Chapter 30
Kronos was definitely the strongest foe Percy and his friends ever had to face. He had the strength, skill and ability worthy of the king of Titans, what made him tricky was his control of time. It literally allowed him to dictate the flow of the battle.
Despite of battling five opponents at the same time he was in full control. Percy and Jake where the main battle force, striking with all they had, but Kronos' weapon skill was more than a match for them. His scythe flowed between his hands too fast for the eye to see not allowing a single opening.
Zoe and Annabeth tried to sneak by to deliver a fatal blow but couldn't get close. No matter how hard the boys pushed the Titan pushed them back and negated any progress. Finally, Thalia threw thunder bolts from a distance and saw in anger as her projectiles froze just a second before reaching their target, none of them hitting the mark.
Percy's mind was going a hundred miles per hours, trying his hardest to come up with some sort of plan or strategy but he came up empty. To make matters worse, it felt as if Kronos was getting stronger by the second, the body he occupied growing brighter.
Annabeth was very conflicted, she knew that Luke was gone but a small part of her mind kept telling her that he was still fighting. She saw a small flicker on his eyes as they fought. He is resisting, she thought. Betting their victory on her hunch she launched herself forward as Kronos swung at Jake.
At that moment the world seemed to freeze, and the titan lost control of Luke's body, completely freezing. The demigods didn't let the opening go to waste. In a second each of them was holding on to a limb completely immobilizing him. Jake took the left arm, Percy the right making sure to neutralize the lethal scythe. Meanwhile the girls took her on leg each.
"Come on Luke snap out of it! I know you are still there, that's why you didn't attacked me! You promised to never hurt me!"
Annabeth's words were actually affecting Luke, the titan aura around his body flickering.
"A-anna-beth, pr-prot-tect."
"That's right Luke! Fight it!"
"I-it's too… late, Kronos… too strong."
"It's not too late! It's your body!"
The other side of Castellan's body was not liking where the conversation was going. Whatever control he had was gone in an instant as a shock wave send all the demigods crashing into the wall. This left Annabeth alone and completely unguarded as Kronos raised his scythe over his head.
Percy was the first to recover, he could feel his power returning ever so slowly but not enough. He rose to his feet, wobbling from side to side. His vision was blurry, but he could still make out Kronos' figure, with his weapon in hand. He shot forward out of instinct.
His blade clashed with Kronos' in front on Annabeth. Percy was unable to do anything but struggle against the titan, barely keeping his footing.
"Your struggle is meaningless! As we speak Typhon is making his way here. Look for yourself!"
All demigods were on their feet now but didn't move as their attention was drawn to the image Kronos conjured up. Typhon was at the edge of New York, the gods attacking relentlessly but not causing any reactions. The monster was about to give his first step inland making everything seem hopeless, when the tide of battle turned.
From the ocean Poseidon appeared charging into battle with his armies close behind. He didn't look old any more, he was refreshed, and his attacks showed it. He willed the water to rise the monster's waste, hindering his movements. His army of Cyclops, Tyson included, started throwing chains all around causing him to be completely immobile.
Seeing this opening the gods attacked with renewed ferocity. Zeus launched the biggest thunderbolt he could muster, the twin archers fired hundreds if not thousands of arrows. The raw amount of power actually pushing Typhon back but not bringing him down. Poseidon opened the oceans, trying to send the creature down to Tartarus but it wasn't enough, they needed one more push.
Just then, when it felt like Typhon might get back up, a new group appeared in the sky. Percy didn't know whether to cry, scream, or laugh as he saw the entire Aztec Pantheon appear. They were still battle worn but looked impressive none the less. They focused their energy into a single glowing orb of power then launched it at the struggling giant. The force was more than enough to make Typhon fall back, straight into Tartarus.
Kronos was furious his blade trembling so hard even Percy felt the vibrations. Annabeth used the chance to get behind him and try to strike him, but the titan saw her from the corner of his eye. The pressure over Percy was gone and the back of the Scythe struck Annabeth on the side, hard enough to make here cough up blood.
That froze Kronos, seeing Annabeth injured and bleeding in the ground triggered something inside him. Luke took all the will power he had left and gained control of his body. This was obvious was the glow around his body was gone and his eyes returned to normal. He struggle in agony in the floor, as Kronos tried to regain control.
"Please… Hand me the knife," He struggled to say.
The five demigods were surrounding the struggling Luke, not sure how to act. Jake was holding Annabeth's knife, confusion clear in his face. He looked at Annabeth and she nodded, Percy gave in an encouraging grab on the shoulder.
