The Return

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Chapter 13:The Return

The waves lapped gently against the hull of the ship as they sailed away from Polyphemus's island. The tension from the battle had faded into exhaustion, but victory still hung in the air. The Golden Fleece rested safely in Clarisse's hands, its radiant glow illuminating the deck.

Percy let out a deep breath, leaning against the railing. "I can't believe we actually pulled that off."

Annabeth sat nearby, her expression thoughtful. "We got lucky. Polyphemus could've crushed us."

B/N smirked. "Well, he tried to. But Y/N had other plans."

Y/N stood at the bow of the ship, silent as ever, his black cloak billowing in the wind. His mask concealed his face, but his posture was rigid. Something wasn't right.

Clarisse crossed her arms. "Lucky or not, we have the Fleece. That's all that matters." She glanced at the horizon. "We should be back at camp by morning."

But Y/N wasn't convinced. His instincts screamed at him-danger was still ahead.

As night fell, the stars above flickered behind thickening clouds. The air grew heavy, charged with something unnatural.

Percy frowned. "Is it just me, or is the sky looking worse?"

Annabeth stood beside him, worry creeping into her voice. "That's not a normal storm."

Y/N tightened his grip on his blade. They weren't alone.

Then-

A sharp gust of wind slammed into the ship. The sails groaned under the force. The sea, once calm, turned violent in an instant.

B/N cursed. "I knew this was too easy."

Clarisse tried steering, but the ship refused to obey. "Something's messing with the water!"

Then a voice, smooth and mocking, echoed across the deck.

"Going somewhere?"

Lightning split the sky. A dark figure materialized above them, standing effortlessly on the air. His golden eyes glowed with amusement.

Percy's grip on Riptide tightened. "Luke."

Luke Castellan smirked, his sword casually resting on his shoulder. "You've all been very busy. Impressive, really. But you knew this wasn't going to end so easily."

Clarisse snarled. "Get lost, traitor!"

Luke chuckled. "Now, now. That's no way to talk to an old friend." His gaze flickered to the Fleece. "I'll be taking that."

Y/N stepped forward. His voice was calm, but deadly. "Over my dead body."

Luke sighed. "I was hoping you'd say that."

With a flick of his wrist, figures in black armor emerged from the storm-Kronos's forces.

The ship became a battlefield in an instant.

Luke's soldiers lunged forward, swords flashing in the dim light. Annabeth and Clarisse met them head-on, weapons clashing with steel.

Percy deflected a strike, knocking his opponent overboard before whirling around to face another.

B/N engaged two at once, moving with deadly precision, his kunai flashing through the air.

But Y/N had only one target.

He leaped forward, striking at Luke with lightning-fast precision. Luke blocked with casual ease, smirking.

"Still following orders like a good soldier?"

Y/N didn't answer. He struck again, forcing Luke back.

Luke's eyes gleamed. "Come on, Y/N. You're better than this." He parried another blow, countering with a powerful strike. Y/N barely dodged, flipping backward onto the mast.

Luke followed, landing effortlessly. "You should join me. You don't owe the gods anything."

Y/N's voice was cold. "I don't betray my friends."

Luke sighed. "Shame."

With a sudden burst of power, Luke slammed his sword downward. The mast cracked, splinters flying everywhere. Y/N barely managed to leap away before the entire structure collapsed onto the deck.

The ship tilted dangerously.

Clarisse shouted, "We're sinking!"

Luke laughed. "Then I guess you're out of time."

His hand extended-dark energy crackled around him. He was preparing something big.

Y/N's mind raced. They had to stop him. Now.

"Percy!" Y/N barked.

Percy immediately understood. He raised Riptide-a massive wave surged forward, slamming into Luke's forces. Some were swept away, but Luke remained standing, unfazed.

"You'll have to do better than that."

Y/N appeared in front of him in a flash. He struck.

Luke barely deflected the attack-Y/N's blade sliced across his arm, drawing blood.

Luke hissed in pain. His golden eyes flared with rage. "Fine."

He lashed out. A burst of energy slammed into Y/N's chest, sending him flying across the deck.

He crashed hard, his vision momentarily blurring.

"Y/N!" Annabeth shouted.

Luke smirked. "He'll live. But not for long."

He turned back toward the Fleece-toward Clarisse, who was desperately trying to keep it safe.

Too far. Y/N was too far.

Luke raised his sword-ready to strike-

Then-

A massive fist collided with Luke's side, sending him flying across the deck.

Tyson stood over him, his large hands clenched into fists. "Bad man stay away from my friends!"

Luke coughed, pushing himself up. His eyes flickered between all of them.

The tide of battle had shifted.

Luke scowled. "This isn't over."

With a final wave of his hand, darkness engulfed him-and he vanished.

The remaining soldiers, seeing their leader gone, quickly retreated into the storm.

Just like that, it was over.

The ship drifted in silence, battered but still afloat.

Percy sheathed Riptide, exhaling deeply. "That was way too close."

Clarisse clutched the Fleece tighter. "We still have it. That's all that matters."

Annabeth turned to Y/N, concern in her eyes. "Are you okay?"

Y/N stood slowly, dusting off his cloak. "I've had worse."

B/N whistled. "Luke sure doesn't like you."

Y/N's gaze was distant. "No. He doesn't."

Percy frowned. "What did he mean about you being 'better than this'?"

Y/N was silent for a moment. Then-

"Luke wants to believe we're the same." His voice was quiet. "That we're both just soldiers, used and discarded."

Annabeth stepped closer. "But you don't believe that."

Y/N's eyes met hers. "No. I don't."

A pause. Then Percy sighed. "Well... one thing's for sure."

Clarisse raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Percy smirked. "Luke's going to be really mad when we heal Thalia's tree."

Silence. Then-B/N laughed. "Yeah. Yeah, he is."

For the first time that night, the tension eased.

They had won.

But Y/N knew-this war was just beginning.

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