ｔｈｅ ｌａｓｔ ｏｌｙｍｐｉａｎ

WHEN LUCIA'S EYES FLUTTERED OPEN the pain shot up her arm like fire, She cringed. It exploded in her head with blinding whiteness and made her so dizzy she almost passed out again. A cool cloth was pressed against her forehead and when her vision cleared she blinked to see Silena looking over her.

Even though she was covered in blankets it felt like she was back in the freezing morgue: vulnerable, weak, and shivering. Her shirt clung to her skin due to the stickiness of her drying blood. She laid on a lounge chair on the terrace of what she realized was the Plaza Hotel, where the demigods had set up camp.

"Hi" her voice was rough and weak.

"You're awake." Silena sighed in relief, she kept pressing the cloth to her head "Thank the gods"

Lucia winced when she turned her neck, inside the room were a handful of other campers. Annabeth was there with her siblings packed behind her, when she caught Lucia's eye she immediately stepped toward the lounge chair.

Lucia furrowed her eyebrows "What happened."

"You... You got stabbed, the dagger was poisoned" She sniffled, quickly wiping away her tears "Will's on his way."

Lucia furrowed her eyebrows, the severity of the situation not processing "oh.." she muttered, Her body and shoulder felt heavy, she could barely move. "That sucks"

"I can't leave you alone for a single second" Annabeth scolded

She let out a breathless chuckle. Her mind went back to the battle, the minotaur, the soldiers on horses, her siblings in formation, and then Ethan looming over Percy with a dagger in hand... "Where is—"

'Percy' Lucia heard Jake Mason's voice. 'We're getting reports—'

'Later," He said. 'Where's Luz?'

'The terrace. She's alive, man, but . . .'

Percy didn't let him finish. In seconds he burst through the door with Will beside him. She immediately felt relief, seeing him formed a weak but bright smile on her lips. "Percy"

Will and Percy rushed forward pushing past the other campers.

Will unwrapped Lucia's bandages to examine the wound, and by the look on Percy's face, she knew it was bad. Even without Annabeth telling her she could diagnose herself as a child of Apollo, she learned how to tell what was wrong with someone by simply touching them. And she knew that even though the bleeding had stopped, something else was spreading inside her.

"Luz..." He choked up.

"Poison on the dagger," she mumbled. "Pretty stupid of me, huh?"

Will exhaled with relief. "It's not so bad, Lu. A few more minutes and we would've been in trouble, but the venom hasn't gotten past the shoulder yet. Just lie still. Somebody hand me some nectar."

Percy grabbed a canteen. Will cleaned out the wound with the godly drink while Percy held Lucia's hand. "Fuck! ow! that stings!" she said. "Ow, ow!" She gripped his fingers so tight they turned purple, but she stayed still, at least she tried to.

Silena muttered words of encouragement. Annabeth watched next to her, her face etched in worry. Will put some silver paste over the wound and hummed words in Ancient Greek—a hymn to their father. Then he applied fresh bandages and stood up shakily.

The healing looked to have taken a lot of his energy. He was paler.

"Careful."

"I'm okay Lu. I'm not who you should be worrying about." He stood up, looking over her wound one last time "That should do it, But we're going to need some mortal supplies." He grabbed a piece of hotel stationery, jotted down some notes, and handed it to one of the guys. "There's a Duane Reade on Fifth. Normally I would never steal—"

"I would," Travis volunteered.

Will glared at him. "Leave cash or drachmas to pay, whatever you've got, but this is an emergency. I've got a feeling we're going to have a lot more people to treat."

Nobody disagreed. There was hardly a single demigod who hadn't already been wounded . . . except Percy.

"Come on, guys," Travis Stoll said. "Let's give Lucia some space. We've got a drugstore to raid . . . I mean, visit."

The demigods shuffled back inside. Annabeth walked over, she squeezed Lucia's hand saying she'd be back soon. Jake Mason grabbed Percy's shoulder as he was leaving. "We'll talk later, but it's under control. Annabeth's using the shield to keep an eye on things. The enemy withdrew at sunrise; not sure why. We've got a lookout at each bridge and tunnel."

"Thanks, man," Percy said.

He nodded. "Just take your time."

He closed the terrace doors behind him, leaving Silena, Lucia, and Percy alone.

Silena pressed the cool cloth to Lucia's forehead. She watched her with a frown. "It's all my fault..."

"No," Lucia said weakly. "Silena, how is it possibly your fault?"

"I've never been any good at camp," she murmured. "Not like you or Percy. If I was a better fighter . . ."

