Sons of Apollo
A reading of the Percy Jackson books written by Rick Riordan with exhilarating debriefs after each chapter.
Read by Panther Prakash and Dante Musa, the Sons of Apollo
Sons of Apollo
13. PJLO
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Chapter 13. A Titan Brings Me a Present.
SPEAKER_01We could see the white flag from half a mile away. It was as big as a soccer field, carried by a thirty foot tall giant with bright blue skin and icy grey hair. A hypo a hyperborean, Thalia said. The giants of the north. It's a bad sign that they sided with Kronos. They're usually peaceful. You've met them, I said. Mmm. There's a big colony in Alberta. You do not want to get into a snowball fight with those guys. As the giant got closer, I could see three human-sized envoys with him. A half-blood in armor, an impuse demon with a black dress and flaming hair, and a tall man in a tuxedo. The Impuse held the Tux dude's arm so they looked like a couple on their way to a Broadway show or something. Except for her flaming hair and fangs. The group walked leisurely toward the Heckshire playground. The swings and ball courts were empty. The only sound was the fountain on Umpire Rock. I looked at Grover. The Tux dude is the Titan? He nodded nervously.
SPEAKER_00He looks like a magician. I hate magicians. They usually have rabbits.
SPEAKER_01I stared at him. You're scared of bunnies?
SPEAKER_00They're big bullies. Always stealing celery from defenseless saters.
SPEAKER_01Thalia coughed. What? Grover demanded. We'll have to work on your bunny phobia later, I said. Here they come. The man in the tugs stepped forward. He was taller than an average human. About seven feet. His black hair was tied in a ponytail. Dark round glasses covered his eyes, but what really caught my attention was the skin on his face. It was covered in scratches, like he'd been attacked by a small animal. A really, really mad hamster, maybe. Percy Jackson, he said in a silky voice, it's a great honor. His lady friend the Impus hissed at me. She'd probably heard how I destroyed two of her sisters last summer. My dear, Tuxdude said to her, why don't you make yourself comfortable over there, eh? She released his arm and drifted over to a park bench. I glanced at the armed demigod behind Tuxdude. I hadn't recognized him in his new helmet, but it was my old backstabbing buddy, Ethan Nakumura. His nose looked like a squashed tomato from our fight on the Williamsburg Bridge. That made me feel better. Hey Ethan, I said, you're looking good. Ethan glared at me. To business. Tuck's dude extended his hand. I am Prometheus.
SPEAKER_05I was too surprised to shake. The fire stealer guy? The chain to the rock with vultures guy? Prometheus winced. He touched the scratches on his face. Please don't mention the vultures. But yes, I stole fire from the gods and gave it to your ancestors. In return, the ever-merciful Zeus had me chained to a rock and tortured for all eternity. B but how did I get free? Hercules did that eons ago. So you see I have a soft spot for heroes. Some of you can be quite civilized. Unlike the company you keep, I noticed. I was looking at Ethan, but Prometheus apparently thought I meant the impusa. Oh. Demons aren't so bad, he said. You just have to keep them well fed. Now, Percy Jackson, let us parlay. He waved me toward a picnic table and we sat down. Thali and Grover stood behind me. The blue giant propped his white flag against a tree and began absently playing on the ground. He stepped on the monkey bars and crushed them, but he didn't seem angry. He just frowned and said, Uh-oh. Then he stepped in the fountain and broke the concrete bowl in half. Uh-oh. The water froze where his foot touched it. A bunch of stuffed animals hung from his belt. The kind you get for grand prizes at an arcade. He reminded me of Tyson, and the idea of fighting him made me sad. Prometheus sat forward and laced his fingers. He looked earnest, kindly, and wise. Percy. Your position is weak. You know you can't stop another assault. We'll see. Prometheus looked pained like he really cared what happened to me. Percy. I'm the titan of forethought. I know it's going to happen.
SPEAKER_02Also the Titan of Crafty Council.
SPEAKER_05Grover put in.
SPEAKER_02Emphasis on crafty!
SPEAKER_05Prometheus shrugged. True enough, Seder. But I suppose the gods in the But I supported the gods in the last war. I told Kronos, you don't have the strength, you lose. And I was right. So you see, I know how to pick the winning side. This time, I'm backing Kronos. Because Zeus chained you to a rock, I guess. Uh, partly, yes. I won't deny I want revenge, but that's not the only reason I'm supporting Kronos. It's the wisest choice. I'm here because I thought you might listen to reason. He drew a map on the table with his finger. Wherever he touched, golden lines appeared glowing on the concrete. This is Manhattan. We have armies here, here, and here, and here. We know your numbers. We outnumber you twenty to one. Your spy has been keeping you posted, I guess. Prometheus smiled apologetically. At any rate, our forces are growing daily. Tonight, Cronos will attack. You will be overwhelmed. You fought bravely, but there's just no way you can hold all of Manhattan. You'll be forced to retreat to the Empire State Building. There, you will be destroyed. I've seen this. It will happen.
