XXVIII

In the ruins undersea, Jason cuts Percy free and uses a ventus shell to purge the poison. Kymopoleia demands Jason honor his promise to recognize minor gods, and Jason pledges to champion shrines or cabins at both camps, putting Kym first for her help in beheading Polybotes.

Kym confirms the Argo II still floats and pointedly rejects reconciliation with Briares. She warns that Percy’s blood could awaken Gaea and recalls Phineas’s prophecy: Percy will face a sacrifice tied to his fatal flaw of never stepping away. She reports ocean forces are fighting near Long Island for their sake and foretells Jason will be tricked and suffer grief.

Pressed for guidance, Kym hints at a precedent: Ouranos fell when drawn down and restrained, implying Gaea might be defeated if lured from her power. She calls Jason “Pontifex,” relays that the ventus aiding him is Dylan from the Grand Canyon, and asks Jason to free the spirit at the surface.

Recovering, Percy thanks Jason but admits guilt over nearly killing Akhlys with poison in Tartarus, which made him accept choking as deserved payback. Jason reassures him about friends stopping one another from going too far. Jason withholds a full plan but aims to seek counsel on Delos.

They discuss Jason’s new “Pontifex” role and Percy’s earlier choice to demand better conduct from the gods. Jason embraces the mission to honor minor deities across both camps. He discovers his gut wound is wholly healed, takes it as a sign of clarity and purpose, and resolves to fight on. Together, Jason and Percy head back to check the Argo II and make for Delos.