II

Ancient Rome

Perseus

Perseus stepped off the boat and felt his feet sink into the warm sand, his eyes burned as they adjusted to the sunlight for the first time in days. Despite all odds, they had made it through the storm alive and made great time to arrive by today.

"Thank the Gods." Leon said as he touched down on the beach, stretching his arms out. When Perseus opened his eyes he saw a vast coastline of what he assumed to be Rome.

"Don't thank them just yet." One of the guards snickered in response. Turning his attention to the man in armour, Leon walked up to the guard and spat at his feet, showing his detest.

In response the guard threw his knee into his stomach with brutal force, causing Leon to fall to the ground and cough violently. Perseus clenched his jaw as he watched on.

The older guard then slowly walked over and stood above Leon before grabbing him by the hair and lifting him up, pulling him close.

"This one is my favourite." He said sickly as he held his head in his hand, before throwing him back on the ground.

"Chain them up. I don't want anymore incidents." He ordered to his guards, and soon all the Greeks were in chains. Percy's hands were forced behind his back tightly and his legs bound together.

Guided by the chains, he reluctantly walked up the beach, stretching out his stiff joints and getting used to the feeling of not being on the water; his muscles were aching and wounds throbbed from the lack of treatment.

Heat rained down on them like the breath of hell. The scorched sand shimmered in the intense white rays of the sun.

The coastline curved as if drawn by an artist's hand, and the golden sands made a thick band between the waves and the vegetation beyond.

Between the boats that were left for fishing, the shoreline was home to sandbanks, snaking there way through the briny waters before sinking once more. In the distance he could see the large stone buildings towering over the land. Yep, he was definitely in Rome.

The beach was gentle like a cushion beneath Perseus's bare feet; it was a relieving feeling. In the sand tips of shells peek from holes, made by little creatures, seeking shelter in the soft ground. They walked over mini dunes of beige dust soon to be soaked by the sea, the waves gradually creeping there way further and further up shore.

The sun's rays peacefully float down, resting on the calm waters. Timid clouds in the sky are rarely exposed, leaving the sky to beam blue.

Percy's ears invite the quiet whisper of waves, sharing the ocean's secrets, a graceful song. The fresh airs salty smell tickles my nose. Light kisses from the occasional breeze send tingling sensations through him. There was just something about the ocean...

"Hurry up you bastards." The captain spat, commanding them to walk faster. Perseus had lost count of the amount of times he had heard that same line, each time like a dagger to his chest.

The short walk from the beach to the city felt like an eternity, exhaustion starting to make itself known. As they began to get close, Perseus noticed the faint sound of cheers in the distance; it was coming from the city. Percy's heart sank as he thought of what was to come.

After walking over a slight sandy hill they were confronted with the gates of Rome. A great stone arch towered above them as they entered the city. Colourful drapery hanging from the tops. Each step closer the noise from the streets could be heard, and as soon as they rounded the corner, the crowd erupted into a loud cheer.

"Why are they're so many people out?" The young Greek boy asked from behind him. Percy looked on in horror as he saw the crowds lined up on each side of the street and the giant golden chariots surrounded by Roman soldiers. Bells and horns began to ring and echo into their ears.

"War parade…"

Diana

"But Milady, we don't need Apollo to watch over us."

Diana walked through the camp towards her tent, closely followed by her lieutenant and close friend Zoe. She was annoyed that Diana was leaving them in the hands of the sun God, which was only done on desperate occasions.

"Apollo won't be staying here, he will just drop in occasionally to make sure everything is ok; can you handle that?" Diana was beginning to grow frustrated; noticing this, Zoe backed down and accepted the decision by giving a slight nod.

"Good. It will only be for a few days, I wont be long." Diana reassured.

"Why can't you tell us where you're going?" It doesn't feel right." Zoe enquired, concerned about her friend.