Jake handed over the knife to Luke. As if detecting the danger, the aura of the titan started to flare up, trying to escape his fate. Luke powered through the pain and struggles of Kronos as he guided the blade to a spot beneath his arm guard, just under his arm pit. The blade sunk into the exposed skin, causing a painful scream from the possessed demigod. He drove the blade as deep as he could and then a giant explosion sent everyone back.
Percy stuck his blade in the floor and avoided crashing against the walls. His eyes quickly scanning in front of him. What he saw filled him with something he swore he wouldn't ever feel, hopelessness. Luke laid on the floor motionless and next to him, holding the deadly Scythe with a venomous glow around him, was Kronos.
"Nice try boy, but too little too late," He looked down at Luke.
"Sad really, you were destined to die no matter what. Now it will be by my hand, now despair in your final moments as your final act was utterly meaningless."
Luke was still conscious; his eyes were closed tears flowing from them as he waited for the blade. Instead he heard to clashes and hear two voices.
"It wasn't meaningless." Jake stated.
"You may have your true form, but you aren't a full power. The gods, all of them, are on their way. You have lost."
The two brothers stood defiantly in front of Luke. Thalia and Zoe got back up and all five demigods were shoulder to shoulder in front of a dying Luke. Kronos expression was impossible to read. He stared into space for a few seconds then suddenly whipped his head back and began to laugh. His laugh almost made everyone who heard it flinch. It was the laugh of a maniac that had nothing to lose.
"You don't understand a thing! Regardless of that demigod's actions I have obtained a body of my own! With my true form and the destruction of the god's seats of power my victory is still certain!"
He put his hands above his hand and a pulse of energy was released. The demigods looked around confused as nothing happened then Percy got a message in his mind.
Percy my boy, I do not know what that Titan did, but we are locked out. The forcefield around the building is too much. Everyone here is too injured to break through. We will keep trying but it is up to you to stop him.
Percy felt lost. His strength was still trapped, and even if it wasn't he wasn't sure if it would be enough to defeat Kronos the way he was. Dread invaded his body, but like many times before a bright flame burned it to ashes.
From the hearth a bright figure appeared, spreading fire all over the throne room. The figure launched a hand forward and Kronos was pushed back, out of the throne room. The flames then focused around Percy.
"You are the only one who was a chance. With the power of my true form I will take away all your injuries and restrictions but that will be all I can do. I know it isn't fair to put that much pressure on you, but you are our hope Percy Jackson. Our final hope."
Hestia pressed her lips to Percy's, giving him all the energy she had. If it had been any other god Percy wouldn't have been incinerated, but instead he was invigorated. He could feel the effect of the lighting leave his body. All the pain on the left arm and leg was also gone.
Percy took a deep breath and released everything he had. It was do or die time.
Just like in his battle against the two Aztec deities Percy took the appearance of a god. His muscles expanding to their fullest potential, feathers decorating his forearms and legs. This time no wings sprung instead fangs and claws appeared alongside a jaguar helmet.
His swords became armor that further enhanced the feline look he was achieving. Once the merging was finished Percy was a 8 feet in size and more threatening than he ever looked. By the time his transformation was complete the titan lord was back on his feet and fuming.
Before he even got a chance to get back in the throne room Percy rushed to meet him. Their two auras clashed violently as they stared into each other. Kronos no longer had a smile in his face, he looked worried.
"Are you going to defy me with no weapon in hand boy?" He taunted as he twirled his deadly blade.
"I have no need for one," Percy launched his right hand like a rocket straight at the Titan king.
Kronos blocked but the forced was enough to push him. He quickly recovered and slashed the hand made from branches like it was nothing. A second later two more came from different directions keeping him in the defensive. He lifted his left hand and released some of his aura making the attack age and crumble into dust.
Percy went in for a sneak attack and despite the slowing effect of Krono's time manipulation he was still able to connect the powerful strike. He moved back as a slash barely missed his face. The two of them continued their dance around Olympus, destroying buildings and statues as they went.
Kronos spun his scythe like a mad man and energy beam in the form of blades flew from the weapon. Everything they touched turning to ash, one going straight for Percy, who managed to create a tree in front of him in the last second. Electricity started flowing through Percy's right arm from behind the dust of the decaying tree.
The Aztec champion jumped into the air and launched a thunderbolt straight at the Titans face. The attack was powerful but was easily reflected with a flick of the wrist. With a quick follow up Kronos jumped into the air and smacked Percy with back of his blade right into the ground.
The marble floor was left in shambles from the impact, launching debris in every direction. Percy quickly rose from the floor just as Kronos came down already mid swing. Percy was slowed and had no choice but to block the attack. With perfect timing he caught the blade with his palms a millimeter away from his forehead.
