chapter four:
PERCY'S GAZE SWEPT OVER THE DESOLATE ALLEYWAY, its darkness veiled by the shadows cast by the looming red-brick warehouses. A sign above one of the doors caught his attention, the words "Richmond Iron Works" etched into weathered wood.
In the recesses of the alley, two figures crouched, barely discernible amidst the darkness—a boy of about fourteen and a girl, no older than twelve. With a jolt, Percy recognized them: Luke and Thalia. He was witnessing a scene from their past, a time when they were fugitives on the run, before fate intervened.
Luke gripped a bronze knife tightly in his hand, while Thalia stood poised with her spear and shield of terror, Aegis. Hunger and desperation gleamed in their eyes, lending them a feral air as though they were accustomed to constant danger.
"Are you sure?" Thalia's voice was hushed, tinged with uncertainty.
Luke nodded, his gaze fixed on something unseen. "Something down here. I sense it."
A rumble echoed from the depths of the alley, reverberating like a warning. Undeterred, the two half-bloods crept forward, their senses heightened for any sign of danger.
Stacks of old crates loomed on a loading dock, casting eerie shadows in the dim light. Thalia and Luke advanced cautiously, their weapons at the ready. A curtain of corrugated tin rustled ominously, hinting at movement behind it.
Thalia glanced at Luke, a silent exchange passing between them. With practiced precision, Luke counted silently: One, two, three! In one swift motion, he tore away the tin, revealing a sight that took them by surprise.
A young girl, no more than seven years old, sprang forth with surprising ferocity, brandishing a hammer with determination beyond her years. Luke's reflexes kicked in, barely managing to evade the girl's makeshift weapon.
"Whoa!" Luke exclaimed, grappling with the girl to disarm her.
The little girl's features were etched with fear, her tangled blond hair framing her determined expression. She fought with the desperation of someone who had faced monsters before, her eyes wide with defiance.
"It's okay!" Luke reassured her, struggling to maintain control. "Thalia, put your shield up. You're scaring her."
Thalia complied, her shield transforming into a gleaming silver bracelet. "Hey, it's all right," she said soothingly. "We're not going to hurt you. I'm Thalia. This is Luke."
"Monsters!" the girl protested, her voice trembling with fear.
"No," Luke promised earnestly. "But we know all about monsters. We fight them too."
Gradually, the girl's struggles subsided, her wary gaze fixed on Luke and Thalia with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.
"You're like me?" she ventured cautiously.
"Yeah," Luke affirmed with a smile. "We're... well, it's hard to explain, but we're monster fighters. Where's your family?"
The girl's expression darkened with sadness. "My family hates me," she confessed. "They don't want me. I ran away."
Thalia and Luke exchanged knowing glances, their empathy evident in their eyes as they listened to the girl's plight.
"What's your name, kiddo?" Thalia asked gently.
"Annabeth," the girl replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luke's smile widened. "Nice name, Annabeth. I tell you what, Annabeth—you're pretty fierce. We could use a fighter like you."
Annabeth's eyes widened with disbelief. "You could?"
"Oh, yeah," Luke affirmed, extending his knife towards her. "How'd you like a real monster-slaying weapon? This is Celestial bronze. Works a lot better than a hammer."
Percy watched, his heart swelling with admiration as Annabeth's eyes sparkled with newfound hope. In that moment, he knew that their lives would never be the same.
nder most circumstances, offering a seven-year-old kid a knife would not be a good idea, but when you were a half-blood, regular rules kind of go out the window.
Annabeth gripped the hilt of the knife, her small fingers wrapping around it with a mixture of trepidation and determination.
"Knives are only for the bravest and quickest fighters," Luke explained, his voice carrying a sense of gravity that belied his young age. "They don't have the reach or power of a sword, but they're easy to conceal and they can find weak spots in your enemy's armor. It takes a clever warrior to use a knife. I have a feeling you're pretty clever."
Annabeth stared up at him with adoration shining in her eyes. "I am!"
Thalia grinned, her expression a mix of pride and camaraderie. "We'd better get going, Annabeth. We have a safe house on the James River. We'll get you some clothes and food."
"You're... you're not going to take me back to my family?" Annabeth asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Promise?"
Luke placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his gaze unwavering. "You're part of our family now. And I promise I won't let anything hurt you. I'm not going to fail you like our families did us. Deal?"
"Deal!" Annabeth exclaimed happily, her trust in Luke unwavering.
"Now, come on," Thalia urged, her voice filled with urgency. "We can't stay put for long!"
The scene shifted, and the three demigods were running through the woods. It must've been several days later, maybe even weeks. All of them looked worn and weary, bearing the scars of battles fought and hardships endured. Annabeth was clad in new clothes—jeans and an oversize army jacket that hung off her small frame.
"Just a little farther!" Luke encouraged, his voice strained with exhaustion. Annabeth stumbled, and he reached out to steady her, his grip firm and reassuring. Thalia brought up the rear, her shield raised high as if to ward off whatever pursued them. She was limping on her left leg, a testament to the trials they had faced.
They scrambled to a ridge and looked down the other side at a white Colonial house—May Castellan's place.
"All right," Luke said, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I'll just sneak in and grab some food and medicine. Wait here."
"Luke, are you sure?" Thalia questioned, her brow furrowed with concern. "You swore you'd never come back here. If she catches you—"
"We don't have a choice!" Luke growled, his frustration evident. "They burned our nearest safe house. And you've got to treat that leg wound."
"This is your house?" Annabeth asked, her eyes wide with amazement.
"It was my house," Luke muttered, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice. "Believe me, if it wasn't an emergency—"
"Is your mom really horrible?" Annabeth inquired innocently. "Can we see her?"
"No!" Luke snapped, his tone sharper than intended.
Annabeth recoiled, surprise flickering in her eyes at Luke's sudden outburst.
"I... I'm sorry," he said quickly, his expression softening. "Just wait here. I promise everything will be okay. Nothing's going to hurt you. I'll be back—"
A brilliant golden flash illuminated the woods, momentarily blinding the demigods. Percy's knees buckled, but Kai and Annabeth caught him before he could fall.
"Percy!" Annabeth exclaimed, her voice filled with concern. "What happened?"
Percy struggled to regain his bearings, his mind still reeling from the vision he had just witnessed. "Did—did you see that?" he asked, his voice shaky.
"See what?" Kai inquired, her brow furrowed with worry.
Percy glanced at Hestia, seeking answers in her expression, but the goddess remained impassive. He recalled her words from earlier: "If you are to understand your enemy Luke, you must understand his family." But why had she shown him those scenes?
"How long was I out?" Percy muttered, his thoughts racing.
Annabeth's confusion deepened. "Percy, you weren't out at all," she replied, her voice tinged with concern. "You just looked at Hestia for, like, one second and collapsed."
Percy could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on him. He couldn't afford to appear weak, not now. Whatever those visions meant, he had to stay focused on the mission.
