he declared. "I invoke the Rites of Conquest." Typhon's eyes widened in shock.

"NO!" he screamed, pushing his decapitated head toward his body.

Ichigo pulled one of Zangetsu's blades and stabbed it into Typhon's head.

"For defeating Typhon," Ichigo said, as he summoned a Schrift. "I lay claim to Typhon's divinity and authority."

"NOOOO!" Typhon yelled in agony as his body began to transform into golden dust. The schrift began to absorb the golden dust. In less than a minute, the process was done. Ichigo turned to Hermes. "Well, he's dead," he said casually, sending the unnamed Schrift to his mindscape. Hermes nodded in approval.

"Ichigo, do you know any ways to rid someone of possession?" Hermes asked.

"I do… Why?" Ichigo replied.

Hermes sighed. "My son willingly allowed himself to be possessed by the spirit of Kronos. I want to see if you can separate the spirit from his body."

"It may be possible," Ichigo began. Hermes looked up, hope filling his eyes.

"How long has he been possessed?" Ichigo asked.

"Maybe a year," Hermes answered, a sense of uncertainty creeping into his voice. "I'm not sure anymore."

"If he willingly allowed himself to be possessed by Kronos, then their souls might have merged," Ichigo said. "But if there's any resistance, there may still be a chance."

"If there's a chance, will you take it?" Hermes asked. "I'll swear to acknowledge the debt."

Ichigo looked at Hermes. At that moment, he didn't see the mischievous God of Thieves, Travelers, Merchants, and Messenger of the Gods. Instead, he saw a concerned parent. Ichigo nodded.

"If there's a chance to separate him from Kronos's soul, then I will take it," Ichigo said. "Not because you're a god, but because you're a parent."

Hermes grabbed Ichigo's hands, tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you! Thank you! Luke isn't a bad child. He was just angry with me and the rest of the Olympians."

"I see…" Ichigo said, his expression softening.

"Maybe we should go see Uncle Poseidon," Hermes suggested.

"I assume he has a problem with a Titan?" Ichigo asked.

"He does…" Hermes replied.

"Ichigo to the Vimana," Ichigo said.

"This is Akasha. We appear to have some kind of force pushing us away from the Hudson Bay," Akasha said.

"I see… I will meet all of you in New York," Ichigo said.

"Very well. See you soon," Akasha ended the call.

Hermes grabbed Ichigo's hand, and they were off.

Scene Change: Atlantis

Poseidon sat in his damaged throne room, staring at an enchanted mosaic. It displayed the current state of Atlantis, most of the buildings had been destroyed. Suddenly, Hermes and Ichigo appeared in the throne room. Ichigo observed the man sitting on the throne—he appeared old and weary, his bushy white beard and gray hair betraying his age. His battle armor, though regal, seemed to weigh him down.

"Hermes. For the last time, I will not go out and fight Typhon," Poseidon said, his voice full of exhaustion.

"I'm not here to ask you to fight Typhon, Uncle," Hermes replied.

"Then why are you here?"

"I was here to see if you need help with your fight against Oceanus," Hermes explained.

Poseidon turned to Hermes, confused. That's when he noticed Hermes didn't come alone.

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo said. "Hermes can attest that I killed Krios and Typhon by myself."

Poseidon's eyes widened. "Impossible."

"But it's true, Uncle. I witnessed him kill them," Hermes reaffirmed.

Poseidon stood, now visibly intrigued. "So, Ichigo, what do I need to do to get you to help me?"

"Swear to the River Styx that you owe me a debt and will pay it at a later time and date," Ichigo said.

"Very well," Poseidon agreed. "Poseidon, God of the Sea, Storms, Earthquakes, Droughts, Floods, and Horses, and King of Atlantis swear by the River Styx to acknowledge the debt I owe to Ichigo Kurosaki and will honor it at his time and date."

Thunder rumbled in the distance, sealing the deal.

"Oceanus is coming!" Poseidon warned.

"Where is he?" Ichigo asked.

"He's coming from the south," Poseidon said.

"Can you send me there?" Ichigo inquired.

"I can." Poseidon pointed his trident at Ichigo.

"Wait… Can you breathe underwater?" Hermes asked.

"I can," Ichigo replied. Mysteria had replicated the effects of Gillyweed after Ichigo had used it a few times.

Poseidon fired a blast of energy at Ichigo, teleporting him to the location where Oceanus was.

Scene Change: Southern Atlantis

Oceanus swam into Atlantis, his massive form cutting through the waters. Behind him, his army of sea monsters followed. Oceanus was larger and stronger than his army, with long green hair and a beard, along with the horns of a bull. Ichigo appeared in front of him. Gills appeared around Ichigo's neck, allowing him to breathe underwater.

"Who are you?" Oceanus demanded.

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Are you a son of Poseidon?" Oceanus asked.

Ichigo shook his head.

"Attack the fool!" Oceanus bellowed, and his army of sea monsters charged toward Ichigo. Ichigo responded by firing a nameless Getsuga Tenshō. The blast decimated a portion of Oceanus's army.

"So, you are strong," Oceanus acknowledged, signaling his army to stop. "How about this!" Oceanus fired a massive geyser of water at Ichigo. Ichigo countered by firing a nameless Getsuga Tenshō, parting the geyser. Oceanus used the water to form a barrier that stopped Ichigo's attack. For a minute, they were at a stalemate.

"Enough of this," Oceanus finally said. "Bring Poseidon to me."

"Why?" Ichigo asked.

"For he might be strong enough to end me," Oceanus answered.

"End you?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow. Oceanus nodded solemnly.

"I wish to fade from this realm," Oceanus said.

"Fade?" Ichigo questioned.

"It's a process of gradually being forgotten by humanity, and one of the few ways an immortal being can truly die," Oceanus explained.

"Why, though?" Ichigo asked.

"I miss her," Oceanus murmured.

"Her?" Ichigo prompted.

Oceanus sighed, a deep sadness in his eyes. "My wife, Tethys, the Titaness of the Sea," he answered. "Many have forgotten Tethys, and like many things forgotten, we fade to nothingness..." His voice cracked with emotion. "Even though humanity may forget that I exist… the ocean doesn't."

Ichigo quickly understood what Oceanus meant. "I think I could help you," Ichigo said.

Oceanus turned to him. "What do you mean? Everyone magical, nonmagical, demigods and Gods knows the word 'Ocean,' which is derived from my name."

"I know that, but I killed Krios and Typhon and made sure they wouldn't return. I think I have a shot," Ichigo replied.

"Very well then. Tell me what you plan to do," Oceanus said.

Ichigo summoned a Schrift. "I want you to pour your divinity and authority into this Schrift. Allow your Titan blood to be absorbed by it," Ichigo explained.

Oceanus eyed the Schrift warily. "Would this thing be able to withstand my divinity and authority?"

Ichigo nodded. "I did the same thing with Krios and Typhon."

"I, Oceanus, the Titan of the Sea and Father of the Waters, willingly transfer my divinity and authority to Ichigo Kurosaki," Oceanus said, pricking his finger. As his blood dripped into the Schrift, Oceanus could slowly feel his divinity and authority bleed from his body. In moments, he began to shrink. His long green hair and beard began to lose their color. Despite this, his eyes glowed with a quiet joy.

"I-I can feel it," Oceanus said, his voice trembling. The Schrift stopped glowing as the transfer concluded. Oceanus had aged rapidly. His hair and beard were now gray, and his body had become shriveled and weak. Ichigo walked up to him.

