Leo's P.O.V
Leo was having a horrible time before the "big day". Why did they even call it the "big day" anyways? It's not like they are going to fight the Romans or something. Leo shuddered. He didn't want to think about it. Just too unusual.
They weren't automatons or anything so he probably will have a hard time talking to them, let alone controlling them. He hoped he would get a girlfriend at the other camp because no girls especially Aphrodite girls would take an insight of him. Ok, maybe not all the Aphrodite girls but mostly. Piper technically didn't count.
He rolled his sleeves up and sighed. He was working alone in Bunker 9, the command center of the camp from the 1800's until it was discovered recently by no one else but the fantastical LEO! He sighed again wishing his big bronze, used-to-be untamable, fire breathing dragon was still alive. Technically, Festus was alive but the only remainder was his head. His dad, Hephaestus, decided to send Festus's head back as a present for his 15th birthday with a note that read:
"Happy Birthday, Leo! May all your blessings come true! Everything can be reused again, so don't worry."
What an awful birthday gift. It was supposed to be a happy time, not a sad time reminding him of lost friends.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't see the sleepy face of Gaea in the Bunker's walls.
"Holy Zeus in his pink cupcake underpants! You gotta be kidding me! Get out of my face you Dirt Woman!" Leo shrieked as he whipped his head around to the haunting voice of Gaea.
"Leo Valdez… always a pleasure of seeing you. You look just like your great grandfather but sadly he died because of the wretched child Hazel. She was gone for a while but unfortunately came back from the Underworld. But that's not that important right now. What's important is that Hera chose you wisely because you have the power to solve any mechanical problem. Come join me and we can dominate the world. "persuaded Gaea forcefully.
"No! You idiot! Of course not! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? YOU CAME HERE AFTER MY MOTHER DIED AND IT WAS ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!" screamed Leo.
"This is why I am offering you this Leo Valdez. You still didn't let me offer the great gifts I have in store for you." chided Gaea.
"What is it? Probably it's destroying my home so I have no choice but to join you. Tempting, but I rather be on the run than join your group of what do you call it, oh yeah mutated monkeys. Actually mutated, demented dirt monkeys."
Leo could almost imagine Gaea laughing in a cruel way judging if he was worthy to kill.
"Of course not… Valdez. I was going to let your mother, your great grandfather and also your beloved Festus come back. Just in exchange for your friends, your trust, and your loyalty. It's not much I'm asking for. Believe you are much better without them." offered Gaea.
For a second Leo wanted to say yes. But he knew enough about Medea and Piper to know about Gaea's plan. She was charm speaking him. But to be honest she should have tried something else. He knew her just a bit too well to believe her.
"NO! I wouldn't, even if you paid me and gave me everything I want. I learned a few things at this camp Gaea: a. don't mess with us or we'll mess big time with you, b. they already moved on so it is now their home not the human world and c. my friends are worth more than you, even the cheapest one which is probably Jason, because you are worth nothing at all to anyone whatsoever." slammed Leo.
"You will regret this Valdez. Remember, this the next time you try to step on ground, I will make you sink without anyone noticing and you will be a part of my realm forever. Not only that, you will not be the only one in charge of your soul. Beware." threatened Gaea.
With that, Gaea rippled away and it looked like nothing happened at all. But Leo Valdez knew better. He must warn the others before the curse sets in. More importantly what Gaea meant about not being in full control of his soul? He didn't want to find out.