SPEAKER_01I thought about the picture Rachel had drawn in my dreams. An army at the base of the Empire State Building. I remembered the words of the young girl Oracle in my dream. I foresee the future. I cannot change it. Prometheus spoke with such certainty, it was hard not to believe him. I won't let it happen, I said. Prometheus brushed a speck off his tuxlapel. Understand, Percy, you are refighting the Trojan War here. Patterns repeat themselves in history. They reappear just as monsters do. A great siege, two armies. The only difference is this time you are defending. You are Troy. And you know what happened to the Trojans, don't you? So you're going to cram a wooden horse into the elevator at the Empire State Building? I asked. Good luck. Prometheus smiled. Troy was completely destroyed, Percy. You don't want that to happen here. Stand down, and New York will be spared. Your forces will be granted amnesty. I will personally assure your safety. Let Cronos take Olympus. Who cares? Typhon will destroy the gods anyway. Right, I said, and I'm supposed to believe Kronos would spare the city. All he wants is Olympus, Prometheus promised. The might of the gods is tied to the seats of power. You saw what happened to Poseidon once his undersea palace was attacked. I winced, remembering how old and decrepit my father looked. Yes, Prometheus said sadly. I know. That was hard for you. When Kronos destroys Olympus, the gods will fade. They will become so weak, they will be easily defeated. Kronos would rather do this while Typhon has the Olympians distracted in the West. Much easier, fewer lives lost, but make no mistake, the best you can do is slow us down. The day after tomorrow, Typhon arrives in New York and you will have no chance at all. The gods and Mount Olympus will still be destroyed, but it will be much messier, much, much worse for you and your city. Either way, the Titans will rule. Paulia pounded her fist on the table. I serve Optimus. The hunters will fight to our last breath. Percy, you're not seriously going to listen to this slime ball, are you? I figured Prometheus was going to blast her, but he just smiled. Your courage does you credit. Talia Grace. Talia sniff stiffened. That's my mother's surname. I don't use it. As you wish, Prometheus said casually, but I could tell he'd gotten under her skin. I'd never even heard Talia's last name before. Somehow it made her seem almost normal, less mysterious and powerful. At any rate, the Titan said, You need not be my enemy. I have always been a helper of mankind. That's a load of minotaur dung, Thalia said. When mankind first sacrificed to the gods, you tricked them into giving you the best portion. You gave us fire to annoy the gods, not because you cared about us. Prometheus shook his head. You don't understand. I helped shape your nature.
SPEAKER_05A wiggling lump of clay appeared in his hands. He fashioned it into a little doll with legs and arms. The lump man didn't have any eyes, but it groped around the table, stumbling over Prometheus' fingers. I've been whispering in man's ear since the beginning of your existence. I represent your curiosity, your sense of exploration, your inventiveness. Help me save you, Percy. Do this, and I will give mankind a new gift, a new revelation, that will move you as far forward as fire did. You can't make that kind of advance under the gods. They would never allow it. But this could be a new golden age for you. Or he made a fist and smashed the man into a pancake. The blue giant rumbled. Oh Over at the park bench the impusa bared her fangs in a smile. Percy, you know the Titans and the offspring and their offspring are not all bad, Prometheus said. You've met Calypso. My face felt hot. That's different. How? Much like me, she did nothing wrong, and yet she was exiled forever simply because she was Atlas's daughter. We are not your enemies. Don't let the worst happen, he pleaded. We offer you peace. I looked at Ethan Nakamura. You must hate this. I don't know what you mean. If we took this deal, you wouldn't get revenge. You wouldn't get to kill us all. Isn't that what you want? His good eye flared. All I want is respect, Jackson. The gods never gave me that. You want me to go to your stupid camp, spend my time crammed into the Hermes cabin because I because I'm not important, not even recognized. He sounded just like Luke when he tried to kill me in the woods at camp four years ago. The memory made my head my hand ache where the pit scorpion had stung me. Your mom's the goddess of revenge, I told Ethan. We sh we should respect that. We should respect that. Nemesis stands for balance. When people have too much good luck, she tears them down. Which is why she took your eye. It was payment, he growled. In exchange, she swore to me that one day I would tip the balance of power. I would bring the minor gods respect. And I was a small price to pay. Great mom. At least she keeps her word, unlike the Olympians. She always pays her debts, good or evil. Yeah, I said. So I saved your life and you repaid me by raising Kronos. That's fair. Ethan grabbed the hilt of his sword, but Prometheus stopped him. Now now, the Titan said, we are on a diplomatic mission. Prometheus studied me as if trying to understand my anger. Then he nodded like he'd just picked a thought from my brain. It bothers you what happened to Luke, he decided. Hestia didn't show you the full story. Perhaps if you understood the Titan reached out. Dolly a cried a warning, but before I could react, Prometheus' index finger touched my forehead.