That movement created a shockwave that shook all the way down the first floor of the empire state building. The two combatants were frozen as they struggled in a show of might. Percy had the clear advantage but simply touching the cursed blade was weakening him. He wanted to break the blade but the more he struggled the less likely it seemed. With one last pushed he managed to gain control and push the weapon to the ground making the Titan lose balance.
This was the only chance Percy was going to get. In one fluid motion he jumped into the air and delivered a devasting kick to Krono's left cheek. The force was so great that he was sent flying through Olympus breaking all buildings in his way. Percy quickly followed and willed his armor back into a double handed blade, focusing all his power into one attack. By the time the titan reacted the blade was already connecting leaving no room to dodge or block.
The blade sunk into the left shoulder of the Titan king, but Percy was filled with terror as the blade and his entire body stopped once the blade was an inch deep. He could only move his eyes in desperation as a cold hand was placed over his own.
"You managed to hurt me, impressive, but unfortunately for you that will be the last thing you ever do. My control over time becomes stronger the closer one is to me, you shouldn't have held unto your blade so tightly."
Kronos smiled almost with sympathy as he prepared one last swing with his right arm. The blade moved mercilessly through the air and connected through Percy's midsection cutting straight through with ease.
At this point Percy realized he was probably dead. The blade cut him in half and he had no way to heal, but he figured if he was going down it would not be alone. With all the willpower he had left he acted on the opening Kronos created by his supposed victory.
With the blade still stuck inside of him Percy broke through the frozen spell and grabbed to Krono's right arm and created vines that wrapped around both of them. This made Kronos unable to remove his weapon from Percy's side and left him stuck in that position. The distraction also allowed Percy to raise his right hand with weapon in hand one last time.
Kronos paled as he looked at the weapon. He yelled, kicked and struggle but to no avail, Percy had him completely pinned.
"You bastard! You should be dead already! My blade turns all it touches to dust!"
"Yeah… well I am a lot tougher than most," Percy's vision was blurring, he only had seconds if he was going to do something.
He closed his eyes and started to think as to why he was still conscious, what was keeping him going. Images of the Aztec gods, his friends, siblings all flashed across his mind. He could feel his blade becoming heavier, all the hopes of everyone he was trying to protect riding on this one last swing.
He flashed his eyes open, brimming with the last of his strength and determination as he brought the blade down. Kronos still had one last trick up his sleeve as he removed the forcefield around the building and focused all his energy on stopping the strike.
A brutal clash followed as Kronos' time energy was fighting against Percy's raw power. As the clash continued it was clear Percy was losing, his power was draining by the second, and while Kronos had to worry about vines wrapping around his body Percy had a scythe through his stomach.
Percy was about to pass out, his vision was almost gone. Just as he was slipping into unconsciousness he felt a hand over the blade pushing it down, and then another. He forced his eyes opened and saw visions of everyone, gods, demigods and humans. Everyone he cared about putting their hand into the blade helping it move.
Kronos was obviously surprised by this mysterious force going against him. He switched his aura towards Percy trying to kill him before the blade connected but it was too late. With the help of everyone Percy let out a mighty roar pushed through, the blade slicing through the Titan.
"H-HOW? HOW CAN THIS BE!? I AM KRONOS! I AM-"
The sentenced was never finished as the mighty Kronos was cut clean in half, falling silently to the ground. The sword that had done the deed was stuck hilt deep into the ground, prove of the power behind the strike that had defeated the fallen king.
By the time the battle was over the demigods had recovered and the gods were making their way into Olympus. What they saw was their precious city in ruins, but they were hardly worried about that. Everyone was looking for the spot where the final clash had occurred. Once they found it everyone froze.
Kronos laid defeated on the ground, his two halves anyways, and standing still was Percy. His hand still held onto his blade as his last support and the Scythe was still stuck through his mid-section. The Aztec gods rushed to his aid.
They quickly laid him down and removed the weapon. Their energy was soon after flowing through the young demigod's body, but it was no use. The cursed blade was aging him from the inside, eating away at his lifespan. As they continued to struggle Percy raised a trembling hand.
"Is… is it over? Did I-" he spluttered blood before he could finish.
"Yes my child. You did it, you saved us all. Now don't speak you must save your strength," Quetzalcoatl couldn't stop the tears forming in his eyes as he saw his dying champion.
"Please bird head, gi-give me a little… credit. I think I have a minute tops."
No one was able to deny the statement.
"Well… can't cheat death forever…" He had more to say but his body couldn't handle it.
