Percy's POV
There were too many goodbyes.
That night was the first time I actually saw camp burial shrouds used on bodies, and it was not something I wanted to see again.
Among the dead, Lee Fletcher from the Apollo cabin had been downed by a giant's club. He was wrapped in a golden shroud without any decoration.
The son of Dionysus who'd gone down fighting an enemy half-blood was wrapped in a deep purple shroud embroidered with grapevines. His name was Castor. I was ashamed that I'd seen him around camp for three years and never even bothered to learn his name. He'd been seventeen years old.
His twin brother, Pollux, tried to say a few words, but he choked up and just took the torch. He lit the funeral pyre in the middle of the amphitheater, and within seconds the row of shrouds was engulfed in fire, sending smoke and sparks up to the stars.
We spent the next day treating the wounded, which was almost everybody. The satyrs and dryads worked to repair the damage to the woods.
At noon, the Council of Cloven Elders held an emergency meeting in their sacred grove. The three senior satyrs were there, along with Chiron, who was in wheelchair form. His broken horse leg was still mending, so he would be confined to the chair for a few months, until the leg was strong enough to take his weight. The grove was filled with satyrs and dryads and naiads up from the water—hundreds of them, anxious to hear what would happen.
Juniper, Zoe, Theo, Annabeth, and I stood by Grover's side.
Silenus wanted to exile Grover immediately, but Chiron persuaded him to at least hear evidence first, so we told everyone what had happened in the crystal cavern, and what Pan had said. Then several eyewitnesses from the battle described the weird sound Grover had made, which drove the Titan's army back underground.
Juniper: It was panic. Grover summoned the power of the wild god.
Percy: Panic?
Chiron: Percy, during the first war of the gods and the Titans, Lord Pan let forth a horrible cry that scared away the enemy armies. It is—it was his greatest power—a massive wave of fear that helped the gods win the day. The word panic is named after Pan, you see. And Grover used that power, calling it forth from within himself.
Silenus: Preposterous! Sacrilege! Perhaps the wild god favored us with a blessing. Or perhaps Grover's music was so awful it scared the enemy away!
Grover: That wasn't it, sir.
He sounded a lot calmer than I would have if I'd been insulted like that.
Grover: He let his spirit pass into all of us. We must act. Each of us must work to renew the wild, to protect what's left of it. We must spread the word. Pan is dead. There is no one but us.
Silenus: After two thousand years of searching, this is what you would have us believe? Never! We must continue the search! Exile the traitor!
Some of the older satyrs muttered assent.
Silenus: A vote! Who would believe this ridiculous young satyr, anyway?
???: I would.
Everyone turned. Striding into the grove was Dionysus. He wore a formal black suit, so I almost didn't recognize him, a deep purple tie and violet dress shirt, his curly dark hair carefully combed. His eyes were bloodshot as usual, and his pudgy face was flushed, but he looked like he was suffering from grief more than wine-withdrawal.
The satyrs all stood respectfully and bowed as he approached. Dionysus waved his hand, and a new chair grew out of the ground next to Silenus's—a throne made of grapevines.
Dionysus sat down and crossed his legs. He snapped his fingers and satyr hurried forward with a plate of cheese and crackers and a Diet Coke.
The god of wine looked around at the assembled crowd.
Mr. D: Miss me?
The satyrs fell over themselves nodding and bowing.
Mr. D: Well, I did not miss this place! I bear bad news, my friends. Evil news. The minor gods are changing sides. Morpheus has gone over to the enemy. Hecate, Janus, and Nemesis, as well. Zeus knows how many more.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
Mr. D: Strike that. Even Zeus doesn't know. Now, I want to hear Grover's story. Again, from the top.
Silenus: But, my lord. It's just nonsense!
Dionysus's eyes flared with purple fire.
Mr. D: I have just learned that my son Castor is dead, Silenus. I am not in a good mood. You would do well to humor me.
Silenus gulped, and waved at Grover to start again.
When Grover was done, Mr. D nodded.
Mr. D: It sounds like just the sort of thing Pan would do. Grover is right. The search is tiresome. You must start thinking for yourselves. (turns to a satyr) Bring me some peeled grapes, right away!
Satyr: Yes, sire!
The satyr scampered off.
Silenus: We must exile the traitor!
Mr. D: I say no. That is my vote.
Chiron: I vote no as well.
