Maiden Grim | A Pjo Fanfic

Ch. 26: Nico Buys Happy Meals For The Dead

Shockingly, Isra managed to have a better night of sleep than usual before the quest.

Unfortunately for her that still meant her dreams were pretty worrying.

She stood inside a wide room of what appeared to be a cruise ship. The windows were open on a moonlit sea. Cold wind rustled the velvet drapes.

Beside her, there was a vague presence. She itched to turn her head to see who it was, but it was like her neck was made of stone.

Isra was surprised to see Luke, the camp traitor, there. He knelt on a Persian rug in front of the golden sarcophagus of Kronos. In the moonlight, Luke's nearly white hair glowed pale-silver. He wore an ancient Greek chiton and a white himation, a kind of cape that flowed down his shoulders. Compared to last she'd seen him, it was a major upgrade. He almost looked like one of the minor gods on Mount Olympus. Way healthier than a guy who plummeted off the side of a mountain ought to be.

"Our spies report success, my lord," he said. "Camp Half-Blood is sending a quest, as you predicted. Our side of the bargain is almost complete."

Excellent. The voice of Kronos didn't so much speak as pierce her mind like a dagger. It was freezing with cruelty. A shudder ran down her spine. Isra felt a sense of deja vu. Has she heard that voice before? Once we have the means to navigate, I will lead the vanguard through myself.

Luke closed his eyes as if collecting his thoughts. "My lord, perhaps it is too soon. Perhaps Krios or Hyperion should lead-"

No. The voice was quiet but absolutely firm.

I will lead. One more heart shall join our cause-two, if the Fates are so willing. At last I shall rise fully from Tartarus.

"But the form, my lord..." Luke's voice started shaking.

Show me your sword, Luke Castellan.

Luke drew his sword. A strange blade made from half celestial bronze and normal steel. To kill both monsters and mortals, Isra realized with a start.

You pledged yourself to me, Kronos reminded him. You took this sword as proof of your oath.

"Yes, my lord. It's just-"

You wanted power. I gave you that. You are now beyond harm. Soon you will rule the world of gods and mortals. Do you not wish to avenge yourself? To see Olympus destroyed?

A shiver ran through Luke's body. "Yes."

The coffin glowed, golden light filling the room. Then make ready the strike force. As soon as the bargain is done, we shall move forward. First, Camp Half-Blood will be reduced to ashes. Once those bothersome heroes are eliminated, we will march on Olympus.

There was a knock on the stateroom doors. The light of the coffin faded. Luke rose. He sheathed his sword, adjusted his white clothes, and took a deep breath.

"Come in."

The doors opened. Two dracaenae slithered in-snake women with double serpent trunks instead of legs. Between them walked a different she-monster. An empousa. The name came to mind. The servants of her mother, Hecate. This one appeared as a pretty African American girl with curly hair. She wore a red dress that accentuated her figure.

"Hello, Luke," the empousa smiled.

"What is it, demon?" Luke's voice was cold. "I told you not to disturb me."

She pouted. "That's not very nice. You look tense. How about a nice shoulder massage?"

Luke stepped back. "If you have something to report, say it. Otherwise leave!"