Her mouth trembled. Ever since Beckendorf died she'd been getting worse, and every time Lucia looked at her, it made her drown in anger and guilt all over again. Her expression reminded her of glass—like she might break any minute. Lucia swore to herself that if she ever found the spy who'd cost her boyfriend his life, she would kill them herself.

"You're a great camper," Percy told Silena. "You're the best pegasus rider we have. And you get along with people. Believe me, anyone who can make friends with Clarisse has talent."

She stared at him like he'd just given her an idea. "That's it! We need the Ares cabin. I can talk to Clarisse. I know I can convince her to help us."

"Whoa, Silena. Even if you could get off the island, Clarisse is pretty stubborn. Once she gets angry—"

"Please," Silena said. "I can take a pegasus. I know I can make it back to camp. Let me try."

Percy exchanged looks with Lucia.

Lucia didn't like the idea. She didn't know why she hated it.  But, Silena was so distracted right now that she would just get herself hurt in battle. Maybe sending her back to camp would give her something else to focus on.

She nodded slightly.

"All right," Percy told her. "I can't think of anybody better to try."

Silena threw her arms around him. Then she pushed back awkwardly, glancing at Lucia. "Um, sorry. Thank you, Percy! I won't let you down!"

Once she was gone, Percy knelt next to Lucia and felt her forehead.

"You're really hot."

Lucia watched as his cheeks tinted scarlet, his eyes widening as he realized what he said. She simpered, not being able to stop herself from teasing him. "Thanks, Ocean eyes, but is this the best time to be making moves."

Lucia didn't think he could turn any redder, "You know what I meant."

He glanced at her wound then back at her pale face. his eyebrows knitted together, he picked up the cloth and dipped it into the cool water before placing it back on her forehead. 

"You're cute when you're worried," she muttered. "Your eyebrows always get scrunched together."

"You think I'm cute?" His lips curved upwards

"You think I'm hot." 

He didn't argue, just gave her a crooked grin and softly dabbed the cloth over her head.

"The cutest." She admitted, a soft smile forming on her lips. she didn't know what she was doing, the words fell from her lips without a thought. There was a part of her mind yelling at her for her behavior, telling her that he was her enemy and that she was being an idiot. but the other was telling her that this was the safest she felt in a while, stab wound and all...

Then he frowned. His face dropped like he remembered something.

Lucia felt her stomach turn, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, you need to rest." He insisted, and avoided her gaze. the cloth was set over her burning forehead. "I'll leave-"

"Percy." She cut him off, her voice stern "Don't lie to me, Please."

"You...you're going to hate me, again...more..." he stuttered  "It's my fault but I didn't...I thought he would--"

"What happened."

"Michael..." He sighed, " He had this plan and the bridge went down. I turned and he wasn't there, I swear Luz I didn't realize... He's missing, they're searching for him right now but Luz I don't think he... I think he..."

He's dead, Michael is dead.

like Lee. Like Bianca like Zoe like her Dad.

Teardrops spilled down her cheeks like running water, there was a vacant look in Lucia's eyes. Percy seemed hesitant to touch her but when his hand found her face, she leaned into him, and he wiped away her tears. She couldn't move, the pain being all too much but the pain in her heart, it was so much worse.

She remembered being told that heroes didn't ever get happy endings, but at that moment, Lucia wasn't looking for happiness. She just wanted a break. A moment of peace before being confronted with the next catastrophe, Was that too much to ask?

"I'm sorry Luz." Percy's eyes brimmed with tears "I--"

"I-I know it's not your fault." She reassured, "You don't have to worry about me."

"Don't ask the impossible of me."

Lucia felt Deja Vu. The memory of their first kiss flashing in her mind.

She then winced, the pain returned and tried to consume her once again.

I hate Per-

Percy's other hand found her other cheek. His eyes were wide and pleading. "Please, don't listen..."

"Percy." She whispered, her heart feeling heavy in her chest.

"Yeah?"

"You and me." She took a deep breath in. She didn't even understand what she was asking. "Real or not Real?."

"Real." He muttered, his hands falling away from her face. "Why did you take that knife?"

Lucia paused, she felt more knots unraveling. Percy and I, real. "You would've done the same for me."

It was true. They both knew it.

Percy looked into her sad violet eyes. "How did you know?"

"Know what?"

He looked around to make sure they were alone. Then he leaned in close and whispered: "My Achilles spot. If you hadn't taken that knife, I would've died."

Lucia got a faraway look in her eyes. He was in danger. "I don't know, Percy. I got this feeling and it was awful...where...where is the spot?"