Dionysus then addressed Theo and Zoe.
Mr. D: What say you, children of Artemis? As the spawn of the goddess of nature, I'd venture a guess that your votes count as well.
Theo and Zoe looked at each other and nodded before looking back the Mr. D.
Zoe: We vote no as well.
Silenus: All in favor of exile?
Silenus and five other old satyrs raised their hands.
Silenus: Six to five.
Mr. D: Ah, yes. But unfortunately for you, a god's vote counts twice. And as I voted against, we are tied.
Silenus: This is an outrage! The council cannot stand at an impasse.
Mr. D: Then let it be dissolved! I don't care.
Silenus: Absolutely not! If only young Eric was still alive...
Theo: He'd have to be held back from punching those horns off your fucking head!
Everyone looked at Theo, who was glaring at Silenus while clenching his fists, while Annabeth held his hand and Diego (still in his armor, minus the helmet) growled next to him. Theo gently freed himself from Annabeth's grasp before walking towards Silenus along with Diego.
Theo: If you really think that Eric would seriously take your side in this, then you're just a deluded asshole. So, keep his name out of your damn mouth!
Silenus: This does not concern you.
Diego roared loudly, making Silenus flinch.
Theo: This started to concern me the second you started talking shit. Grover is as brave and hardworking of a satyr as Eric was. Grover could've just given up and not come down to the Labyrinth with us, and we wouldn't have held it against him, because we know how much satyrs get scared when it comes to going underground. But guess what? He did. He put all of his fears aside because he knew that there was a chance that he could find Pan. And guess what? The gamble paid off! He found Pan. He wanted to bring the Wild God here to camp so that he could prove you all wrong, but you know what Pan said? He said that your stubbornness only delayed the inevitable. He said that he should've died when he had told that sailor to tell the world that the great god Pan is dead 2000 years ago. Look, I can admire your dedication, but...Pan has been found. And now he must be released. So, please, let him be released. Just one last act of service for the Wild God.
Everyone was stunned by Theo's speech, including Mr. D. I had known Theo for years, and I had no idea he had it in him to make that kind of speech. He just never struck me as a guy who had that in his locker.
Then I saw Chiron give Theo a proud smile. Mr. D gave him a nod of acknowledgment. Pretty much all of the Apollo cabin and most of the others were looking at Theo with a newfound respect.
But out of all of these people, Annabeth had the biggest reaction. She was covering her mouth while tears were forming in her, but I could tell that she was smiling widely, very proud of her boyfriend.
Silenus bowed stiffly, along with his two friends, and they left the grove. About twenty satyrs went with them. The rest stood around murmuring uncomfortably.
Theo looked back at Grover, who mouthed, "thank you." Theo smirked and gave him a nod before he and Diego walked back to Annabeth.
Grover: (to the satyrs) Don't worry. We don't need the council to tell us what to do. We can figure it out ourselves.
He told them again the words of Pan—how they must save the wild a little at a time. He started dividing the satyrs into groups—which ones would go to the national parks, which ones would search out the last wild places, and which ones would defend the parks in the big cities.
Zoe: Well, it seems that Grover is growing up.
Theo's POV
It felt good to have a regular dinner at camp. Zoe sat with me at the Artemis table, while Tyson (who had given Briares directions to Poseidon's forges earlier) sat with Percy at the Poseidon table. The sunset over Long Island Sound was beautiful. Things weren't back to normal by a long shot, but when I went up to the brazier and scraped part of my meal into the flames as an offering to Poseidon, I felt like I really did have a lot to be grateful for. My friends and I were alive. The camp was safe. Kronos had suffered a setback, at least for a while.
The only thing that bothered me was Nico, hanging in the shadows at the edge of the pavilion. He'd been offered a place at the Hermes table, and even at the head table with Chiron, but he had refused.
After dinner, the campers headed toward the amphitheater, where Apollo's cabin promised an awesome sing-along to pick up our spirits, but Nico turned and disappeared into the woods. I told Percy that I'd handle it before deciding to follow him.
As I passed under the shadows of the trees, I realized how dark it was getting. I'd never been scared in the forest before, though I knew there were plenty of monsters. Still, I thought about yesterday's battle, and I wondered if I'd ever be able to walk in those woods again without remembering the horror of so much fighting.
