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PERCY

"Going back on topic, I summoned you here to discuss about—" I looked at the Gods and Kronos having a staring contest at the moment and forced myself to not sigh out loud

It's already been a few hours since the arrival of Kronos, and everyone is still trying to figure out who he is. I already introduced him as my nephew, but it seems that they noticed that something was off and was trying to find out what that was

Kronos was sitting upright in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. He was staring at his children who was also in return, staring at him with intensity. Now, I don't usually have any problem with that, but it seems like Kronos and the Big Three along with Kronos' other children were releasing some sort of pressure to the other, trying to see who will submit first. It was making the campers uncomfortable.

"If you are going to stare at each other for the rest of the day, silently fighting to see who is greater than who, then would you kindly please take it outside? The campers can't concentrate with you releasing such a pressuring aura. We are here to discuss about an important matter, and I can't have it delayed just because the lot of you decided that you wanted to see who was better"

Kronos instantly snapped his gaze to mine, before mumbling a low "Sorry"

The said Olympians lowered their heads and muttered a low 'sorry' in my direction

I silently sighed while rubbing my temple "Immortals, they're such a pain in the arse"

Luke snorted "Aren't you also one?"

I gave him a cheeky grin "I never said that I was not trouble, did I? I only said that immortals are such a pain to deal with"

"Glad you're proud in being a pain in the butt" Luke rolled his eyes at me

I winked at him and was about to retort when Kronos nudge me "You didn't stop us just so you could talk with your retainer now, did you Uncle?"

I twitched at the teasing sound of his voice when he called me Uncle. I pouted at him "Cheeky brat" I gruffly said, imitating Atlas when I did something that always startles him

Kronos stifled a laugh behind his hand, before whispering "Nice imitation"

I grinned at him "What can I say? I'm awesome that way"

Kronos rolled his eyes, although the grin in his lips didn't falter "Just like your grandpa, are you?" He silently cooed while pinching my cheeks

I blushed when the Gods and the campers raised a brow at our interaction

I slapped Kronos's hands away, pouting at him, while crossing my arms "Don't pinch me, I'm not a child"

Kronos stared at me before he clenched his fists, he started vibrating on his seat making the other occupants in the room to look at him with confused eyes

I, beginning to worry laid my hand on his shoulder "Pappoús?" I softly called out, making sure no one heard me

Before I could even react, Kronos launched forward, locking his arms around me and taking the breath out of my now squeezed body "You are just so adorable!!"

I blushed a scarlet red and tried to wriggle out of his grasp "Grandpa" I silently hissed while struggling to make him let go "Let go!!"

Kronos only tightened his hold on me, now ruffling my hair through the hood "Oh, I have not seen you for a few days and you became this adorable"

I looked at Luke and the boys for help, but they were too busy laughing silently. I glared at them from the floor "Bastards, help me!!"

Luke wiped a tear that escaped his eyes from laughing too much before grinning at me "No can do buddy, you're all on your own"

"What happened to protecting me?!" I hissed while trying to get out of Kronos's grasp. The man was a tight hugger, I can't even move without my bones creaking

"You know he's in the stage where he hadn't seen you for a few days and is trying to make up for lost time. Once he got a hold of you, there is no way he's letting go" Michael stated while looking at me amusement

"I hate you" I directed towards them while glaring at them

"Just endure it, he'll let go sooner or later anyways" Ethan rolled his eyes, though he was grinning

I opened my mouth to retort when I finally realized where we are. I froze and slowly turned my head to see the Gods and the campers gaping at us

I cleared my throat, feeling so embarrassed that I wish the ground would open up to swallow me right now "I can explain?"

Ethan snorted "You sounded like your girlfriend found out that you cheated"

I glared at him "Well, what was I supposed to say? Hi? Hello? How are you?"

