Chapter 25
Third POV
After three days of travelling, fighting and training with his new weapon in Percy's case, the trio arrived at Camp Half Blood. As soon as they walked in they were ambushed by Reyna who had already arrived for the preparations with Camp Jupiter. She hugged Percy tightly before slapping him then began the yelling,
"You idiot! You couldn't have sent one message? We were worried out of our minds." She continued to yell for at least another five minutes as a crowd of spectators watched on amused. The Avengers were among them too.
Tony watched, secretly recording the whole thing. Thor, Loki and Clint were sniggering and Natasha was watching with smirk on her face. When she finally stopped, Percy to everyone's surprise stepped up and hugged her once again tightly, whispering something in her ear, which made her smile.
Then Percy dragged Nico and Thalia into the hug, they grumbled but still joined in. Soon cheers broke out all around and Chiron began shooing everyone away letting the four teens have their moment.
They clung onto each other tightly before finally separating with smiles on their faces.
"Wow Reyna I didn't know you hugged." Percy joked.
Reyna playfully shoved him, "Don't make a habit of it." She reprimanded.
"Don't worry, I won't." Percy promised before laughing. Reyna then asked them about their quest and Percy, Nico and Thalia caught her up. Percy did not tell anyone about his discussion with his father. It felt too personal to share and he wanted to cling on to the feeling as long as he could.
As good of an actor Percy was, Reyna still noticed the slightly troubled expression on his face and it also didn't escape her mind that Percy fumbled over his words slightly when telling how he understood to train with the weapon.
Something about it didn't quite add up and she was sure that Percy was keeping something to himself and as much as she wanted to know, she didn't ask. It wouldn't do to invade his privacy, he needed his space and if he seemed too troubled only then would she ask him about it.
Percy meanwhile had noticed Reyna glance at him suspiciously but thankfully she didn't call out on him, hopefully she'd leave the topic alone for now. He did not want to tell his suspicions to anybody else, they'd just delay the inevitable and that would cause a lot more damage.
After a few more minutes the conch horn rang signalling lunch and the four of them got up and headed to the dining pavilion. As soon as they entered heads swivelled their way and Percy squirmed uncomfortably under the attention. Nico, Thalia and Reyna noticed this and silently glared at everyone until they looked away.
Percy shot them a thankful look before hurrying off to his seat. He quickly sacrificed a portion to his father before starting himself. He enjoyed his meal in relative silence grateful to the campers for understanding his wish to be left alone. Once he was done he silently got up and left the pavilion.
Instead of going back to his cabin he sat by the beach a few minutes later he heard someone silently approach. The figure plopped down beside him, both not saying a word.
"So, something is bothering you." Tony stated not questioned.
Percy sighed before replying, "Yeah."
Tony glanced at the teen, he looked peaceful and calm, he mentally applauded the mask, it was something he knew well himself. He'd always shielded himself behind a mask of jokes and sarcasm. He stayed silent though, if Percy wanted to share he would.
After a few more minutes of gazing at the ocean Percy began, "It was a trap." Tony although confused remained silent, hoping Percy would explain.
Percy continued, "Kronos, he used some ancient magic so that the minute I touched his scythe, his mind would connect to mine. And it did. So now I have a piece of evil Titan in my mind, trying to corrupt me. But it's pretty useless considering my fatal flaw is loyalty and Kronos knows that too. So it's of no use."
Tony waits for him to continue but Percy remains silent so he asks, "Why did he do it then if he knew..."
Tony trails off as he realizes exactly why. He whips his head to look at Percy. The kid who he had grown undoubtedly close to. His eyes turned sad and his genius mind scrambled for ideas saying, "No, No, Percy don't say that. There must be another solution, right? Nope, I'm not letting that happen."
Percy finally turned to look at the billionaire, his gaze was hard and steely conveying his determination, "Tony, stop. I'm okay with it. I'll do whatever I have to, if it means keeping my friends and family safe."
Tony sighed, not quite accepting the teen's willingness. He was too young for such tragedy. He had seen way worse than anyone else and for this to happen... made him furious at the Gods. How they made their children their pawns.
He draped a hand across Percy's shoulders pulling him close, Percy tensed for a minute before relaxing. He could practically feel the man's anger radiating off him. Percy placed his head on Tony's shoulder saying,
"It's alright, my Fate was always decided and you can't do anything to change it Tony. Besides I'll be happy. And that's the best thing I could ask for."
Tony knew this of course, "But what about the others Percy?" He asked hoping to change Percy's mind.
"They'll understand." Was Percy's short reply. He knew it would be hard but he had to do what needed to be done. Whatever It Takes.
-Page Break-
The next day Percy was woken up rather rudely by a smirking Clarisse and Natasha. He groaned rolling over, "I should never have introduced you guys."
"Well regret your poor life choices later Percy, for now...It's time to spar!" Both the girls yelled the last part in unison. The identical evil smirks on their faces scaring Percy slightly, although he'd never admit that, to Clarisse at least.
He grumbled, "Okay, fine let me get dressed and I'll meet you in the arena in 20." When both of them nodded, he shooed them away, and groaned into his hands. He was so not looking forward to this but he had enough sense to know that if he refused, he'd be dragged there anyways and he preferred to keep his dignity intact, thank you very much.
Still grumbling, he stumbled into the shower, which needless to say woke him right up. 20 minutes later found him in the arena exactly as promised. Clarisse and Natasha were already waiting for him with matching evil grins on their faces. He mumbled something along the lines of 'scary ladies' 'should never have introduced them'. To his relief he notes that Steve is there too to share his suffering.
He gives Steve a quick thumbs up before getting into a defensive stance. Clarisse and Nat exchange a look and smirking advance on the boys, their weapons drawn.
The brutal sparring lasts about 20 minutes leaving everyone involved exhausted. A lot of his friends had come to watch them and lots of bets were placed. Right now, he was sitting on the ground surrounded by his friends and family. He sighed in contentment, he'd miss this. As though summoned by this thought Kronos' voice appeared inside Percy's head.
So join me, Perseus and I will spare your friends. You don't have long. Percy involuntarily flinches at the name Perseus but thankfully no one notices, well except Tony, who has sort of taken to watch him like a hawk. Percy sometimes notices infinite guilt and sadness within those eyes. He tries to reassure the old man but it never works and he is left hoping that Tony doesn't blame himself for his choices.
It is then that he decides to do something. Something he'll possibly regret later, but, oh well, who's he kidding he is definitely going to regret this later but he really wants to do this and so he will.