"I, Ichigo Kurosaki, accept the gift that Oceanus, the Titan of the Sea and Father of the Waters, has given me," Ichigo said as he took the Schrift. With a swift slash, Ichigo decapitated Oceanus. Oceanus smiled as his body began to dissolve.

"Thank you," Oceanus whispered before his essence mixed with the ocean water.

Ichigo turned to the remaining members of Oceanus's army, who quickly swam away in fear. Ichigo felt a pull of magic and appeared in Poseidon's throne room. Poseidon was sitting on his throne.

"Thank you for your help," Poseidon said.

"A deal is a deal," Ichigo replied.

Poseidon smirked. Hermes turned to Ichigo. "The demigods need us," he said, grabbing Ichigo's hand. In an instant, they were gone.

Scene Change: New York City: Central Park

In the middle of Central Park, a titan was being wrapped by trees. He was muscular, tall, and bearded, his skin fiercely glowing. His golden eyes burned with a harsh light. Dressed in golden armor and wielding a long golden sword, he was Hyperion, Titan of Heat, Heavenly Light, and Power, Lord of the East.

"You fools! Do you think this will stop me?!" he roared. Satyrs surrounded him, blowing an eerie melody on their reed pipes. Hyperion began to glow brighter.

"Keep playing!" one of the satyrs ordered.

The branches of the trees began to burn away. "He's going supernova!" a nearby demigod yelled.

"Run!" another shouted. Suddenly, a massive fiery explosion erupted. Trees were burned away, and many satyrs were either killed or severely burned. One demigod, disheveled with jet-black hair and sea-green eyes, stood up, holding a bronze sword.

"You ready for round two?" he yelled.

Hyperion laughed. "This will be the end, Jackson!" he taunted. Just before they could clash, a large energy blast shaped like a crescent shot down, striking Hyperion.

"GAH!" Hyperion screamed in pain. Everyone looked to see Ichigo and Hermes standing nearby.

"Lord Hermes!" the demigods shouted. The demigod named Jackson approached them.

"Hermes, are the Greek gods coming?" he asked.

"They are Percy," Hermes answered.

"I'm not done yet!" Hyperion yelled as he rose to his feet.

Percy turned to face him. Ichigo placed a hand on his shoulder. "I got this. Go with Hermes and see how the rest of your forces are doing," Ichigo said.

Percy nodded, and Hermes whisked him away.

"I've got a score to settle with that brat!" Hyperion roared.

"You'll have to get past me first," Ichigo said, activating Schrift T: The Taiyō.

"GAH!" Hyperion yelled, charging at Ichigo. He swung his golden sword down. Ichigo blocked it with Zangetsu in his left hand.

"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted, swinging with Zangetsu in his right hand.

"GAH!" Hyperion cried as he was sent flying back toward the sea.

"Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo yelled, pushing Hyperion further into the sky. Ichigo shunpō'ed behind the titan. "Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo shouted again. Hyperion crashed into the ocean, the water steaming around him. Ichigo appeared beside him, with Zangetsu aimed at his neck.

"Ha… Ha… HA!" Hyperion laughed. "This day has been so much fun!" He turned to Ichigo. "It doesn't matter! I'm immortal!"

Ichigo gazed into Hyperion's flaming eyes. "And I am the one who laughs at Fate," he said, as he decapitated Hyperion.

Hyperion's decapitated head turned to face Ichigo. "Fool! No one laughs at Fate," he sneered.

Ichigo dropped Zangetsu beside him and summoned a Schrift. "I, Ichigo Kurosaki, have defeated Hyperion, Titan of Heat, Heavenly Light, and Heavenly Power," Ichigo declared. "I invoke the Rites of Conquest." Hyperion's eyes widened in shock.

"NO!" he screamed, gathering energy for a final attack. Before he could unleash it, Ichigo grabbed one of Zangetsu's blades and stabbed it into Hyperion's open mouth.

"For defeating Hyperion," Ichigo said, "I lay claim to his divinity and authority."

"NOOOO!" Hyperion cried out as his body began to turn into golden dust and was absorbed by the schrift. A few moments later, Hyperion's body was gone. Ichigo turned to see he was alone. He could sense the Greek demigods fighting the monster army.

"Akasha, Gilgamesh, Medea, come in," Ichigo said.

"What is it, Ichigo? You just told us to meet you in New York City," Akasha replied.

"What? That was like half an hour ago?" Ichigo said.

"We're under a time displacement field," Medea realized.

"What?" Ichigo replied.

"Someone has wrapped a large part of the East Coast in a time displacement field, making time run slower. It's a good way to prevent reinforcements from reaching New York City," Medea explained.

"Or to get enemies inside much faster," Ichigo muttered.

"We'll try to get there as fast as possible," Akasha said.

"Who dares try to interfere?!" Gilgamesh roared in anger. The Greek demigods had been pushed back during his battle with Hyperion, and they were now guarding the Empire State Building. Ichigo appeared beside Percy.

"How's Hyperion?" Percy asked, his body visibly exhausted.

"Dead," Ichigo replied. Percy nodded, relieved.

"You got something to get rid of this army?" Percy asked as he slashed a snake monster.

"How much collateral damage?" Ichigo asked, killing another monster.

"Try to keep it minimal!" Percy yelled.

"Mugen Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo shouted, launching the attack into the sky. The loud roar and powerful energy blast caught everyone's attention. The Mugen Getsuga Tenshō began to rain down on the monsters. A girl turned toward Ichigo.

"What are you doing?" she asked. Ichigo noticed she had tanned skin and long curly honey blonde hair.

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo introduced himself.

"Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena. Who are your parents?" she asked, eyeing him curiously.

"Annabeth, interrogate the new guy later. He's coming," Percy said, pointing into the distance. Everyone saw a figure slowly riding toward them in a golden chariot. Giants marched underneath him, carrying black-and-purple banners. The remnants of the first wave, those who survived Mugen Getsuga Tenshō, were regrouping.

Suddenly, a chorus of horns filled the air. Everyone looked around, unsure where the sound was coming from. Then, an army of centaurs appeared, charging at the enemy. They shot arrows at the monsters—some were regular arrows, some had pinwheels, and others had boxing gloves instead of points.

"Centaurs!" Annabeth yelled. These were not the centaurs Ichigo had read about in books. They wore tie-dyed shirts, rainbow Afros, oversized sunglasses, and war-painted faces. Some had slogans scrawled across their flanks like HORSEZ PWN or KRONOS SUX!

"Percy!" one of the centaurs shouted. Ichigo noticed the centaur was wearing armor from the waist up and had a bow in hand. He grinned in satisfaction. "Sorry, we're late!"

"DUDE!" another centaur yelled. "Talk later. WASTE MONSTERS NOW!" He locked and loaded a double-barrel paint gun, blasting a hellhound with bright pink paint. The hellhound yelped and dissolved into a pink-and-black puddle.

"PARTY PONIES!" a centaur yelled. "SOUTH FLORIDA!"

"HEART OF TEXAS CHAPTER!" a twangy voice yelled back from across the battlefield.

"HAWAII OWNS YOUR FACES!" a third centaur shouted. The entire Titan army turned and fled, driven back by a flood of paintballs, arrows, swords, and NERF baseball bats. The centaurs trampled everything in their path.

"Stop running, you fools!" the figure in the chariot yelled. "Stand and—ACKK!" The last part came as a panicked giant stumbled backward and sat on top of him. He disappeared under a giant blue butt.

The centaurs pushed the enemy back for several blocks before an armored centaur yelled, "HOLD! On your promise, HOLD!" Ichigo cast an amplifying charm on him, and his voice echoed across the battlefield.