I turned to look at the still gaping Gods, except for Apollo who seemed to have figured out on who Kronos is. Damn, that guy was as sharp as newly sharpened pencil. He caught on easily. Where was his image of a nonchalant, carefree and stupid God? No offense, but he does come off like that most of the time

I sighed and just let my head fall back on the floor, letting Kronos be. I turned my head and stared at the other occupants of the room "Meeting dismissed. We'll discuss this another time, when I'm finally free from a certain someone" I announced while frowning at Kronos disapprovingly

Dad frowned at Kronos' direction and gave a smile my way before standing up with the others

I caught Apollo's eyes and he winked before mouthing 'Talk to you later'

I nodded and raised a brow when I found Artemis staring at me

"Anything the matter, M'Lady?"

Artemis scowled and glared at me "Nothing of importance, your highness"

Artemis looked like she was grinding her teeth when she addressed me. Oh well, must be the 'all men are pigs' thingy

Once everyone was out, I sighed and looked at my Grandpa who was scowling at Artemis

"Puny brat, I'll roast her" Kronos grumbled while glaring at the retreating back of the Moon Goddess

"She just doesn't trust me yet, Gramps" I explained while grabbing his arms and trying to make him let go "Besides, she's like that to all men"

Kronos huffed and tightened his arms around me when I managed to wriggle a little out of his embrace "Doesn't mean that she has to stare at you like you are the scorn of the earth"

"You're acting like a child" I reprimanded "She has her beliefs and you have yours, let her be. Now, let me go!!"

Kronos pouted but slowly unwind his arms around me. I sighed with relief when I felt my bones snapping back in place. Grandpa can hug a person to death if he wants to, his grip is too tight and firm

"Now" Kronos stood up and sat on one of the vacant seats, acting like he didn't just hug me to death "I have something that I have to discuss with you"

I frowned curiously "What about?"

Kronos sighed deeply before glancing around, his golden eyes surveying the room as if he was trying to detect any presence that shouldn't be inside "End had appeared before Chaos"

My eyes widened and I scrambled to get up before dashing towards him. I grabbed his shoulders "Is mother alright?!"

Kronos smiled and patted my hand comfortingly "There is no need for such fear, Chaos is well"

My shoulders sagged with relief. I fell back on the soft cushion of the sofa before peering at my grandpa with tired eyes "Well? What did he do?"

Kronos sat in his chair for a few minutes, just silently staring at the ceiling with a grim look in his eyes

Feeling a little uneasy, I shifted a bit and stared at Kronos "Pappoús" I called out "What did he do?"

Kronos sighed and rubbed his eyes "That's the problem, he didn't do anything"

My brows furrowed, what?

"Then what did he need?"

Kronos stared at me with his golden eyes "He didn't need anything"

I was starting to feel frustrated "Then what?!"

"He delivered a news" Kronos traced the carvings of the seat with his fingers "A news that sent the whole kingdom into a frenzy"

I gulped, feeling dread "What did he say?"

"The void will open"

My breath completely stopped, that can't happen... that's... that's impossible

Luke staggered back, looking shock "That's impossible, the void cannot be opened. It's a one-way gate, you can never get out once you've entered. And the only ones who has the ability to open the gates are Chaos and Percy. How can he— that's just... impossible"

Kronos nodded, looking pale at the mere prospect of the gate opening "The good news is that not everyone inside can get out..."

I sighed with relief along with my team. We've sent hundreds of criminals and horrendous creatures inside there. If they were ever to get out, the army of Chaos will have a hard time putting them back in

"The bad news?" Ethan asked, looking serious for once

"Cleobis and Tenebris will be set free"

"What hast thou just said?!!" Zoe exclaimed, standing up from her seat and sending the chair clattering on the floor

"The other good news is that they will be the only ones to escape" Kronos weakly added, looking like he was ready to keel over and die

"Do you know what will happen if they ever got out?!" Bianca exploded "It will be mass destruction in the entire galaxy!!"

"I know that" Kronos snapped "But even if I want to do something, I can't okay?!"

"How can he even open the void?" I asked with disbelief

"That's the problem!" Kronos exclaimed, rubbing a hand over his face "No one knows!! Chaos is working like hell to find out how End got a hold of such information. End is confident about winning the war, even delivering the news himself in front of the whole council. The kingdom is in a state of panic"

I fell back on the couch, staring at my grandpa with disbelief

"Maybe he's bluffing?" Michael weakly argued

"Even if he's bluffing, we need to be cautious" I stated, running a hand over my hair in frustration. Damn it!! The monster problem and now this?! Give me a break...

