She fought me and screamed, "I HATE you!" I wasn't sure who she was talking to —

me or Luke or Kronos. Tears streaked the dust on her face.

 

"I have to fight him," 1 told her.

 

"It's my fight too, Percy!"

 

Kronos laughed. "So much spirit. I can see why Luke wanted to spare you.

Unfortunately, that won't be possible."

 

He raised his scythe. I got ready to defend, but before Kronos could strike, a

dog's howl pierced the air somewhere behind the Titan's army. "Arroooooooo!"

 

It was too much to hope, but I called, "Mrs. O'Leary?"

 

The enemy forces stirred uneasily. Then the strangest thing happened. They began

to part, clearing a path through the street like something behind them was

forcing them to.

 

Soon there was a free aisle down the center of Fifth Avenue. Standing at the end

of the block was my giant dog, and a small figure in black armor.

 

"Nico?" I called.