Another chapter, 5500+ words this time. Pretty proud of this one, actually. Also, how has this fic got more faves and follows than the Son of Sobek and The Iron Hunt? I swear it's not that good of a fic, but thank you all!

Thanks to Robotdocter and Vallier2417 for reviewing on both chapters so far! But y'all haven't come for an author's note, you've come for a chapter, so without any further ado...

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 3: PERSEUS SHRUGGED

The group trekked the desert. None of them spoke of the loss - pretending it hadn't happened was easier than acknowledging it.

Perseus would know. He had killed more than most.

"Percy?" Thalia said. She had taken to calling him a modern iteration of his name. It was easier, he supposed. And it sounded nice.

"Hm?"

"Why is your shield identical to mine?" Thalia asked. And she was right - both of their shields had the same bronze lining, and gruesome visage of Medusa - though Perseus' looked more realistic.

The newly-named Percy glanced down at the shield slung across his back, the bronze gleaming dully in the harsh desert light. The fearsome face of Medusa stared back, frozen in eternal agony. He hesitated before answering.

"The aegis," Perseus began, his voice low. "It was a gift from the gods. Athena gave it to me, in return for me teaching her to fight."

"You taught Athena how to fight?"

"Aye," Perseus smiled. "I am old. Old as the elder six, the Kronides. Older than some of them, even. By the time Athena sprung from your father's head, I had already fought in more battles than most gods would ever see. When she emerged fully formed, armed and ready for war, it was me who taught her the finer points of combat. She was a quick learner, of course. But I suppose she thought it fitting to honor me with this shield - once her own."

Thalia's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're telling me... you're older than Athena?"

Perseus nodded. "Aye. I was there when the Olympians rose, when they fought their father, Kronos, and the Titans. I fought beside them."

Thalia's mind raced. "But that would mean... you're older than the Olympians, Artemis, Ares Dionysus - all of them!"

Perseus didn't respond right away, his gaze distant, as though reliving ancient memories. "I've lived many lives, Thalia. I've fought for gods and men alike, but... in the end, it's all the same."

"You didn't answer the real question," Thalia said softly, stopping and turning to face him fully. "Why does your aegis look more... real?"

Perseus didn't answer immediately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something deep, something haunted. "Because mine was taken from an actual gorgon," he said at last. "Yours is a replica. Mine... is her actual face, magically preserved."

Thalia's breath caught in her throat, and she took a step back, her gaze flickering between Perseus and the grotesque visage on his shield. "The real Medusa…?"

"I do not know the Gorgon's name. I suspect Medusa is a modern term." Perseus nodded, his expression grim. "I killed her with Athena's help, and the goddess used her face to forge my shield. I carry it with me as a symbol of my deeds... and my regrets."

The air between them grew tense, and for a moment, neither spoke. Then Thalia shook her head. "That's messed up, you know?"

Perseus chuckled, though it was a bitter sound. "Trust me, I know."

"You know," Thalia said suddenly, "This means you would know my dad better than I do." She seemed excited at the prospect. "What's he like?"
"Selfish," Percy said automatically. "Greedy. But he is just, and fair. You are much like him - powerful, strong-willed. Zeus has always been driven by his ambitions, but he cares deeply for his children, in his own way. The weight of kingship has shaped him."

Thalia's excitement faded, replaced by a sort of understanding. "I guess... that's not too surprising."

Perseus nodded. "He's a king first, a father second. I've seen it firsthand. It's hard for him to balance the two."

Thalia crossed her arms, her gaze hardening. "That doesn't make it right. He abandoned me. Let me think he was dead all those years."

"I know," Perseus said quietly. "The gods rarely consider the consequences of their actions on us. But he does care, Thalia. More than you might think."

She glanced at him, uncertainty in her eyes. "How do you know?"

Perseus offered her a small smile, the kind that hinted at stories untold. "I've been around long enough to know how gods love. It's different than how we do, but it's still love, in its own way."

"You know he might blast you down for saying that, he is kinda the king of the gods."

"He couldn't kill me even if he wanted to. Besides, even Zeus must learn that the mightiest throne is built on the backs of those who choose to bear its weight." Perseus paused. "And if anyone bore the weight of his throne, it would be me."

Thalia didn't ask what he meant.

What she did ask was: "What are you gonna do after, y'know, all this is over?"

Perseus shrugged. "I do not know. I do not want to continue fighting battles for the Olympians, though I suppose I must."

That seemed to remind Thalia of something. "You know in school, we were reading this book." She looked at him. "You do know what a book is, right?"