"Call the campers and the Olympians" I ordered "We need to discuss this matter right away"

Luke nodded and pushed himself off the wall "I'll call the campers"

Beckendorf opened the door "I'll get the Olympians"

"Thank you" I said, before standing up from my seat to walk towards the window. Peeking out, I saw little demigod kids running around, laughing and playing with each other

"The weather's nice" I blurted out while looking at the woody scenery of camp

"You wouldn't think that we are about to go to war with how carefree they all are" Silena stated, sadly looking at the teenagers and kids doing their activities "I can't even bare to think of what will happen in the future"

"I know" I laid my hands on the glass overlooking the activities outside "That's why I'll protect them"

Silena looked at me "You can't protect all of them, Percy"

I gritted my teeth, not looking at her "I can!"

Silena took a step toward me "You can't..."

I turned to look at her to argue that I can and that I'll show her. The words died down on my throat when Silena laid a hand on cheek "We'll protect them. You're not alone, Percy. Not anymore. Stop carrying the burden all by yourself, okay?"

I looked down "Yes"

Silena smiled before patting my cheek "Good"

I stepped back when flashes erupted around the room. I straightened my back before walking towards the center of the room. I looked around and saw the Olympians sitting at their respective seats.

The campers filed in next, and soon the room was packed with curious and anxious half-bloods and Gods. I stared at them, thinking of how I can say the news to them without taking away their hope about winning the war. Even I was feeling anxious

Steeling my nerves, I took a deep breath and was about to speak when green mist flooded the room. My eyes widened when I saw the fates standing by the door "Wha—"

Clotho raised her hand and gave me smile, she has taken the form of a teenager, just like the other two. She walked towards me with the other two trailing behind her

The Gods were frozen in their seats. All of them looking at the fates with surprise and fear

"Wh-What are you doing here?" Hera asked

Clotho barely glanced at the goddess "I am not here for you Olympians. I am here for my brother"

The Olympians snapped their gazes to me, the campers were gaping at the fates.

I smiled and walked towards her, my arms opening for a hug "Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos"

Clotho smiled and gently engulfed me in a hug "How have you been?"

I snuggled closer "Fine" I mumbled while wounding my arms around her

I felt someone patting my hair softly and raised my head to see Atropos smiling softly at me "Have you been good?"

I gave her grin "I think?"

Lachesis chuckled and patted my cheek lovingly "What to do with you?" She cooed

I chuckled and pulled back "So? What do you need me for?"

Clotho sighed and looked at her sisters "The future is not looking good"

I furrowed my brows "What do you mean?"

"Someone is destroying the balance of the past and the future" Lachesis explained, looking tired and pissed at the prospect of more work

"End?" I quietly asked

Atropos sighed and caressed my cheek "Correct, he is trying to go back to when his creations were imprisoned inside the void"

My eyes widened with realization, so that's how he can get his creations out "So, the void is not gonna open?"

Clotho chuckled "Do you really think that End has the power to do that? He is powerful, yes, but he wasn't bestowed with the power to overlook the void. He is not its protector, thus he has no rights to open it, much less even touch the gates. If he does dare, he will be sucked in and would stay inside for eternity"

I sagged with relief "So it's not gonna open"

Atropos raised a brow "Silly boy, you really believed that End can open the void? It was clear as the sun that he was lying through this teeth"

I pouted and pointed at a relieved Kronos, who seems to have been eavesdropping in our conversation "He was the one who told me the news"

Lachesis gave a tsk "You really are a silly boy. But you are our boy" she cooed while pinching my cheeks

I pouted "Lachesis, no pinching remember?" I whined

Lachesis chuckled before retrieving her hand "I know; I just love doing that to see your reaction"

Clotho gave me a pat "We must be going, but before that—" she turned towards the other occupants of the room

Lachesis and Atropos stood beside her before they opened their mouths

The man with a blood of the sea and the beginning,
will guide all towards what they seek.
Darkness will rise as the sun reaches its peak.
The land that houses the sinners shall be the start,
as cries for salvation rung out dry.
An oath long buried under the ashes,
shall rise or fall by the last breath of the forgotten.

