Chapter Text
Percy POV:
I laugh at one of Leo's jokes as we exit the woods. He quickly speeds off to tell Calypso of the plan, and I start making my way to the stables.
I have some reunions I need to make. Unfortunately, right as I'm about to enter, I'm stopped by Hazel and Frank.
"Hey, uh, could we... talk to you?" Frank asked.
I tilt my head. "Why?"
Hazel looks down sadly. "We want to talk to you about Percy."
"No."
She snaps her head to look at me, along with Frank.
"Wh-what do you mean, no?" She asks.
I shrug. "Exactly what it sounds like. I have stuff to do, and I'm not particularly fond of many at this camp. That includes you."
She stutters, and I walk past her while Frank pulls her away sadly and walks with her towards her cabin.
I walk through the stables before stopping at a very familiar gate.
"Blackjack?" I call out after checking to make sure there wasn't anyone around.
The Black Pegasus trots forward, looking at me with distrust.
Look, I know you can't understand me, but I'm NOT LETTING ANYONE RIDE ME! He whinnes grumpily.
"Oh, but I can understand you," I say simply.
He looks at my mask, interest in his eyes.
A son of Poseidon, eh? You seem old... I'm still not letting you ride me. He whinnes.
I laugh and stroke his muzzle. He flaps his wings in contentness, and then I discreetly take off my mask, showing him my face.
BOSS?! He exclaims loudly.
I put the mask back on and nod.
"A lot of stuff happened, and you can learn about it later, because that's not what I'm here about," I say.
What are you here about? He asks, interested.
"Well, I currently have three Companions. They are special friends of mine, and because of some magic, they are with me always. They aren't human, and they protect me, help me, and keep me company. Along with being incredibly powerful."
What does this have to do with me? He asks warily.
"I was wondering if you would like to join them. If you do, I will have to do some magic on you, and you will be able to become an armor piece for me."
He looks at me, stunned, before whinnying loudly.
Of course I would, boss! That sounds awesome! Plus, Camp is boring without you.
I smile under my mask and raise my other hand, letting them both rest on his head.
I recite some enchantments, and he magically teleports onto my feet, as winged boots.
I can immediately tell that my other companions notice his presence. I smile at their initiation and explanations to who I am and what I do.
I walk out of the stables and head to the arena, only to be interrupted by Leo and Calypso.
Leo is a bouncing ball of energy and exclaims,
"She agreed! We're doing your plan!"
Calypso smiles and kisses him on the cheek, and I laugh happily.
"That's great, you guys. I can't wait to have you on the team!"
They walk away and leave me with a smile. I enter the arena and see just the dog I'm looking for.
During the past week, Mrs. O'Leary has been out of the arena during training times. Thankfully, no one is here.
I walk up to her and quickly flash my face. She leaps on top of me and starts licking. It takes about a minute to get her off.
Thank Chaos for waterproof cloaks. Literally. Our cloaks are waterproof.
I set up a mental conversation between her and Yarn so he can explain everything. After about a minute, she licks me one more time and then dissappears, becoming armored legaments.
Blackjack says hi, and the other two companions fill her in. Finally, I head to the big house, thankfully uninterrupted.
I walk in and see Chiron and Dionysus playing Pinochle. That's what the game is called, right?
I clear my throat.
"Ahem, Dionysus, could I steal away Chiron for a small bit? I must speak with him."
Dionysus looks up and waves his hand dismissively.
"Yeah, yeah, take the centaur. I'm losing anyway," he grumbles under his breath.
I walk into a different room, and Chiron follows. I sit on a chair and say,
"Alright, so, there is something I need to do here. First, however, me and my team and I will need to know camps plans for the war and defense."
Chiron arches an eyebrow, the look up and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"Hm... I watched you kill my father, so I trust you, but..."
"You're wondering if I'm helping one of the primordials?" I guess.
He nods. "I don't think you are, but unless I have concrete proof, then -"
I cut him off by taking off my mask. He stares at me, surprised.
"P-percy?" He whispers.
I nod. "I-I'm sorry for leaving you. You were always like a father to me, but after what the Campers did, I couldn't - I couldn't stay."
He nods and embraces me in a hug.
"I wish I could have done more, my boy. However, I'm glad that you're happy with your new team of friends. And with... Artemis," he says cautiously.
I laugh. "Who would've guessed, right? But yeah, it's nice. Uh, Leo and Calypso will be joining my team."
He looks surprised but accepts it.
"Very well. If you trust them. As for your first order of business, you will be allowed to show up to cabin head and war meetings."
I nod and put on my mask.
"It was nice seeing you, Chiron."
"Same for me, Percy."
I walk out of the big house and run into Clarisse, who cracks her knuckles.
"Let's take a walk, you and me, huh Jackson?"
I sigh and follow her. We walk up to Thalia's tree, and she leans on it.
"You were always scarily perceptive," I say.
She nods. "And you were always sappy. Why are you hiding behind your mask?"
I laugh with no humor.
"Well, excuse me for not wanting to show my face to those who think I'm a traitor, or those who f***ing tortured me, or both."
She nods in understanding.
"I realized you weren't a traitor a bit after you left. For what it's worth, I'm sorry."
I stare at her.
"Sorry won't erase the memory of your spear entering my gut, electrocuting me almost do death. Sorry won't erase years worth of nightmares. Sorry won't destroy my hate for most of those at this camp."
She nods. "I know it won't. I wish I could've been 'scarily perceptive' earlier. I won't tell anyone who you are."
I nod. "That's the least you could do."
I'm about to turn away when someone rushes up to us. Great, now Annabeth is here.
"Clarisse! Remember, tonight is - oh, hi, Hope," she says dismissively before actually turning her attention to me.
"Tonight is a music competition. Your team should show up."
I nod smugly. "We will. And we will win."
She scoffs. "And how are you so sure of that?"
I smile under my mask and think of Orpheus.
"Oh, Y-know, Lyre just has a way with music, you could say. And not to brag, but my singing voice, well, Hero and Lyre, they have described me as a siren."
She looks ready to argue before we are interrupted by a loud wail. Annabeth pales, while I get mad. My neice never shows up to my Christmas parties. Why is she here of all places?
"I know that sound..." She whispers.
"I do too, but my question is why she's here right now," I say.
"Wait, who?" Clarisse asks.
A figure pops out in front of me, sending me back a few steps.
"ME!" Akhlys wails.
"Woah, Akhlys, what's wrong?" I ask, worried.
Annabeth looks at me. "Nothing wrong, that just how she normally is."
"Shut it, Annabeth," I snap. "She never leaves Tartarus unless it is something important."
Clarisse, for her part, stays quiet while Annabeth splutters. Finally, quiet.
"Akhlys? What's wrong?" I ask again.
She sniffles. "It- it's Nyx. She's being forced to work with our enemies. She created 3 abominations out of shadow and night, and they're attacking Camp Jupiter."
"S**t," I curse under my breath.
"I tolerate you, Hope, but if you can save my mother, then I may finally show up to your stupid Christmas party."
I manage to grin. "I will. Thank you for warning me, neice."
She huffs. "Don't call me that. I'm older than you."
She teleports away, and I stand straight. I nod to both Clarisse and Annabeth.
"Prepare the camp for the Romans. They will be coming soon."
They nod and rush off, while I focus and sink into the ground. I teleport to Camp Jupiter and see the situation is worse than I thought.
All the residents are packed in a circle, being defended by the legion against a small horde of monsters, three bigger ones in the back.
But that's not the worst part, no. The worst part is the camp itself.
It's burning down, covered in black flames.