All the demigods were filled with tears and being held back by their godly parents who surprisingly also had tears forming. Despite all his defiance, and threats to the Greek gods Percy Jackson was a hero to the end. He earned the respect of all gods. They all simply stood in silence, all except for one goddess.
Hestia walked through the gods and kneeled next to Percy. She didn't say a word as she raised her right hand and it began to glow. The glow was warm and welcoming but the brighter it grew the dimmer the aura around Hestia became.
"What are you doing sister?" Poseidon questioned, tears rolling down his cheeks.
Hestia continued without saying a word, the orb getting brighter and brighter. Once it was done it almost pulsed like a heart and the goddess no longer had aura around her body. She looked at Poseidon.
"For the first time in my life brother, I am listening to my heart."
Without another word she pushed the glowing orb into the chest of the dying demigod. The fiery orb was quickly absorbed into his body, then for one terrifying moment nothing happened. Seconds later Percy started coughing violently, his skin regain color and overall looking a lot less… well deceased.
Everyone was completely shocked, only the Greek gods knew what just happened, but they stayed silent as all the demigods rushed to Percy's side, unable to contain their excitement. Hestia collapsed to her knees but held on to Percy's hand.
Line break
Soon the commotion died down and everyone assembled at the throne room. It was rather crowed as all the Aztec gods were present and had temporary seats made for them out. It was out of a combination of respect and fear. The demigods were assembled to the side as they waited to get called on, all except Percy who was still unconscious next to the Hearth laying on Hestia's knees.
Zeus went on a big speech thanking all the gods, including Poseidon and Hades. He even gave a mention to the Aztec gods for their assistance against Typhon. Then it was time for the children that risked their lives.
The demigods got called one by one to be rewarded for their bravery. They went by quickly until the four that helped Percy at the end were called.
"Thalia grace and Zoe nightshade! Come forward!" Zeus boomed
"For your bravery and help in bringing down the Titan lord you and your fellow lieutenant Zoe night shade will be given support to rebuild the hunters of Artemis stronger than before."
"Your fallen sisters will also be allowed straight passage to Olympus right Hades?" Artemis asked.
Hades grumbled but still nodded. "I will streamline their application process."
Thalia and Zoe beamed with happiness before going to Artemis' throne.
"Bianca my daughter come forward!" Hades called
Bianca looked nervous, but she bowed before her father.
"You have proven to be extremely brave and capable as you fought Kronos and protected Olympus. You shall be named Queen of ghosts and will always have a place to call your own in the underworld."
Bianca was completely speechless, she just nodded and returned to her friends.
Annabeth was named the new architect of Olympus which she almost fainted after hearing. Then finally it was Jake's turn. Poseidon took the stage as he stared proudly at his son.
"A great hero must be rewarded, is there anyone who does not believe my son to be worthy?"
No one spoke, which was odd for the gods to agree.
"Then the council agrees," Zeus spoke, "You may be granted a wish from the gods."
"Any wish?" Jake questioned.
"Yes, I know what you will ask, the greatest wish of all. Since the entire council agrees I can make you a god. To serve forever as your father's lieutenant."
Jake was stunned. He thought about all the benefits of the offer, but then looked at his friends. Annabeth looked pale, almost terrified. His glance then fixated on Percy who was finally awake. Percy was smiling at his brother with pride. That look was all Jake needed.
"No."
The gods were frozen, looking at each other to make sure they heard right.
"No? You refuse our generous gift?" Zeus tone was dangerous, as lighting about to explode.
"I am honored," he quickly replied. "But I have my whole life ahead of me."
The gods didn't know how to respond.
"I do want a wish though, one that isn't even that difficult, but I ask that you swear on the Styx."
After much complaining the gods agreed.
"I want you all to claim all demigods by the time they are thirteen. I also want the minor gods to be accepted into the council. They being rejected was part of the reason we had so many enemies to begin with. Finally, I want you to forgive my brother Percy Jackson."
The gods were already beginning to complain but all shut up at that final request. All eyes landed on Percy who managed to get to his feet. His look was a mix between surprise, anger, and fear. Percy was almost sure they would blast Jake for defending him, but his brother was on a roll.
"He has sacrificed and done more than any other demigod here, he shouldn't be punished! If you are going to offer godhood to anyone it should be him!"
"Now hold on my son. We will fulfill your first two requests but know that we are still not done with rewards." Poseidon said with a gleeful smile.
"PERCY JACKSON!" The name boomed through council.
Percy struggle to make his way to the center. He didn't bother bowing in his state.
"It is true that you have been persecuted by the council before. However after your actions today, just as Jake has said, you have proven the hero of the day. I think everyone will agree when I say you are the reason we are all still here."
