The Son of Mischief and Moonlight

Harry's eyes flickered open to the soft, sterile glow of the infirmary lights, blinking as he adjusted to his surroundings. The scent of antiseptic hung in the air, and the faint beeping of medical monitors was oddly comforting, if not a little annoying. His head pounded, and his muscles felt like they'd been trampled by a herd of rampaging centaurs. Every limb felt leaden, weighed down by the aftermath of the insane fight he'd just been through.

"Oh good, you're awake," came a voice to his left. He turned his head, and there was Hank McCoy, smiling down at him, looking both relieved and slightly exasperated. "I was starting to think Juggernaut had knocked you into next Tuesday."

Harry managed a half-smile. "Feels more like Wednesday, to be honest," he muttered, his voice scratchy. He tried to sit up but was quickly pushed back down by a firm hand.

"Easy there, cowboy," came another familiar voice, this one with a Southern twang. Rogue leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk on her face. "You just went toe-to-toe with a walking earthquake. Rest a bit."

Harry chuckled, though the effort made his ribs ache. "Well, I've always wanted to see how far I could push a Juggernaut," he joked, wincing as he shifted slightly. "Guess now I know."

A faint snicker came from the side, and Harry turned to see Thalia sitting on a nearby chair, arms bandaged and her electric blue eyes sparking with amusement. "You were flying through the air like some kind of mad acrobat, y'know," she said, a grin breaking through. "Honestly, it was kind of hilarious, but also ridiculously epic. We thought you were insane."

Harry gave her a wink. "Well, 'insane' is a family trait," he quipped, thinking of his trickster dad. "I had Juggernaut right where I wanted him."

"And then got flung across the courtyard like a ragdoll," Annabeth chimed in, leaning over from the other side of the bed. Her expression was torn between worry and that familiar look of fond exasperation she always wore whenever he did something, well, reckless. "Honestly, Harry, there are smarter ways to fight than jumping onto a rampaging tank."

"Smart is boring, Annabeth," Harry replied, giving her a roguish grin. "Besides, it all worked out, didn't it? Well… mostly."

"Mostly," Hermione interjected from the foot of the bed, her arms crossed as she looked at him with her classic "You're a lunatic" stare. "We were this close to scraping you off the courtyard with a spatula. You're lucky you've got all of us here to back you up."

Just then, Xavier wheeled himself into the room, his calm presence immediately bringing a sense of order. "Harry, you did an excellent job out there," he said, nodding approvingly. "The fight took a lot out of everyone, but you gave us the edge we needed. You managed to hold on long enough for us to take Juggernaut down."

Harry's smile softened. "Just doing my part, Professor," he said, although his eyes held a spark of pride. "Couldn't have done it without everyone, though. Took a whole team to keep him off balance."

"Right, because it wasn't enough to just latch onto the guy's helmet and banter with him mid-fight," Warren added, swooping in with his signature Angel wings. "You had to make it a full-on comedy routine. You realize Juggernaut could have crushed you like a bug, right?"

"Hey, he started it," Harry replied, smirking. "Can't let the big guy get all the lines. Besides, he seemed like he needed a little, uh, guidance on his fashion choices."

Remy chuckled from the corner, flicking a card between his fingers. "Might not have been de smartest move, mon ami, but gotta admit—it was one heck of a distraction."

A chorus of laughter and eye rolls filled the infirmary as Harry leaned back, basking in the warmth of his friends around him. Rogue, leaning closer, softened her tone. "You gave us all a heart attack out there, sugah. Don't you go doin' somethin' like that again, alright?"

Harry grinned, putting on his best mock-serious expression. "Promise… at least, not until the next supervillain crashes through the gates."

Everyone groaned, but the familiar warmth of their camaraderie was undeniable.

—

The room had been buzzing with laughter and banter, but it fell silent as the doors of the infirmary swung open. In swept a wave of divine energy so palpable that even the mortals could feel the air change. Harry's eyes went wide as he saw his family—his godly family—piling into the room, each one radiating a mixture of concern, relief, and, in Apollo's case, what could only be described as excessive enthusiasm.

Artemis was at the front, her silver eyes narrowed in an intense mixture of relief and exasperation. "Harry," she said, her voice soft yet steely. Her hands went to his shoulders, as if checking to make sure he was really there, in one piece. "Do you realize how worried you made us?" Despite the scolding tone, her fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, and the tension in her shoulders finally relaxed.

