Summary:

My story begins as any other. But as it goes on, it becomes a story of nine brave half-bloods who set out to save the world they know.

On their journey they face many perils, and stand bravely at the face of death. Whether it be their own or a close friends'.

Their goal? To save a friend, close the Doors of Death, destroy the giants, and maybe...Just possibly...Lull Gaea back to sleep... (Overly dramatic I know.)

I

Jason

JASON WATCHED ANNABETH AS THE Argo II started to land. Curly trendles of blonde fell in her face, unbrushed, as she stared over the side of the ship at New Rome. She clutched the railing, knuckles white. Ever since the night Tyson had Iris Messaged camp about finding Percy, she had looked sick and pale. Dark shadows hung under her eyes; her hands trembled often. Jason came over cautiously and stood beside her.

New Rome looked as brilliant as ever. Long paths wound through the city and colorful banners rippled in the wind. Even in its state of disarray after battle, the city felt strong. The caved in roofs and wreaked statues in the forum made it look as if it was really Rome, slowly being rebuilt from it's ghostly state. Never to be conquered, banners flying freely...

The allusion faded as soon as it had come. But the spark that had ignited in Jason would not. It reminded him what they were fighting for. A future; one where the possibilities could be endless. A future where the spirit of Rome could be strong again; alive.

Beside him, Annabeth took a deep, calming breath. Jason wondered what her drive was, why she would sacrifice herself for this world.

"Percy's down there," she said quietly. "I can see him."

"Do you think he'll remember you?" Jason asked somewhat sheepishly.

"I doubt he could forget me even if he wanted to." She laughed, sounding bitter.

"Then what is it? What's been bothering you?"

"It's nothing. I just wish I knew what it all meant, you know? The prophecies, the dreams..." The Argo II hit the ground "...The warnings." She pulled on her Yankee's cap and disappeared. "Chiron told me to keep a lookout on everyone. In case something goes wrong."

"Right." Jason said in her general direction. "I just hope Reyna doesn't kill us on sight."

"I don't think she will. From what I've heard she seems reasonable. It's the others I'm worried about. It's best if you have back up. Someone who isn't a target," Annabeth's voice replied. "When he asks, tell Percy I didn't come. I'll show myself when later."

Leo and Piper came out of the Captains Quarters and into the sunlight. Jason's heart skipped a few beats. He didn't know if it was because he was afraid Reyna would kill him, or because Piper was looking as beautiful as ever. Her hair had grown out over the summer, and it was braided to the side with a feather. She was wearing combat boots and her favorite jacket over her jeans and orange Camp Half Blood T-shirt.

"Where is Annabeth?" She asked.

"She said to go on without her." Jason could tell the others didn't buy it. Thankfully they didn't have to.

Leo lowered the plank without a question. No one made a move to leave the boat.

"You're the Roman." Leo said, gesturing from Jason to the plank.

"You're the captain." Jason replied. They both turned to Piper.

"Guys," Piper said, "We'll go down together." Finally, they worked up their courage and walked down the plank and onto solid ground. It rumbled under their feet. The entire crowd of campers seemed to take in their breath at once. All was quiet. Then suddenly everyone started talking at once. Jason could hardly make out what they were saying.

"That him! It's Jason!"

"Ready your weapons!"

"More Kool-Aid!"

A figure emerged from the crowd, glossy black hair tumbling down her back. Eyes like pools of oil stared into his soul. Her purple praetors cape swished around her as she came to a halt in front of them. She was beautiful, but in a different way than Piper. The way she held herself was more dignified, her chin held higher, her shoulders squared.

"Jason," Reyna said coldly..

"Reyna," Jason said, suddenly aware of how close he stood to Piper.

"Follow me," her voice was sharp, "You have no idea what a horrible decision you've made." Reyna stood tall and shouted, "Clear the forum! Return to your daily activities!" Then she started making a path through the crowd. Jason followed.

"Charming, isn't she?" Piper muttered sarcastically.

"Reyna!" A boy about 17 caught up with them."What are you doing?"

"We are going to the Principia," She replied. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Right." The boy turned to Leo, "Your Leo, right? You're the one in the message."

"Yup." Leo replied, "That's me, Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus. This is Piper McLean, daughter of Aphrodite and Jason Grace, son of Jupiter. And you're-"

"HEY! Wait up!" A girl that Jason recognized as Hazel ran up to them, followed closely by a dude who heroically tripped and landed on her. "Frank!" She yelled.

Reyna stopped and spun around, muttering something, a faint smile on her face.

"This is Hazel Levesque, Daughter of Pluto and Frank Zhang, son of Mars." Percy added, trying not to crack up. Hazel and Frank jumped up. (Hazel gracefully, Frank tragically and ending in a mouth full of dirt.) Hazel helped him to his feet, both of them were blushing. "Wait..." Percy said. "Is Annabeth...?"

Jason shifted on his feet nervously, "She didn't come. She had to - uh- Stay at camp." Piper flashed him a look but immediately looked away. She had this way of reading emotions, one of those 'daughter of Aphrodite' things.

"Come. We have much to discuss." Reyna flitted off, everyone hurrying to follow.