He fell quiet. He wasn't supposed to tell anyone.

"No." Lucia shook her head "Nevermind, You're right. please don't tell me. I might hurt you—"

"If I can't trust you, I can't trust anyone."

Lucia fell silent "Percy..."

"The small of my back."

Lucia lifted her hand. "Where? Here?" Her fingertips found themselves on his spine, and he became shy. Tingles prickled from Lucia's hands and she wondered if he felt it too. He moved her fingers to the one spot that grounded him to his mortal life. He shuddered softly.

"You saved me," He said. "Thanks."

She removed her hand, but he kept holding it.

Kill Percy-

She thought of that feeling she felt when Ethan was about to stab him, the terrible paralyzing feeling.

"Your favorite color, its blue, Real or not Real?."

I hate P-

Percy intertwined their fingers, a gentle laugh escaped his lips. "Real, and yours is yellow but not bright yellow, darker leaning towards orange, like gold."

Then and there Lucia could only hear the beating of his heart, feel his rough hand against hers, and get lost in his intoxicating eyes...this can't be hate.

"Do I hate you?" She asked, her voice small

He laughed half-heartedly, his other hand found her jaw, and his thumb rubbed at it. He gave her a look that turned her brain into mush and made her heart slam against its ribcage. "You tell me."

"I don't understand-." Lucia whispered, "I don't know."

"That's okay." He drew circles on her jaw to bring her comfort, Lucia got the sudden feeling that he did that a lot. "Luz? Do you want to know what I think?

She paused then gave him a shy nod.

"No matter where you are, or who you're with, or what you think of me, I will always, honestly, truly, and completely, love you." He avowed "And at the end of the world I'd look for you"

He shifted in place, and gulped. "you told me you could never hate me and I-I know a lot has happened since then. But I think even if you do, a part of me will always be with you and a part of you will always be with me, I think no one and nothing can take that away."

Lucia held her breath when he brought their intertwined hands to his chest.

"Luz..." He began

Connor Stoll stepped through.

"Percy." Connor didn't say anything about their proximity, instead, he looked at Lucia like he didn't want to say anything bad in front of her, but she could tell he wasn't bringing good news."Mrs. O'Leary just came back with Grover. I think you should talk to him."

"Tell him to come in," Lucia said

"No. No" Percy moved the hair out of her face "You need to rest."

"But-"

"Grover can say hi later."

"boo." Lucia pouted

He laughed, "Sleep Sunlight"

"Wait," Lucia didn't let go of his hand as he stood up, he stopped in place. "Will you come back?"

"Do you want me to?"

I-

"I do."

He squeezed her hand, flashing his teeth as he smiled wide.  "Then I'll see you later."

☼

IN LUCIA'S DREAM SHE SAW BILLBOARD SIGNS. A trampled fence ringed a big yard full of cement statuary. The sign above the warehouse was hard to read because it was in red cursive.

It was clearly abandoned. The statues were broken and spray-painted with graffiti. A cement satyr—who kind of looked like Grover—had lost his arm. Part of the warehouse roof had caved in. A big yellow sign pasted on the door read: CONDEMNED.

Hundreds of tents and fires surrounded the property. Mostly Lucia saw monsters, but there were some human mercenaries in combat fatigues and demigods in armor, too. A purple-and-black banner hung outside the emporium, guarded by two huge blue Hyperboreans.

Ethan was crouched at the nearest campfire. His glossy hair swept back, his dark eye still as determined as ever but mixed with anger, sadness, and maybe even guilt. Lucia didn't know how to organize her overwhelming thoughts, but looking at him, she wanted to reach out and tell him she was okay. She knew one thing, and it was that she did feel something deeply for Ethan, but she now felt that it was more complicated than she previously thought.

He looked down. A couple of other demigods sat with him, sharpening their swords. The doors of the warehouse opened, and Prometheus stepped out.

"Nakamura," he called. "The master would like to speak to you."

Ethan stood up warily. "Something wrong?"

Prometheus smiled. "You'll have to ask him."

One of the other demigods snickered. "Nice knowing you." Ethan readjusted his sword belt and headed into the warehouse.

Lucia walked alongside Ethan, passing by  mortals, immortals, demigods, and monsters, most of who she had shared months on the ship with. Watching them in her dream didn't feel like she was looking at them through a lens anymore. She didn't feel like she was a part of them exactly either.

She felt like she was in a sort of limbo, she knew what it was like to be against them but also what it was like to be them. And she owned and inflicted scars that proved both...