I couldn't see Nico, but after a few minutes of walking, I saw a glow up ahead. At first, I thought Nico had lit a torch. As I got closer, I realized the glow was a ghost. The shimmering form of Bianca di Angelo stood in the clearing, smiling at her brother. She said something to him and touched his face—or tried to. Then her image faded.
Theo: You saying goodbye?
Nico turned and saw me, but he didn't look mad.
Nico: Yeah.
Theo: We missed you at dinner. You could've sat with me.
Nico: No.
Theo: (sighs) Nico, you can't miss every meal. If you don't want to stay with Hermes, maybe they can make an exception and put you in the Big House. They've got plenty of rooms.
Nico: I'm not staying, Theo.
That caught me off guard.
Theo: You can't just leave. It's too dangerous for even a weaker half-blood to wander off on their own, let alone a child of the Big Three. You need training.
Nico: I train with the dead. This camp isn't for me. There's a reason they didn't put a cabin to Hades here, Theo. He's not welcome any more than he is on Olympus. I don't belong. I have to go.
I wanted to argue, but part of me knew he was right. I didn't like it, but Nico would have to find his own, dark way. I remembered in Pan's cave, how the wild god had addressed each one of us individually...except Nico.
Theo: When are you leaving?
Nico: Right away. I've got tons of questions. Like who was my mother? Who paid for Bianca and me to go to school? Who was that lawyer guy who got us out of the Lotus Hotel? I know nothing about my past. I need to find out.
Theo: Alright, that makes sense. I just hope that next time we meet, we don't meet as enemies.
Nico: I'm sorry I was a brat. I should've listened to you and Percy about Bianca.
Theo: Water under the bridge. Which reminds me...
I fished something out of my pocket.
Theo: Tyson found something while he and Percy were cleaning their cabin. I figured you might want it.
I held out a lead figurine of Hades—the little Mythomagic statue Nico had abandoned when he fled camp last winter.
Nico: I don't play that game anymore. It's for kids.
Theo: I heard he's got five thousand attack power.
Nico: Only if your opponent attacks first.
Theo: (smiles) Well, maybe it's okay to still be a kid every once in a while.
I tossed him the statue.
Nico studied it in his palm for a few seconds, then slipped it into his pocket.
Nico: Thanks.
I put out my hand. He shook reluctantly. His hand was as cold as ice.
Nico: I've got a lot of things to investigate. Some of them...Well, if I learn anything useful, I'll let you and Percy know.
I wasn't sure what he meant, but I nodded.
Theo: Keep in touch, Nico.
He turned and trudged off into the woods. The shadows seemed to bend toward him as he walked like they were reaching out for his attention.
???: There goes a very troubled young man.
I turned and found Dionysus standing there, still in his black suit.
Mr. D: Walk with me.
Theo: Where to?
Mr. D: Just to the campfire. I was beginning to feel better, so I thought I would talk with you a bit. You always manage to annoy me.
Theo: (smirks) Yeah, well...I aim to please.
Mr. D: Case in point.
We walked through the woods in silence. I noticed that Dionysus was treading on air, his polished black shoes hovering an inch off the ground. I guess he didn't want to get dirty.
Mr. D: We have had many betrayals. Things are not looking good for Olympus. Yet you and your friends saved this camp. I'm not sure I should thank you for that.
Theo: It was a group effort.
Mr. D: (shrugs) Regardless, I suppose it was mildly competent, what you did. I thought you should know—it wasn't a total loss.
We reached the amphitheater, and Dionysus pointed toward the campfire. Clarisse was sitting shoulder to shoulder with a big Hispanic kid who was telling her a joke. It was Chris Rodriguez, the half-blood who I heard had gone insane in the Labyrinth.
Theo: You cured him?
Mr. D: Madness is my specialty. It was quite simple.
Theo: But...you did something nice. Why?
Mr. D: I am nice! I simply ooze niceness, Timothy Keller. Haven't you noticed?
Theo: You sure you want me to answer that?
Mr. D: No, I do not. Perhaps I felt grieved by my son's death. Perhaps I thought this Chris boy deserved a second chance. At any rate, it seems to have improved Clarisse's mood.
Theo: Why tell me all this?
Mr. D: (sighs) Oh, Hades if I know. But remember, boy, that a kind act can sometimes be as powerful as a sword. As a mortal, I was never a great fighter, athlete, or poet. I only made wine. The people in my village laughed at me. They said I would never amount to anything. Look at me now. Sometimes small things can become very large indeed.