"Mom, it was just a Juggernaut," Harry replied with a sheepish smile. "Just another Tuesday."

Artemis sighed, her expression caught between wanting to hug him and wanting to swat him. "Just another Tuesday," she repeated, shaking her head. "Do you think I've waited millennia for a son just to see him pulverized by some… oversized brute?"

Before Harry could answer, Loki stepped forward, his grin just as mischievous as ever. "You've definitely inherited my flair for dramatics, son." He gave Harry a once-over, inspecting him with a critical eye. "Still, you could have gone for a subtler approach, you know—disguised yourself as a fly and simply buzzed into Juggernaut's helmet. Less bruising that way." His tone was playful, but there was an edge of worry behind his words.

"Thanks, Dad, but I think I'll stick to plan 'jump and pray' next time," Harry replied with a chuckle.

Before the back-and-forth could continue, the Huntresses swept in: Zoe, Phoebe, and Atalanta, each of them looking as fierce as if they'd just come off the battlefield. Zoe crossed her arms, giving him a look that had cowed many a young demigod. "What were you thinking, charging in like that? Do you have any idea what that creature could have done to you?" She fixed him with a steely glare, but there was a glint of sisterly affection in her gaze.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Harry muttered, trying to look appropriately chastised. "Next time, I'll call in backup."

Phoebe punched his arm, not quite lightly. "You better. Or we're tying you down ourselves."

Atalanta, on the other hand, smirked, ruffling his hair with an affectionate roughness. "You're still in one piece, so I suppose you did alright." But then her expression softened, and she added, "Just… don't make us go through that again, okay?"

Brunhilde, towering over the others with her Valkyrie poise and armored presence, gave him a nod of approval. "You held your ground well, Harry. And you've earned yourself a few more combat drills as soon as you're healed." She winked, and Harry couldn't help but groan.

Just then, Apollo swooped in, strutting with his sandy hair tousled in a windswept fashion that seemed entirely effortless. "Hey, kid!" he said with a grin, pulling Harry into an enthusiastic hug. "You know, I should have been there to show you how a true god handles a Juggernaut! But don't worry; I'll be here next time. And I've been working on some haikus about this very moment!" He cleared his throat dramatically:

"Juggernaut charges,

Young hero holds fast and brave—

Helmet falls to dust."

Harry couldn't hold back a laugh. "You've really been working on that one, haven't you?"

Apollo gave a mock-hurt look. "Only the best for my favorite nephew!" he declared, casting a subtle glance toward Thor as if daring him to challenge that title.

Thor, never one to let a challenge go unanswered, stepped forward, his booming laugh filling the room. "Ah, but nephew, you should have called on me! A good hammer swing could have knocked some sense into that brute!" He clapped Harry on the shoulder with enough force that it rattled the bed.

Harry grinned, wincing only slightly. "I'll keep that in mind, Uncle Thor. But I'd hate to steal your thunder."

Thor chuckled, completely missing the pun, and pulled him into a one-armed bear hug. "Next time, nephew, we fight side by side!"

Apollo, not to be outdone, leaned in with a wink. "You know, Harry, if you want a real display of godly power, I'm only a call away. Plus, I could teach you some moves—how about an archery lesson from the god of archery himself?"

"Alright, alright, calm down, you two!" Harry laughed, but his heart swelled with warmth. In the midst of the chaos, the fighting, the close calls—he had a family, each one of them colorful, powerful, and absolutely irreplaceable. As Artemis's fingers brushed his cheek again, he finally felt the exhaustion seep away, replaced by a quiet gratitude.

"Now, rest, Harry," Artemis murmured, her voice soft. "You've earned it. And next time," she added with a ghost of a smile, "try not to make my heart stop, alright?"

Harry smirked, glancing around at the godly and mortal faces around him. "I'll do my best," he promised.

—

Harry sat up slowly, the pounding in his head still making him want to reconsider his life choices. He wasn't exactly sure how he'd wound up in the Institute's infirmary, but the growing crowd of deities and superhumans around him was a solid clue that things had taken a rather interesting turn.