"Chiron's smart," Annabeth said, wiping sweat from her forehead. "If we pursue, we'll get too spread out. We need to regroup."

"So that's Chiron," Ichigo said.

"But the enemy—" Percy began.

"They're not defeated," Annabeth agreed. "But we've bought some time."

"We need this time for those who need medical treatment to get treated and those who are tired to recover. They will come back. We may have won the battle, but the war isn't over yet," Ichigo said.

Everyone spent the next hour setting up a two-block perimeter around the Empire State Building. Ichigo joined them inside. Percy and Annabeth introduced Ichigo to the rest of the forces. They soon arrived at a group of female archers, who looked at Ichigo with wariness. One of them walked over to them. She was a teenage girl with shoulder-length spiky black hair, electric blue eyes, and freckles across her nose. She wore a silver circlet on her head and skull earrings. Her outfit matched the others'.

"Ichigo, this is Thalia…" Annabeth hesitated for a moment, "…Grace," she finished.

"Hm… seems like she doesn't like her last name. Any reason why?" Ichigo asked.

"What's it to you?" Thalia asked, narrowing her eyes. Before Ichigo could respond, Chiron approached them.

"I'm sorry it took so long. Centaurs travel fast, as you know. We can bend distance as we ride. Even so, getting all the centaurs together was no easy task. The Party Ponies are not exactly organized," Chiron said.

"How'd you get through the magic defenses around the city?" Annabeth asked.

"They slowed us down a bit," Chiron admitted. "But I think they're mostly meant to keep mortals out. Kronos doesn't want puny humans getting in the way of his great victory."

"So maybe other reinforcements can get through," Percy said, sounding hopeful. Ichigo listened carefully, still wondering where the other Olympians and his Servants were.

Chiron stroked his beard. "Perhaps, though time is short. As soon as Kronos regroups, he will attack again. Without the element of surprise on our side…"

"And Typhon?" Percy asked, his brow furrowed. Chiron's face darkened.

"The gods are tiring," Chiron began.

"Huh? I thought I already defeated him," Ichigo thought.

"Dionysus was incapacitated yesterday. Typhon smashed his chariot, and the wine god went down somewhere in the Appalachians. No one has seen him since. Hephaestus is out of action as well. He was thrown from the battle so hard that he created a new lake in West Virginia. He will heal, but not soon enough to help. The others still fight. They've managed to slow Typhon's approach, but the monster cannot be stopped. He will arrive in New York by this time tomorrow. Once he and Kronos combine forces—"

"Then what chance do we have?" Percy said. "We can't hold out another day."

"We'll have to," Thalia replied. "I'll see about setting some new traps around the perimeter." She looked exhausted, her jacket smeared with grime and monster dust, but she managed to get to her feet and stagger off.

"I'll help her," Chiron decided. "I should make sure my brethren don't go too overboard with the root beer."

"What's going on? Why are they still concerned about Typhon when I already killed him?" Ichigo thought.

"Maybe we're displaced in time?" Kyōka suggested.

"Maybe Fate is trying to correct your actions?" Hōgyoku offered.

"I think Hōgyoku is right. From what I can tell, Fate has a bigger hand in this," Ichigo thought. He turned to Percy and Annabeth.

"But there's something else you should know. Ethan Nakamura seemed to think Luke was still alive inside his body, maybe even fighting Kronos for control." Annabeth tried to hide it, but Ichigo could almost see her mind working on the possibilities—maybe starting to hope. Ichigo quickly turned his head when he heard Percy's words.

"Maybe we should talk about this in private," Ichigo suggested.

"Um… sure," Percy agreed. They walked to a small bench, and Ichigo waved his hand, casting a privacy bubble around them.

"What's that?" Annabeth asked.

"That's a privacy bubble. It prevents anyone from hearing or reading our lips," Ichigo explained.

"Neat bubble," Percy commented.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

"Can you repeat what you just said about Luke?" Ichigo asked.

"Um… we weren't talking about Luke," Percy quickly lied.

"Percy. I know when someone is lying," Ichigo said.

"Percy said that someone thinks Luke is still in his body," Annabeth admitted. Ichigo smiled.

"Good. Then it might work."

"What will work?" Annabeth asked.

"If Luke is resisting Kronos, then I might be able to separate them."

"WHAT?!" Annabeth shouted.

"But I need to know for certain," Ichigo said.

"Yes, that's what he thinks," Percy said. Ichigo stood up. Suddenly, Annabeth grabbed his arm.

"If you can do it… please save him."

"I'll try my best. But please don't mention this to anyone else," Ichigo asked. They nodded, and Ichigo took down the privacy bubble and walked away. He noticed Thalia returning to the Empire State Building. Behind her was a squad of women, all dressed in white shirts, silver jackets, silvery camo pants, and black combat boots—now dirty from dirt, grime, and other debris.

"Miss Thalia," Ichigo called out. The squad of women turned to face him.

"Yes, man?" one of them asked. Ichigo could feel hostility coming from them.

"Peace. I wish to speak to Miss Thalia privately," Ichigo said. Thalia stepped forward, turning to her squad.

"Don't worry. I can deal with him if he gets handsy," Thalia reassured them. Ichigo led her to a private spot and wrapped them in a privacy bubble.

"What's that?" she asked.

"That's a privacy bubble. It prevents anyone from hearing or reading our lips," Ichigo repeated.

"So what do you want?" Thalia asked.

"Have you heard of someone named Jason Grace?" Ichigo asked.

"H-how do you know that name?" she stammered.

"Has he been spying on me?" Thalia thought. "Did Annabeth and Percy tell him? No, that's impossible. I never mentioned him to any of them…"

"Are you done trying to figure out how I know that name?" Ichigo asked. Thalia sighed and sat down on a bench.

"Jason is my younger brother," Thalia began. "I'm five years older than him. I was seven when Jason mysteriously disappeared. I blamed my mother for it."

"Which explains your dislike of your last name," Ichigo said, and Thalia nodded.

"From what I've seen, he's a part of the Roman Legion."

"The Romans? Why would he be there?"

"When you were younger, you met Zeus, right?" Thalia nodded. "Did the Zeus you met back then act differently than the Zeus you met now?" Thalia closed her eyes.

"I think so," she said.

"Then you might need to meet Jupiter, the Roman King of Olympus," Ichigo said. Her eyes widened.

"But… why would there be Roman versions of the Olympians?" Thalia asked.

"All gods are bound by their followers. The Romans renamed the Greek gods, giving them alternative aspects."

"But why did they kidnap him?"

"From what I've seen, the Greeks and Romans hated each other. You two might not hate each other, but that animosity is ancient. Other demigods might think otherwise," Ichigo said.

"I see…" Thalia murmured.

"Do you want to see him?" Ichigo asked.

"How?"

Ichigo summoned a Pensive. "This is a Pensive. It allows others to view memories," he explained as he pulled his memory of Jason into it and let it drop into the Pensive.

"How do I see it?" Thalia asked.

"Just place your head into the Pensive," Ichigo instructed, demonstrating. Thalia quickly followed suit.

She was amazed to see Jason leading the Roman Legionnaires, watching him in action.

"Why is he weaker than me?" Thalia asked.

"It could be training," Ichigo theorized. "Romans train as a team, while Greeks are trained for solo battles," he added.

"Ichigo, someone is tapping on the bubble," Kyōka said. Ichigo gently pulled Thalia away from the Pensive and sent it back to his mindscape. He turned to see Annabeth standing there and lowered the privacy bubble.

