A/N: Okay. Set after THE LAST OLYMPIAN but before FANG. I uploaded this, but then I realized I made a mistake so I took it down. I spazzed out for around 20 minutes. True story.

Please forgive me for any mistakes. :) Doughnuts would be grand, but reviews are just as good.

Thought: The idea for this story was conceived more than a week ago. But this chapter itself was written less than an hour ago. Philippine elections today. +_+

Zeus drummed his fingers lightly; the sound echoing in the near empty restaurant. Poseidon's eyes were focused intently on him. Everything was in his hands now. At the end of the day, it would be his decision. Everyone else had already cited his opinion. The decision was unanimous, but Zeus still had to speak.

They were an odd sight – twelve men and women (each one exuding an air of regality), gathered around a small table. They were far from inconspicuous; the Mist being their only security blanket. Olympus was a much more appropriate location. Heck, even the demigod camp would have been suitable. But the gods and goddesses had to bend this time. They had to accommodate the wishes of the man sitting across from Hades. The man; a mere mortal, could not enter their world. He was different from most mortals – he too, could see past the Mist. That was how he found them, so he said. So they had agreed to meet at the quaint restaurant. He had things to say – important things.

The situation was getting worse, he said. The Olympians – no matter how capable – needed assistance this time. Though true, they had won the War, now, they had different enemies. Their half-blood children would not be enough. They needed the mutants. And the mutants needed the demigods. Neither could succeed without the other. It was their only chance.

Jeb Batchelder cleared his throat. "My Lord?" he inquired.

All heads turned towards the god of the sky. Zeus watched the occupants of the table. Athena's gray eyes were shrewd. She understood the situation; unlike the others. Zeus sighed, seeing his siblings' faces. "Fine," he said, finally. "We will work with you."

Jeb was pleased. They had agreed! Now it was only a matter of convincing Max. Gods, that would be a challenge.

"We'll meet once more in a week," Poseidon said. "Make sure those bird kids know what they're up against."

"Oh, don't worry about them," Jeb assured him. "They've seen worse."

Ignoring his remark, Zeus acknowledged Dionysus. "Send word to camp. Get Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood. If we're going to be gambling for our lives, we might as well bet with our best."

Mr. D nodded curtly. He didn't enjoy being ordered around. But he knew the urgency of the situation. With one last look around the table, he got up and walked out of the restaurant. The other gods followed suit; leaving behind Poseidon and the scientist.

Leaning forward, Poseidon muttered under his breath. "We'd better not regret this."

Jeb smiled wearily. "This is our only hope, trust me."

"If my son dies..." Poseidon trailed off ominously. There was an edge to his voice. The green in his eyes was threatening. If Jeb was afraid, he didn't show it. He was used to threats. They were meaningless to him now, even coming from a god.

"If your son dies," he responded. "Then we all do."

Well? Wajathink? Huh? Please review. *bats eyelashes* Thank you! I know it's short. Don't worry. It's just the intro.

- Dorky out!