"Um, Lady Hestia," Percy began, addressing the goddess, "we've come on urgent business. We need to see—"
"We know what you need," a man's voice interrupted him, sending a shiver down Percy's spine. It was the same voice he'd heard in the vision.
A figure materialized next to Hestia, appearing like a man in his mid-twenties with curly salt-and-pepper hair and elfin features. He wore a military pilot's flight suit adorned with tiny birds' wings, and in the crook of his arm was a long staff entwined with two living serpents.
"I will leave you now," Hestia announced before vanishing into smoke, leaving Percy to face the imposing figure before him.
"Hello, Percy," the man greeted, his brow furrowed in annoyance. Percy wondered if he somehow knew about the vision Percy had just experienced.
Percy bowed awkwardly. "Lord Hermes."
"Oh, sure, one of the snakes said in Percy's mind. Don't say hi to us. We're just reptiles."
"Hello, George," Percy replied, trying to maintain his composure. "Hey, Martha."
"Did you bring us a rat?" George inquired.
"George, stop it," Martha scolded. "He's busy!"
Percy decided it was best not to engage further with the serpents. "Um, Hermes," he continued, addressing the god directly, "we need to talk to Zeus. It's important."
Hermes's eyes turned cold as steel. "I am his messenger. May I take a message?"
Behind Percy, the other demigods shifted restlessly, sensing that their plan was not unfolding as expected. Perhaps, Percy thought, it would be better to speak with Hermes in private...
"You guys," Percy said, his voice echoing through the cavernous throne room. "Why don't you do a sweep of the city? Check the defenses. See who's left in Olympus. Meet Annabeth, Kai, and me back here in thirty minutes."
Silena frowned, uncertainty etched on her features. "But—"
"That's a good idea," Annabeth interjected, her tone decisive. "Connor and Travis, you two lead."
The Stolls seemed to relish the responsibility bestowed upon them, their chests puffing out with newfound importance. "We're on it!" Travis exclaimed, his grin wide. They swiftly ushered the others out of the throne room, leaving Annabeth, Kai, and Percy alone with Hermes.
"My lord," Annabeth began, her voice filled with urgency. "Kronos is going to attack New York. You must suspect that. My mother must have foreseen it."
"Your mother," Hermes grumbled, irritation evident in his tone. He absently scratched his back with his caduceus, eliciting a chorus of 'Ows' from George and Martha, his serpentine companions. "Don't get me started on your mother, young lady. She's the reason I'm here at all. Zeus didn't want any of us to leave the front line. But your mother kept pestering him nonstop, 'It's a trap, it's a diversion, blah, blah, blah.' She wanted to come back herself, but Zeus was not going to let his number one strategist leave his side while we're battling Typhon. And so naturally, he sent me to talk to you."
"But it is a trap!" Annabeth insisted, her voice rising with frustration. "Is Zeus blind?"
Thunder rumbled ominously through the sky, a silent reminder of Zeus's power.
"I'd watch the comments, girl," Hermes warned, his gaze stern. "Zeus is not blind or deaf. He has not left Olympus completely undefended."
"But there are these blue lights—" Annabeth pressed on, her determination unwavering.
"Yes, yes. I saw them," Hermes conceded, his expression begrudging. "Some mischief by that insufferable goddess of magic, Hecate, I'd wager, but you may have noticed they aren't doing any damage. Olympus has strong magical wards. Besides, Aeolus, the King of the Winds, has sent his most powerful minions to guard the citadel. No one save the gods can approach Olympus from the air. They would be knocked out of the sky."
Percy raised a hesitant hand, his brow furrowed with concern. "Um... what about that materializing/teleporting thing you guys do?"
"That's a form of air travel too, Jackson," Hermes explained, his tone tinged with impatience. "Very fast, but the wind gods are faster. No, if Kronos wants Olympus, he'll have to march through the entire city with his army and take the elevators! Can you see him doing this?"
Despite Hermes's attempt to lighten the mood, Percy couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom that lingered in the air.
"Maybe just a few of you could come back," Percy suggested, his voice tinged with desperation.
Hermes shook his head adamantly. "Percy Jackson, you don't understand. Typhon is our greatest enemy."
"I thought that was Kronos," Percy interjected, confusion evident in his tone.
The god's eyes blazed with intensity. "No, Percy. In the old days, Olympus was almost overthrown by Typhon. He is the husband of Echidna—"
"Met her at the Arch," Percy muttered, recalling his encounter with the monstrous mother of all monsters. "Not nice."
"—and the father of all monsters," Hermes continued, ignoring Percy's aside. "We can never forget how close he came to destroying us all; how he humiliated us! We were more powerful back in the old days. Now we can expect no help from Poseidon because he's fighting his own war. Hades sits in his realm and does nothing, and Demeter and Persephone follow his lead. It will take all our remaining power to oppose the storm giant. We can't divide our forces, nor wait until he gets to New York. We have to battle him now. And we're making progress."
"Progress?" Kai interjected, her voice laced with skepticism. "He nearly destroyed St. Louis."
"Yes," Hermes admitted reluctantly. "But he destroyed only half of Kentucky. He's slowing down. Losing power."
Percy wanted to believe Hermes's words, but they rang hollow in his ears. It sounded more like the god was trying to convince himself than anyone else.
In the corner, the Ophiotaurus let out a mournful moo, its presence a haunting reminder of the looming threat.
"Please, Hermes," Annabeth implored, her gaze pleading. "You said my mother wanted to come. Did she give you any messages for us?"
Hermes's expression softened slightly, a flicker of sympathy crossing his features. "Messages," he muttered, his tone tinged with bitterness. "'It'll be a great job,' they told me. 'Not much work. Lots of worshippers.' Hmph. Nobody cares what I have to say. It's always about other people's messages."
The serpents, George and Martha, exchanged a glance before leaning in close to whisper something in Hermes's ear.
"Bah," Hermes grumbled, his irritation evident. "Your mother said to warn you that you are on your own. You must hold Manhattan without the help of the gods. As if I didn't know that. Why they pay her to be the wisdom goddess, I'm not sure."
"Anything else?" Annabeth pressed, her gaze unwavering.
"She said you should try plan twenty-three," Hermes added, a note of concern creeping into his voice. "She said you would know what that meant."
Annabeth's complexion paled at the mention of plan twenty-three, her apprehension palpable. "Go on."
Hermes sighed, his gaze shifting to Percy. "She said to tell Percy: 'Remember the rivers.' And, um—something about staying away from her daughter."
Percy felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, the weight of Annabeth's gaze heavy upon him.
"Thank you, Hermes," Annabeth said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I—I wanted to say... I'm sorry about Luke."
The god's expression hardened, his features etched with sorrow and regret. "You should've left that subject alone," he admonished, his tone sharp.
Annabeth recoiled, her apology met with unexpected hostility. "Sorry?"
"SORRY doesn't cut it!" Hermes's voice thundered through the chamber, echoing off the walls with a force that made Percy's heart race.