The room was silent, all of us staring at the fates who had just given the prophecy.

The fates heaved a sigh before giving me a smile and disappearing in a flash of light

"Good luck, heroes"

"Well..." Ethan cleared his throat "Looks like we have a prophecy"

"Thank you for stating the obvious, Captain Obvious" Luke sarcastically replied

Ethan glared and scowled at Luke "You are very much welcome, Commander Sarcastic"

I sighed "Guys, now is not the time"

Luke and Ethan stared at each other "We're not done yet" they both said in unison

I stared at them with exasperation before sighing deeply. I turned back to the Gods and the campers "Now that we have prophecy, this will be much easier..."

"The man with the blood of the sea and beginning?" Thalia wondered, looking at me with a confused frown on her face "Who's that?"

Artemis turned towards her brother "Apollo?"

Apollo looked up from his phone "Hm?"

"You are the God of Prophecy; do you have a vague idea on who it might be?" Artemis was frowning at her brother with scolding eyes "And don't use your phone while we're having a meeting, that's rude towards the one talking"

Apollo put his hands up in a 'I surrender' gesture before grinning at his twin "Even if I know who it is, I am not allowed to tell you"

Athena frowned "Why not?"

Apollo gave her a grin "As my title implies, I am the God of Prophecy not Information. So... yeah, that's how it is"

Athena's face reddened and she glared at the Apollo who was casually lounging on his seat "Stop being a damn sarcastic prick, Apollo. If you know who the man is then spit it out"

Apollo gave a wink in my direction and my heart stopped for a moment. He's not going to—

"I can't say" Apollo casually replied, stuffing his phone back in his pocket

I mentally gave a sigh of relief and sent him a grateful smile in which he winks at me in return

"Why?" Artemis was looking curiously at her brother

"The fates forbid me to interfere" Apollo stated

"Interfere with what? You are just going to tell us who the man in the prophecy is!!" Athena was glaring at Apollo for not cooperating

"I'm forbidden from inter—"

Athena sighed with annoyance "As I have said, you are not interfering, just tell us who he is!!"

Artemis was also glaring at her brother now "Apollo, don't be stubborn and just say if you know or not"

Apollo was starting to get frustrated "I have an idea on who it is, but I can't tell you because—"

"Let me guess, you're interfering?" Athena replied with boredom "Why don't you just come out and say that you don't know who it is. Stop asking for attention, moron"

My jaw went slack and I can see Apollo gritting his teeth. I can feel the atmosphere turning tense in that millisecond, and I mentally raised the round 1 sign. Get ready ladies and gentlemen. Shit is about to go down.

"God of Knowledge vs Goddess of Wisdom" Ethan silently muttered next to me, looking at the two Olympian with amused eyes "Things just got interesting"

I elbowed him and he gave a grunt

"Now is not the time" I silently replied while staring worriedly at the scene unfolding in front of me

Apollo straightened and glared at the Goddess. Just as I was about to think that he will lunge and slap the living daylights out of Athena, he closed his eyes and took deep calming breaths, his curled fists slowly loosening. He slowly opened his eyes and gave a wry smirk in Athena's direction "Oh my, what is this? Is little Wisdom Goddess jealous that I'm stealing the show? Well, I could hardly say that I'm stealing the spotlight when you're hardly noticed. What? Are you targeting me to make yourself feel better because you can't contribute anything to this meeting?"

"Ooooh" Luke said, instantly covering his mouth when everyone turned their eyes on him

"Boom" Michael grinned and turned to me "That's my Dad right there"

I chuckled "Yeah yeah"

Athena bristled and stood up from her seat "I am not, and will never be jealous of someone as idiotic as you"

Apollo gazed at her with boredom "You're saying that and yet you're the one who's doing something idiotic"

"What?" Athena asked, clearly surprised with what Apollo said

Apollo snorted "Look around, idiot. Where do you think we are?"