He nodded.

"Right. So this book, it was called Atlas Shrugged." At Perseus confused look, Thalia continued, "not the Titan. It's about these people who just... stop carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Like, they're done with it. They're tired of being responsible for everything, and they basically just shrug it off, lets the world crumble around them because he's tired of it all."

Perseus tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "And does the world crumble?"

Thalia paused, considering. "Yeah, kinda. It falls apart. But the point is that the people were tired of being everyone's backbones, holding everything together while they just... took 'em for granted."

Perseus chuckled softly, but there was no humor in it. "I can understand that. There have been times when I've wanted to do the same. Shrug off the burdens of the gods and let them face the consequences of their own actions."

Thalia studied him for a moment, sensing the weight behind his words. "So why don't you?"

Perseus sighed, looking out at the barren desert ahead of them. "Because when you carry the weight for so long, it becomes part of who you are. To shrug it off would be to let go of everything - every battle, every sacrifice, every person you've tried to protect. I might not want to carry it, but I'm not sure I know how to be anything else."

Thalia fell silent, digesting his words. It was strange, hearing this ancient, immortal hero talk about burdens and weariness in a way that felt so... human. It made her realize how much he must have endured - how much he had seen, lived through, and suffered.

"Do you ever think about what it would be like?" she asked quietly. "To just... stop?"

Perseus glanced at her, his eyes shadowed with ancient memories. "Every day," he admitted. "But then I remember why I started carrying it in the first place. Because someone has to. And if not me, then who?"

Thalia didn't respond right away. The two of them walked in silence for a while, the desert stretching endlessly before them, as vast and unforgiving as the weight they both carried in their own ways.

Finally, she spoke again, her voice softer. "You know, I feel that way sometimes. It's hard, and it hurts, but it's necessary."

Perseus smiled faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I know, Thalia. And that's what keeps me going."

She looked at him quizzically. "What keeps you going?"

"The fact that, if I continue to bear the weight of the world, maybe I can take the weight off someone's shoulders." He shoved her playfully. "Like you."

The gesture was playful; the words were not.

The questers continued walking, until they were hit with a blazing light from down the road. The headlights of a car appeared out of nowhere. A deathly white limousine slid to a stop in front of them.

The back door of the limo opened right next to Perseus. Before he could step away, the point of a sword touched his throat. He heard the sound of Zoë drawing their bows. As the owner of the sword got out of the car, Perseus moved back very slowly. He had to, because the sword was being pushed further under his chin.

The man smiled cruelly. "Not so fast now, are you, punk?"

He was a big man with a crew cut, a black leather biker's jacket, black jeans, a skin-tight white vest, and combat boots.

"Ares," Perseus growled. His eyes glowed, and suddenly the god's sword was at his feet.

"How did you-"

Perseus' eyes flashed. "Do not test me, child. Why are you here?"

The war god glanced at the group. "At ease, people." He snapped his fingers, and their weapons fell to the ground. "This is a friendly meeting. The lady wants to see you."

"What lady?" Thalia asked.

Ares looked over at her. "Well, well. I heard you were on this quest." He grabbed his sword. "Thalia, daughter of Zeus," Ares mused. He nodded his head towards Perseus. "You're not hanging out with very good company."

"What's your business, Ares?" she said. "Who's in the car?"

Ares smiled, clearly enjoying the attention. "Oh, I doubt she wants to meet the rest of you. Particularly not her." He jutted his chin toward Zoë. "Why don't you all go get some tacos while you wait? It'll only take Mr Apokálypsis here a few minutes."

"We will not leave him alone with thee, Lord Ares," Zoë said.

Perseus laughed a boisterous laugh. "Oh no, Zoë. You will not be leaving me alone with Ares." His shield was brought up, and so was his sword. "It will be Ares alone with me."

"Such arrogance," Ares mused. "Although I suppose you are more deserving of it than most."

"Go on," Perseus told his friends. "I'll handle this."

His friends reluctantly headed over to the taco restaurant.

Perseus stared at Ares for a long moment, his eyes hard but calm. The tension between them was palpable, the kind that could only exist between two beings who had crossed paths far too many times. Yet, there was something else in Perseus' gaze - something more personal.

"I see you haven't changed," Perseus said, voice steady. "Always quick to draw your sword, even when it's not necessary."

Ares smirked, but it was a half-hearted gesture. "And you're still as boring as ever. Always acting like you're above a good fight. You know, it's in your blood too. No one's that good with a sword without a little love for war."