The moon Goddess turned around to face her. Zoe was tall, graceful, and gorgeously beautiful: she had dark brown eyes, a slightly upturned nose, copper-coloured skin, and the silver circlet braided into the top of her long, dark hair gave her the impression of a Persian princess.

Being the daughter of the titan Atlas meant that she was strong and fierce; it also made Diana uneasy about telling her that a war against her family was looming.

"In due time."

After saying her final goodbyes, Diana sadly left the camp. It would only be for a few days but that was her family, the one place where she truly felt at home, and no matter how small the amount of time away would be, she would always miss her family dearly. Absorbing her power from the forest she flashed her self outside Pluto's palace.

The enormous palace was modelled after Mount Olympus, as Pluto is not welcome there except on the Winter Solstice. It is made of glittering black obsidian, with a black marble portico, and the entry hall had a polished bronze floor. The palace is guarded by the skeletons of dead soldiers from different wars that have been around the world. When Diana compared Pluto's' palace to Olympus, she noted that the former was black and bronze, while everything in the latter glittered silver and white.

In front of the palace is Persephone's Garden, which has been said to be one of the most beautiful gardens on Earth. A person can only reach the palace if Pluto wishes them to. If he does not, the person will just keep walking for eternity without ever reaching it, like an endless maze.

Diana waited outside the palace for Pluto to grant her access, there was no doubt that he already knew she was here. Right on queue the large dark doors opened, revealing a tall, muscular man; Hades.

Hades is a very tall, imposing and very muscular god with albino white skin (due to the little time he has spent in the sunlight), intense black eyes that glitter like frozen tar. Diana could never decide if they were either the eyes of a genius or a madman, he also had a mesmerizing, evil charisma, and crazy shoulder-length black hair, with bangs covering most of his forehead.

"My dear niece, what a pleasant surprise." Hades welcomed her in a tone that was somewhere between genuine and sarcastic.

"Uncle Hades, it's been a long time." Diana acknowledged. The only time they ever spoke was on the Winter Solstice.

"It certainty has, please, come in." He responded as he opened the door motioning her in. She stepped through the large doors and entered the palace.

The palace had entire rooms made of gold and silver, decorated with bouquets of flowers made of precious metals and jewels, since Pluto is also the God of Wealth, with access to all the riches under the earth. The splendour of these chambers was enough to awe even Persephone, who had never seen such dazzling wealth even on Mount Olympus itself.

Diana noticed that the inside of the Palace was much lighter, and more colourful than outside, perhaps Persephone's influence.

"It's changed a little since you were last here." Hades said proudly, brushing dust of his walls.

"I noticed it's lovely." Diana said looking around, awkwardly admiring the grand halls. Hades gave a sigh and turned to his niece, showing his disappointment that he couldn't talk about his palace for longer.

"I doubt you came down here for a tour, what do you need?" Hades said coldly. Although he had his wife, he was often lonely down here. Diana felt bad that her uncle thought the only reason she was here was because she needed something from him, but he wasn't wrong.

"I'm sure you're aware, but Kronos has returned, and with him his Titan army." Diana told him, trying to express the seriousness of the situation. He gave a small chuckle as he poured himself some wine from a bench to the side of the hallway.

"I don't need to defend Olympus, it's not my home." Hades countered coldly.

"Kronos has an army. Without you the war is lost."

"I don't care." He laughed.

"How could you not fight with us? This is your chance to earn your place back on the council. What do you think life will be like under Titan rule if they win?" Diana said furiously, disgusted by his lack of worry. Hades slowly turned to face her, his expression serious.

"I want to show you something." He said softly as he stretched out his hand for her to take. Diana looked down at the pale hand and took it reluctantly, his touch cold.

The pair immediately flashed out of the Underworld and into another place. As soon as Diana appeared the sound of cheers filled her ears. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around.

Trumpets blare in the distance and crowds yell enthusiastically. The marble buildings tower over the hordes of people. They were on the balcony of a tall building looking down on what seemed to be a parade.