Artemis stood by his bedside, arms crossed, her expression a mixture of concern and exasperation. Behind her were Zoe and Phoebe, who both looked like they could kill someone with a single glare, and Atalanta, whose stoic expression betrayed the undercurrent of fury that simmered beneath. Of course, she was his honorary big sister, so she had every right to be pissed off.

Brunhilde, the Valkyrie who had been with him for what seemed like… what, three centuries now? She was still glowering, as if daring anyone to try and hurt him again. Thor and Apollo flanked the others, their expressions more casual but their eyes sharp—almost too sharp. They were always ready for a fight, but now, they were waiting to see how Harry would react.

"Alright, kid," Loki said, leaning against the wall in his typical laid-back fashion, "time for the family meeting."

Harry groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I'm just trying to figure out if I got hit harder than I thought or if I'm in some weird dream-state where all of you have lost your minds."

"Always with the sarcasm," Apollo chuckled, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "At least you're still you."

"Am I, though?" Harry muttered. "Or am I just becoming another walking disaster of divine proportions?"

Xavier, the X-Men's resident genius, was standing nearby, his eyes narrowed as if trying to piece together the puzzle. "It seems that while you were unconscious, something triggered inside of you. Your X-gene, Harry. It's activated, and it's more than just a mutation. It's… complex."

"Didn't know I had an X-gene," Harry said with a dry laugh. "Guess I'm just full of surprises."

"Oh, believe me, son," Loki said, his voice dripping with mischief, "this one will be a doozy. I think your gene's a bit more… special than you might be used to. Your powers are definitely linked to Praedia Bellica—Spoils of War, as the mortals like to call it."

The name felt heavy in the air. Harry frowned. "Spoils of War? That sounds… ominous."

"It's not just ominous," Loki replied, crossing his arms. "It's a divine blessing, or curse, depending on how you want to look at it. The Spoils of War are the manifestation of power acquired through conflict—strength earned through victory. It's about warfare and the spoils that come with it."

Atalanta raised an eyebrow. "He fought the Juggernaut and was left unconscious. Not exactly the typical way someone earns those spoils."

Harry nodded grimly. "Yeah, about that…" He rubbed his neck, trying to ignore the lingering headache. "I… I wasn't just knocked out. While I was out cold, my mind was somewhere else. Inside my head. And it wasn't just any dream."

"What was it?" Zoe asked, her voice steady but intense. "What did you see?"

Harry hesitated. "Cyttorak. The one who's been behind the Juggernaut. He… talked to me. We kind of… faced off."

"Face off with Cyttorak?" Loki echoed, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "Now that's a story. I assume you weren't exactly having a polite conversation?"

"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "It was more like a battle of wills. His presence… I've never felt anything like it. He tried to control me, bend my mind, but I fought back. We were in a… strange space inside my mind. There was a lot of power in there. The kind that could swallow me whole if I wasn't careful."

Loki smirked, clearly entertained. "I'll admit, that sounds like a typical Tuesday for a trickster. But the fact that you survived and fought with Cyttorak suggests that you've unlocked something far more dangerous than we thought."

"Which means, we need to figure out exactly what happened," Xavier said, his voice calm but firm. "You're not just dealing with a normal mutation, Harry. Your genetic code is a mixture of godly bloodlines and X-gene potential. When combined, it could produce… well, chaos."

"Of course it's chaos," Harry muttered. "Did you expect anything different?"

Loki laughed, clapping him on the back. "My boy, you are definitely my son."

Xavier leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Harry. "What you're describing sounds like a mental battle with Cyttorak—a battle of wills. Cyttorak is a god of pure, unrestrained power. But in your case, that conflict could have triggered a sort of unlocking of your latent abilities. The Spoils of War aren't just about strength—they're about harnessing power and using it strategically."

Apollo grinned, looking way too pleased with himself. "The kid's got brains, strategy, and a whole lot of firepower. But I've got to ask—how'd he come out of it without going insane?"

"Good question," Thor chimed in, crossing his arms. "Cyttorak is no small fry. His power is overwhelming for most beings."

"True," Xavier replied, nodding. "But Harry isn't just anyone. He's a mix of divine and mutant genes. That's what makes this so unique. The battle with Cyttorak likely activated his mutation, but also allowed his godly traits to push back against it."