Perseus raised an eyebrow. "In my blood?"

Ares sheathed his sword with a sharp metallic clank and crossed his arms, his leather jacket creaking. "Don't play dumb. We both know what runs through your veins. There's a reason you've survived so long."

The silence hung between them for a moment. Perseus didn't look away, his face unreadable, but his grip tightened on his shield. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Ares shrugged, as if the weight of what he'd implied was no big deal. "Come on, you've always known. You think Athena gave you that shield just because you taught her a few tricks? You're a god who doesn't want to be one. You're part of the family - closer than you think."

Perseus stiffened, a muscle in his jaw twitching. His voice dropped to a whisper, but it was laced with iron. "I am not one of you."

Ares leaned in, eyes gleaming with a strange mix of mockery and something else - something almost resembling understanding. "Maybe not fully. But you can't deny it, old man. You've been playing their game for centuries. And whether you like it or not, you're one of us."

Perseus looked away, his gaze settling on the horizon, his mind racing. He had always known he wasn't mortal, but he had never wanted to acknowledge how deep the connection ran between him and the Olympians.

"I never asked for this," Perseus muttered under his breath.

Ares snorted. "Neither did I. But here we are."

Perseus' gaze flicked back to Ares, and for a moment, something softened in his eyes - just a little. "Is that why you're like this? Always picking fights? Because you never had a choice either?"

Ares' expression faltered, and for a second, the war god's bravado slipped. He looked at Perseus with something that almost resembled respect. "Maybe," he admitted. "But we all have our roles, Perseus. And yours… well, you've been playing yours better than most of the gods."

Perseus let out a bitter laugh. "And what role is that, exactly?"

Ares gestured at the shield still slung across Perseus' back, the petrified face of the Gorgon staring out at the world. "The protector. The one who cleans up our messes. You've been holding it together for longer than any of us. Keeping the balance, doing the dirty work when none of the Olympians will."

Perseus' eyes darkened. "Maybe it's time someone else bore the weight of that throne."

Ares chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah? And who would that be? The new kids? The demigods with no idea what they're up against? You think any of them are ready for what's coming? No, old man. Like it or not, you're still needed."

"True," Perseus conceded, "But who's fault is that? Is it my fault, Ares Enyalios, or is it yours, you gods on your thrones of gold and temples of marble? Because even if you build your palaces with the finest of materials, they will always be stained with my blood."

The wind whipped through the desert, stirring up dust between them. For a moment, Perseus and Ares stood in silence, both of them aware that they were speaking truths neither liked to admit.

Finally, Ares broke the silence. "Listen, I'm not here to fight you. Not today, anyway. You've got bigger problems ahead, and so do we."

Perseus frowned. "We?"

Ares' expression darkened. "Yeah. The Titans are stirring, and not just in the way they usually do. They've tempted mortals before, but there's something bigger going on. We've felt it. The balance is shifting."

Perseus sighed, the weight of millennia pressing down on him once more. "And you think I can help with that?"

Ares nodded. "You always do."

Perseus was silent for a moment, contemplating. Then he spoke, his voice quieter. "What if I don't want to?"

He thought back to what Thalia said; about that mortal book, Atlas Shrugged. Maybe it was time for him to shrug off the weight.

Ares grinned, but it wasn't his usual cocky smile. There was something else in it - perhaps a glimmer of respect, or maybe even understanding. "You would try. But you're better than us. All of us have committed atrocities in the eyes of the mortals. Even sweet old Demeter has created famines killing millions. But you - you Perseus, you have commited sins in the eyes of the gods. You would defy us for humanity, and that makes you… worse. And better, I suppose."

Perseus stared hard at Ares, absorbing the weight of his words. His grip on his shield tightened, the leather strap creaking under the pressure. "Sins in the eyes of the gods…" he muttered, the phrase echoing in his mind. The idea wasn't new to him, but hearing it from Ares - a god known for his brutality - gave it a different, heavier meaning.

Perseus had always known his actions, his defiance, carried consequences. He had defied the gods, bent the rules, crossed lines others wouldn't dare approach. But to hear that even the gods saw him as something dangerous, something that had committed sins against them? It almost felt like a twisted sort of validation.

He chuckled darkly. "So, that's what I've become then? A threat to Olympus itself?"

Ares' smirk returned, but there was no malice in it this time - just a strange kind of respect. "Not just Olympus, old man. To anyone who thinks they're untouchable. You've been a thorn in everyone's side for as long as I can remember. But that's why they need you. You keep things in check."

