As promised, here’s the bonus chapter.
Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 21 Whispers broke out around us, but everyone turned quiet as Chiron spoke.
“It is determined.” Percy looked at Chiron, finally getting it.
“My father?” he asked.
Chiron’s voice became solemn, carrying far for all to hear.
“Poseidon.
Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Father of Horses.
Hail, Perseus Jackson, Son of the Sea God.” At that everyone went down on one knee, except Chiron who bowed deeply in respect.
Percy looked shocked, seeking my eyes as I kneeled.
I gave him a wink.
As we left the forest, many conversations broke out among the demigods.
How did the Hellhound enter camp, Percy’s claiming, the game itself.
All of them were being discussed around us.
Chiron seemed very worried as he walked next to us out of the forest.
He explained to the two of us that no monster could get past the camp barrier without being invited in.
Percy had a lot of questions and was done waiting for answers.
“Will…
do you know what’s going on, why is my getting claimed such a big deal?” “Well, your father is one of the big three, gods of much greater power.
As for the rest, I think Chiron can answer it best.” I answered.
Percy turned toward Chiron with a look that said, tell me.
“Will is correct, but it is more complicated than that.
Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades are the most powerful of the Olympians, yes, but beyond that there is the oath.
Many years ago, after the Second World War, those three swore a sacred oath on the River Styx not to have any more demigod children.
Their children had become too powerful, and a prophecy foretold that one of them could determine the fate of Olympus.” Chiron spoke, showing off his natural habit of teaching.
He then took a breath and continued.
“When your father claimed you tonight, he publicly acknowledged that you are his son.
That means every god, every monster, and every demigod now knows who you are.” Percy looked a bit overwhelmed, but pressed on to get his answers.
“Why did Poseidon wait so long?” “The gods rarely acknowledge their children immediately.
To do so would draw attention to them before they are ready.
Had he claimed you earlier, you would never have known calm from that moment.
Your father knew that breaking the oath would have consequences.
Claiming you too early would have placed an even greater burden upon you.
He waited until you reached Camp Half-Blood, where you could finally be protected.” Percy, again overwhelmed, decided to focus on what was most important to him and asked.
“If Poseidon’s really my dad…
why didn’t he help my mom?” Chiron looked uncomfortable at that question, but answered.
“The gods are not free to walk among mortals as they please, Percy.” Percy looked livid.
“So he let her get taken instead!?
If that is the type of father he is, then I’m glad I never met him!” With that he stormed off, leaving behind a sighing Chiron.
Chiron turned to me and said.
“Please look after him, William.
He will need support for what is coming.” I nodded and went after him.
The following day, a shift was felt at the camp, people seemed to have realised what Percy being claimed could mean.
Whispers broke when Percy passed, some seemed nervous, some angry.
Chiron came by Poseidon’s cabin later that day to explain what the implication of Percy being claimed was.
I was there keeping Percy company at the time.
“Percy, there is something about your claiming I did not have time to explain yesterday.” Percy seemed sheepish at the hint of him storming off.
Chiron continued.
“You see, Zeus’ lightning bolt was stolen recently, it is the greatest weapon of Olympus.
And Zeus believes Poseidon did it.
Now, with Poseidon claiming you, and with the oath being broken, Zeus believes you did it.” Percy interrupted, panicking.
“ME?!
He believes I stole it?
Why?” Chiron calmly continued, though with a sympathetic look.
“Zeus believes you did it on your father’s orders.
You see, gods cannot take another god’s symbol of power.
Demigods, on the other hand… He believes Poseidon is looking to overthrow him, and now with you being claimed that you were the instrument.” Chiron continued holding up a hand to stop Percy from interrupting.
“Zeus and Poseidon are preparing for war.
Storms are appearing across America.
Olympus is dividing.” Percy looked defeated.
“What do I do?” He looked toward me, then toward Chiron, looking for direction.
“You must see the Oracle, a quest must be issued to find the bolt.
And maybe, just maybe, you can find your mother as well along the way.” Tensions were rising inside the camp, with the lines drawn, the gods were picking sides, and the camp reflected that.
I could see a kid from Apollo cabin arguing harshly with a kid from Athena cabin.
An Ares kid shoving another child of Athena.
A few fights almost broke out.
I was training when I saw a younger child from the Apollo cabin being cornered by two older children of Athena.
They shoved him back when he tried to go past them calling him a traitor.
To my surprise Clarisse was walking past and saw it and immediately got in the Athena kids’ faces.
She yelled about them being cowards for teaming up on someone.
They yelled back, then the shoves came from both sides.
I saw one of the Athena kids put his hand on his sword and was about to step in when Chiron arrived.
They stopped immediately, but still angry.
Chiron looked at both sides and said.
“Do not be so quick to divide.
This divide is not ours, but the gods.
Also beginning something here, before the gods have even taken that step, could have very dire consequences.” Tensions settled slightly, but the underlying issue remained unsolved.
Later that day Percy was leaving to go see the Oracle.
I couldn’t help being drawn into the thoughts about the future.