Harry's mind raced as he processed everything. Godly traits—he'd always known he wasn't fully mortal, but hearing it put like that, it made things feel even heavier. "So what now? Do I just keep going around fighting giant mystical entities, hoping to keep my sanity intact?"

"Not quite," Loki said, his voice lighter now. "You'll need to learn to control this power, or it will control you. Which—let's face it—isn't something anyone wants. Especially us."

"Especially him," Apollo added with a wink. "We don't want him going full-on god-mode and ending up like Uncle Thor over there."

Thor gave him an exaggerated frown. "What does that mean?"

"It means," Loki said, eyes gleaming, "that Harry's got to balance his powers—and the chaos they can create. He's got the potential to be a god in his own right. But it's a dangerous game to play."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. "Great. Because I really needed more chaos in my life."

Artemis smiled softly. "Chaos is your middle name, Harry."

The room seemed to collectively sigh in relief, but Harry knew this was only the beginning. His powers were only getting started—and who knew what trouble they'd bring next? He wasn't sure whether to be terrified or excited, but one thing was for certain: this was going to be one heck of a ride.

—

Harry sat there, processing everything that had just been laid out before him, his mind working in overdrive. Cyttorak, the Juggernaut, Praedia Bellica—the Spoils of War—it all swirled together like a cocktail of divine chaos, one he had barely managed to survive. But despite the weight of it all, one thing had become painfully clear: he needed control. And fast.

There was only one place that could offer him what he needed—K'un-Lun.

It wasn't just the legendary city in the mystical mountains that called to him. It was the training, the discipline, the control that the warriors of K'un-Lun had mastered over centuries. If he had any hope of taming his volatile powers—or at least keeping them from devouring him from the inside—he had to start there. The martial arts training alone was said to be the key to tempering the greatest of warriors, and if there was one thing he'd learned in all his years of battling the forces of darkness, it was that discipline and focus were the only ways to stop chaos from consuming you.

As he stood, Harry felt a surge of power ripple through his veins, his godly and mutant traits twisting together in a perfect storm of untapped potential. It was like standing at the precipice of a great abyss, knowing that one misstep could send him into freefall.

"Harry, you're not seriously thinking about running off to K'un-Lun now, are you?" Atalanta asked, her voice sharp but full of concern. "You've just been knocked unconscious by one of the most dangerous entities in existence. You need time to recover."

Harry gave her a wry smile, though it was hard to ignore the exhaustion creeping into his bones. "I need more than time to recover, Atalanta. I need control." He let his gaze sweep across the group, the weight of their stares heavy on him. "The last thing I need is for this power to turn me into a ticking time bomb. K'un-Lun's the only place where I'll be able to learn how to manage it."

Zoe crossed her arms, looking unconvinced. "K'un-Lun's no joke, Harry. They don't just teach you how to fight; they break you down and rebuild you from the ground up. You'll face trials that will push you beyond what you think you're capable of."

"I know," Harry said with a knowing look. "That's why I need it. I've always thrived under pressure. Besides, if I don't do this, I'll just end up burning everything down around me."

Loki raised an eyebrow, amused. "Well, at least you're not entirely delusional." He pushed himself off the wall and took a few steps closer to Harry, his voice laced with that familiar mischief. "But, let's be real, boy. K'un-Lun's training won't just give you control—it'll break you apart and leave you to find the pieces. And then, you'll have to piece yourself back together. It's a tough road to walk, even for the most stubborn of gods."

Harry met Loki's gaze, his eyes burning with determination. "Then that's the road I'm walking. I've been through worse."

"That's true," Xavier added, his voice thoughtful. "But don't make the mistake of underestimating what you're about to face, Harry. As I'm told by Brunhilde, the trials of K'un-Lun will be designed to break down even the most powerful beings. You're not just training to fight—you're training to master yourself."

Artemis nodded. "The path to mastery requires humility. Don't think you're going to waltz in there and leave as a polished weapon, Harry. It will demand everything from you."

"Trust me," Harry said with a wry grin, "I've got a bit of experience with everything demanding everything from me." He chuckled darkly, but his eyes were steady. "I'll go to K'un-Lun. But I won't stay forever. I'll come back stronger. And I'll bring chaos with me, if I have to. But first, I need to get this under control."