The serpents coiled around the caduceus, their presence adding to the tension that crackled in the air.
"You should've saved him when you had the chance," Hermes growled at Annabeth, his anger palpable. "You're the only one who could have."
Percy couldn't stand by and watch Annabeth take the brunt of Hermes's wrath. "Maybe you should blame yourself!" he interjected, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. "Maybe if you hadn't abandoned Luke and his mom!"
Hermes's gaze hardened, his anger redirected towards Percy. The room seemed to shrink as the god loomed larger, his form towering over them like a specter of vengeance.
"Well, that's it," Percy thought grimly, bracing himself for the inevitable confrontation.
But just as Hermes prepared to strike, Olympus plunged into darkness. The air turned cold, the once-bright chamber now shrouded in shadows. Only the flickering flames of the brazier remained, casting an eerie glow that danced across the faces of those present.
"Stop!" Kai's voice pierced through the darkness, her tone commanding and authoritative. "We're already at war, in-fighting is only going to make Kronos's job easier!"
Percy was taken aback by Kai's sudden outburst—she had always been the calm and composed one of their trio, her words measured and thoughtful. He had never seen her display such raw emotion before, and it sent a shiver down his spine.
But war changed people, even when they wished it wouldn't.
Hermes turned his steely gaze towards Kai, but to Percy's surprise, she stood her ground without flinching, her resolve unwavering in the face of the god's wrath.
George and Martha whispered something in Hermes's ear, their words a silent plea for reason.
Hermes clenched his teeth, his expression taut with tension. Slowly, he lowered the caduceus, the weapon transforming back into a staff.
"Kailani Hawea," he addressed her, his voice strained with emotion, "because of your destiny, I have no choice but to spare you. And your friend here"—he shot a glare in Percy's direction—"will live only because he is in the hands of the Fates now. But he will never speak to me like that again. He has no idea how much I sacrificed, how much—"
Kai's demeanor softened as Hermes's voice faltered, his words a poignant reminder of the god's own suffering.
"Look, Lord Hermes," Percy interjected, eager to steer the conversation away from confrontation. "I'm sorry, but I need to know. What happened to May? She said something about Luke's fate, and her eyes—"
Hermes's gaze bore into Percy's, his eyes filled with a pain that cut deeper than any blade. "I will leave you now," he said tersely, his voice heavy with emotion. "I have a war to fight."
With a burst of blinding light, Hermes vanished from the chamber, leaving Percy and the others in stunned silence.
"Good luck, Percy," Martha whispered, her voice a comforting presence in the darkness.
Percy watched as the flames danced in the brazier, their flickering glow casting shadows that seemed to dance with the echoes of Hermes's departure. In the quiet of the throne room, the weight of their conversation hung heavy in the air, a somber reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.
ততততত
Annabeth sat at the foot of her mother's throne, her tears falling like raindrops on parched earth. Kai could only sit beside her, her presence a silent offering of support amidst the storm of emotions.
"Annabeth," Percy said, his voice gentle yet firm, "it's not your fault. I've never seen Hermes act that way. I guess... I don't know... he probably feels guilty about Luke. He's looking for somebody to blame. I don't know why he lashed out at you. You didn't do anything to deserve that."
Annabeth wiped her eyes, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the hearth as if searching for answers in their dancing light.
Percy shifted uneasily, his discomfort palpable in the air. "Um, you didn't, right?"
She didn't answer immediately, her silence hanging heavy between them like a shroud.
"Percy," she finally said, her voice laden with a mixture of sorrow and confusion, "what did you mean about Luke's mother? Did you meet her?"
Percy nodded slowly, his expression somber as he recounted his encounter with May Castellan, and the unsettling moment when her eyes had glowed with an otherworldly light as she spoke of her son's fate.
Annabeth frowned, her brow furrowed in thought. "That doesn't make sense. But why were you visiting—" Her eyes widened with realization. "Hermes said you bear the curse of Achilles. Hestia said the same thing. Did you . . . did you bathe in the River Styx?"
Percy hesitated, his gaze shifting uncomfortably. "Um... maybe a little."
He told her the story, omitting certain details, though the blush that stained his cheeks betrayed more than his words revealed.
Annabeth shook her head in disbelief. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"
"I had no choice," Percy insisted, his voice tinged with determination. "It's the only way I can stand up to Luke."
"You mean... di immortales, of course! That's why Luke didn't die. He went to the Styx and—Oh no, Luke. What were you thinking?" Annabeth's voice trailed off, her thoughts consumed by worry for her former friend.
"So now you're worried about Luke again," Percy muttered, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.
Annabeth's gaze softened, her eyes searching Percy's face as if seeking reassurance amidst the chaos. "What?"
"Forget it," Percy grumbled. "The point is—he didn't die in the Styx. Neither did I. Now I have to face him. We have to defend Olympus."
Annabeth's attention shifted to her pack, her fingers deftly retrieving Daedalus's laptop. The blue Delta symbol glowed ominously as she powered it on, her expression grave as she delved into its contents.
"One of Daedalus's inventions?" Kai ventured, her curiosity piqued by the mention of the enigmatic craftsman.
"A lot of inventions... dangerous ones," Annabeth confirmed, her brows furrowing in concern as she scanned the files. "If my mom wants me to use this plan, she must think things are very bad."
Kai shook her head, her mind racing with questions. "What about her message to Percy: 'Remember the rivers'? What could that mean?"
Percy shook his head, equally puzzled by Athena's cryptic advice.
Just then, the Stolls burst into the throne room, their urgency evident in their hurried footsteps and breathless expressions.
"You need to see this," Connor said, his voice urgent. "Now."
ততততত
The blue lights in the sky had ceased, leaving Kai initially puzzled about the situation unfolding before her.
Gathered in a small park perched on the edge of the mountain, the other campers clustered around the guardrail, their eyes fixed on the sprawling expanse of Manhattan below. The railing bristled with tourist binoculars, each awaiting its turn to reveal the mysteries of the city with the deposit of a single golden drachma. Campers eagerly lined up, peering through the lenses with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
Kai lowered her gaze to the cityscape spread out below. From this vantage point, she could discern the intricate web of the East River and the Hudson River tracing their paths through the heart of Manhattan. The grid of streets, illuminated by the twinkling lights of skyscrapers, stretched out before her like a labyrinth waiting to be explored. Yet, despite the familiar sights, an eerie sense of unease settled over her.
"It's so... quiet," Annabeth remarked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
That was the crux of the matter. Even from their elevated perch, the bustling metropolis below should have echoed with the cacophony of urban life—the constant thrum of activity, the symphony of car horns and bustling crowds. Yet, now, an unsettling silence pervaded the air, shrouding the city in an unnatural stillness.
"What did they do?" Percy's voice resonated with anger, his fists clenched in frustration. "What did they do to my city?"
He shoved Michael Yew aside and peered through the binoculars, his gaze piercing through the veil of darkness that had descended upon Manhattan.