SPEAKER_01Suddenly, I was back in May Castion's living room. Candles flickered on the fireplace mantle, reflected in the mirrors along the walls. Through the kitchen doorway I could see Thalia sitting at the table while Miss Castion bandaged her wounded leg. Seven-year-old Annabeth sat next to her playing with the Medusa beanbag toy. Hermes and Luke stood apart in the living room. The god's face looked liquid in the candlelight, like he couldn't decide what shape to adopt. He was dressed in a navy blue jogging outfit with winged rebox. Why show yourself now? Luke demanded. His shoulders were tense as if he expected a fight. All these years I've been calling to you, praying you'd show up, and nothing. You left me with her. He pointed toward the kitchen like he couldn't bear to look at his mother, much less say her name. Luke, do not dishonor her. Hermes warned. Your mother did the best she could. As for me, I could not interfere with your path. The children of the gods must find their own way. So it was for my own good. Growing up on the streets, fending for myself, fighting monsters. You're my son, Hermi said. I knew you had the ability. When I was only a baby, I crawled from my cradle and set out for. I'm not a god! Just once. You could have said something. You could have helped when he took an unsteady breath, lowering his voice so no one in the kitchen could overhear. When she was having her fits shaking me and saying crazy things about my fate when I used to hide in the closet so she wouldn't find me with those those glowing eyes? Did you even care that I was scared? Did you even know when I finally ran away? In the kitchen, Miss Castien shat chattered aimlessly, pouring Kool-Aid for Thalia and Annabeth as she told them stories about Luke as a baby. Thalia rubbed her bandaged leg nervously. Annabeth glanced into the living room and held up a burned cookie for Luke to see. She mouthed can we go now? Luke, I care very much, Hermes said slowly, but gods must not interfere directly in mortal affairs. It is one of our ancient laws, especially when your destiny his voice trailed off. He stared at the candles as if remembering something unpleasant. What? Luke asked. What about my destiny? You should not have come back, Hermes muttered. It only upsets you both. However, I see now that you are getting too old to be on the run without help. I'll speak with Chiron at Camp Halfblood and ask him to send a Sata to collect you. We're doing fine without your help, Luke growled. Now what were you saying about my destiny? The wings on Hermes reebox fluttered restlessly. He studied his son like he was trying to memorize his face, and suddenly a cold feeling washed through me. I realized Hermes knew what May Castian's mutterings meant. I wasn't sure how, but looking at his face, I was absolutely certain. Hermes understood what would happen to Luke someday, how he would turn evil.
SPEAKER_05My son, he said, I'm the god of travelers, the god of roads. If I know anything, I know that you must walk your own path, even though it tears my heart. You don't love me I I promise I I I do love you. Go to camp. I will see that you get a quest soon. Perhaps you can defeat the Hydra or steal the apples of Hesperides. You'll get a chance to be a great hero before before what? Luke's voice was trembling now. What did my mom see that made her like this? What's gonna happen to me? If if you love me, tell me Hermie's expression tightened. I I cannot. Then you don't care! Luke yelled. In the kitchen, the talking dog. Abruptly. Luke? Make a stone called. Is is that you? Is is my boy alright? Luke turned to hide his face, but I could see the tears in his eyes. I'm fine. I have a new family. I don't need either of you. I'm your father, Hermes insisted. A father is supposed to be around. I've never even met you. Thalia, Annabeth, come on. We're leaving. My my boy, don't go. May Castellan called after them. I I have your lunch ready. Luke stormed out of the door, Thalia and Annabeth scrambling after him. May Castellan tried to follow, but Hermes held her back. As the screen door slammed, May collapsed into Hermes' arms and began to shake. Her eyes opened, glowing green, and she clutched desperately at Hermes' shoulders.
SPEAKER_03My son!