A chariot pulled by two black stallions storms through the street, narrowly missing the people on each side. Musicians play exotic pipes and foreign harps, creating a majestic, albeit merry atmosphere combined with voices both young and old.

Tantalising scents waft through the breeze. Down below Diana noticed a woman offering some items to the people walking pass, some deciding to stop and trade for gold others deciding not to.

Slaves, dressed in brown raggedy tunics, rushed through the streets, eager to complete errands for their masters. Wealthy, pompous aristocrats are dressed in bright colours of purple and white. The streets were lively and bustling with people. Cheers from the Colosseum could be heard in the distance.

Just when she was about to ask Hades what they were doing here the crowd erupted into a large cheer. A golden chariot twice the size of the one before came rolling through the streets. Roman soldiers stood on its sides, their red capes and helmet feathers blowing in the wind.

There was a man on top of the chariot. He was dressed in elegant armour with no facemask. Diana assumed he was the general of the Roman army. He through flowers over the crowds and waved to them, embracing the attention.

Typical. Diana thought as she watched on; just the Roman army putting their power on display. She took a second glance at the chariot as she noticed two Spartan warriors being pulled by chains behind the entourage. They looked well out of place, their armour not matching any of the others.

They looked badly beaten as she could see damage on each of their bodies from where she was standing. When the crowd caught sight of them they began to shout abuse and throw food at the Greeks. A Roman captain rode behind them, whipping their bare backs repeatedly.

Both of the Spartans were dark haired and tall, however one had shoulder length hair and the other medium length hair. They both hung their heads low trying to avoid being hit in the face by some fruit. Suddenly a young boy ran up on the street and hurled a rock at the shorthaired one from close range, hitting him square in the head. The crowd laughed.

The sight made Diana feel incredibly angry. She heard Hades make a sound of disappointment beside her.

"I find it astonishing that a crowd can cheer for the people that defend their country, but shame others for defending their own." He said bitterly as he watched on.

Diana noticed there was a young boy amongst the Greeks as well. He was dressed in beige rags, which had holes in the fabric, the cloth hanging loosely on his small body.

She looked on as he lagged behind the others struggling to walk up the street; he looked exhausted. The crowd was unforgiving as he walked past, hurling insults and numerous objects his way, she could see the tears rolling down his face as he pushed on. Diana could not believe people could be this cruel.

The boy dragged his heavy feet along the ground; it wasn't long before his knees buckled and his body hit the floor in exhaustion. Seeing this, the guard behind him laughed cruelly and loaded his arm behind his head, swinging the whip high in the air, his eyes set on the young boys' back.

Diana couldn't bring herself to watch; she prepared herself for the sound of the whip and the torture, but before the guard could strike one of the Spartans ran in front of the whip, sacrificing himself for the boy. The prisoner ducked his head just in time for the whip to miss his face, taking the damage instead of the child.

Seemingly unfazed by the pain he stood his ground and began to wrestle with the guard, which wasn't a good idea becasue he didn't have any free limbs. Soon all the guards around them ran towards the pair to defuse the situation.

They struggled to restrict the Greek; however once they did they began to drag him towards the centre of the court in the middle of a large circle of spectators.

Off to the side the remaining guards took the other prisoners to a large building further up the road, leaving the other behind.

The Romans tied the man to a tall upright post and kicked him to the ground, exposing his back to the guards. The Captain began handing out whips to all the guards and soon after gave the order to begin.

Now he was tied to the post and being whipped by multiple soldiers around them, the crowd getting louder with each lash. The crowd wanting a piece of the joy and began to pick up stones off the ground and hurl them at him.

It made Diana sick.

"How can you support this?" Hades asked her, referring to the decision she made to side with Rome.

"Rome will win the war." Diana said simply.

"And don't pretend Greece was any better. We all have our flaws." She added, defending her decision.

"I suppose you're right." He answered, the continuing sound of whipping in the background.

"But if you think life under Kronos will be bad, this is life under Zeus." He pointed out, gesturing to the Greek below.