"The enemy is attacking," Annabeth said. Ichigo and Thalia followed Annabeth. Ichigo counted sixteen campers, fifteen Hunters, and half a dozen satyrs still in fighting shape.

"Where's the rest?" Ichigo asked.

"The rest have taken refuge on Olympus," Annabeth explained.

"Your friend here has some useful insights, Percy," Chiron said. Rachel blushed.

"Just some things I saw in my head," she muttered.

"A drákōn," Chiron said. "A Lydian drákōn, to be exact. The oldest and most dangerous kind." Percy stared at her.

"How did you know that?"

"I'm not sure," Rachel admitted. "But this drákōn has a particular fate. It will be killed by a child of Ares." Annabeth crossed her arms.

"How can you possibly know that?"

"I just saw it. I can't explain."

"Well, let's hope you're wrong," Percy said. "Because we're a little short on children of Ares." Percy suddenly cursed in Ancient Greek.

"What?" Annabeth asked.

"The spy," Percy told her. "The spy has been keeping him updated. Kronos knows the Ares cabin isn't with us. He intentionally picked a monster we can't kill." Thalia scowled.

"If I ever catch your spy, he's going to be very sorry. Maybe we could send another messenger to camp—"

"I've already done it," Chiron said. "Blackjack is on his way. But if Silena couldn't convince Clarisse, I doubt Blackjack would be able—" Suddenly, a loud roar filled the air.

"$: DIE MORTALS! :$" The drákōn roared in Parseltongue.

"Let's see what I can do against that," Ichigo said, summoning Bahamut. Percy looked at him.

"Are you sure?"

Ichigo smiled. "Get that fated kid here before I kill this thing," he said, walking a few feet away from the defending forces. Ichigo locked eyes on the drákōn.

"Appear before me." Crimson reiatsu began to gather around Ichigo. "Forged by the Maiden of Light…" White reiatsu joined the crimson. "And the Maiden of Darkness…" Black reiatsu mixed with the other two. "Glare at all creation and display your ferocious might!" The collected reiatsu formed a giant pillar around Ichigo. "Dragon of Chaos, BAHAMUT!" Ichigo yelled. A pair of large black and white wings destroyed the pillar of reiatsu, revealing Ichigo in his armor.

Everyone stood in shock and awe at the spectacle.

"$: One of you is fated to be a challenge to me. :$" The drákōn roared in Parseltongue. It tried to use its glare on Ichigo, but Ichigo ignored it.

"$: Oh, I will be more than just a challenge for you. :$" Ichigo replied in Parseltongue. Ichigo raised Kisara's head.

"HOLY RETRIBUTION!" Ichigo yelled as he fired a holy energy blast. The drákōn was too slow, and it was hit directly in the face. It roared in agony.

"Why did that do so little?" Ichigo thought, remembering how easily his attacks had decimated the Skeleton Dragons.

"Chaotic Strike," Ichigo said as two swords appeared from Kisara's and Valiona's mouths. Ichigo charged at the drákōn. The drákōn spewed acid at him, but Ichigo dodged to the side. The two blades glowed with energy as Ichigo attacked. He managed to stab one of the drákōn's eyes.

"$: OWWW! :$" The drákōn roared. It used its long tail to smack Ichigo into a nearby building. Ichigo emerged from the rubble to see the allied forces retreating to the doors of the Empire State Building. The enemy army had surrounded them.

"Looks like I need to finish this quickly," Ichigo thought as the blades retreated into their respective heads. Just as he prepared to attack, he heard a girl's voice.

"ARES!" she yelled. Ichigo and the allied forces turned to see a dozen war chariots charging into battle. Each flew a red banner with the symbol of a wild boar's head, and each was pulled by a team of skeletal horses with manes of fire. A total of thirty fresh warriors, their armor gleaming and eyes full of hate, lowered their lances in unison, forming a bristling wall of death.

"The children of Ares!" someone shouted. Ichigo turned to see Annabeth, Percy, and Thalia, among the few still defending the Empire State Building. Leading the charge was a girl in the same red armor as the others. Her face was covered by a helmet shaped like a boar's head. She held a spear that crackled with electricity. The formation split, with one half charging at the monster army and the other half charging at the drákōn.

"$: I smell demigods! :$" The drákōn roared. It used its remaining eye to glare at the incoming warriors, affecting only two of them, who veered into a line of cars. The other four chariots kept charging. The monster bared its fangs to strike and got a mouthful of Celestial bronze javelins. "$: OWWWW! :$" The drákōn roared in pain.

"Ares, to me!" The leader screamed. Seeing the reinforcements gave the allied forces hope. They joined Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia at the doors of the Empire State Building.

Meanwhile, the leader's chariot circled the drákōn. Lances broke against the monster's skin. Skeletal horses breathed fire and whinnied. Two more chariots overturned, but the warriors leaped to their feet, drew their swords, and continued fighting.

Ichigo joined the rest of the allied forces.

"So, who's the leader?" Ichigo asked.

"Her name is Clarisse La Rue, head counselor of Ares's cabin," Annabeth said.

They hacked at the chinks in the drákōn's scales, dodging poison spray. Clarisse was at the front, stabbing her spear at the drákōn's face, trying to take out its other eye. Suddenly, the drákōn snapped up one of the warriors in a single gulp. It knocked aside another and sprayed poison on a third, who retreated in a panic as his armor melted.

"We have to help," Annabeth said. Ichigo pointed Valiona's head at the drákōn.

"HELLFIRE RETRIBUTION!" Ichigo yelled. Black and red fire shot out, hitting the drákōn in the side. The drákōn glared back at Ichigo. Its cabinmates threw javelins, most of which broke, but some lodged in the monster's teeth. It snapped its jaws together, creating a mess of green blood, yellow foamy poison, and splintered weapons. Percy leaped onto the drákōn's back to further distract it.

"You can do it!" Percy yelled at Clarisse. "A child of Ares is destined to kill it!"

"ARES!" she shouted. She leveled her spear and charged at the drákōn. Percy's eyes widened in shock.

"WAIT!" Percy screamed, but the monster looked down at her and spat poison directly in her face. She screamed and fell.

"Clarisse!" Annabeth ran to help while the other Ares campers tried to defend their fallen counselor. Ichigo provided cover fire. Suddenly, a flying chariot landed on Fifth Avenue. Someone ran to Clarisse and Annabeth. She had dark eyes and pale brown hair that was described as stringy and short. She began to yell at Clarisse.

"NO! Curse you, WHY?" Annabeth and the Ares campers struggled to unfasten her helmet.

"WHY?" the newcomer repeated, holding Clarisse in her arms while the campers tried to remove the poison-corroded helmet. The girl turned to face the drákōn. Ichigo could see her face, full of absolute hate. Ichigo could feel the Sin of Wrath briefly glowing, empowering him from her anger and hatred of the drákōn.

"YOU WANT DEATH?" she screamed at the drákōn. "WELL, COME ON!" She grabbed her spear from the fallen girl. With no armor or shield, she charged the drákōn. She leaped aside as the monster struck, pulverizing the ground in front of her. Then she jumped onto the creature's head. As it reared up, she drove her electric spear into its remaining eye with so much force it shattered the shaft, releasing all of the weapon's magical power. Electricity arced across the creature's head, causing its whole body to shudder. She jumped free, rolling safely to the sidewalk as smoke boiled from the drákōn's mouth. The drákōn's flesh began to dissolve, and it collapsed into a hollow, scaly tunnel of armor. She ignored the carnage she'd just unleashed as she ran back to the wounded girl who'd stolen her armor.

