Percy of the Huntsmen

Preparation for War

North Atlantic Ocean
Aboard the Princess Andromeda

Kronos hated this mortal body. It was clumsy, uncomfortable, and he didn't have access to his full range of time powers.

"Lord Kronos," Ethan Nakamura stood at the door of the Titan's room. "You requested me?"

"Yes, I did. Tell me, Ethan, does your allegiance lie with me, or with the gods?"

"You know my allegiance is with you, my Lord."

"Good, good. I didn't feel that my last captain was loyal enough, so I had him... dealt with. Let's just say my pet Kraken had a nice snack. I believe that you are fit to fill his shoes."

Ethan swallowed nervously. "Me? I only just joined you."

"And yet you managed to kill that Chris kid in our latest fight games. He was not an easy foe to beat."

"I accept captainship, my Lord. And as your captain, I deliver my first report to you."

"That didn't take too long."

"No, my Lord. As I was saying, I have a report. Aeolus intercepted an Iris message sent from those infernal Huntsmen to their man inside the demigod camp."

"Well, show me."

Ethan snapped his fingers, and two glowing circle appeared in the air. The circle on the left contained Adam's face, and Percy's was on the right.

"Adam, good to see you again." Percy's voice said from the recording.

"Percy, we're moving up our timetable. If Kronos's troops don't attack Mount Olympus within the week, I'm sending in an air strike against his ship. The bug is still active, so we always know where he is."

"Gotcha. Is that all?"

"If Kronos does attack Mount Olympus directly, focus your troops on protecting the building at all costs. The rest of the city doesn't matter whatsoever."

"Copy that, Percy over and out."

Both circles vanished with a pop.

"This isn't good at all." Kronos looked slightly concerned. "I won't be in pure Titan form until next month, and if they truly do have a bug on me, I can't get it out. Damn this unbreakable skin! We must attack, and soon if we are to catch these demigods somewhat off guard. Good work, Ethan. You will have a prominent place in my new Golden Age."

"Thank you, Lord Kronos."

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Adam called up Percy on his earpiece.

"The planted Iris-message was a success," Adam said. "The bug I planted on his ship the last time I spoke with Kronos tells me that he buys it. I'll give you a call when be attacks, but you'll probably be able to see him coming.

"One last thing before you rally the troops, as planned beforehand. Selina, daughter of Aphrodite, is the spy for Kronos. Your suspicions were correct."

"That's good news. She'll be easy to take care of."

Adam ended the call.

Percy walked out of his cabin and over to where all of the campers were gathered for dinner. He could smell the hundreds of wolves gathered in the woods. Hopefully the campers would accept the help.

Percy stood on top of the Hades table, ignoring Nico looking at him odd. "Demigods, give me your brief attention. I have something to tell you."

Everyone, except Dionysus, looked up at him.

"As you all know, Kronos is going to attack Mount Olympus soon. What you don't know is how soon. The attack will come within this week."

The campers erupted in chatter. Dionysus looked up from his Fine Wines Weekly magazine.

"However," Percy yelled over the noise. Once it died down he continued. "However, you are not alone in this fight. This may come as a shock, but not all monsters are pro-Kronos. Centaurs, for one, but werewolves also."

Percy turned towards the woods. "You guys can come out now."

The campers gaped as dozens upon dozens of werewolves emerged from the trees. Some of the Huntsmen were in human form, but the army was mostly made up of black, grey, and silver pelts of wolves.

A particularly large wolf moved to the front of the pack. He shifted into a human, to the campers' gasps. "I am Adamantios, Alpha of the Huntsmen. Percy, Beta of the Huntsmen, has seen fit to take your side in this war against Kronos. He has been among you for several weeks now and found you to be of a worthy cause."

"No!" A shrill voice came from the crowd. Selina rose from her spot at the Aphrodite table. "We do not need your help! The campers are perfectly capable of defeating Kronos's armies without turning to you--you monsters!"

"You seem to be forgetting that your esteemed leader, Chiron, is himself a centaur. You've all trained under a monster since the day you arrived. Whether you want us to or not, we will be fighting against Kronos, and we outnumber you by at least five to one. Let us help you or get the hell out of our way and sit at camp putting on makeup while we save your sorry asses."

Selina sat back down.

"Well said," Dionysus put in from the head table. "Someone finally but that insufferable Aphrodite girl in her place."

Chiron stood up out of his wheelchair, in full centaur form. "We accept your help on one condition. You must swear on behalf of your army that you will not cross us, now or after the battle when your goals are achieved."

Adam shrugged. "We have no quarrel with you lot. I swear on the River Styx that neither myself nor my army will turn against Camp Half Blood now or in the near future."

Thunder boomed in the distance.

Chiron didn't exactly like the wording of the promise, particularly the near future part, but he was relieved that the deadly fighting force was on his side instead of Kronos's.

Percy clapped his hands together. "Eat well, for tomorrow we will begin hard training. There is a battle coming, and all of you must be ready."