LIV

The day after the explosion, giant eagles rescue Jason and Piper, but no trace of Leo or Festus is found despite Hephaestus Cabin’s search. Grover returns from a satyr convocation to report that Gaea’s presence has vanished; nature feels normal. The hope is that Gaea, like Ouranos, is dispersed beyond forming consciousness.

A muted victory observance follows. Nico agrees to oversee burial rites for the fallen from both camps. Later, on the Big House porch, Jason and Piper mourn Leo. Hazel prompts Piper to check the physician’s cure, revealing the pouch is empty. Frank and Hazel confess Leo begged their help on Delos; Hazel swapped the vial with a Mist illusion so Leo could execute a lone, massive fiery strike on a weakened Gaea. Based on Nike and Apollo’s guidance, Leo believed any mortal nearby would die, so he chose solitude, gambling on a slim chance to survive as a son of Hephaestus.

The others’ anger fades into grief and reluctant acceptance, recognizing this as typical of Leo’s self-sacrifice. Piper worries how Leo could use the cure alone; Percy holds out hope that Leo might still return, though Nico and Hazel doubt it.

The next day, Greeks and Romans cooperate to heal and rebuild. Will Solace works nonstop in the infirmary, while Nico, uneasy after Octavian’s death, assumes Will now sees him as monstrous. Romans establish their field camp; camaraderie grows across cabins. At dinner, Coach Hedge shows off his baby, Chuck, and Clarisse hovers protectively. Chiron toasts the gods and new friendships, though gratitude is subdued.

At the campfire, everyone watches the sky for Leo, but he does not appear. Reyna and Frank address both camps, promising a new era of cooperation. They announce an agreement with Chiron for visits, training, aid, and, as the crowd insists, parties. Reyna then draws Nico into the firelight, declares they now share two homes, and embraces him, sealing the peace in a moment of acceptance and belonging.