"So that was Clarisse. Then the person who led the group earlier must have pretended to be her," Ichigo deduced as he continued to provide cover fire against the advancing enemy forces. Ichigo could see the reinforcements returning to the battle.

"We have to fight," Annabeth's voice was brittle. "She gave her life to help us. We have to honor her." The real Clarisse sniffled and wiped her nose.

"She was a hero, understand? A hero."

"Come on, Clarisse," Percy nodded his head. She picked up a sword from one of her fallen siblings.

"Kronos is going to pay," Clarisse snarled. She looped a grappling line through the Drákōn's eye sockets and drove her chariot straight into the Titan's army, crushing everything in her path.

The Hunters scavenged arrows from the fallen and launched volley after volley into the enemy. Members of the Ares cabin hacked and slashed at the monsters. The monsters retreated toward 35th Street. Clarisse charged after them, yelling insults and daring them to cross her. Ichigo noticed a red aura surrounding her.

"The blessing of Ares," Thalia commented.

"I AM CLARISSE, DRÁKŌN-SLAYER!" she yelled. "I will kill you ALL! Where is Kronos? Bring him out! Is he a coward?"

"Clarisse!" Percy yelled. "Stop it. Withdraw!" Clarisse ignored Percy's words.

"What's the matter, Titan Lord?" she yelled. "BRING IT ON!" There was no answer from the enemy. Slowly, they began to fall back behind a Dracaena shield wall, while Clarisse drove in circles around Fifth Avenue, daring anyone to cross her path. The two-hundred-foot-long Drákōn carcass scraped across the pavement, making a hollow, screeching noise like a thousand knives. Meanwhile, Clarisse continued her assault on the enemy. Everyone tended to the wounded, bringing them inside the lobby.

"My Hunters will help you stand guard," Thalia said. "Ichigo, Annabeth, and Percy, you should go to Olympus. I have a feeling they'll need you up there—to set up the final defense."

The doorman had disappeared from the lobby. His book was face down on the desk, and his chair was empty. The rest of the lobby was packed with wounded campers, Hunters, and satyrs. Connor and Travis Stoll met them by the elevators.

"Is it true?" Connor asked. "About Silena?"

"I guess that's her name," Ichigo thought.

"She died a hero," Percy nodded. Travis shifted uncomfortably.

"Um, I also heard—"

"That's it," Percy insisted. "End of story."

"Right," Travis mumbled. "Listen, we figure the Titan's army will have trouble getting up the elevator. They'll have to go up a few at a time. And the giants won't be able to fit at all."

"That's our biggest advantage," Percy said. "Is there any way to disable the elevator?"

"It's magic," Travis said. "Usually you need a key card, but the doorman vanished. That means the defenses are crumbling. Anyone can walk into the elevator now and head straight up."

"Then we have to keep them away from the doors," Percy said. "We'll bottle them up in the lobby."

"We need reinforcements," Travis said. "They'll just keep coming. Eventually, they'll overwhelm us."

"There are no reinforcements," Connor complained. Percy looked outside.

"Maybe that's not true," Percy said as he briefly walked outside. Ichigo noticed a black dog standing there. Percy whispered something to the dog, and it barked before entering a shadow.

"What was that?" Ichigo asked.

"Oh, that's Mrs. O'Leary, my hellhound pet," Percy explained. Ichigo shrugged. A few minutes later, Ichigo, Percy, Annabeth, and a satyr named Grover stood inside the elevator.

Soon, the doors dinged, and they stepped onto the aerial walkway. Ichigo noticed that the braziers weren't lit. The streets were deserted, and the doors were barred. The only movement came from the parks, which had been set up as field hospitals. Everyone walked over to the field hospitals, trying to give hope to the injured demigods.

The three Greek demigods gave Ichigo a rough tour of Mount Olympus. They soon arrived at the palace, where the Olympian Thrones lay. The constellations twinkled coldly on the ceiling of the great hall. The hearth was down to a dull red glow. A little girl in brown robes hunched at its edge, shivering. The Ophiotaurus swam sadly in his sphere of water. He let out a half-hearted moo when he saw them. In the firelight, the thrones cast ominous shadows, like grasping hands. Standing at the foot of Zeus's throne, looking up at the stars, was a girl. Ichigo recognized her as the girl from the helicopter. She was holding a Greek ceramic vase.

"Rachel?" Percy said. "Um, what are you doing with that?" She focused on him as if she were coming out of a dream.

"I found it. It's Pandora's jar, isn't it?" the newly dubbed Rachel replied.

"Please put down the jar," Percy said.

"I can see Hope inside it." Rachel ran her fingers over the ceramic designs. "So fragile."

"Rachel," Percy said again, with a bit of his power in his voice. Rachel held out the jar, and Percy took it.

"Grover," Annabeth mumbled. "Let's scout around the palace. Maybe we can find some extra Greek fire or Hephaestus traps."

"But—" Annabeth elbowed him. "Right!" he yelped. "I love traps!" She dragged him out of the throne room. Something inside Ichigo forced him to stay.

"Come on," Percy told Rachel. He also waved at Ichigo. "I want you two to meet someone." They all sat next to the little girl. "Lady Hestia," Percy said.

"Hello, Percy Jackson," the goddess murmured. "Getting colder. Harder to keep the fire going."

"I know," Percy said. "The Titans are near." Hestia focused on Rachel.

"Hello, my dear. You've come to our hearth at last." Rachel blinked.

"You've been expecting me?"

Hestia held out her hands, and the coals glowed. Ichigo could tell the coals calmed the tension between the two.

"To claim your place at the hearth," Hestia told her, "you must let go of your distractions. It is the only way you will survive."

Rachel nodded. "I . . . I understand."

"Wait," Percy said. "What is she talking about?" Rachel took a shaky breath.

"Percy, when I came here... I thought I was coming for you. But I wasn't. You and me..." She shook her head.

"Wait. Now I'm a distraction? Is this because I'm 'not the hero' or whatever?"

"I'm not sure I can put it into words," she said. "I was drawn to you because... because you opened the door to all of this." She gestured around at the throne room.
"I needed to understand my true sight. But you and me, that wasn't part of it. Our fates aren't intertwined. I think you've always known that, deep down." Percy stared at her.

"So... what," I said, "Thanks for bringing me to Olympus. See ya. Is that what you're saying?"

Rachel stared at the fire.

"Percy Jackson," Hestia said. "Rachel has told you all she can. Her moment is coming, but your decision is approaching even more rapidly. Are you prepared?" Ichigo looked at Percy and could see despair beginning to creep in.

"If that's truly Pandora's Box or Jar…" Ichigo thought, realizing the significance. Percy's fingers twitched at the top of the jar. Ichigo knew exactly what to do to snap some sense into him. He raised his right hand and punched Percy square in the face. The punch knocked Percy off his seat, and he landed on his back. The jar remained unharmed. Rachel turned to Ichigo, shocked by what she saw. Ichigo ignored her.

"Percy Jackson," Ichigo began, "Don't lose hope now. Remember why you're fighting this war." Ichigo continued, "Remember those who died for you." Percy thought about the countless demigods who had perished in this war. "Remember those who stand with you," Percy remembered Annabeth, Grover, and the remaining allies. "Remember those who wait for you," Percy thought of his mother and stepfather. Percy rubbed his face.

"You're right," Percy said, his voice gaining strength. He looked at the jar. "I can't lose hope now." Ichigo smiled as he summoned a small stream of water toward Percy. Percy used the water to heal himself. He turned to Rachel, who had calmed down.

"You're not going to do anything stupid, are you? I mean... you talked to Chiron, right?" She managed a faint smile.