Drew beckoned Kai over, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. With a sense of foreboding, Kai obliged, raising the binoculars to her eyes and adjusting the focus.
Through the lenses, the streets below appeared frozen in time. Traffic had come to a standstill, vehicles abandoned in the midst of their journey. Pedestrians lay scattered across the sidewalks, their bodies motionless and prone. Yet, there was no evidence of violence or chaos—no overturned cars or shattered windows. It was as if the entire populace of New York City had succumbed to a collective slumber, their bodies succumbing to the tranquil embrace of sleep.
"Are they dead?" Silena's voice quivered with disbelief, her eyes wide with shock.
"Morpheus has put the entire island of Manhattan to sleep," Percy declared grimly, his jaw set in determination. "The invasion has begun."
ততততত
The night had cast its shadow over the city, draping it in a veil of silence and stillness. Only the hellhound seemed to revel in the slumbering streets, her tail wagging eagerly as she indulged in her impromptu feast at the overturned hot-dog stand. Meanwhile, the owner lay curled up on the sidewalk, oblivious to the chaos unfolding around him, lost in the tranquility of sleep.
As Percy, Kai, and their companions approached, they were met by the watchful gaze of Argus, the guardian with a hundred eyes. His expression betrayed his unease, his myriad eyes darting back and forth in silent agitation. Though he never spoke—a consequence, it was said, of having an eyeball on his tongue—his silent demeanor spoke volumes, revealing the depth of his concern.
Percy wasted no time in relaying the news they had learned in Olympus, the grim reality that the gods would not be coming to their aid. Argus's reaction was palpable, his eyes swirling with disgust at the thought of the gods' abandonment.
"You'd better get back to camp," Percy urged him, his voice tinged with urgency. "Guard it as best as you can."
Kai chewed nervously on her lip, her thoughts consumed by the safety of the youngest campers left behind at Camp Half-Blood. With only Peleus to protect them, they were vulnerable to the looming threat of Kronos. She couldn't shake the fear that Kronos would show no mercy, sparing neither child nor demigod in his quest for power.
Sensing Kai's apprehension, Percy placed a reassuring hand on her arm before she could slip away. Kai whistled sharply, summoning her loyal warriors to her side with practiced ease.
"Diomedes, is still with my grandfather?" Kai inquired, her voice tinged with concern.
"Yes," Leonidas confirmed, his tone grave. "Your grandfather is a very stubborn man."
Kai managed a weak smile, though it lacked its usual brightness. "Yeah," she agreed, her thoughts returning to the task at hand. "Back on topic, Kostas, I need you to do what we did last time. Go back to camp, take twenty warriors with you, and protect the children, including the Ares' cabin."
"Should I inform the children of what's happening?" Kostas asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"No point in lying," Kai replied with a shrug. "They need to be aware of the danger, to understand what they're up against and what could happen."
With a solemn nod, Kostas signaled his understanding, his gaze reflecting the gravity of their situation.
Kostas nodded, his form dissolving into the whispering wind, leaving behind only the echo of his departure.
"Penthesilea," Kai commanded, her voice firm yet tinged with concern, "search for my mother. Ensure she's safe and secure. After that, locate Sally Jackson and Paul Blofis. Take them to my mother's side so that when they awaken, they'll be together."
Penthesilea nodded solemnly, her gaze reflecting the gravity of the task ahead, before vanishing into the shadows with purpose.
Turning to Leonidas, Kai's expression softened with determination. "Gather a group," she instructed, her voice ringing with authority. "Escort all the mortals off the streets and into safe havens—medical centers, hospitals, food banks, wherever they'll find refuge. Once you've ensured their safety, return and prepare for battle."
As Leonidas nodded in understanding and swiftly departed to carry out his orders, Kai continued to lay out her plans. "I'll still need warriors at hand," she murmured to herself, her mind already strategizing the next moves. "Everywhere, surrounding Manhattan. And most importantly, I have a special group of friends on their way. Anyone with an arrow goes with them."
Penthesilea interjected, her voice laced with curiosity, "This special group, how will we identify them?"
A smirk tugged at Kai's lips as she replied, "Look for an abundance of the color silver."
With a nod of comprehension, Penthesilea and her companions vanished, leaving Kai to stand in the wake of her decisions.
Taking a deep breath, Kai turned back to Annabeth and Percy, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and uncertainty. "Yes," Annabeth confirmed, her voice resolute. "I think it's time."
Kai furrowed her brow, curiosity piqued. "For what?" she inquired.
Argus, ever the stalwart guardian, rummaged through the back of his van, retrieving a bronze shield which he passed to Annabeth. As the shield touched the ground, its reflective surface shimmered with an ethereal glow, transforming from the mundane to the extraordinary.
"A video shield," Percy marveled, his eyes widening with awe.
"One of Daedalus's creations," Annabeth explained, her gaze focused on the shield's mesmerizing display. "Beckendorf crafted it before—" She hesitated, glancing briefly at Silena before continuing. "Anyway, the shield harnesses sunlight or moonlight from anywhere in the world to create a reflection. You can literally see any target under the sun or moon, as long as natural light touches it."
The group gathered around as Annabeth concentrated, the image on the shield shifting and swirling with fluid motion. Kai couldn't help but feel a twinge of motion sickness as she watched the scene unfold. They were transported from the tranquility of Central Park Zoo to the bustling streets of East 60th, then onto Third Avenue past Bloomingdale's.
"Whoa," Connor exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "Back up. Zoom in right there."
Annabeth complied, adjusting the view as Connor pointed out their target with a mischievous grin. However, Katie's admonition brought a sobering reminder of the gravity of their situation.
As Annabeth manipulated the shield once more, a new scene emerged—FDR Drive, overlooking Lighthouse Park across the river.
"This will allow us to monitor the city's activities," Annabeth explained, gratitude evident in her tone as she turned to Argus. "Thank you, Argus. Hopefully, we'll see you back at camp... someday."
With a nod of appreciation, Kai's gaze lingered on the shield's reflection, her mind already racing with plans for the challenges that lay ahead.
Argus grunted as he climbed into his van, the engine roaring to life as he and the two harpy drivers swerved away, navigating through the clusters of idle cars that littered the road like forgotten toys.
Percy whistled for Mrs. O'Leary, and the massive hellhound came bounding over, her tail wagging excitedly.
"Hey, girl," Percy greeted her, his voice tinged with urgency. "You remember Grover? The satyr we met in the park?"
"WOOF!" Mrs. O'Leary barked in response, her loyalty evident in her bright eyes.
"I need you to find him," Percy continued, his tone serious. "Make sure he's still awake. We're going to need his help. You got that? Find Grover!"
Mrs. O'Leary responded with a sloppy wet kiss before racing off to fulfill Percy's command, her powerful form disappearing into the distance.
Meanwhile, Pollux crouched next to a sleeping policeman, confusion evident in his expression. "I don't get it. Why didn't we fall asleep too? Why just the mortals?"