He left me alone to think about that. And as I watched Clarisse and Chris singing a stupid campfire song together, holding hands in the darkness, where they thought nobody could see them, I had to smile.
Timeskip
The rest of the summer seemed strange because it was so normal. The daily activities continued: archery, rock climbing, Pegasus riding. We played Capture the Flag (though we all avoided Zeus's Fist). We sang at the campfire and raced chariots and played practical jokes on the other cabins. I spent a lot of time with Tyson, playing with Mrs. O'Leary and Diego, but she would still howl at night when she got lonely for her old master. Annabeth and I pretty much skirted around each other. I was glad to be with her, but it also kind of hurt, and it hurt when I wasn't with her, too.
I wanted to talk to her about Kronos, but I couldn't do that anymore without bringing up Luke. And that was one subject I couldn't raise. She would shut me out every time I tried.
July passed, with fireworks on the beach on the Fourth. August turned so hot the strawberries started baking in the fields. Finally, the last day of camp arrived. The standard form letter appeared on my bed after breakfast, warning me that the cleaning harpies would devour me if I stayed past noon.
At ten o'clock I stood on the top of Half-Blood Hill, waiting for the camp van that would take me into the city.
I hoped Annabeth would be riding into Brooklyn with me, but she only came to see me off. She said she'd arranged to stay at camp a little longer. She would tend to Chiron until his leg was fully recovered, and keep studying Deadalus' laptop, which had engrossed her for the last two months. Then she would head back to her father's place in San Francisco.
Annabeth: There's a private school out there that I'll be going to. I'll probably hate it, but... (shrugs) Eh.
Theo: Yeah, well, call me, okay?
Annabeth: Sure. I'll keep my eyes open for...
There it was again. Luke. She couldn't even say his name without opening up a huge box of hurt, worry, and anger.
Theo: Annabeth...What was the rest of the prophecy?
She fixed her eyes on the woods in the distance, but she didn't say anything.
Theo: You shall delve in the darkness of the endless maze. The dead, the traitor, and the lost one raise. We raised a lot of the dead. We saved Ethan Nakamura and Maryam Aziz, who turned out to be traitors. We raised the spirit of Pan, the lost one.
Annabeth shook her head like she wanted me to stop.
Theo: You shall rise or fall by the ghost king's hand. That wasn't Minos, like I'd thought. It was Nico. By choosing to be on our side, he saved us. And the child of Athena's final stand—that was Daedalus.
Annabeth: Theo—
Theo: Destroy with a hero's final breath. That makes sense now. Daedalus died to destroy the Labyrinth. But what was the last—
Annabeth: (tearfully) And lose a love to worse than death. That was the last line, Theo. Are you happy now?
The sun seemed colder than it had a moment ago.
Theo: Oh.
Annabeth: Theo, I didn't know who the prophecy was talking about. I—I didn't know if it...Luke and I—for years, he was the only one who really cared about me. I thought...
Before she could continue, a sparkle of light appeared next to us, like someone had opened a gold curtain in the air.
???: You have nothing to apologize for, my dear.
Standing on the hill was a tall woman in a white dress, her dark hair braided over her shoulder.
Annabeth: Hera.
Hera: (smiles) You found the answers, as I knew you would. Your quest was a success.
Annabeth: A success? Luke is gone. Daedalus is dead. Pan is dead. How the hell is that—
Hera: Our family is safe. Those others are better gone, my dear. I am proud of you.
Oh, hell no.
Theo: You're the one who paid Geryon to let us through the ranch, weren't you?
Hera: (shrugs) I wanted to speed you on your way.
Theo: But you didn't give a shit about Nico. You were happy to see him turned over to the Titans.
Hera: Oh, please. The son of Hades said it himself. No one wants him around. He does not belong.
Theo: Hephaestus was right. The only thing you ever gave a fuck about was your perfect family, not real people.
Her eyes turned dangerously bright.
Hera: Watch yourself, son of Artemis. I guided you more than you know in the maze. I was at your side when you faced Geryon. I let Percy's arrow fly straight. I opened the way to the Titan's mountain. Annabeth, my dear, surely you see how I've helped. I would welcome a sacrifice for my efforts.
Annabeth stood still as a statue. She could've said thank you. She could've promised to throw some barbecue on the brazier for Hera and forget the whole thing. But she clenched her jaw stubbornly. She looked just the way she had when she'd faced the Sphinx—like she wasn't going to accept an easy answer, even if it got her in serious trouble. I realized that was one of the things I liked best about Annabeth.
