Kronos is back

{Camp Half-Blood, 1st of June 2006}

I emerged from the shadows into the familiar surroundings of the Big House. The old wooden floorboards creaked under my feet as I made my way through the hallway. My mind was racing, still processing the confrontation with Luke and the looming threat of Kronos.

As I approached my father's study, a flood of memories washed over me. I remembered the countless times I'd stood in this very spot, watching Chiron's empty wheelchair gather dust. I remembered how in the Misery Dreams dad had also left a few months before the arrival of Percy in the camp, I didn't think that when he left it would be related to anything in the real world.

I paused at the door, hearing muffled voices from within. Taking a deep breath, I pushed it open.

Inside, I found Percy and my father deep in conversation. Percy's sea-green eyes were wide with a mixture of disbelief and wonder, while Chiron's face bore the patient expression of a teacher explaining a complex subject.

They both turned as I entered, Chiron's brow furrowing with concern at my disheveled appearance.

"Odysseus," he began, "I was just explaining to young Percy here about—"

"The Greek gods," I finished for him. "I know, Dad. And he needs to hear all of it."

Chiron's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps it would be best if Percy rested for now. We can continue this discussion in the morning."

But I shook my head firmly. "No, he needs to stay. The Great Prophecy is in motion, Dad. We can't afford to waste time."

Percy looked between us, confusion evident on his face. "Great Prophecy? What are you talking about?"

I met my father's gaze, silently pleading with him to trust me. After a moment, he sighed and nodded.

"Very well," Chiron said, gesturing for us to sit. "Percy, it seems there is much more we need to discuss."

As we settled into our seats, I took a deep breath, organizing my thoughts. "Percy, what I'm about to tell you is going to sound crazy, crazier than anything you've ever seen or in this case heard, but I need you to listen carefully."

Over the next hour, I laid out everything – the existence of the Greek gods, the nature of demigods, and the looming threat of Kronos. I explained about Luke's betrayal and the missing master bolt, watching as Percy's expression cycled through disbelief, shock, and finally, a grim understanding.

"So, you're saying that this Luke guy, is working with Kronos? The Titan lord who ate his own children?" Percy asked, his voice a mixture of disgust and disbelief.

I nodded grimly. "I confronted him just now. Ever since I came back to camp I knew something was wrong with him, I just didn't know what. How could I have known, Kronos had gotten to him, twisted his resentment towards the gods into something darker."

Chiron leaned forward, his eyes grave. "If what Odysseus says is true, then the situation is even more dire than we feared. The theft of Zeus's master bolt could be just the beginning."

"We need to contact the gods," I said, standing up and pacing the room. "They need to know about Kronos."

Chiron nodded, wheeling over to a small fountain in the corner of the room. With a wave of his hand, a fine mist rose from the water, creating a shimmering rainbow. He tossed a golden drachma into the mist, murmuring, "O Iris, goddess of the rainbow, accept our offering. Show us Zeus, Lord of the Sky."

We waited, but the mist remained just that – mist. No image formed, no connection established.

"It's not working," Percy said, stating the obvious.

I frowned, a sense of unease growing in my chest. "Try another god. Poseidon, maybe?"

Chiron obliged, tossing another drachma into the mist. But again, nothing happened.

"This isn't right," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "The gods should be reachable, especially with something this important."

Chiron's expression was grim. "It seems the gods are... incommunicado. This is most troubling."

Percy stood up, his fists clenched at his sides. "So what do we do? We can't just sit here while Luke and Kronos are out there plotting who knows what!"

I couldn't help but smile at his determination. 

"You're right, Percy," I said. "We can't wait for the gods to get their act together. We need to act now."

Chiron looked between us, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. "What do you propose, Odysseus?"

I took a deep breath, my mind racing through possibilities. "We need to recover Zeus's master bolt. It's the key to all of this. If we can find it and return it to Olympus, we might be able to prevent a war between the gods."

Percy nodded eagerly. "Okay, so where do we start? How do we find a god's weapon?"

"We follow the trail," I said, my voice firm. "Luke stole the bolt, in the winter solstice."

"And Zeus didn't find the bolt on him." My dad interjected. "When the bolt got stolen Zeus immediately sent the other Olympians to search the camper's who came for the tour that includes Luke. Meaning either one of two things. One Luke handed off the bolt to a servant o Kronos or two a god did find the bolt on Luke but for some reason didn't report back to Zeus."

"Oh great," I muttered. "Which god would have liked to take Zeus' throne, try about half of the fucking pantheon. Hell they already have."

"Don't get worked up Odysseus," Chiron said. 

"Don't get worked up!! I had him in my grasp! I knew Kronos was surrounding him! And instead of killing Luke on the spot I talked to him! Why the hell did I talk to him! Oh, and worst of all he got away and I can't teleport to him!!"

My dad came forward and pressed his hand on my head, I looked up at him something I would probably never stop doing. "Odysseus, you are strong and have completed a quest that took half of your life. I know maybe you feel like this is your fault, but you did the right thing by trying to talk Luke down. It didn't work out, but it isn't your fault and as for this mess you don't have to take it all on your shoulders, you're back in your home and we'll fix this together."

I felt how my dad's arms enveloped me, making me tremble, tears started welling up but I sniffed them back down. Then I heard a voice from the only person in this room.

"This is weird, should I go. I'm gonna go."

[Greek Myth Fact: Today's fact will be about one of the lesser known kids from Ares and Aphrodite.

Anteros was the god of requited love and the avenger of the unrequited. He was numbered amongst the Erotes, winged godlings in the train of Aphrodite. Anteros is often depicted in ancient art, including the famous statue in London, which is frequently mistaken for Eros. Unlike Eros, who inspires chaotic and passionate love, Anteros focuses on fostering meaningful connections and long-term commitments.

The story of Timagoras and Meles contributed to Anteros' worship by foreign residents in Athens.

Timagoras, an esteemed poet from Abdera, visited Athens, hoping to gain recognition and admiration for his lyrical prowess. As he recited his verses at the City Dionysia festival, he caught the attention ofMeles, a renowned local playwright.

Mesmerized by the poet's words, Meles approached Timagoras after the performance to express his admiration and desire for a deeper connection. However, Timagoras, overcome by his own vanity, arrogantly dismissed Meles and rejected his advances.

Little did Timagoras know that his callous rejection would bring about his downfall. In an unexpected turn of events, the gods intervened, and Anteros, the avenger of unrequited love, descended upon Timagoras.

Struck by Anteros' divine wrath, Timagoras fell sick and was plagued by misfortune. The dramatic consequences of Timagoras' actions served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring and reciprocating love.]

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