SPEAKER_05She hissed in a dry voice. Danger terrible fate I I know, my love, Hermes said sadly. Belie believe me. I know. The image faded. Prometheus pulled his hand away from my forehead. Percy Dahlia asked, What what was that? I realized I was clammy with sweat. Prometheus nodded sympathetically. Appalling, isn't it? The gods know what is to come, and yet they do nothing. Even for the children. How long did it take them take for them to tell you your prophecy, Percy Jackson? Don't you think your father knows what will happen to you? I was too stunned to answer.
SPEAKER_04Percy, Grover warned. He's playing with your mind. Trying to make you angry.
SPEAKER_05Grover could read emotions, so he probably knew Prometheus was succeeding. Do you really blame your friend Luke? The Titan asked me. And what about you, Percy? Will you be controlled by your fate? Cronos offers you a much better deal. I clenched my fists. As much as I hated what Prometheus has shown me had shown me, I hated Cronus a lot more. I'll give you a deal. Tell Cronos to call off his attack. Leave Luke Castellan's body and return to the pits of Tartarus. Then maybe I won't have to destroy him. The Impusa snarled. Her hair erupted in fresh flames, but Prometheus just sighed.
SPEAKER_01A Greek vase appeared on the table. It was about three feet high and a foot wide, glazed with black and white geometric designs. The ceramic lid was fastened with a leather harness. Grover whimpered when he saw it. Tollia gasped. That's not Yes, Prometheus said. You recognize it. Looking at the jar, I felt a strange sense of fear, but I had no idea why. This belonged to my sister-in-law, Prometheus explained. Pandora. A lump formed in my throat. As in Pandora's box. Prometheus shook his head. I don't know how this box business got started. It was never a box. It was a pethos. A storage jar. I suppose Pandora's Pethos doesn't have the same ring to it, but never mind that. Yes, she did open this jar, which contained most of the demons that now haunt mankind. Fear, death, hunger, sickness. Don't forget me. The Impuse purred. In the Prometheus conceded. Released by Pandora. But what I find curious about the story, Pandora always gets the blame. She is punished for being curious. The gods would have you believe that this is the lesson. Mankind should not explore. They should not ask questions. They should do what they are told. In truth, Percy, this jar was a trap designed by Zeus and the other gods. It was revenge on me and my entire family. My poor simple brother Epimetheus and his wife Pandora. The gods knew she would open the jar. They were willing to punish the entire race of humanity along with us. I thought about my dream of Hades and Maria D'Angelo. Zeus had destroyed an entire hotel to eliminate two demigod children. Just to save his own skin because he was scared of a prophecy. He'd killed an innocent woman and probably hadn't lost any sleep over it. Hades was no better. He wasn't powerful enough to take his revenge on Zeus, so he cursed the oracle, dooming a young girl to a horrible fate. And Hermes? Why had he abandoned Luke? Why hadn't he at least warned Luke or tried to raise him better so he wouldn't turn evil? Maybe Prometheus was toying with my mind. But what if he's right? Part of me wondered. How are the gods any better than the Titans? Prometheus tapped the lid of Pandora's jar. Only one spirit remained inside when Pandora opened it. Hope, I said. Prometheus looked pleased. Very good, Percy. Eltis, the spirit of hope, would not abandon humanity. Hope does not leave without being given permission. She can only be released by a child of man. The Titan slid the jar across the table. I give you this as a reminder of what the gods are like, he said. Keep El Peace if you wish, but if you decide that you have seen enough destruction, enough futile suffering, then open the jar. Let El Pea go. Give us hope, and I will know that you are surrendering. I promise Kronos will be lenient. He will spare survivors. I stared at the jar and got a very bad feeling. I figured Pandora had been completely ADHD like me. I could never leave things alone. I didn't like temptation. What if this was my choice? Maybe the prophecy all came down to my keeping this jar closed or opening it. I don't want the thing. I growled. Too late, Prometheus said. The gift is given. It cannot be taken back. He stood. The Impuse came forward and slipped her arm through his Moraine Prometheus called to the blue giant. We are leaving. Get your flag. The giant said. Prometheus promised. One way or another. Ethan Nakamura gave me one last hateful look. Then the truce party turned and strolled up the lane through Central Park like it was just a regular sunny afternoon. Chapter 13.
SPEAKER_03Chapter 13.
SPEAKER_01Give up. Give up hope. Oh my gosh. Do not give up hope, Erstine.
SPEAKER_05And the help is gonna give her up.
SPEAKER_01And how hope is that asked for permission to be even released too many people. Wow.