Annabeth: You want a sacrifice? Here's two.
She raised both hands and flipped both middle fingers at Hera, who sneered in response.
Annabeth: Theo is right. You're the one who doesn't belong, Queen Hera. So next time, thanks...but no thanks.
Hera's sneer was worse than an empousa's. Her form began to glow.
Hera: You will regret this insult, Annabeth. You will regret this very much.
I averted my eyes as the goddess turned into her true divine form and disappeared in a blaze of light.
The hilltop was peaceful again. Over at the pine tree, Peleus the dragon dozed under the Golden Fleece as if nothing had happened.
Annabeth: I'm sorry. I—I should get back. I'll keep in touch.
Theo: Wait.
I grabbed her wrist before she could leave. She looked at me.
Theo: Do you still love Luke?
Annabeth lowered her gaze before reluctantly nodding. At that point, I felt a pain in my chest.
Annabeth: But...I don't love him as much as I love you.
I lifted my head and looked at Annabeth's grey eyes.
Theo: And how much do you love me?
She didn't answer. At least, not verbally. She grabbed my face with both hands and pulled me into a deep, passionate kiss. I was caught off guard before immediately starting to kiss her back.
At that moment, time seemed to freeze. That kiss was full of as much love as our first kiss back in December.
We made out on the hill for what seemed like hours until oxygen came a problem. We pulled away and stared into each other's eyes.
Annabeth: Does that answer your question?
Theo: (grins) I don't know. Think you can say it again?
Annabeth: (laughs) Shut up, Pinhead.
I couldn't help but smile widely. I felt my heart warm from the sound of Annabeth's laugh.
Then she stopped laughing and brushed a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.
Annabeth: Just like how you thought I'd be the Child of Athena of the prophecy...I thought you would be the love I'd lose. I don't think I'll ever let go of my feelings for Luke, but...My heart will always belong with you, Theo.
Theo: (smiles) And my heart will always belong to you, Annabeth.
We pressed our lips together again.
Suddenly, we heard a camera click. Annabeth and I immediately pulled away and looked at where it came from. I saw David and Kathrine standing next to each other, while David was holding a Polaroid camera.
Katherine: That was so cute!
Annabeth's face became redder than a tomato.
Theo: How long were you guys standing there?
David: Since Annabeth flipped off Hera. I guess it makes sense why she's Zeus' wife. Bitches and assholes are a better combo than MJ and Scottie Pippen.
I snorted. Kathrine smacked David on the back of the head.
Kathrine: Be nice, David. Especially when it comes to gods.
Annabeth: No, no. He's got a point.
Kathrine had a look of betrayal on her face, which made me, David, and Annabeth laugh.
Kathrine: (rolls her eyes) Alright, fine. Whatever. You ready to go, Theo?
Theo: Yes, I am. (turns to Annabeth) See you next summer?
Annabeth: (smiles) Of course.
She gave me a peck on the lips before jogging down the hill. I watched her until she reached the cabins with a smile on my face before walking away with David and Kathrine.
Percy's POV
Two days later it was my birthday. I never advertised the date, because it always fell right after camp, so none of my camp friends could usually come, and I didn't have that many mortal friends. Besides, getting older didn't seem like anything to celebrate since I'd gotten the big prophecy about me destroying or saving the world when I turned sixteen. Now I was turning fifteen. I was running out of time.
My mom threw me a small party at our apartment. Paul Blofis came over, but that was okay because Chiron had manipulated the Mist to convince everyone at Goode High School that I had nothing to do with the band room explosion. Now Paul and the other witnesses were convinced that Kelli had been a crazy, firebomb-throwing cheerleader, while I had simply been an innocent bystander who'd panicked and ran from the scene. I would still be allowed to start as a freshman at Goode next month. If I wanted to keep my record of getting kicked out of school every year, I'd have to try harder.
Tyson came to my party, too, and my mother baked two extra blue cakes just for him. Theo, David, and Katherine (David's girlfriend, who already knows about gods and monsters being real) were also invited, and they appeared with a bunch of homemade snacks, like mini-pizzas, chocolate chip brownies, and a whole lot more. While Tyson helped my mom blow up party balloons, Paul Blofis asked me to help him in the kitchen.