Diana watched as finally they had stopped and the guards dragged his limp body away, leaving a thick trail of blood behind on the dirt. She could see the wounds on his body and felt sympathy for the brave young man.

"That man is a man of Greece, your fathers men. Where is he now to save him?" Hades said, holding his hands out looking to the sky.

"Where are any of the Gods to help them? Its time the Olympians learn that respect goes both ways." He said coldly, taking a jab at Diana.

She closed her eyes trying to shield herself from the guilt, tears threatened the corners of her eyes, but she steeled herself and controlled her emotions.

"My answer is no. I will not help you. If you want people to fight for you, you must fight for them. Olympus will have to win this war alone." Hades spat coldly as he flashed off the balcony and back to the Underworld, leaving Diana there by herself…

Perseus

Perseus lay down on the stone floor of the cell, his body throbbing with pain. He lay on his side to avoid the wounds on his back touching against the dirty floor; he didn't want to get an infection.

If his cuts were to get infected, without treatment it would be a long and painful death. Percy laid there completely still, his body trying to use all his energy to heal his wounds. His eyes barely open as he stared out the small hole in the cell.

It was night time in Rome. A small cold breeze flowed through the cell, providing relief on his hot body. The moon was shining brightly, sending its silver rays onto the Earth.

The prison cell was barely six feet by four. The walls were the same thick grey stone as the dwellings of the region, but instead of a wide window with a flower box there was a mean opening with thick stone bars.

It was no brighter inside than the gathering gloom of dusk, even at midday. The bed was a plank of wood on legs; there was no cushioning and only one thin strip of rough cloth. Within the cell it was either suffocatingly quiet or pierced with the screams of tortured inmates.

Perseus physically couldn't bring himself up onto the 'bed', his limbs too weak to lift his cut body. He was sure that this night would be his last; a feeling in his stomach confirmed it. He just knew.

Suddenly Perseus felt a hand being placed on his shoulder, it was soft and gentle. He began to turn to see whom it was but was stopped.

"Rest." A voice said. It was feminine in nature, making him want to close his eyes and fall asleep, but the pain was keeping him awake.

The girl lifted a bowl to his cracked lips and gently raised it, pouring the water into his mouth. Percy drank the water, the cold liquid easing his sore throat and making him feel better.

The mysterious girl then soaked a cloth in the bowl and began softly cleaning the wounds on his back. Percy lay there with his eyes shut; the feeling he imagined was similar to Elysium.

The cold cloth ran up and down his back, the cold water running down and into his sensitive wounds. After she finished cleaning his back she pulled gently on his shoulder so she could start on his chest.

Percy turned to look at her and lost his breath. The girl had the most beautiful face with soft features and a slightly upturned nose. Her hair fell in luscious waves and shone in the moonlight.

When their eyes locked he saw the most incredible silver eyes he had ever seen. She dragged the blood soaked cloth up and down his chest, her face showing no emotion.

"Thank you." Percy said hoarsely, the words barely escaping his dry lips. His throat burning as he spoke. The girl looked at Percy quickly, locking eyes for a split second before returning her eyes to what she was doing.

He admired every part of her; she looked about his age and athletic. She had long fluttering eyelashes similar to the wings of a butterfly. Her skin was smooth like silk and her touch gentle, sending shocks through his body.

"Who are you?" Percy asked quietly, intrigued as to who his saviour was. She looked up briefly before continuing, ignoring his question.

"What you did was stupid." She said. Her voice was soft and silky, yet strong. Perseus gave her a confused look.

Before he could ask what she was talking about the sound of footsteps echoed through the dark corridor outside the cell. Perseus used all his strength to stand up, ready to defend the girl from the Romans.

He quietly walked up the to the bars and tried to look through.

"You need to get out of here." He said in a concerned whisper. He began to turn and face her.

"If they find you-" Percy stopped whispering when he realised she was no longer there.

Just an empty cell with moon rays falling through the small window…