I have been gone for nearly a month.
I would have to return soon to keep my promise to mum.
In the meantime, though, Percy is being pulled into the quest for the lightning bolt and saving Sally.
“What should I do?
Stay, and break the promise to mum, or go back?
What do I prioritise here, the immediate thing of helping save Sally or keeping the promise to the most important person in my life?” Maybe I didn’t have to choose, though, if I went back to mum, spent a few days with her, then came back to help, before Percy enters the Underworld?
I would not be a part of his party then, of course, but leaving camp and helping could work anyway.
I let out a breath as I came to the compromise, breathing easier again after having decided.
Assuming the prophecy was the same, I had my plan.
Percy came back from the Oracle looking terrified.
Before I could ask any questions he was summoned alone for a meeting with Chiron and Dionysus.
He came out, perhaps ten minutes later, and immediately went straight to me with Chiron following behind, looking resigned.
“Will you have to come with me to save my mother, she is likely held by Hades, he is the one who took the lightning bolt as well!” I looked up from where I was sitting outside Hermes cabin as he came storming up, luckily I was there alone.
Chiron immediately spoke.
“No, William here is too young, and too new to camp to be going on a mission like this.
Not without being mentioned in the prophecy.
I’m sorry but I forbid it.” Percy turned on Chiron angrily.
“But he can beat anyone here!
He is the only one who values my mother anywhere near as highly as I do!” Chiron just shook his head.
“I’ve been informed he is only newly turned eight, though he looks older, and fights like a veteran, he is too young.
Pick someone else, Percy.
When you decide who, and have asked them, come to me for final approval and we will see you off.
Do not delay for long, the solstice is approaching.” He left at that, leaving no room for protests.
I sighed and spoke.
“I’m truly sorry, Percy.
I would sneak out to go with you.
But my mum has waited long enough for me, I must find a way to return to her.
I promise I will return to help you save your mother, but it will have to be after I fulfill my promise to my mum.” Percy looked completely crushed and I felt terrible.
But I had already been here for nearly a month and I had made a promise to the most important person in my life.
“What does the prophecy say?” I asked.
Percy, still looking defeated, recited: “You shall go west, and face the god who has turned, You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned, You shall receive unexpected aid when your need is great, You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend, And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.
” “Unexpected aid” I said under my breath, a new line had appeared in the prophecy.
“It was the exact same, but with one line added.
Is it referring to me helping them?
Could my planning to come back, and help from outside the party have changed fate?” “Percy, I will give you some advice.
First I suggest you pick Annabeth and Grover, I know you can trust both of them when it comes to the quest.
Second, and you can’t ask any questions about this one, do you agree?” He looked confused, but nodded, so I continued.
“Anything given to you before you leave that is not from Chiron, throw it away.” Percy immediately opened his mouth to ask, but I just held up my hand.
“I promise I will tell you later, for now, please just trust me.” He gave me a long look, weighing my words, then nodded.
“I further promise you.
I will help you save your mum.
I might not be able to join your party, but helping after you leave, once I’ve had time to find my mum again.
That is a whole other thing.
I will not let Sally be a prisoner or a chip in the game of gods.” By the end of my rant, Percy was visibly breathing easier.
“Thank you, Will.
It means everything, I guess I’ll owe you another before this is over, huh?” I laughed at that.
I swapped to an American dialect.
“I got your back, brother, from another mother.” I said, trying to sound like Carter from Rush Hour.
We sat chatting for a while after that, just hanging out.
We moved to the Poseidon cabin for more space and just had a nice evening, before everything started.
The following day, Percy talked to Grover and Annabeth and prepared for the quest.
I spent the day training relentlessly to fight bigger monsters, practicing to use high impact spells wandlessly, and hitting moving targets at “weak points” with telekinesis-driven blades.
I had decided to leave when Percy left for his quest.
Before dinnertime the next day Percy and his team were ready, and I was ready to return.
I had decided to mask my leaving by making people believe I sneaked out to help Percy with the quest, which was also true.
After goodbyes at camp had been made I followed Team Percy to the edge of camp for a private goodbye.
“I’ll see you soon.
Remember everything I said” I said with a wink.
He returned the wink and gave me a one-armed hug.
He smiled, happy at the reminder that I would follow to help save his mother.
“I’ll see you soon, Will.” I nodded to Annabeth and Grover and they all got into the car for a ride to the city with Argus, the hundred-eyed head of security for Camp Half-Blood.
As the car went out of sight, I activated the travel back to the world of Harry Potter and darkness immediately covered my vision.
When I came to, I was again standing in my house, my mum was right in front of me.
I was happy to see her again and let out a big smile.
“Mum, I’m finally home.
It is good to see you!
Sorry I was gone for so long.” I gave her another smile and moved toward her for a hug.
She looked very confused and just as we started hugging she answered.
“I’ll always take a hug, my Will.
But what are you saying, you have not even left yet?” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS arre131 Hope you enjoyed the bonus chapter!
What do you think about the implications of the world-jumping?