Once again, the entire council remained silent. Even Athena didn't object, regardless of her thoughts and previous statements, even she couldn't argue with the results the brave demigod delivered.
"As such, you shall also be rewarded. All charges against you are from today nullified and you shall be our ambassador to the Aztec Pantheon and official champion of demigods!"
The amount of times people were surprised in this meeting was beginning to get comical. Not in a million years did Percy expect this. He was almost waiting for the gods to say, "just kidding!" and smite him to oblivion.
"Do you accept our offer?" Poseidon insisted kindly, seeing his son's face.
"I-I…" Percy hesitated, he wasn't used to agreeing the Greek gods. He looked back at his gods, they all had huge smiles on their faces, some giving him thumps up.
"I accept."
"Well that is great and all," Zeus interjected. "There is still one last issue to address. Hestia please come forward."
Hestia walked to the center of the room. The glow around her just barely returning.
"The only reason Perseus is still alive is because Hestia sacrificed part of her very essence as a goddess to save him."
Percy quickly whipped his head towards her, but she refused to meet his eyes.
"As such she has essentially giving up her place as the hearth goddess. Which leaves us with a rather difficult situation."
"I have not giving up the hearth brother. I have simply spread the duty to the five demigods that defeated Kronos. All of them have had the fire of hope lit strong within them. I will however be leaving Olympus, as I will like to stay with Percy."
The entire council erupted in chaos, everyone was trying to speak over each other. Hestia just raised her hand and surprisingly everyone quieted down, still showing incredible respect for the eldest Olympian.
"This is what I have chosen to do. I ask all of you, for once in your existence, to respect my wishes."
That statement left no room for debate. Despite being extremely weak at that moment Hestia still imposed authority and the gods couldn't refuse her offer.
Everyone thought the council was over but there was still one more surprise left.
"If we may, I believe it is our turn to give out gifts. The four demigods that stood next to our champion in the battle, and the goddess that saved his life. The Aztec council will like to give all of you our blessing and tittle of ambassadors for the Greek Pantheon." Quetzalcoatl snapped his fingers and aura spread among the mentioned individuals.
With that final event the Olympian council came to an end and the first multi Pantheon Party was made.
Line break
Olympus knew how to celebrate but the Aztec's didn't stay far behind. Drinks and food as flying everywhere as the god's got to know one another. Ares was getting beaten by Huitzilopochtli in arm wrestling, while Poseidon was having a conversation with Quetzalcoatl.
The demigods were enjoying themselves for once after all the crazy and near-death experiences that had gone through. The only two that were out of the Party were Percy and Hestia. The two of them were by the balcony, hands intertwined and resting their head in each other as Hestia explained to Percy what she had done to save him.
"So, you basically gave up your godhood to save my life." It wasn't really a questioned, more of a statement he couldn't believe.
"To me more accurate, I gave you half of my essence as deity. I am still immortal like the hunters of Artemis, but my life is now linked with yours."
"Does that mean that if I died…"
"I would die as well, and the same goes for you."
Percy pressed their hands tighter together.
"I will protect you."
"I know, and I will do the same to you."
They looked at each other and connected their lips as if sealing their promises.
The demigods left the party early as the gods continued to know each other. By the end of the day Jake was celebrating a birthday cake with Annabeth that was made by Tyson. Percy and Hestia observed from a distance as the two talked and were taking bets as to who would kiss who first.
Hestia smiled in victory as Annabeth wrapped her hands around Jake and kissed his him. Soon the duo was lifted by the entire camp and taken under water. Percy laughed at the scene, sure that the pair was perfectly save at the bottom of the lake.
"So, I am now a ambassador for the Greeks, and you for the Aztecs. We just don't get a break do we?"
Hestia rested her head on his shoulder.
"We could take a break, disappear for a few months. See the world. I am sure Bianca alone could take care of your responsibilities for a bit."
"I would like that. I am in desperate need of a vacation; this job just doesn't pay enough."
Hestia let out a genuine laugh, and that alone made all he had to go through worth it. He didn't know what laid ahead, but he would deal with it when it came.
THE END …?
IT IS DONE! MY GOD THIS TOOK 4 YEARS! But it is finally finished. Now as to what will happen next… well I am not sure. I will write a sequel that's for sure but not yet. There is something else I want to do first.
Also join me in discord! I will answer any questions and interact with fans there. Here is the link: discord . gg / Yy4mj63
It has many other authors so its really cool, would really appreciated if you came.
Also thank you everyone for supporting the story so far. Sorry for disappearing for a while, but hey! We got there in the end.