Chapter Text
I pace around the Andromeda, the early afternoon sun shining down on me and a gentle breeze ruffling my hair. Fellow demigods and even some disgruntled monsters are going about their business as usual, ie helping Kronos rule on high. Unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury.
I’m, at least in theory, supposed to be helping Kronos regain his body and advance his plan. However, that’s not what I want—at least any more. Sure, I hate my dad and think a lot of the Olympians are pieces of shit, who could give less of a fuck about their kids, but at same time, I can’t help but remember what happened at the St. Louis Arch. Poseidon saved Percy's life. If he hadn’t, Percy would’ve died. That proves at least some of them care about us demigods, but can only do so much thanks to that stupid rule. Gods like Poseidon don’t deserve what Kronos have planned.
I can’t help but have even more second thoughts. What if everything I’m doing is wrong? What if I need to get out? Can I even get out? I know Kronos won’t let me go—not without a fight, and I’m not sure if it’s one that I can survive.
A sharp pain pierces through my skull. I grip the banister, groaning and doubling over in pain. The pain is nearly overwhelming, and I have to fight the urge to drop to my knees before it ends. I straighten up, trying to look normal as the last vestiges of pain fade.
The door opens. I turn to see Allison, a girl around my age with red hair and blue eyes, walking in. She looks at me with concern. “You okay? You seem a little…tense.”
Ok, I need to play this off and lie. And don’t let on about what just happened. There’s no way I can say the truth about anything just now, not to someone as fanatical Kronos’s plan as her! “Uh, yeah. All good. I’m thinking about my next move and how I’m gonna recruit more demigods to our side.” And the first part is technically true.
“Oh, I see. Don’t overthink things too much. Things always work out in the end.”
Good, she bought it.
But still, that’s easy for her to say! She didn’t go on a quest to return what she stole with a kid who made her question everything!
I laugh a little, trying my hardest to make it sound real. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Allison nods, heading off down into the bowels of the ship to check on everyone’s progress.
What the fuck was that? Did Kronos do that or did that happen naturally? I’m not exactly prone to migraines. But then again, who knows at this point.
I head over to the railing, looking out into the ocean. I hope Annie and Percy are ok. I never heard back from either of those two in weeks.
While I told Percy to assure Annie that I’m ok, knowing her, she is probably flipping out about that regardless. Hopefully she won’t try to come looking for me. I don’t know if I could protect her if that happens.
Speaking of Percy, I wonder if I could ask Poseidon for help. He’s the God of the Sea, among other things. I could easily find a way to contact him on a cruise ship of all things.
Then again, it’s too risky, especially with Kronos watching my every move.
Wait…maybe there is a way that I can help Percy and the others? I could write notes to Percy in secret over Iris Paper. He’s smart enough to not tell anyone, especially Annie. That way I can keep him in the loop about what Kronos is coming up with, and those guys can foil his plans easier.
I have to be extra cautious about this. Kronos is no doubt keeping a close eye on my ass, especially after I failed to recruit Percy and lost both the lightning bolt and helm. I’m a dead man if he finds out.
I head into my room, locking the door behind me. I sit at my desk, pulling out some Iris Paper, a calligraphy brush and a set of special water colours. I tap the side of the brush on my desk, and hum. What should I say to Percy first? Oh!
I jot down:
Percy Jackson
Be aware of demigods you don’t know. Don’t trust anyone new. There are far too many under our banner now. Be safe.