"You're worried about me doing something stupid?"

"But I mean... will you be okay?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "That kind of depends on whether you save the world, hero."

Percy presented Pandora's jar to Hestia.

"Hestia," Percy said, "I give this to you as an offering." The goddess tilted her head.

"I am the least of the gods. Why would you trust me with this?"

"You're the last Olympian," Percy said. "And the most important."

"And why is that, Percy Jackson?"

"Because Hope survives best at the hearth," Percy replied. "Guard it for me, and I won't be tempted to give up again." The goddess smiled. She took the jar in her hands, and it began to glow. The hearth fire burned a little brighter.

"Well done, Percy Jackson," she said. "May the gods bless you."

"We're about to find out." At that moment, Annabeth and Grover returned. "Come on, guys," Percy said. They all walked toward the throne. Percy guided them toward one throne. It was a black leather seat attached to a swivel pedestal, with a couple of iron rings on the side for fastening a fishing pole. Percy walked toward the throne and stretched himself, trying to reach the edge of the seat. He turned to the others.

"Help me up," he asked.

"Are you crazy?" Annabeth asked.

"Probably," Percy replied.

"Percy," Grover said, "the gods don't appreciate people sitting in their thrones. I mean, like, 'turn-you-into-a-pile-of-ashes' don't appreciate it."

"I need to get his attention," Percy replied. "It's the only way." They exchanged uneasy looks.

"Well," Annabeth said, "that'll get his attention." They linked their arms to form a step and then boosted Percy onto the throne. It was an odd sight, with Percy sitting there, like a child on an oversized chair. Percy closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Father," Percy said. "I needed to get your attention."

"I assume mental communication with his father?" Ichigo whispered. Annabeth nodded her head.

"I'm sorry," Percy said again. "Listen, things are rough up here." Percy gave Poseidon a quick rundown of what had happened. He was in the middle of telling him about Ichigo's battle with Hyperion when Percy stopped mid-sentence. Percy looked confused.

"He's standing in front of me," Percy said. Ichigo realized the confusion.

"Legilimens," Ichigo cast, entering Percy's mind and joining the father-son conversation. "If I may interject," he said.

"Ichigo, how are you here?" Percy asked. Outside, Annabeth and Grover looked at Ichigo and Percy in confusion.

"Don't worry about that," Ichigo replied. He turned to the divine energy swirling around them. "Poseidon, I just finished helping you with Oceanus, right?"

"Indeed. I planned to join the rest of the Olympians at Olympus to fend off the remaining forces."

"The issue is, to me, that was about ten hours ago."

"What?" Poseidon questioned.

"I believe something else is in play here," Ichigo said.

"Would Kronos be responsible for that?" Percy asked.

"Possible. Kronos is the Titan of Time," Poseidon said.

"I don't think so," Ichigo replied. "If he's aware that Typhon, Oceanus, and Mount Othrys have all fallen, then he would be more aggressive in his efforts to reach the throne."

"Who else would it be then?" Poseidon asked.

"I think it's someone else. Someone who wrote the story and wants to make sure their characters follow the intended script," Ichigo said. Percy wasn't sure who Ichigo was referring to, but Poseidon understood.

"Them?" Poseidon replied. Suddenly, the connection between them was severed. Percy carefully slipped down from the throne.

"Are you okay? You turned pale and... you started smoking," Grover asked.

"I did not!" Percy replied, looking at his arms. Steam was curling off his shirt sleeves, and the hair on his arms was singed.

"If you'd sat there any longer," Annabeth said, "you would've spontaneously combusted. I hope the conversation was worth it?"

"Moo," said the Ophiotaurus from his sphere of water.

"We'll find out soon," Percy said. Just then, the doors of the throne room swung open. Thalia marched in. Her bow was snapped in half, and her quiver was empty.

"You've got to get down there," she told them. "The enemy is advancing. And Kronos is leading them."

By the time they reached the street, it was too late. Campers and Hunters lay wounded on the ground. Clarisse and her chariot were frozen in a block of ice. The centaurs were nowhere to be seen. The Titan army ringed the building, standing about twenty feet from the doors. Annabeth identified Kronos' vanguards: Ethan Nakamura, the Dracaena queen in her green armor, and two Hyperboreans. Kronos, still possessing Luke's body, stood at the front of his army with his scythe in hand. The only thing standing in his way was Chiron, who had an arrow notched, aimed straight at Kronos's face. Kronos glared at them. They all felt their bodies freeze. Ichigo could feel his body resisting the effect. With them frozen, Kronos looked back at Chiron.

"Step aside, little son," Kronos sneered.

"I'm afraid not," Chiron replied, his tone steely calm.

"Chiron!" Annabeth cried. "Look out!" One of the soldiers, a female humanoid dragon, grew impatient and charged. Chiron's arrow flew straight between her eyes, and she vaporized on the spot, her empty armor clattering to the asphalt. Chiron reached for another arrow, but his quiver was empty. He dropped the bow and drew his sword. Kronos chuckled. He took a step forward, and Chiron's horse-half skittered nervously, his tail flicking back and forth.

"You're a teacher," Kronos sneered. "Not a hero."

"Luke was a hero," Chiron said. "He was a good one until you corrupted him."

"FOOL!" Kronos's voice shook the city. "You filled his head with empty promises. You said the gods cared about me!"

"Me," Chiron noticed. "You said 'me.'" Kronos looked confused, and at that moment, Chiron struck. It was a good maneuver—an expertly executed feint followed by a strike to the face.

"BACK!" Kronos yelled as he knocked Chiron's blade aside. A blinding white light exploded between the Titan and the centaur. Chiron flew into the side of the building with such force that the wall crumbled and collapsed on top of him.

"No!" Annabeth wailed. A ripple of ugly laughter ran through the Titan's army. That laughter was cut off by a loud howl. Ichigo could sense divine energy emanating death and decay. The Titan army was forcibly pushed aside, revealing a giant dog and a small figure clad in black armor.

"Nico?" Percy asked.

"ROWWF!" the dog barked as it bounded toward them, ignoring the growling monsters on either side. Nico strode forward, and the enemy army fell back before him. He was a part of the source of divine energy.

"Got your message. Is it too late to join the party?" Nico asked.

"Son of Hades." Kronos spat on the ground. "Do you love death so much you wish to experience it?"

"Your death," Nico said, "would be great for me."

"I'm immortal, you fool!" Kronos growled. "I have escaped Tartarus. You have no business here, and no chance to live." Nico drew a black sword.

"I don't agree," Nico said. Suddenly, the ground began to shake. Ichigo could sense the divine energy grow stronger. Cracks appeared on the road, the sidewalks, and the sides of buildings. The divine energy erupted from the ground as skeletal hands clawed their way into the world of the living. Thousands of them. As they emerged, the Titan's monsters grew jumpy and started backing up.

"HOLD YOUR GROUND!" Kronos ordered. "The dead are no match for us." The sky turned dark and cold. Shadows thickened. A harsh war horn sounded, and as the dead soldiers formed ranks with their guns, swords, and spears, an enormous chariot roared down Fifth Avenue. It came to a stop next to Nico. The horses were living shadows, formed from the darkness. The chariot was inlaid with obsidian and gold, and decorated with scenes of painful death. Holding the reins was Hades himself, with two women behind him.

"I guess they're Demeter and Persephone," Ichigo thought.

Hades wore black armor and a crimson red cloak. On top of his pale head was a wreath of human bones. The wreath spread fear to everyone. Hades smiled coldly.

"Hello, Father. You're looking... young."

"Hades," Kronos growled. "I hope you and the ladies have come to pledge your allegiance."

