Prince of the Seas, Lord of the Eclipse (Discontinued)

Chapter 19

"So, I trust you have still been training in my absence?" I ask Luke.

"Yeah, though the only ones to give me a true challenge are Perseus and Achilles. They truly are legendary warriors. I hope to be almost as good as them one day."

"You already are. You are the best mortal to pick up a sword since I became immortal as a demigod. Truly no one else has wielded a blade like you before. Actually, that's kind of why I wanted you here today. I was going to put off training one more day so I could get re-accustomed to being back. While I was away with Annabeth, we decided that we would do whatever it took to make sure you would survive. I don't need my wife and little sister hating me because I could have done more for you.

"So, I had a weapon provisioned for you. I helped make it, so it is imbued with my power. This is without a doubt, this is the most powerful sword whose whereabouts are known. The only other legendary sword that could be it's equal would have been Achilles' sword, made by Nereus and his mother containing more power of the sea than even Poseidon could forge into a blade. This was made by my siblings and I.

"The sun, moon, and eclipse have immense power, and it will help you change the tide in battle, as long as you know your enemy. You can change day to night and night to day. You must know whether your enemy is stronger at what time of the day. The only thing left is for you to claim it. It will reform to be balanced in your hands."

Luke stared at him. Then at the blade that had appeared in Perseus' hands. "You made this for me?"

"Well...to be honest, I had to beat your father down because he was going to make one. I had him get you something else. If there is one thing I know far better than any other god, it is swords. While crafting them might be Hephaestus' strong suit, no one can tell if a blade is best suited in someone's hand than me, nor can anyone hope to match me in a dual. For me to find my equal, I'll have to fight a Titan, maybe a few at the same time."

"My dad wanted to make me one? You can't be serious," Luke said, still stunned.

"Luke, you have no idea how much we gods really do care for our children. If he can do anything to prevent you from dying, he will. Remember, while the Ancient Laws are a little more loose now, there are still guidelines that they have to follow. As we speak, the gods are stirring on Olympus. The forges below the seas are churning. The drums of war are being dusted off and everyone is getting ready for the Titan's first move. Have you not noticed the sudden lack of monster attacks? Or how quiet the woods have become? It won't be long now. They are getting ready far sooner than I expected, and if I know my father, errr...both of them, they will be amassing forces as well as Uncle Hades will undoubtably be forming legions of the dead to come to our aid as well. Speaking of Uncle Hades, I can't wait to see how his son turned out. That boy had a spark in him, the same one I saw in you. He will give you a good challenge when he shows. I might have to give him a few lessons as well, but he will not be the one to help me stop Kronos. I will need you at my back.

"There is no mortal I'd rather have there than you. Not even Thalia. She is good, a formidable opponent with that spear, as well as my idiot brother's daughter, Clairese. But they will be needed elsewhere. Come, let me show you my plans."

Luke followed Perseus to a table he conjured from thin air and sat in a seat formed the same way. On the table sat a basic strategy map, with no field as the battle stage had yet to be decided. There were three formations.

"I will break our mortal forces into three armies, and then, from there, they will be broken down further. But, each of these armies will be headed by a team. The main force, lead by Clairese and your brother Chris will take the brunt of the attack. They will be the spear wielders and heavily armored. The second one, off to the left of the main force, will be headed by Thalia and Zoë. They will be the archers and will provide cover for the main force and secondary force. That secondary force will be off to the right of the main force and be lead by Nico and Bianca, Uncle Hades two demigods that you rescued."

Luke looked at the plan. "Its well laid out, and the people you chose to lead them should be experienced enough, other than the two children of Hades. I don't really know them, but since they've been living in the Underworld most of this time, I assume their dad has done some work with them. But this isn't your plan is it?"

Perseus chuckled, "You got me. I told Annabeth what I wanted and she drew this out. I'm showing you this because there has to be one supreme authority to answer directly to me. Someone I can trust explicitly. That is where you come in Luke. You are one of the oldest campers here, and have been on some of the more dangerous missions. They look up to you, even most of the humans that augment our ranks look up to you and respect you. I want you to lead these kids and humans into battle. But here's the catch. I can't have you dying on me..."