"This is a huge spell," Silena explained, her voice calm despite the urgency of the situation. "The bigger the spell, the easier it is to resist. If you want to sleep millions of mortals, you've got to cast a very thin layer of magic. Sleeping demigods is much harder."
Kai listened intently, her curiosity piqued by Silena's unexpected knowledge of magic.
"When did you learn so much about magic?" Kai asked, her admiration evident in her voice.
Silena blushed, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I don't spend all my time on my wardrobe, Kai," she confessed sheepishly.
"Guys," Annabeth called out, drawing their attention to the shield. "You'd better see this."
The bronze image displayed Long Island Sound near LaGuardia, revealing a fleet of a dozen speed boats racing through the dark water towards Manhattan, their occupants clad in full Greek armor. At the back of the lead boat, a purple banner emblazoned with a black scythe fluttered in the night wind—an ominous symbol of Kronos's impending assault.
"Scan the perimeter of the island," Percy instructed, his voice firm with determination. "Quick."
Annabeth complied, shifting the scene south to the harbor, where a Staten Island Ferry plowed through the waves near Ellis Island, its deck crowded with dracaenae and hellhounds. Swimming in front of the ship was a pod of marine mammals—telkhines, the dog-demons from Mount Tam.
The scene shifted once more, this time to the Jersey shore, where a horde of monsters marched past the lanes of stopped traffic, their menacing presence sending shivers down Kai's spine.
"What's happening with the mortals outside Manhattan?" Percy inquired, his brow furrowed with concern. "Is the whole state asleep?"
Annabeth frowned, her expression troubled. "I don't think so, but it's strange. As far as I can tell from these pictures, Manhattan is totally asleep. Then there's like a fifty-mile radius around the island where time is running really, really slow. The closer you get to Manhattan, the slower it is."
She showed them another scene—a New Jersey highway—where the traffic moved at a snail's pace, the drivers seemingly unaware of the unnatural phenomenon unfolding around them.
"Kronos," Percy surmised, his voice heavy with foreboding. "He's slowing time."
"Hecate might be helping," Katie suggested, her eyes scanning the images with a keen gaze. "Look how the cars are all veering away from the Manhattan exits, like they're getting a subconscious message to turn back."
"I don't know," Annabeth admitted, her frustration evident in her tone. "But somehow they've surrounded Manhattan in layers of magic. The outside world might not even realize something is wrong. Any mortals coming toward Manhattan will slow down so much they won't know what's happening."
"It's like flies in amber," Jake Mason murmured, his words echoing the sentiments of the group.
Annabeth nodded in agreement. "We shouldn't expect any help coming in."
Kai's muscles tensed with apprehension as the gravity of the situation settled upon her. The shield had revealed at least three hundred enemies approaching, and there were only forty of them.
And they were on their own.
But Percy's voice cut through the tension, his determination unwavering. "All right," he declared. "We're going to hold Manhattan."
Silena tugged at her armor, her uncertainty palpable. "Um, Percy, Manhattan is huge."
"We are going to hold it," Percy insisted, his confidence unshakeable. "We have to."
"He's right," Annabeth affirmed, her voice steady with resolve. "The gods of the wind should keep Kronos's forces away from Olympus by air, so he'll try a ground assault. We have to cut off the entrances to the island."
"They have boats," Michael Yew pointed out, his expression troubled.
"I'll take care of the boats," Percy assured him, his tone confident despite the daunting task ahead.
Michael frowned, skepticism evident in his gaze. "How?"
"Just leave it to me," Percy said cryptically, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We need to guard the bridges and tunnels. Let's assume they'll try a midtown or downtown assault, at least on their first try. That would be the most direct way to the Empire State Building. Michael, take Apollo's cabin to the Williamsburg Bridge. Katie, Demeter's cabin takes the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Grow thorn bushes and poison ivy in the tunnel. Do whatever you have to do, but keep them out of there! Conner, take half of Hermes cabin and cover the Manhattan Bridge. Travis, you take the other half and cover the Brooklyn Bridge. And no stopping for looting or pillaging!"
The Hermes cabin protested with playful groans and whines, but Percy's tone brooked no argument.
"Silena, take the Aphrodite crew to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel," Percy continued, his voice commanding.
"Oh my gods," Drew exclaimed, her eyes alight with mischief. "Fifth Avenue's on the way. Monsters hate the smell of Givenchy."
"No delays," Percy reiterated, his gaze firm. "Well... the perfume thing, if you think it'll work."
Drew grinned, her confidence unwavering. "Hell yeah."
"The Holland Tunnel," Percy pressed on, his attention shifting to Jake. "Jake—take Hephaestus cabin down there. Use Greek fire, set traps. Whatever you've got."
Jake's grin mirrored Drew's, his determination evident in his eyes. "Gladly. We've got a score to settle. For Beckendorf!"
The entire cabin erupted into cheers, their voices echoing with a fierce determination.
"The 59th Street Bridge," Percy continued, his gaze searching for Clarisse. But she wasn't there. The realization struck him with a pang of regret. The Ares cabin was still back at camp.
"We'll take that," Annabeth interjected, stepping in to save Percy from an awkward silence. She turned to her siblings, her voice steady and authoritative. "Malcolm, take the Athena cabin, activate plan twenty-three along the way, just like I showed you. Hold that position."
Malcolm nodded, his expression serious as he prepared to carry out his orders.
"I'll go with Percy and Kai," Annabeth declared, her resolve unwavering. "Then we'll join you—or we'll go wherever we're needed."
"No detours," Drew teased, her voice laced with amusement.
Kai shot her a glare, but Drew only smirked in response.
"All right," Percy said, his voice commanding. "Keep in touch with cell phones."
"We don't have cell phones," Silena protested, her confusion evident.
Percy didn't miss a beat, reaching down to pick up a nearby snoring lady's BlackBerry before tossing it to Silena. "You do now. You all know Annabeth's number, right? If you need us, pick up a random phone and call us. Use it once, drop it, then borrow another one if you have to. That should make it harder for the monsters to zero in on you."
The group grinned in approval, clearly liking the idea.
Travis cleared his throat, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Uh, if we find a really nice phone—"
"No, you can't keep it," Percy interjected firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Aw, man," Travis lamented, though his playful expression betrayed his disappointment.
With their plans set and their resolve steeled, the demigods prepared to face the impending battle, their hearts united in a common cause: to defend Manhattan against the forces of Kronos, no matter the cost.
"Hold it, Percy," Jake Mason's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "You forgot the Lincoln Tunnel."
His words struck Percy like a lightning bolt. He had overlooked a crucial entry point, leaving it vulnerable to the enemy's advance. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him as he realized the gravity of his oversight.
Then, a voice, clear and determined, pierced the air from across the street: "How about you leave that to us?"
All eyes turned to the source of the voice. A band of thirty adolescent girls emerged, their presence commanding attention as they strode purposefully down Fifth Avenue. Clad in white shirts, silvery camouflage pants, and combat boots, they exuded an aura of strength and unity. Swords at their sides, quivers on their backs, and bows at the ready, they were a force to be reckoned with. At their feet, white timber wolves prowled, and hunting falcons perched proudly on their arms.