Paul: I hear your mom signed you up for driver's ed this fall.
Percy: Yeah. It's cool. I can't wait.
Seriously, I'd been excited about getting my license forever, but I guess my heart wasn't in it anymore, and Paul could tell. In a weird way he reminded me of Chiron sometimes, how he could look at you and actually see your thoughts. I guess it was that teacher aura.
Paul: You've had a rough summer. I'm guessing you lost someone important. And...girl trouble?
Percy: How do you know that? Did my mom—
Paul: (raises his hands) Your mom hasn't said a thing. And I won't pry. I just know there's something unusual about you, Percy. You've got a lot going on that I can't figure. But I was also fifteen once, and I'm just guessing from your expression...Well, you've had a rough time.
I nodded. I'd promised my mom I would tell Paul the truth about me, but now didn't seem the time. Not yet.
Percy: I lost a couple of friends at this camp I go to. I mean, not close friends, but still—
Paul: I'm sorry.
Percy: Yeah. And, uh, I guess the girl stuff...
Paul: Here.
Paul handed me some punch.
Paul: To your fifteenth birthday. And to a better year to come.
We tapped our paper cups together and drank.
Paul: Percy, I kind of feel bad giving you one more thing to think about. But I wanted to ask you something.
Percy: Yeah?
Paul: Girl stuff.
Percy: What do you mean?
Paul: Your mom. I'm thinking about proposing to her.
I almost dropped my cup.
Percy: You mean...marrying her? You and her?
Paul: Well, that was the general idea. Would that be okay with you?
Percy: You're asking my permission?
Paul: I don't know if it's permission, so much, but she's your mother. And I know you're going through a lot. I wouldn't feel right if I didn't talk to you about it first, man to man.
Percy: Man to man.
It sounded strange, saying that. I thought about Paul and my mom, how she smiled and laughed more whenever he was around, and how Paul had gone out of his way to get me into high school.
Percy: I think that's a great idea, Paul. Go for it.
Paul: (smiles) Cheers, Percy. Let's join the party.
We left the kitchen and joined the party. Kathrine was chatting with my mom, while Zoe and Theo were talking with David. Zoe glanced at me and smiled, which made me blush.
After a few minutes, my mom, Paul, and Theo went into the kitchen and came out with the three blue birthday cakes, all of which had lit candles on them as they sang Happy Birthday.
I was just getting ready to blow out the candles when the doorbell rang.
Sally: Who could that be?
It was weird because our new building had a doorman, but he hadn't called up or anything. My mom opened the door and gasped, while Theo, Zoe, and David widened their eyes in surprise.
It was my dad. He was wearing Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and Birkenstocks like he usually does. His black beard was neatly trimmed and his sea-green eyes twinkled. He wore a battered cap decorated with fishing lures. It said NEPTUNE'S LUCKY FISHING HAT.
Next to him was Artemis, Theo's (and I guess Zoe's) mom. She was wearing a silver business suit and black high heels, and her auburn hair tied into a braid hanging from her left shoulder.
Sally: Pos—
My mother stopped herself. She was blushing right to the roots of her hair.
Sally: Um, hello. (turns to Artemis) And y-you must be Artemis.
Artemis: I am.
Poseidon: Hello, Sally. You look as beautiful as ever. May we come in?
My mother made a squeaking sound that might've been either a "Yes" or "Help." Poseidon took it as a yes and came in along with Artemis.
Paul was looking back and forth between us, trying to read our expressions. Finally, he stepped forward.
Paul: Hi, I'm Paul Blofis.
Poseidon raised his eyebrows as they shook hands.
Poseidon: Blowfish, did you say?
Theo, David, and I snorted, and Zoe and Kathrine pulled us by the ears, silently reprimanding us, as they were both also smiling.
Paul: Ah, no. Blofis, actually.
Poseidon: Oh, I see. A shame. I quite like blowfish. I am Poseidon. This is my dear friend, Artemis.
Paul: Poseidon? Artemis? Those are interesting names.
Poseidon: Yes, I like it. I've gone by other names, but I do prefer Poseidon. And she prefers Artemis.
Paul: Like the god of the sea and the goddess of the moon.
Artemis: Very much like that, yes.
Sally: Well! Um, we're so glad you could drop by. Paul, this is Percy's father and Theo and Zoe's mother.
Paul: Ah. I see.