Apollo smirked, stepping forward. "Well, now that you've made a decision, can I at least say I told you so about this whole dangerous godly powers thing? Because I definitely saw that coming."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Great. The last thing I need is a cosmic reminder of my bad life choices."

Brunhilde finally spoke, her voice surprisingly soft. "If you're going to do this, then I'll be there to make sure you don't burn yourself out. Besides, you'll need someone who can handle the real fights while you focus on... whatever the hell you're going to be doing."

Thor slapped Harry on the back with enough force to nearly knock him over. "Good. You've got the support of Asgard, too, Harry. If you need backup, we'll have your back. And don't let anyone tell you that you can't handle this. You're a god in the making."

Harry gave him a strained grin, his thoughts already drifting to K'un-Lun. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but if he didn't take it, he'd be no better than the next force of destruction waiting to be unleashed. "Thanks, but I've got this," Harry said, more to himself than anyone else. "I'll find my balance in K'un-Lun. I have to."

With a deep breath, he turned toward the door, the weight of his decision settling in his chest. The storm of power swirling inside him wouldn't stop just because he didn't want it to—it would only stop when he learned how to master it.

And K'un-Lun was the only place where that could happen.

---

Later that evening, Harry sat in a quiet corner of the Institute, thinking about his next move. K'un-Lun. The name had always had a mystical pull for him, but now, it was more than just a distant legend. It was the place where his future would be forged.

But before he left, there were a few loose ends to tie up. Some battles weren't just fought with fists. And Harry knew that the road to K'un-Lun was paved with more than just trials—it was also a path filled with enemies.

Enemies he would have to face head-on.

With a sense of finality, he stood up. He wasn't just walking into a city of monks and warriors. He was walking into his own destiny. And it was about time he took control of it.

—

Harry took a deep breath as he stood by the shimmering portal of shadows, his fingers tingling with the raw energy that pulsed through his veins. Thanks to his recent clash with Cyttorak, his Shadow Travel ability had leveled up, taking on a deeper, more potent edge. Now, it felt less like slipping into darkness and more like commanding it—a fitting reflection of the power that now resided in him. Beside him stood Brunhilde, her arms crossed and her gaze steely. She'd be there to make sure he didn't get too reckless—and possibly to throw him headfirst into the training he knew was going to be brutal.

But before the journey to K'un-Lun could begin, there were goodbyes to be said.

His friends—Thalia, Hermione, Annabeth, Clarisse, Silena, Luke, Travis, Connor, and Charles Beckendorf—all gathered around, each wearing expressions that ranged from excitement to worry. They were a mix of demigods and warriors, an unlikely band of allies who'd fought beside him through some of his most dangerous moments. It was only natural that they'd follow him to K'un-Lun, ready to help him face whatever new trials lay ahead.

As they exchanged a round of last-minute jokes and promises to not let him face any perilous situation alone, Artemis and Loki approached, both sporting looks that blended pride with apprehension. Loki, as usual, couldn't resist throwing in a little mischief.

"Well, if you get yourself killed out there," Loki began with a smirk, "just remember—I taught you better."

Artemis gave him a fond eyeroll, pulling Harry into a hug that was warmer than her usual stoic demeanor let on. "You have the strength and the skill," she murmured. "But remember to trust your instincts. They've brought you this far." She released him, her gaze softening. "And come back in one piece."

Thor stepped up next, clapping Harry on the shoulder with enough force to make him stagger. "Remember, K'un-Lun's trials are not for the faint of heart, nephew. But if anyone can make it, it's you." He shot a competitive glance over at Apollo, who was waiting impatiently for his turn. "And just so you know, I'm the coolest uncle. Don't let this golden-haired narcissist fool you."

Apollo let out an exaggerated sigh, strolling up to Harry with his typical easy confidence. "Come on, don't listen to him. We both know who's the real favorite uncle," he said with a wink, ruffling Harry's hair. He flashed his signature grin, adding, "Now, if you get a chance to write a haiku about your adventure, make sure to dedicate it to me." He paused, as if inspiration struck him right there, and began to recite, "Into shadows deep / With courage and friends at side / Rise stronger than night."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head as Apollo flashed him a playful grin. It was impossible not to feel the light-hearted energy the sun god brought with him, even in the face of something as daunting as K'un-Lun.