"I'm afraid not," Hades sighed. "My son here convinced me that perhaps I should prioritize my list of enemies." He glanced at Percy with distaste. "As much as I dislike certain upstart demigods, it would not do for Olympus to fall. I would miss bickering with my siblings. And if there is one thing we agree on, it's that you were a TERRIBLE father."

"True," one of them said. "No appreciation of agriculture."

"Mother!" the other one complained. Hades drew a double-edged black sword etched with silver.

"Now fight me! For today, the House of Hades will be called the saviors of Olympus."

"I don't have time for this," Kronos snarled. He struck the ground with his scythe. A crack spread in both directions, circling the Empire State Building. A wall of force shimmered along the fissure line, separating Kronos's vanguard, Ichigo, Percy, and his friends from the bulk of the two armies.

"What's he doing?" Percy muttered.

"Sealing us in," Thalia said. "He's collapsing the magic barriers around Manhattan—cutting off just the building and us." Hades quickly attacked the barrier with his war chariot.

"ATTACK!" he roared. The armies of the dead clashed with the Titan's monsters. Fifth Avenue exploded into absolute chaos. Mortals screamed and ran for cover. Demeter waved her hand, and an entire column of giants turned into a wheat field. Persephone turned the Dracaena's spears into sunflowers. Nico slashed and hacked his way through the enemy, trying to protect the pedestrians as best he could.

"Nakamura," Kronos said. "Attend me. Giants—deal with them." Kronos left them and walked toward the Tower. Ichigo swung Zangetsu, firing a nameless Getsuga Tenshō. Kronos's remaining vanguard was vaporized by the attack.

"Come on!" Ichigo yelled. Everyone ran back inside the building. They entered one of the elevators, which began to ascend to Olympus.

As soon as they arrived at Olympus, the nearby area began to crumble. Luckily, Ichigo and Percy managed to prevent anyone from falling to their death. Everyone ran toward the Temple that housed the Olympian's thrones. They could see the many houses were burning, statues were torn apart, and many things were vaporized by energy blasts.

"Brick by brick! That was my promise. Tear it down, BRICK BY BRICK!" Kronos's voice roared somewhere ahead of them. A white marble temple with a gold dome suddenly exploded. The dome shot up like the lid of a teapot and shattered into a billion pieces, raining rubble over the city.

"That was a shrine to Artemis," Thalia grumbled. "He'll pay for that." They were running under the marble archway with the huge statues of Zeus and Hera when the entire mountain groaned, rocking sideways like a boat in a storm.

"Look out!" Grover yelped. The archway crumbled. I looked up just in time to see a twenty-ton, scowling Hera topple over on them. Ichigo fired another nameless Getsuga Tenshō at the statue. The attack easily destroyed the statue.

"Thanks," Annabeth said.

"No problem," Ichigo replied as they continued to run toward the temple.

Kronos stood in the middle of the throne room, his arms wide, staring at the starry ceiling as if taking it all in. His laughter echoed even louder than it had from the pit of Tartarus.

"Finally!" he bellowed. "The Olympian Council—so proud and mighty. Which seat of power shall I destroy first?" Ethan Nakamura stood to one side, trying to stay out of the way of his master's scythe. The hearth was almost dead, just a few coals glowing deep in the ashes. Hestia and Rachel were nowhere to be seen. The Ophiotaurus swam in his water sphere in the far corner of the room, wisely staying silent. As they entered the room, Ethan saw us first.

"My lord," he warned. Kronos turned and smiled through Luke's face.

"Shall I destroy you first, Jackson?" Kronos asked. "Is that the choice you will make—to fight me and die instead of bowing down? Prophecies never end well, you know."

"Luke would fight with a sword," Percy said. "But I suppose you don't have his skill."

Kronos sneered. His scythe began to transform into a sword. Annabeth gasped as a sudden idea hit her.

"Percy, the blade!" she shouted. She unsheathed her knife.

"The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap."

Kronos came at Percy like a whirlwind.

Percy dodged, slashed, and rolled to the side. Ethan ducked, trying to get behind Percy until Annabeth intercepted him. They clashed. Ichigo and Thalia stood off to the side.

"You help Annabeth while I help Percy," Ichigo said. Thalia nodded as she summoned her spear.

Ichigo shunpō'ed in front of Kronos and fired a nameless Getsuga Tenshō at him. Kronos was sent flying into a wall. He quickly regained his footing.

"Who are you, mortal? I don't smell demigod from you," Kronos sneered.

Ichigo grinned.

"Just a human good at killing immortals," he smirked, firing another Getsuga Tenshō. Kronos dodged, only for Percy to leap in with a surprise attack. Kronos dodged again and countered, sending Percy crashing into a giant mechanical La-Z-Boy, covered in bronze and silver gears. The throne whirred and hummed with hidden mechanisms.

"Defense mode," it warned. "Defense mode."

Percy jumped, flying over Kronos's head. Kronos didn't realize what had happened until it was too late. Electricity shot out from the throne, electrocuting Kronos.

He dropped to his knees, his sword falling from his grasp. Annabeth saw her chance. She kicked Ethan out of the way and charged.

"Luke, listen!"

Kronos flicked his hand, and Annabeth was sent flying backward, slamming into the throne of her mother, and crumpling to the floor.

"Annabeth!" Percy screamed.

Thalia rushed toward Ethan, spear in hand. Kronos blasted her with an energy blast. Thalia dropped her spear and summoned her shield, but the blast sent her flying into Grover. Ethan scrambled to his feet. Kronos rose to one knee, his hair smoldering and his face covered in electrical burns. He tried to grab his sword.

"Nakamura!" he growled. "Time to prove yourself. You know Jackson's secret weakness. Kill him, and you will be rewarded beyond measure."

Ethan's eyes dropped to Percy's midsection.

"Look around you, Ethan," Percy said. "The end of the world. Is this the reward you want? Do you really want everything destroyed—the good with the bad? Everything?"

"There is no throne to Nemesis," Ethan muttered. "No throne to my mother."

"That's right!" Kronos tried to rise but stumbled. A patch of blond hair smoldered above his left ear. "Strike them down! They deserve to suffer."

"You said your mom is the goddess of balance," Percy reminded him. "The minor gods deserve better, Ethan, but total destruction isn't balanced. Kronos doesn't build—he only destroys."

Ethan stared at the sizzling throne of Hephaestus. Slowly, he began to see the truth in Percy's words.

With a roar, Ethan charged. While Kronos was still on his knees, he swung his sword down on the Titan lord's neck. It should've killed him instantly, but the blade shattered. Ethan staggered back, clutching his stomach. A shard of his own blade had ricocheted and pierced his armor.

Kronos rose, towering over Ethan.

"Treason," he hissed.

"Deserve better," Ethan gasped. "If they just... had thrones—"

Kronos stomped his foot, and the floor cracked open beneath Ethan. A fissure appeared. Ethan began to fall, but Ichigo appeared in a flash, yanking him out of the abyss.

"Mubōna Baka, [Reckless idiot," Ichigo scolded.

Ethan cracked a smile.

"Baka Janai, [I'm not an idiot," he replied.

Ichigo, Percy, and Ethan charged at Kronos. Despite being outnumbered, Kronos easily handled them, his strength and power unmatched. The battle raged throughout the temple, moving closer to the thrones.

Percy, near Poseidon's throne, felt his father's power surge through him. His attacks grew stronger, sharper.

Kronos stamped his foot again, and time seemed to slow. The rest of the group moved like they were in slow motion.

