PROLOGUE

His bare feet felt like they were burning on the hot stones. He had to walk, it was not safe to use magic to transport himself where he had to go. His looks were drawing enough attention as it was. Because, how many noseless, pale people with scarlet eyes were there in the world? And he saw most people in this country didn't wear long robes. Or even black. Not helpful.

But he would just have to sit this through. At least there was one thing good about this: if he succeeded, he would be unstoppable. Have the world at his feet. Thinking about that made the walk just a little bit more bearable.

Finally he reached his destination. His partner-to-be was already waiting for him up there. He was huge, and cast a long shadow over the hillside. He had green hair which was braided with all sorts of weapons: swords, spears, daggers. He was less or more humanlike from the waist up, but his human legs were replaced by lizard legs and were impatiently tapping on the ground, but thanks to his size it was more like creating an earthquake.

The 'thing' bent over and said: "So, you're the one who wishes to cooperate with me?" He looked at a little paper he was carrying with him. " 'Tom Riddle', huh?"

He got an annoyed response in return for that: "I prefer to be called 'Lord Voldemort'."

The giant leaned back. "Okay, 'Lord Voldemort'. I'm the king of the Gigantes, Porphyrion. Care to explain to me why you want to work with me?"

Voldemort sighed and started to explain. "Well, I thought it was kind of clear why. I'm the most powerful wizard in the world. You're the most powerful Giant in the world. We both have the same goal: to destroy our enemies and become the new rulers of this world. So we should team up, help each other. Then it's not a 99% percent of succeeding, but a 100% chance."

Silence. It seemed like this was enough explanation to set the Giant thinking about the opportunities. Voldemort just hoped it was for the best.

After a few minutes, Porphyrion opened his mouth and said: "You've got yourself a deal."

Voldemort grinned. "Wonderful. Then I've got a plan."

1

Percy

"Just a few more minutes 'till we're leaving for Rome!" Leo shouted from the ship.

Percy didn't have to be reminded of that fact. He had been dreading the moment that they would have to leave the US. At least in the US he knew where he was, or what he could expect. Well, most of the time. He didn't have a clue when he was in Camp Jupiter, for example.

That was where the Argo ll picked him up, just a few days ago. Leo and the others picked him up along with his new friends Frank and Hazel. From the West Coast they flew back to a place near New York, where everyone was taking a break on a terrace. The ship floated above them as he was sipping his Kool-Aid and Annabeth swallowed the last bit of her cookies. Hazel and Frank talked and laughed, and Piper and Jason were sharing a smoothie. Despite Leo's message, everyone was still relaxed and happy, just like the last hour.

Percy was glad he could stay just a little bit longer. Of course, they'd have to stop Gaea and the Gigantes' evil plans in time and all, but he had the feeling they still could afford this precious bit of time to be 'lost'. Percy savored this moment, where he wouldn't have to fight for his life for just a few minutes.

"Something on your mind?" Annabeth asked and Percy was a bit startled by the sudden interruption. His head shot up and his eyes immediately met Annabeth's concerned grey ones. Her eyes seemed to force him to give an honest answer. It was a bit scary, but so was Annabeth sometimes. When she was fighting… My gods. Percy was glad he was her boyfriend and not her enemy. Though sometimes there wasn't much difference.

It was quiet for a few seconds. Then, smiling, he said: "Nah, just enjoying the moment."

Annabeth nodded. "So am I. I wish this moment would last a little longer." As if he was waiting for Annabeth to say that, coach Hedge leaned over the side of the ship and looked down on them. "Well, bad luck, cupcake. We're going!"

Everybody groaned and stood up. A rope ladder was being thrown over the side and Hazel grabbed it. She climbed up first, while Jason and Piper zipped past her through the air. Piper giggled and Hazel did, too.

The past few days, Percy had gotten used to the son of Jupiter flying around and blasting enemies to bits with lightning. But he just felt a little uncomfortable when he was around Jason. Jupiter and Neptune, or Zeus and Poseidon usually didn't combine that well, even though Jason and he were friends.

Annabeth climbed up next. Then Frank, and Percy was left alone on the ground.

Percy looked back one more time on the table they'd just been sitting at. He thought, That moment should really have lasted longer, and climbed up the ladder.