Perseus narrowed his eyes, his voice low and cold. "Or maybe I'm just a reminder. A reminder that even gods can bleed."

Ares didn't respond immediately. He stared at Perseus for a long moment, his usual bravado stripped away, leaving behind something more honest - something almost weary. "You and I both know the gods don't like reminders. But they can't afford to lose you, not now. Not now you're back."

"What are you saying, Ares?" he asked, though he already had a sinking feeling he knew the answer.

Ares' eyes gleamed with a rare seriousness. "I'm saying you've got a choice to make. You can keep pretending you're not a part of this, that you can walk away from the gods and the mess we've all made. Or..." He trailed off, stepping closer, his gaze locked on Perseus'. "Or you can do what you've always done. Fight. Protect. And keep the damn world from falling apart."

Perseus felt the weight of Ares' words settle on him like a physical burden. The world… it always came back to the world. No matter how much he tried to distance himself from the gods, from their endless games of power and betrayal, it was always the world that suffered if he didn't intervene.

"And what about you, Ares?" Perseus asked, his tone sharp. "You're one of the Olympians. Why don't you fight for once?"

Ares chuckled, though it lacked the usual cockiness. "I bear my own weight, trust me. But we all play our parts, Perseus. You may hate us, may hate me, but you know I'm right. We're heading toward another war, whether you want it or not. And the world doesn't need another god throwing a tantrum. It needs someone who can actually protect it."

Perseus clenched his jaw, frustration boiling under his skin. He hated how right Ares was. Despite everything - the centuries of manipulation, the betrayals, the countless lives lost - Perseus couldn't walk away. He never could.

"I don't fight for you," Perseus said, his voice low. "I don't fight for Olympus, or for any of your thrones. I fight for the ones who can't protect themselves. The mortals who get caught in the crossfire of your wars."

Ares nodded, his expression unreadable. "And that's why you're better and worse than the rest of us. That's why, no matter how much you hate it, you'll always be a part of this. You're the only one who fights for something more than just power."

Perseus stared at him, the truth of Ares' words sinking in. He had fought for so long, for so many, but never for the gods. It was always for the mortals, the innocents who had no idea of the battles raging just beyond their perception.

Finally, Perseus sighed. "So what now?"

Ares glanced back at the limousine, his smirk returning, though it was less sharp than before. "Now? You talk to the lady. She's been waiting for you." He opened the door wider, gesturing inside.

With a resigned sigh, Perseus stepped forward, pausing. "This isn't over, Ares," he warned.

Ares grinned, that familiar cocky glint returning to his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"And just remember," Ares said. "family's family. Even if you don't want to be part of it."

Without another word, Ares turned and strode back toward the limousine, his boots crunching in the sand. Perseus followed. Ares regarded him, then opened the limousine door like a chauffeur.

Perseus slid into the back of the limousine, the door closing behind him with a soft click. The interior was dark, the windows tinted so deeply that even the harsh desert sunlight couldn't penetrate. For a moment, all was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine.

Then a voice spoke from the shadows, smooth and dangerous. "You've kept me waiting, Perseus."

"What a shame," Perseus drawled. "What do you want, Aphrodite?"

Aphrodite smiled, her lips curving in that all-too-familiar way that could topple kingdoms and ignite wars. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?" she asked, her tone light but with an edge of amusement. "You used to be far more... accommodating."

Perseus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He had never liked dealing with Aphrodite. She was dangerous, but not in the obvious way Ares or Zeus was. Her power wasn't about strength or control - it was about influence, desire, and the hidden strings that made mortals and gods alike dance to her tune.

"I'm not in the mood for games," Perseus said, his tone sharp. "Why are you here?"

Aphrodite pouted slightly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Always so serious. You've spent too much time around Athena. You could use a little more... love in your life, don't you think?"

"Me and Athena's relationship is none of your concern," Perseus' expression hardened. "I've had enough meddling in my life."

Aphrodite's smile faded slightly, and her gaze grew more serious. "I'm not here to meddle, Perseus. I'm here because war is coming, but not the kind you're used to. This isn't about swords and shields. This is about the heart, about loyalty and love - and betrayal."

Perseus frowned, leaning back in his seat as he tried to process her words. "What does that have to do with me?"

Aphrodite's smile returned, though it was colder this time. "Everything. You've always been more than just a warrior, Perseus. You've inspired loyalty in others, and not just out of fear or power. They follow you because they love you."