"It's too late, Percy Jackson and allies," Kronos taunted. "Behold."

He pointed to the hearth. The coals glowed, and white smoke rose, forming images. The destruction in New York City unfolded before them.

The scene shifted. A column of storms approached the Hudson River, chariots locked in combat with a creature in the cloud.

"The Olympians' last effort," Kronos chuckled. "How pathetic."

Zeus threw a thunderbolt from his chariot, lighting up the world. But when the dust cleared, Typhon remained, roaring in anger.

While Kronos was distracted, Percy, Ichigo, and Ethan noticed they were no longer under his time-slowing power. Kronos seemed oblivious, focused on the battle.

A newcomer entered, an orange-haired swordsman wielding two blades. He fired an energy attack in the shape of an X. The attack soared into the sky, missing Typhon by a wide margin.

"What a fool!" Kronos shouted.

But the attack turned, splitting apart, raining down and destroying Typhon. Kronos watched, stunned, as Typhon reformed smaller with each attack.

The swordsman struck again, and this time, Typhon was decapitated.

"BAH!" Kronos screamed. He slashed through the smoke, tearing the images apart.

"They're on their way," Percy said. "You've lost."

"I haven't even started," Kronos retorted, advancing with blinding speed.

Percy sidestepped and jabbed under Kronos's guard, but Kronos countered. With a flick of his wrist, he disarmed Percy, sending his sword skittering across the ground, falling into the open fissure.

"STOP!" Annabeth's voice rang out.

Kronos spun to face her and slashed with Backbiter, but Annabeth caught the blow on her dagger hilt—a move only the fastest and most skilled knife fighters could pull off. She stepped in, blades locked, and for a moment, she stood face-to-face with the Titan lord, holding him at a standstill.

"Luke," she gritted her teeth, "I understand now. You have to trust me."

Kronos roared in fury.

"Luke Castellan is dead! His body will burn away as I assume my true form!"

Kronos pushed against her, forcing his sword downward toward her neck. Annabeth held him back, her arms trembling from the pressure.

"Your mother," she grunted. "She saw your fate."

"Service to Kronos!" the Titan roared. "This is my fate!"

"No!" Annabeth insisted, her eyes brimming with tears.

"That's not the end, Luke. The prophecy—she saw what you would do. It applies to you!"

"I will crush you, child!" Kronos bellowed.

"You won't," Annabeth said firmly. "You promised. You're holding Kronos back even now."

"LIES!" Kronos screamed. He pushed again, and Annabeth lost her balance. With his free hand, he struck her face, sending her sliding backward. Kronos loomed over her, his sword raised. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. She croaked,

"Family, Luke. You promised."

Ichigo summoned a pair of black gloves with skulls engulfed in blue flames and put them on. Percy took a painful step forward. Grover and Thalia had gotten back to their feet, over by the throne of Hera, but they struggled to move. Before any of them could reach Annabeth, Kronos staggered. He stared at the knife in Annabeth's hand, the blood on her face. Then, he gasped as if he couldn't breathe.

"Annabeth..." It wasn't the Titan's voice anymore—it was someone else's. He stumbled forward as if his body was no longer under his control. "You're bleeding..."

"My knife," Annabeth murmured, trying to raise her dagger, but it clattered from her grasp. Her arm hung at a strange angle. She looked at Percy. "Percy, please..."

He surged forward, scooping up the knife. Percy knocked Backbiter out of Luke's hand, but Luke barely reacted. He stepped toward Annabeth, but Percy moved to stand between them.

"Don't touch her," Percy said, his voice tight with fury.

Kronos's voice growled:

"Jackson..." Luke's body began to glow, turning golden.

"He's changing," Annabeth gasped. "Help. He's almost ready. He won't need my body anymore. Please—"

"NO!" Kronos bellowed.

"Luke, if you want to defy the prophecy and live, follow my instructions carefully," Ichigo said.

"W-what do I need to do?"

"I want you to push Kronos's spirit into one point of your body."

"E-easier said than done," Luke muttered.

"Luke. You can do it!" Annabeth urged.

"Come on, Luke. Show me that rebel spirit!" Thalia shouted.

Luke's body continued to glow brighter, and his right hand clenched into a fist.

"There!" Ichigo shouted, diving toward Luke. He grabbed Luke's right hand. The demigods watched in confusion as Ichigo's hand phased through Luke's. Ichigo pulled something out.

"Cover your eyes!" Ichigo yelled. Everyone, including Luke, covered their eyes. Ichigo ripped Kronos's soul from Luke's body. He could see Kronos's divine form: golden skin, brutal golden eyes, and a long, unnerving beard.

"FOOL!" Kronos roared. "Your foolish actions helped free me!"

"You're wrong," Ichigo replied, before slashing at Kronos, cutting him into a thousand pieces.

"GAH!" Kronos screamed in pain. Ichigo stopped. Only Kronos's head remained; the rest of his body was reduced to a pile of shattered parts.

"Fool," Kronos sneered. "I will return!"

Ichigo dropped Zangetsu beside him and summoned a Schrift.

"Not this time," Ichigo said.

"I, Ichigo Kurosaki, have defeated Kronos, King of the Titans, Titan of Time, Evil, and Harvest," Ichigo declared. "I invoke the Rites of Conquest." Kronos's golden eyes widened in shock.

"NO!" Kronos screamed, trying to slow time. But Ichigo was faster. He grabbed one of Zangetsu's blades and drove it into Kronos's head.

"For defeating Kronos, I lay claim to his divinity and authority." Kronos's spilled golden blood turned into dust and was absorbed by the schrift.

"NOOOO!" Kronos wailed as his body turned into dust and was absorbed by the schrift. The sword that had once been Kronos's scythe transformed back and was absorbed by the Schrift. Ichigo turned to the demigods.

"We won," he said, his voice calm.

A few moments later, the Olympians arrived, clad in their full war regalia, expecting a battle. They froze when they saw Ichigo and the others sitting and smiling.

"Kronos is dead," Ichigo said, his tone flat.

"I see two members of Kronos's army here," Zeus said, eyeing Ethan and Luke.

"They turned traitor at the last moment," Ichigo replied. Zeus nodded solemnly.

"Wait, Ichigo," Annabeth interjected. "According to Kronos's screen, you were helping the Olympians battle Typhon, but you were also here helping us defeat Kronos."

"To the Olympians, I was there ten minutes ago," Ichigo began. Zeus nodded. "But to me, that was over ten hours ago."

"How?" Percy asked, confused.

"Outside interference," Ichigo replied cryptically.

Ichigo glanced at an empty wall in the temple, and everyone followed his gaze in confusion.

"Someone wrote the story," Ichigo continued. "They realized the characters weren't following the plot, so they tried to force the characters back into the story."

The air around the empty wall rippled, revealing the 'outside interference.'

"You," Zeus said, his voice full of recognition.

Author's Discussion:

Hello everyone, hope you enjoyed this longer than normal chapter. I considered splitting this chapter into two, but I decided not to in the end. This entire chapter revolves around the ending of The Last Olympian. If you can tell, during this chapter, Ichigo was forced to be nerfed by an outside force. Does anyone want to guess? It's obvious.

I decided to include the Romans because according to The Lost Hero, Jason and the Roman Legionnaire were assigned the mission to destroy Kronos's/Saturn's Throne. Before people complain about making Jason super weak in that scene allow me to explain. While it's Canon that Jason defeated Krios, it doesn't say HOW! Looking at Jason's abilities I feel his skill set will not allow him to solo a Titan. Percy's skill set allows him to solo or team up on a Titan. Anyway, see you in the next chapter.