Leading the group was a girl with spiky black hair and a black leather jacket. A silver circlet adorned her head, a stark contrast to the skull earrings dangling from her ears and the Death to Barbie T-shirt she wore with defiance. It was Thalia, daughter of Zeus, and her arrival brought a wave of relief to the campers.
"Thalia!" Annabeth's voice rang out, filled with both surprise and delight.
Thalia grinned, her eyes sparkling with determination. "The Hunters of Artemis, reporting for duty."
Hugs were exchanged, albeit reluctantly from the Hunters, who maintained their aloof demeanor even in the face of camaraderie. But Thalia's presence was a reassurance to all, a reminder of the strength and unity they shared.
"Where have you been the last year?" Percy inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Thalia chuckled, her laughter ringing out like a clarion call. "Long story. But I bet my adventures were more dangerous than yours, Jackson."
Percy raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Complete lie."
"We'll see," Thalia retorted, her eyes dancing with mischief. "After this is over, you, Kai, Annabeth, and me: cheeseburgers and fries at Le Parker Meridien on West 57th."
"Deal," Percy agreed with a grin. "And Thalia—thanks."
She waved off his gratitude with a casual shrug. "Those monsters won't know what hit them. Hunters, move out!"
With a swift motion, Thalia activated her silver bracelet, summoning the shield Aegis into full form. The horrifying visage of Medusa's golden head sent shivers down the spines of the campers, but they stood their ground, emboldened by Thalia's leadership.
The Hunters, accompanied by their wolves and falcons, surged forward, their determination palpable in the air. Kai watched them go, feeling a surge of hope swell within her chest. With the Hunters on the move, she knew the Lincoln Tunnel would be safe for now.
"Thank the gods," Annabeth breathed, her relief evident in her voice. "But if we don't blockade the rivers from those boats, guarding the bridges and tunnels will be pointless."
"You're right," Percy agreed, his gaze sweeping over the determined faces of their comrades.
In the back of her mind, Kai knew that some of them might not make it through this battle. The thought weighed heavily on her heart, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. They were heroes, each and every one of them, and they would fight bravely until the end.
"You're the greatest heroes of this millennium," Percy declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "It doesn't matter how many monsters come at you. Fight bravely, and we will win."
With a resounding cry, Percy raised Riptide high, the blade gleaming in the dim light of dawn. "FOR OLYMPUS!"
The campers echoed his cry, their voices rising in unison as they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. In that moment, amidst the quiet streets of New York City, their resolve was unyielding, their determination unwavering.
For they were heroes, united in purpose, ready to stand against the forces of darkness and protect the world they called home. And as their voices echoed off the buildings of Midtown, it was not just a battle cry—it was a testament to their strength, their courage, and their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
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Kai, Annabeth, and Percy navigated through the gridlocked streets of New York City, their Vespa buzzing through the eerie calm that had settled over the city. It was as if Morpheus himself had cast a spell, putting engines and people alike into a deep slumber.
Their journey was slow, punctuated by the occasional ringing of cell phones and the sight of sleeping pedestrians scattered along the sidewalks. They stopped to move unconscious bodies out of harm's way and to extinguish a fire that had erupted from a pretzel vendor's cart.
As they passed Madison Square Park, Annabeth called for them to pull over. They found her staring at a bronze statue on a red marble pedestal—a figure frozen in time, yet poised for action.
"Why do we care about..." Percy squinted at the name on the pedestal. "William H. Steward?"
"Seward," Annabeth corrected, her gaze fixed on the statue. "He was a New York governor. Minor demigod—son of Hebe, I think. But that's not important. It's the statue I care about."
She climbed onto a park bench and examined the base of the statue.
"Don't tell me he's an automaton," Kai remarked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Annabeth smiled knowingly. "Turns out most of the statues in the city are automatons. Daedalus planted them here just in case he needed an army."
"To attack Olympus or defend it?" Percy pondered aloud.
Annabeth shrugged, her expression grave. "Either one. That was plan twenty-three. He could activate one statue, and it would start activating its brethren all over the city, until there was an army. It's dangerous, though. You know how unpredictable automatons are."
"Uh-huh," Percy murmured, memories of past encounters with automatons flashing through his mind. "You're seriously thinking about activating it?"
"I have Daedalus's notes," Annabeth said confidently. "I think I can... Ah, here we go."
She pressed the tip of Seward's boot, and the statue sprang to life, its quill and paper poised for action.
"What's he going to do?" Percy quipped. "Take a memo?"
"Shh," Annabeth hushed him. "Hello, William."
"Bill," Percy suggested.
"No, that doesn't make any sense," Kai interjected. "Do, Will."
"Bill, Will... Oh, shut up," Annabeth retorted, her focus on the statue.
Seward tilted his head, his metallic gaze fixed on the trio.
Annabeth cleared her throat. "Hello, er, Governor Seward. Command sequence: Daedalus Twenty-three. Defend Manhattan. Begin Activation."
With a resounding thud, Seward leaped off his pedestal, his heavy footsteps cracking the sidewalk as he marched off into the distance.
"He's probably going to wake up Confucius," Annabeth speculated.
"What?" Percy exclaimed.
"Another statue, on Division," Annabeth explained. "The point is, they'll keep waking each other up until they're all activated."
"And then?" Percy inquired, his tone tinged with uncertainty.
"Hopefully, they defend Manhattan," Annabeth replied, her voice laced with determination.
"Do they know that we're not the enemy?" Percy pressed for reassurance.
"I think so," Annabeth affirmed, her confidence unwavering.
"That's reassuring," Percy remarked, though his expression betrayed his lingering doubts.
As they contemplated the implications of their actions, a ball of green light exploded in the evening sky, casting an ominous glow over the city.
"We have to hurry," Percy declared, a sense of urgency in his voice. And with that, they sprinted back to the waiting Vespa, their mission to defend Manhattan now more critical than ever.
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They parked outside Battery Park, the lower tip of Manhattan where the Hudson and East Rivers converged, forming a bustling gateway into the bay.
"Wait here," Percy instructed Kai and Annabeth, his tone firm with determination.
"Percy, you shouldn't go alone," Annabeth protested, her concern evident in her furrowed brow.
"Well, unless you can breathe underwater..." Percy trailed off, his expression teasing.
Annabeth sighed in frustration. "You are so annoying sometimes."
"Like when I'm right? Trust me, I'll be fine. I've got the curse of Achilles now. I'm all invincible and stuff," Percy assured, a confident grin spreading across his face.
''You're not Superman,'' Kai interjected with a scowl, her voice laced with concern.
''Duh, Superman isn't invincible,'' Percy retorted with a playful smirk.
Despite Percy's bravado, Annabeth remained unconvinced. "Just be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you. I mean, because we need you for the battle," she said, her worry palpable.