Atalanta, Zoe, and Phoebe—the trio of overprotective honorary sisters—each gave him a lingering look, as if assessing his readiness for the trials ahead. Zoe crossed her arms, giving him a look that said, "Don't do anything stupid." Atalanta cracked a small smile. "Try not to get yourself killed, little brother," she said with a wink, pulling him into a quick hug.

Behind them, the students from the Xavier Institute gathered to see him off. Jean offered a warm smile, and Remy, Rogue, and Scott gave him nods, though Scott's gaze lingered on Jean, his expression as moody as ever. Professor Xavier rolled forward in his chair, his gaze filled with encouragement. "Remember, Harry, true strength lies in self-mastery," he said. "And should you need us, you know where we'll be."

Hank McCoy shook his hand, his broad smile reassuring. "Keep that curiosity alive, Harry. And if you find any lost artifacts of magical or scientific importance, consider bringing them back to the lab."

Warren offered him a friendly nod. "Good luck, Harry. K'un-Lun's lucky to have you."

With the goodbyes said, Harry turned to his friends, his heart swelling with the fierce loyalty and support surrounding him. Whatever trials awaited, he knew he wouldn't be facing them alone.

"Ready?" he asked, looking at the group. A chorus of determined nods and affirmations answered him.

With a final wave to the crowd, Harry closed his eyes, focused on the power humming in his veins, and drew on the darkness. The shadows swirled around them, deep and vast, ready to take them where they needed to go. He imagined the mystical mountains of K'un-Lun, the legendary city that held the knowledge he sought, and let the shadows engulf them.

In an instant, they vanished, leaving only the whisper of darkness behind.

—

As they stepped out of the swirling shadows, the first thing that hit Harry was the cold. The Kunlun Mountains stretched around them like jagged teeth biting into the sky, their icy caps sharp and unforgiving. Even with his enhanced powers, he could feel the thinness of the air, each breath tingling with the sharp bite of altitude. The vastness of the mountain range was humbling—an ancient, formidable reminder of the distance they'd traveled, both in miles and in purpose.

Brunhilde squinted, scanning the rugged horizon as her boots crunched in the thin layer of frost beneath them. "Well, here we are. Not exactly warm and inviting, but that's K'un-Lun for you."

Harry's friends huddled close, taking in the imposing landscape. Hermione clutched a rolled-up map, her breath visible in the chilly air. "Based on the coordinates we mapped out, the portal should open somewhere near that ridge," she pointed to a jagged slope in the distance. "Annabeth and I double-checked the lunar calculations and—"

"Triple-checked, actually," Annabeth interjected, adjusting her backpack with an almost excited gleam in her eyes. "We've got the week, but it could open any day now. The ten-year mark isn't an exact science."

Connor Stoll groaned, already eyeing the distance between their current location and the ridge with dread. "So, let me get this straight—every ten years, a magical portal just shows up here. Like, out of nowhere?"

"Pretty much," Thalia replied, casting him an amused glance. "You act like you haven't seen weirder."

"Yeah, but hiking to the weirdness? Not exactly my favorite part," he grumbled, though his eyes were already darting around for something—anything—to prank, which was typical Connor.

Harry shook his head, suppressing a grin. "Alright, let's get moving. If this portal can open any day now, the last thing we want is to miss it because we were freezing to death on some mountain ledge."

They began to climb, following a path that was barely there, half-formed by rocks and patches of ice. The ascent was steep and challenging, but Harry could feel the sense of purpose keeping everyone focused. K'un-Lun wasn't just a mystical city; it was the place where he could finally start understanding—and controlling—the powers he carried.

As they climbed, Apollo's haiku floated back into Harry's thoughts: Into shadows deep / With courage and friends at side / Rise stronger than night. Maybe the god had been onto something, in his own dramatic way.

Hours passed, filled with strained breaths, tired legs, and more than a few close calls with loose rocks. Yet finally, as they reached the ridge Hermione had pointed out, Harry felt something in the air shift—a subtle hum of energy, so faint it was like a whisper on the edge of hearing.

Annabeth and Hermione exchanged a look, their eyes bright with recognition. "That's it," Annabeth said, her voice barely a murmur. "The portal's close. We're exactly where we need to be."

The group gathered, settling into a makeshift camp as they prepared to wait for however long it took. The portal could open any day now—and when it did, K'un-Lun awaited.

---

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