Athena seemingly becoming aware of her surroundings, turned to look around to see her children looking at her with surprise and shock, the other Olympians were gaping at her for her sudden outburst. She turned bright red and she instantly sat down

"If you have time to brag about your so called wisdom, try and learn some manners first" Apollo was sitting crossed legged at the chair and with his chin propped up on his open palm.

Athena glared at Apollo, but nonetheless said nothing. I leaned back on my chair while trying to not smile at the way Apollo look
when Athena's face reddened with humiliation, knowing that she lost in an argument

Zeus looked at his son "Apollo, if you really know the person in the prophecy. Why can't you just tell us?"

Apollo sighed with annoyance "As I have said before, stating the identity of the man is already interfering. The ancient law forbids interference with mortal affairs, and me saying who the man in the prophecy is, will be a direct interference with the affairs of my children, as well as yours. You will know the man someday, but not today. The prophecy stated that, yes?"

"But why can't you just tell us?" Hermes asked, looking confused

"In the name of Zeus" Apollo muttered before he sighed "Now that the fates had given you a prophecy, destiny will run its course. If I give you the name of that man, it's like I'm translating the prophecy for you and fastening the pace of destiny. The fates will not like me for that. When the time is right, the man will appear before us on his own will. Don't worry about that and worry about what needs to be done now, okay?"

All the Gods slowly nodded when Apollo raised a brow and dared them with his eyes to ask him again why he can't say anything

"And that people, is how you shut people up" Michael silently boasted to us

Luke grinned and gave thumbs up to Apollo who gave him a grin and thumbs up in return

He turned to me, still grinning "Good man" he pointed to Apollo over his shoulder

I snorted "Yeah yeah"

I turned to the other occupants of the room "Settle down!!"

Athena was still staring daggers at Apollo who was smirking in her direction.

Once everyone was settled and calm. I took a deep breath and opened my mouth to discuss about what needs to be done and that training needs to be harsher and stricter

"From today onwards, our training will start at five in the morning instead of six— no complaining!!" I barked out when I hear the campers starting whine that it was too early "We do the usual routine and all those stuff. Expect my companions to be stricter. We can't take it easy now that we know how End can manipulate an army with that amount. Understand?"

They campers mumbled a yes and I quirked a brow "I'm sorry? What was that?"

"Yes sir!!" They yelled when they saw me frowning at them while crossing my arms

I gave a satisfied nod

Kronos stepped forward, making me raised brow of confusion "Greeting to all those in this room. I know that all you of had already met me the first time and in case some of you are curious as to who I am. I am the nephew of his highness Perseus..." he inclined his head for a camper to go and ask him his question when said camper raised his arm

"Yes child?"

The boy was furrowing his brows "What's your name? I mean, we can't just call you the nephew of his highness forever, right?"

I felt a sense of a de javu when I looked at Kronos stiffening at the mention of name. He quickly replaced his rigid expression and put a smile on his face "I am forbidden to state what my birth mother gave me, but I can afford to tell you my code name. If... that pleases you?"

"Meh" The boy shrugged "It's a name either way right?"

Kronos smiled at the boy "Then you can call me Augustine"

Ethan gave a snort beside me "Augustine? What the hell is with that honorable name?" He whispered to me in disbelief "And since when did he have a code name anyways?"

I gave him a grin "Just now"

Kronos was still staring at the boy, interest clear in his golden eyes under the hood "What's your name, kid?"

The boy frowned "Kaiden, why?"

"And who is your parent?"

Kaiden crossed his arms while raising a brow in Kronos' direction "Apollo, why?"