Percy flashed a confident grin. "Back in a flash."
With that, he clambered down the shoreline and waded into the water, leaving Kai and Annabeth alone to wait in tense anticipation.
As Percy disappeared into the depths, Kai fidgeted nervously, her thoughts racing as she tried to process the recent events. She stole glances at Annabeth, feeling a mix of apprehension and longing swirling within her. She needed to talk to both Percy and Annabeth, to clear the air and address the lingering tension between them.
"You're acting weird," Annabeth remarked, her keen observation piercing through Kai's attempts to mask her emotions.
"No, I'm not," Kai denied, though her words lacked conviction.
Annabeth raised a skeptical eyebrow, her gaze steady. "Yes, you are," she insisted. "You haven't taken your eyes off me and Percy, and that's saying something. Did something else happen down there?"
Curse Annabeth's perceptive nature. Kai chewed nervously on her lip, grappling with how to broach the subject. She knew she needed to be honest with both Percy and Annabeth, but finding the right words proved to be a daunting task.
"I kissed Percy at the River Styx," Kai blurted out, her confession tumbling forth before she could stop herself.
Annabeth's eyes widened in surprise, her expression mirroring Kai's shock. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Kai's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing as she struggled to process the ramifications of her impulsive admission. "Um... What?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Before Annabeth could respond, her phone rang, interrupting the tense moment. She answered it hastily, her brow furrowing with concern as she listened to the frantic voice on the other end.
"Michael, slow down," Annabeth urged, her tone urgent. "What's happening? Okay... Yes, we'll be there as soon as we can. Just hold the line."
Percy emerged from the river just then, his presence a welcome distraction from the awkward tension between Kai and Annabeth. Annabeth hung up the phone, slipping it back into her pocket with a troubled expression.
"It worked," Percy announced, his voice echoing with relief. "The rivers are safe."
"Good," Annabeth responded, though her tone was grim. "Because we've got other problems. Michael Yew just called. Another army is marching over the Williamsburg Bridge. The Apollo cabin needs help. And Percy, the monster leading the enemy... it's the Minotaur."
The weight of Annabeth's words hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over their already tense situation. As they prepared to face the looming threat, Kai couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her heart. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remained clear—no matter the challenges they faced, they would stand together, united in their resolve to protect each other and the world they fought to defend.
ততততত
The night sky crackled with the chaos of battle, the air thick with the acrid scent of burning metal and charred flesh. Kai clung to the back of her pegasus, her heart pounding in her chest as they approached the fray. Below them, the Apollo campers fought valiantly, their faces grim with determination as they faced the onslaught of monsters.
Flaming arrows streaked through the darkness, illuminating the scene in brief bursts of light. Kai watched as the Apollo campers retreated, their movements coordinated and strategic. They fought with desperate fervor, setting off explosive arrows and erecting fiery barricades to impede the advance of the enemy.
But the monsters pressed on, their ranks unyielding as they marched forward with grim determination. Dracaenae led the charge, their serpentine forms twisted in battle-ready formation, shields locked together as they advanced with deadly intent. Behind them, a horde of creatures followed, their monstrous forms casting menacing shadows in the flickering light.
Kai's army fought fiercely, their weapons flashing in the darkness as they engaged the enemy. Kai could see them slashing and stabbing, their movements swift and lethal as they defended their territory with unwavering resolve.
Hellhounds prowled the battlefield, their savage snarls echoing in the night as they hunted for prey. Kai's stomach churned with dread as she watched one of the beasts drag an Apollo camper away, the sound of his screams lost amidst the chaos of battle.
"There!" Annabeth's voice pierced through the clamor, drawing Kai's attention to the heart of the enemy legion.
In the midst of the chaos stood the Minotaur, a towering figure wreathed in shadows. Kai had heard tales of the legendary beast, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight of him in person. From the waist down, he wore the garb of a warrior, but his upper body was all bull—massive and muscular, his horns gleaming in the firelight.
With a roar that shook the ground beneath them, the Minotaur lifted a white limousine into the air, his strength seemingly boundless. Percy's voice rang out in warning, urging his companions to evade the impending danger.
"Blackjack, dive!" Percy's command echoed in the night, and Kai held her breath as their pegasus plunged towards the safety of the ground. The limousine hurtled past them with deadly precision, narrowly missing its mark by mere inches.
As the chaos unfolded below, the pegasi dropped them behind an overturned school bus, where a handful of campers sought refuge. Kai dismounted with shaky legs, her heart still racing from the adrenaline of battle. She watched as the pegasi soared back into the night sky, their forms disappearing into the darkness as they sought to regroup and plan their next move.
Michael Yew ran up to them, his presence a mix of determination and weariness. Despite the bandaged cut on his arm and his face smeared with soot, there was a spark in his eyes that belied the chaos around them.
"Glad you could join us," he greeted, his voice carrying a hint of relief amidst the chaos. "Where are the other reinforcements?"
"For now, we're it," Percy replied, his tone grave yet resolute.
"Then we're dead," Michael quipped, though his smile remained undiminished.
"Great vote of confidence," Kai muttered under her breath, her gaze fixed on the approaching enemy.
"You still have your flying chariot?" Annabeth inquired, her voice calm despite the urgency of their situation.
"Nah," Michael responded, his expression rueful. "Left it at camp. I told Clarisse she could have it. Whatever, you know? Not worth fighting about anymore. But she said it was too late. We'd insulted her honor for the last time or some stupid thing."
"Least you tried," Percy offered, his voice tinged with sympathy.
Michael shrugged, a wry grin playing on his lips. "Yeah, well, I called her some names when she said she still wouldn't fight. I doubt that helped. Here come the uglies!"
With practiced ease, Michael drew an arrow and launched it toward the enemy. The arrow's flight was accompanied by a deafening scream, and upon impact, it unleashed a blast that reverberated like a power chord on an electric guitar, sending shockwaves through the air.
"That was my last sonic arrow," Michael remarked, his tone tinged with regret.
"A gift from your dad?" Percy guessed, his curiosity piqued.
Michael's grin turned wicked. "Loud music can be bad for you. Unfortunately, it doesn't always kill."
As the monsters regrouped, shaking off their confusion, Michael suggested falling back, but Percy had other plans.
"We have to drive the enemy back to Brooklyn," Percy declared, his voice firm with determination.
"How do you plan to do that?" Michael asked, a hint of skepticism in his tone.
Percy's response was simple yet resolute as he drew his sword, his gaze unwavering.
"Percy," Annabeth interjected, her voice filled with concern. "Let us come with you."
"Too dangerous," Percy insisted, his tone brooking no argument. "Besides, I need you to help Michael coordinate the defensive line."
Michael chuckled, though there was a hint of appreciation in his laughter. "Thanks a lot."
Percy turned his attention to Annabeth, his gaze searching hers for understanding.
She nodded reluctantly. "All right. Get moving."
"Don't I get a kiss for good luck?" Percy teased, his grin playful yet tinged with urgency.