Poseidon: (turns to Percy) There you are, my boy. (turns to Tyson) And Tyson, hello, son!
Tyson: Daddy!
Tyson bounded across the room and gave Poseidon a big hug, which almost knocked off his fishing hat.
Paul: Tyson is...
Sally: Not mine. It's a long story.
Theo and Zoe strode up to Artemis and they hugged her.
Theo: Hey, Mom.
Artemis: Hello, Theo, Zoe. It is good to see you again.
Zoe: You too, milady.
Artemis shook her head while still smiling as she, Theo and Zoe separated.
Artemis: (to David) Hello, David.
David: It's great to see you, Artemis.
Kathrine: Hey. I'm Kathrine. David and Theo told me a lot about you.
She held out her hand, which Artemis shook with a soft smile.
Artemis: All good things, I hope.
Kathrine nodded.
Poseidon: I couldn't miss Percy's fifteenth birthday. Why, if this were Sparta, Percy would be a man today!
Kathrine: That's true. I've always had a knack for ancient history.
Poseidon: That's me. That's me. Ancient history. Sally, Paul, David, Artemis, madam, Theo, Zoe, Tyson...would you mind if I borrowed Percy for a moment?
Artemis: That is fine. I wish to speak to Theo, anyway.
Theo's POV
Once my mother and I were alone, her smile faded.
Artemis: Are you alright, son?
Theo: Yeah, I'm fine. At least, as fine as I can be.
Artemis: So I've heard. But I want to hear it directly from you.
So, I told her everything, even the part where I fought Orion again and won. When I was done, she nodded slowly.
Artemis: So Kronos is indeed back. I can almost guarantee that Orion will be in his inner circle. It will not be long before full war is upon us.
Theo: Is Luke...like, actually gone?
Artemis: I don't know. That is most disturbing. His mortal body shouldn't be able to handle being possessed by Kronos.
For some reason, I remembered something from last December. When Thalia, Percy, Zoe, and I faced Luke, Atlas, and Orion on Mount Tam, Luke said something to Thalia.
Luke: It's my last chance. He will use the other way if you don't agree. Please.
He sounded terrified when he said that.
Theo: That was Kronos' backup plan.
Artemis: I'm sorry?
Theo: Last winter, Luke said that Kronos would "use the other way" if Thalia didn't join him. What Percy and I saw, that was the other way. But...Like you said, Luke's body should've been destroyed...unless it was prepared.
Artemis: Perhaps. I don't know how he was prepared to host the Titan's soul, but he will not be easily killed. And yet, I fear he must be killed if we are to send Kronos back to the pit. I will have to think on this.
Theo: When the time comes...Will you and the Hunters come to help?
Artemis: My Hunters, yes. Me, well...I will do the best I can to aid you.
Theo: Given the circumstances, I'll take what I can get.
We both fell silent.
Theo: We should get back in there. The candles are probably melting.
Artemis: Yes, we should.
We ate blue cake and ice cream until we couldn't eat anymore. Unfortunately, Artemis had to leave, while Zoe had to get back to camp. Then we played a bunch of cheesy party games like Charades and Monopoly. Tyson didn't get Charades. He kept shouting out the answer he was trying to mime, but it turned out he was really good at Monopoly. He knocked Percy out of the game in the first five rounds and started bankrupting Ms. Jackson, David and Paul. Kathrine and I tried to give them as much advice as we could, but Tyson still beat them.
Soon, David, Kathrine, and I had to leave. We said our goodbyes to Percy, Ms. Jackson, and Paul before leaving the apartment building and driving back to Brooklyn.
I took off my Camp Half-Blood necklace and fiddled with it in my hand. There were three beads now, representing my three summers at camp—a winged arrow, the Golden Fleece, and the latest: an intricate maze, symbolizing the Battle of the Labyrinth, as the campers had started to call it. I wondered what next year's bead would be if I survived long enough to get one, or gods forbid, the camp survived until next summer.
I then took off my silver arrowhead necklace. That necklace was the one thing that I had had for as long as I could remember, and whenever I look at it, I keep thinking about my birth father, Alexios. I wondered what he thought of me, and if I made him proud.
Truth is, I had no idea what was going to happen, now that Kronos was back. The only thing I do know is that I will do whatever it takes to protect my friends and family...
Even if it kills me.
End of THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH arc
Next arc: THE LAST OLYMPIAN