Perseus' eyes narrowed. "Love has nothing to do with war."

Aphrodite laughed softly, shaking her head. "Oh, but it does. Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and it can turn allies into enemies and enemies into allies. You've fought battles before, Perseus, but this one will test more than just your skill with a sword. It will test your heart."

"My heart has been tested. It will continue to be tested, for as long as the Fates meddle in my life. I do not fear the future, Aphrodite Ourania. I do not fear you."

Her eyes narrowed, if only slightly. "I am older than even Olympus, Perseus," Aphrodite continued, her voice soft but edged with something ancient, something primal. "I am not one to be feared in the way you fear swords and spears. My power is far subtler than that, but no less dangerous. And you would do well to remember that."

Perseus met her gaze, unflinching. "I'm not one to be swayed by sweet words or promises of love. I've seen what your influence can do. I've seen cities burn because of love. Do you not remember the sack of Troy?"

Aphrodite sighed, as if disappointed, though the gleam in her eyes suggested she found his resistance amusing. "You misunderstand me, Perseus. This isn't about romantic love or lust. This is about something deeper - about loyalty, sacrifice, and the bonds that tie us all together. Even you."

He frowned, leaning forward slightly. "What are you trying to say?"

She studied him for a moment, as if weighing her next words carefully. "There are forces at work, Perseus, that even I cannot control. And they are targeting those you care about, those you have fought for. Your heart may be strong, but the hearts of those around you... they can be swayed, manipulated. And once they are turned, no amount of strength will save them."

Perseus' expression hardened. "Is that a threat? I am not the only ones with loved ones, aunt. Your children, your priests… I could make the sack of Troy look like child's play."

Aphrodite paled as she shook her head. "No, it's a warning. You see, you're different from the others. You've always fought for people, for causes, not for power. That's why you're a threat to us, to the balance. And that's why you need to be careful. You're not invulnerable, Perseus. You never have been."

He clenched his fists. "You can argue my vulnerability all you like, Aphrodite Ourania. But I care not if you are elder than Olympus. You were born into the sea. I was born into war. If you truly belive you are powerful enough to have me as an enemy, I must have overestimated your intelligence."

Aphrodite's eyes flashed, a dangerous glint appearing for the briefest moment before her smile returned - colder, sharper. "Ah, Perseus, always so confident. But you should know by now, battles aren't always won with strength alone. Underestimating me might be your greatest mistake."

Perseus crossed his arms, unbothered. "I'm not underestimating you, Aphrodite. Remember the Trojan War? The war you created out of pettiness and pride? Am I worth making an enemy out of?"

Her smile lingered, though she shivered. "Perhaps not. But tell me this - how long will your strength hold when those closest to you are turned against you? When the hearts you've protected for so long are used as weapons, what will you fight for then?"

Perseus' jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Aphrodite leaned forward, her voice softening into something almost tender. "You've always been a protector, Perseus. But you've never protected yourself. You think you can shield others from the consequences of love, of loyalty, of betrayal. But you can't. Not forever."

"That's where you're wrong, Aphrodite? I am not a protecter. Do you know what Perseus means? Destroyer. Sacker of cities. I got that last one from your petty little 'Trojan War', actually. From destroying your city. You gods think I'm a protector. I'm not. I am just very good at killing things."

Aphrodite studied him for a moment, her expression softening. "You don't have to face this alone. You've been alone for so long, Perseus. But it doesn't have to be that way."

He turned, eyes narrowing. "And what would you gain from helping me?"

Aphrodite's smile returned, though this time it was warmer, almost genuine. "I told you. War is coming. The kind of war that won't be won with swords. You will need allies, Perseus. Allies who understand the heart as well as the battlefield. I'm offering you mine."

Perseus stared at her, the weight of the offer heavy in the air. He knew better than to trust Aphrodite - she was as dangerous as she was alluring. But he also knew that, in the wars to come, he couldn't afford to fight alone.

Finally, he sighed, his voice heavy. "I'll consider it."

Aphrodite's smile widened, but there was a flicker of something more - something almost resembling relief. "That's all I ask."

She leaned back, her form fading into the shadows once more. "Just remember, Perseus. You are powerful, maybe even more so than us gods - but you are more mortal, and that makes you weak. Remember that."

The door clicked open again, the harsh desert sunlight flooding back in. Perseus stepped out into the blazing heat, the wind whipping at his hair. He glanced back at the limousine, but Aphrodite was gone.

Ares did a two finger salute, then he was gone as well.

As the wind howled around him, Perseus stood alone once more.