Annabeth drew her knife, her focus on the approaching army. "Come back alive, Seaweed Brain. Then we'll see."
Percy's gaze shifted to Kai, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he quirked an eyebrow in challenge.
Without hesitation, Kai pulled him close, her lips meeting his with a fierceness that left him breathless and wide-eyed. When she finally pulled away, there was a fire in her eyes that matched the intensity of the battle raging around them.
"Stop acting like you can handle me," she whispered, her words a challenge and a promise rolled into one.
Percy nodded wordlessly, his gaze locked with hers in silent understanding.
In a moment of vulnerability, Kai's hands cupped his face, her touch gentle yet firm as she memorized his features. Then, with a determined resolve, she reached out and grasped Annabeth's hand.
"Come back to me," Kai implored, her voice soft yet filled with unspoken urgency.
"Always," Annabeth and Percy vowed, their voices a solemn promise that echoed in the chaos of the battlefield.
ততততত
As Percy engaged the Minotaur in a whirlwind of steel, Kai sprang into action, rallying her fellow campers to fortify the defensive line. With precision and coordination, they dragged mortals out of harm's way while preparing to confront the incoming wave of monsters.
Percy's battle prowess exceeded Kai's expectations as he swiftly dispatched the Minotaur, his movements a blur of speed and determination. With a fierce charge, he plunged into the ranks of the enemy, his sword cleaving through their numbers with relentless fury. Meanwhile, the Apollo campers provided covering fire, their arrows raining down upon the monsters, disrupting their attempts to regroup.
Despite their valiant efforts, the monsters began to retreat, their forces dwindling in the face of Percy's onslaught. But the battle was far from over, and Kai could sense the tension rising as they approached the Brooklyn side of the bridge.
"Percy!" Annabeth's voice cut through the chaos, urgent and commanding. "You've already routed them. Pull back! We're overextended!"
Kai scanned the horizon and spotted the approaching reinforcements, their ominous presence casting a shadow over the battlefield. Among them rode Kronos himself, his gaze piercing and filled with malice, a harbinger of impending danger.
As the monsters retreated towards their new allies, Kai's heart sank. The odds were stacked against them, and the realization sent a chill down her spine.
"Now," Percy declared, his voice resolute. "We pull back."
But before they could retreat, the Titan lord's forces surged forward, their skeletal horses thundering across the pavement with deadly intent. Despite the Apollo campers' valiant efforts to halt their advance, the enemy pressed on relentlessly.
"Retreat!" Percy's command echoed across the bridge, his words a grim acknowledgment of the peril they faced. "I'll hold them."
Kai and Annabeth stood firm beside Percy, their weapons at the ready as they slowly began to back away. With every step, they faced the relentless onslaught of Kronos's forces, their determination unwavering even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Kronos's cavalry swirled around them, a relentless tide of chaos and darkness. Each clash of sword against shield echoed like thunder in the air, mingling with the shouts and insults hurled by their adversaries. And amidst it all, the Titan himself advanced, his presence exuding an aura of cold indifference, as if time itself bowed to his will.
Kai felt the weight of the battle pressing down on her, the air thick with tension and fear. She knew that each swing of her blade carried the potential to end a life—a thought that sent a shiver down her spine. These weren't mindless monsters they faced; they were half-bloods, just like her, ensnared by Kronos's twisted promises.
Her heart ached with each enemy she felled, knowing that behind the helmet could be a friend, a classmate, someone she had once laughed with in the halls of Camp Half-Blood. Yet, she had no choice but to fight, to defend herself and her friends against the darkness that threatened to engulf them all.
As the battle raged on, Kai, Annabeth, and Percy formed a triangle of resilience, their backs pressed together as they faced their foes from all directions. They moved as one, their movements fluid and precise, each step a dance of survival in the midst of chaos.
Above them, the shadowy forms of Blackjack, Silverwing, and Guido soared through the sky like avenging angels, swooping down to deliver swift justice to their enemies before disappearing into the darkness once more. Their presence brought a brief respite amidst the chaos, a moment of relief in the midst of the storm.
But there was no time for rest, no time to dwell on the horrors of war. As the battle raged on, Kai found herself locked in a deadly dance with her foes, her blade cutting through flesh and bone with deadly precision. She felt the hot spray of blood against her skin, a visceral reminder of the lives she had taken, the choices she had been forced to make.
For a moment, she paused, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she stared at the fallen demigod before her, his lifeless eyes staring back accusingly. The weight of her actions pressed down on her, threatening to overwhelm her with guilt and regret.
But there was no time for hesitation, no time to dwell on the past. With a heavy heart, Kai forced herself to push aside her doubts and fears, to focus on the task at hand. As more enemies closed in around her, she squared her shoulders and raised her blade, ready to face whatever darkness lay ahead.
They'd almost reached the midpoint of the bridge when chaos erupted.
To Kai's right, Percy tensed, his muscles coiled like a spring ready to snap. On her left, Annabeth's cry of pain pierced the air, shattering the tranquility of the moment.
"Annabeth!" Percy's voice rang out, filled with urgency and concern.
Kai whirled around just in time to witness Annabeth's fall, her grip faltering as she clutched her injured arm. A figure loomed over her, a demigod brandishing a bloody knife.
Ethan.
Kai's heart pounded in her chest, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Without hesitation, she charged forward, her resolve unyielding. Ethan may have once been a friend, but in that moment, he was an enemy to be defeated. She wouldn't hold back, not when Annabeth's life hung in the balance.
Their swords clashed, the sound of metal ringing out like a battle cry. Ethan's blade collided with Aethelred's hilt, but Kai pressed on, delivering a swift kick to his stomach. Seizing the opportunity, she wrenched her sword free and drove it through a weak spot in his armor.
He staggered backward, his grip faltering as he struggled to maintain his footing.
Kai's attention shifted to the other approaching demigods, her senses on high alert. But Percy was already moving, his blade slashing through the air in a fierce arc, driving their assailants back and forming a protective barrier around Annabeth. ''No one touches them!''
"Interesting," a chilling voice spoke.
Kronos loomed over them, his presence casting a shadow over the scene. His scythe gleamed menacingly in the dim light as he surveyed the chaos unfolding before him.
Kai's heart pounded in her chest, her grip on Annabeth tightening as she pulled her close, offering what little support she could.
"Bravely fought," Kronos remarked, his tone dripping with malice. "But it's time to surrender—or the girl dies."
Percy's gaze locked with Kai's, a silent understanding passing between them. Without hesitation, he issued his command.
"Get her out of here," he instructed, his voice firm with determination.
Kai nodded, her resolve unwavering. She summoned Leonidas to her side, the warrior standing ready to assist. With a swift motion, she directed him to take herself, who was supporting Annabeth, and whisk them away to safety, their destination guided by the instinctual pull towards the campers' makeshift haven.
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NOTE: I keep forgetting what I named the pegasus that Kai rides so from now on his name is Silverwing. Also Prometheus and Percy next chapter!!
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