Kronos nodded before looking at Apollo who tilted his head when they made eye contact. I saw Apollo's eyes widened and he did a double take before frowning at Kronos, his eyes fleetingly glancing at his son and to Kronos. His eyes were holding thousands of questions. My guess right now, is that they're talking about Kaiden... mentally

I saw Apollo sigh and nod and I saw Kronos gave a triumphant grin. I was about to get up from my seat to ask him what they were talking about when Kronos clapped his hands together, garnering the attention of many "I am sorry for the delay. I just wanted to know the name of the boy who managed to spark my interest. But no matter, I know that all of you are curious as to why I am talking instead of his highness, and I am sure he is also curious as to why I stepped up when he has more to say. Uncle, I hope you don't mind me taking the spotlight for a little while..." he asked with a teasing voice while staring at me

I waved my hand dismissively "Don't mind me, I have to say I am also intrigued as to what you have to say in front of all these people"

Kronos nodded and turned to face the crowd. His face turning serious "I have noticed that I had arrived at a very bad timing and I wish to offer my help. Being here in the few hours, I had managed to come to a conclusion that you all are having problems as to how you can deal with End and the monsters that he manipulated so easily. And so, in the hours that you have gone, I have come up with a solution. It will displease and enrage some of you, but I assure you that I have wracked my mind for every possible solution that might not lead to more disasters. It will be uncomfortable for some of you, but it will have to do..."

I leaned forward, interested in what he came up with in the few hours he arrived "And what do you propose we do about all this?"

Kronos looked around the room before stopping to stare at me "I propose that we split the Elites and station them where they are needed. Do not worry for it will only be temporary until the army comes. Some of you will stay at the camp and the other at Olympus..."

I began to smile, leave it to grandpa to think of a plan when all of us are busying ourselves with trying to calm ourselves down

Kronos was staring at Artemis "Of course; an Elite will also have to guard the hunters"

Artemis looked at Kronos with shock, before anger took over "Are you saying that my hunters are weak and needs protecting?!"

"Woah woman, calm down" I started, standing up from my seat "Let my nephew explain and then you can explode from there"

"Not helping" Kronos hissed to me

"What?! It's the best I can do" I replied while staring at Artemis who was glaring at me and Kronos while muttering 'pigs' under her breath

"That was not what I meant M'Lady..." Kronos stared while he pinched me in the arm. I silently exclaimed from the sudden pain and rubbed my arm while pouting at Kronos

"I know that your hunters are strong, even stronger than some of the males here. But I want you to understand that we are at war. You are one of the strongest female warrior in the Olympian Council, making you a target of End. End will be eliminating people who he sees as a threat to his plan. You are a goddess who hunts down monsters and is occasionally out of the loop, surely End will find time to attack you during one of your trips. I am just looking out for your safety, M'lady. Please understand..."

I suppressed a whistle when I saw Artemis' chest puffed a little with pride when Kronos said that she was one of the strongest. Leave it to Kronos to compliment a woman in a stride. The man was a smooth talker, no wonder the women back home adores him. He knows what to say and when to say it

"Very well then..." Artemis sat back down, looking more calm than she was a few minutes ago "I'll hear you out"

Kronos gave her smile "Thank you" before he turned to the others "I had already came up with where you all are to be stationed. I hope you don't mind..." He turned to look at me as if I was about to refuse

I shook my head "Go on"

Kronos nodded and turned back around "Those four will be here at camp to train the campers and councilors and to also guard camp in case of any emergencies" He explained, pointing at Luke, Zoe, Ethan and Bianca

Beckendorf and Silena was appointed at Olympus and Kronos explained that they can stay at camp if they want. They just have to occasionally visit Olympus to make sure nothing was wrong

"And me?" I asked, feeling upset that he didn't even think of joining me in

Kronos gave me a grin and a slight grimace "Since you are the captain of the Elites. I decided to place you where it will be more dangerous"

I have a feeling that my life was about to end "And?"

"You will be staying with the hunt"

I froze and stared at my grandpa with horror. Is he insane?!! He was right when he said it will be more dangerous. End was going to target the hunt and it will be dangerous but there is another type of danger there, the hunt. I'll die before the war starts if I stay with the hunters!!

I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I slowly turned around. Dreading the moment where my eyes will meet the Goddess who will surely castrate me for being me

I gave her a weak grin and a wave

"Glad to be onboard"