Except he wasn't alone.

"Hello, Perseus." Came a radiant voice.

He didn't even turn around. "Apollo. You are the third god today, so make it quick. I do not have much patience for you."

Apollo raised his hands in surrender. "I have just come to talk, old friend. Your reappearance has made waves on Olympus. I am just here to warn you. My father-"

"Your father can sit on his bolt." Perseus said, and thunder rumbled. "I do not heed his warnings or anyone else's. If Zeus wants to speak to me, he can do so directly."

Apollo's expression shifted from playful to serious. "You don't understand the stakes, do you? This isn't just about you anymore. The Titans are stirring again, and their minions are gathering strength. You may think you can face this alone, but even you-" he paused, searching for the right words, "even you cannot shoulder this burden without help."

Perseus clenched his fists, feeling the anger rise within him. "Help from the gods? Look where that has gotten me. Loss after loss. I am done relying on Olympus."

The god of the sun stepped closer, his golden eyes earnest. "You misunderstand me. I'm not here to offer you divine intervention. I'm here as a friend."

Perseus felt a flicker of doubt creeping into his heart, but he shook it off. "I will not let myself be a pawn in their games, Apollo. I've lost too much already."

Apollo's gaze softened. "You're stronger than you realize, Perseus. But strength alone won't save you this time. Choose wisely. You have more allies than you think, and sometimes they come from the most unexpected places."

"You are but a child in my eyes, Apollo. Do not presume what you do not know."

Apollo inclined his head respectfully. "I know, Perseus. Truthfully, I would not bother you if not for the sake of Artemis." He paused. "And I haven't seen you since the Fate's decided to… y'know."

Perseus nodded. "The whims of fate took me down to the depths of Tartarus. Now it is my destiny, I believe, to storm Othrys once more. And no man," He looked up to the sky, as if sending a message to Olympus. "Or god, can stop me."

"Always so stubborn." Apollo mused.

With that, he raised his hand in farewell, the golden light around him shimmering as he began to fade. "Remember, the sun will rise again, even after the darkest nights. Keep your eyes open."

As Apollo vanished, Perseus stood alone once more.

He saw the dim light of a truck and heard the chatter of mortals, where he supposed the questers were.

Perseus approached, and their voices fell silent. The demigods turned to look at him, their eyes filled with a mix of weariness and hope. They didn't know him well yet, but they trusted him, at least for now.

Thalia was the first to speak. "We were starting to worry."

He gave a small nod, brushing sand off his armor. "I had… a conversation."

Zoë raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of concern. "About what?"

"About what's coming. About alliances." He took a breath, feeling the weight of his words settle over them. "We're going to need all the help we can get. And it seems like even the gods have their eyes on this."

Grover shifted uneasily, his furry ears twitching.

Thalia nodded slowly. "So what's the plan?"

Perseus felt the burden of leadership settle on his shoulders. "First, we regroup and gather what information we can. Then, we prepare for whatever comes next. We march to Othrys, where Artemis is."

With a determined nod, the group began to move, united by a shared purpose, even as the shadows of the past loomed large over them. As they trekked across the desert, Perseus felt a flicker of hope. Maybe together, they could stand against the storm that was about to break.

Zoë stood beside him. "Would it be worth it, Perseus? To become the bringer of destruction once again?"

Perseus shrugged.

Chapter over! Please tell me someone got the Atlas Shrugged reference. This chapter was basically just Percy hating on Olympus lmao. And what's going on with him and Athena? Guess you'll have to wait and see!

Review responses:

Vallier2417: Thank you so much! I'm trying to add a few twists here and there lol. You know how it is. I also saw your review on my other fic, so thanks for that!

Robotdocter: Appreciate the review once more! Rairpares are the best! Lmao, I love the Titan's Curse too! It's soooo good. Zeus is paranoia personified lmao. It'll probably be even worse in SoS. Bianca dying is honestly so common, she needs to survive in at least one fic. Maybe I'll let her live in SoS, I dunno yet. And the Fates are going to be PETTY. Thank you for all your reviews!

Payton cepeda: No problem-o. Not a one-shot, trust me. This fic is going to be LONGGGGGG!

Guest: Thank you! Here's the promised chap!

That's the responses overrrrrrrr! Review, give suggestions, critique, thoughts, ideas, ANYTHING! I read and appreciate every review!

If you like this fic, check out my other fic The Iron Hunt, featuring a post-apocalypse Percy, the Seven, and Pertimis.

See ya next chapter!