There was a hole in the roof. Statues of terrified people stood frozen in midscream. There was a snack bar area, the picnic tables had been moved aside. Right between the soda dispenser and pretzel warmer stood a golden throne. Kronos lounged on it, his scythe across his lap. He wore jeans and a T-shirt, and with his brooding expression he looked almost human—Then Luke saw Ethan, and his face contorted into a very inhuman smile. His golden eyes glowed.

"Well, Nakamura. What did you think of the diplomatic mission?" Ethan hesitated. "I'm sure Lord Prometheus is better suited to speak—"

"But I asked you."

Ethan's good eye darted back and forth, noting the guards that stood around Kronos. "I . . . I don't think Jackson will surrender. Ever."

Kronos nodded. "Anything else you wanted to tell me?"

"N-no, sir."

"You look nervous, Ethan."

"No, sir. It's just . . . I heard this was the lair of —"

"Medusa? Yes, quite true. Lovely place, eh? Unfortunately, Medusa hasn't re-formed since Jackson killed her, so you needn't worry about joining her collection. Besides, there are much more dangerous forces in this room."

Kronos looked over at a Laistrygonian giant who was munching noisily on some french fries. Kronos waved his hand and the giant froze. A french fry hung suspended in midair halfway between his hand and his mouth.

"Why turn them to stone," Kronos asked, "when you can freeze time itself?"

His golden eyes bored into Ethan's face. "Now, tell me one more thing. What happened last night on the Williamsburg Bridge?"

Ethan trembled. Beads of perspiration were popping up on his forehead. "I . . . I don't know, sir."

"Yes, you do." Kronos rose from his seat. "When you attacked Jackson, something happened. Something was not quite right. Lucia, jumped in your way."

"She wanted to save him," Ethan said, Lucia didn't miss the bitterness in his voice.

"Yes well, he is invulnerable, and she's under a spell," Kronos said quietly. "You saw that yourself."

"I can't explain it. Maybe she forgot."

"She forgot," Kronos scoffed. "She is the grandchild of Clio, muse of history, she does not simply forget. Do you think I would have wasted my time with charmspeak if I could alter her memories? But Yes, that must've been it. Oh dear, I forgot the guy I despise is invulnerable, and took a knife for him. Oops. Tell me, Ethan, where were you aiming when you stabbed at Jackson?"

Ethan frowned. He clasped his hand as if he were holding a blade, and mimed a thrust. "I'm not sure, sir. It all happened so fast. I wasn't aiming for any spot in particular. and then...."

Kronos's fingers tapped the blade of his scythe. "I see," he said in a chilly tone. "It's a shame she's become weakened, if only I had cupids hate arrows. unfortunately, he's off in Rome."

"She has been tricked My Lord" Ethan defended "She doesn't want to be-"

"I watched as she took the knife. I am many things but I am not a fool, The charmspeak has weakened with her resistance. In their presence. his presence.." Kronos seethed "But that does not make me angry no. no. In fact, I relish in her power. it makes me want to claim it that much more." Kronos waved it off like he was bored "Whatever it is. Don't you worry Ethan, She will not be resistant for long. She will return to us."

"So she's coming back?" Ethan asked, he stepped forward barely hiding his excitement. "Do you have something planned, My Lord?"

A chilling smile formed on Kronos' lips "Lets just say,  I've gotten some inspiration from how shes been resisting... and, i may have found the perfect tr—"

Suddenly the Titan lord winced. The giant in the corner unfroze and the french fry fell into his mouth. Kronos stumbled backward and sank into his throne.

"My lord?" Ethan started forward.

"I—" The voice was weak, but just for a moment it was Luke's. Then Kronos's expression hardened. He raised his hand and flexed his fingers slowly as if forcing them to obey.

"It is nothing," he said, his voice steely and cold again. "A minor discomfort."

Ethan moistened his lips. "He's still fighting you, isn't he? Luke—"

"Nonsense," Kronos spat. "Repeat that lie, and I will cut out your tongue. The boy's soul has been crushed. I am simply adjusting to the limits of this form. It requires rest. It is annoying, but no more than a temporary inconvenience."

"As . . . as you say, my lord."

"You!" Kronos pointed his scythe at a dracaena with green armor and a green crown. "Queen Sess, is it?"

"Yesssss, my lord."

"Is our little surprise ready to be unleashed?"

The dracaena queen bared her fangs. "Oh, yessss, my lord. Quite a lovely sssssurprissse."

"Excellent," Kronos said. "The half-bloods will be in such disarray they will not be able to defend themselves. Go now, Ethan. We will talk again when we have taken Manhattan."

Ethan bowed,