A/N: Okay, so the poll is as follows so far:
Hestia – 9
Artemis – 8
Piper – 3
Nyx – 2
Athena – 2
Annabeth – 1
Reyna – 1
Nyx/Hestia – 1
Hestia/Artemis – 1
Artemis/Reyna – 1
Athena/Reyna – 1
Hestia/Piper – 1
No Pairing – 1
I have been getting some really good reviews from everyone. 30 reviews with only 2 chapters posted, I mean holy crap! Thanks everyone! This will be the last chapter that the poll is open. I will announce the winner. So get those last minute votes in! Remember, you can vote for anyone, you're not limited to just the Greeks. Romans are allowed too, though some of you have been voting for Reyna, so I guess some of you like the idea of him with a Roman. I just wish I could vote too (sad face, I wanna see a good Percy/Medusa, Percy/Hera, or Percy/Hestia). There aren't enough of those ones out there. Anyways, on with the chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own PJO or HoO, only Mr. Riordan can claim that right. Or well... maybe Disney since they publish it? Then there's also the movies own by Fox I think? Meh, whatever...
Chapter 3
Last Time
"I'll inform the rest of the council then. Ignore the summons when I send it." Percy said. Apollo just nodded as Percy flashed to the throne room, having finally learned how to during his time with Hephaestus. He sat on his throne, instantly feeling a deeper connection to his domains as he sent out an emergency council summons. Within seconds of each other all of the members of the council, minus Apollo, flashed in on their thrones. All eyes on Percy, he dropped the bombshell. "The Fates have been attacked and Clotho is currently in Apollo's temple being treated. Lachesis and Atropos are unaccounted for."
The council gasped as one collective unit. Never before have the Fates been attacked, not counting the first Titan and Giant wars.
Now
Immediately most of the Olympians started shouting to be heard, trying to ask questions. Percy, Hestia, Hera and the Big Three were the only ones not shouting. Annoyed, Zeus grabbed his Master Bolt from the side of his throne and shot it into the center of the room. "SILENCE!" he shouted. "Now that you aren't all shouting like children we can discuss what to do from here. Artemis, you will gather your hunters and begin looking for clues in the Cave of the Fates and try to track whomever or whatever attacked them. We will inform you of any information we get as we get it. Including anything Clotho herself can tell us when she awakes. Go now so the trail doesn't get too cold."
"Yes, father," Artemis said as she flashed away to her hunters to begin her task.
Zeus looked to Hades, "Have either Lachesis or Atropos been killed? You would have felt their spirits enter Tartarus to begin reforming, correct?"
"I would have felt it, yes. But I have not. They are still alive for now." Hades explained.
"Good, please keep the council informed if anything changes within the underworld." Zeus looked to Percy next. "Perseus, pleas return to Apollo's temple after this meeting. I would like you to be there when Clotho awakes. You are the most likely she will want to talk to as you share her domain."
Percy nodded in agreement before losing himself deep in his thoughts.
Zeus continued. "Athena, as one of our best warriors I would like you to go to Camp Half-Blood to explain the situation to Chiron and start prepairing our children for battle as best you can. We don't know who we are fighting or what their goal is. We must prepare for anything. Any information we get will be given to you so you can begin working on strategies to ensure our victory."
Athena nodded and flashed to camp.
"Ares, I need you to change aspects." Ares look a bit startled as both he and Zeus changed to their Roman forms of Jupiter and Mars. Jupiter continued, "Mars Ultor, go to New Rome. Inform the Legion and prepare for war. You are to personally train the Legion with the help of Bellona. Go, bring victory for Olympus and Rome."
Mars flashed away to do as he was commanded as Jupiter changed back to Zeus. "Hermes, go to the other gods, find out if they know anything. We need all the information we can get."
Hermes nodded before flashing out as well.
"Demeter, Dionysus, I need you two to split up and ask the nature spirits if they have heard anything."
The two agreed and flashed out.
"Poseidon, ask the water gods and denizens of the oceans what they know. And can you send some Cyclops of skill to help Hephaestus in his forge? We may need more weapons." Zeus asked.
"Of course brother," Poseidon replied as he too flashed away.
"Hephaestus, return to your forge and begin crafting enough weapons to arm the entire pantheon loyal to us."
Hephaestus looked eager at such a task as he flashed out with a smile on his face.
"Aphrodite, as the eldest on the council do you know of any who could have the power to attack the fates?"
Aphrodite frowned for a moment as she tried to recall ancient enemies. She shook her head, "No. The only ones with the power to do this are all locked in Tartarus or have faded."
Zeus sighed. "If you think of anyone, no matter how small the possibility, inform the council so we may investigate." Aphrodite nodded as Zeus turned to Hestia. "How is the hearth? It senses more than we do, how much hope do we have for victory?"
Hestia's eyes glazed over as if she was focusing on a far of view as she spoke almost monotone. "The hearth is erratic. It's as if there is all the hope in the world one moment, and next to none only a second later. I've never seen the hearth this confused before. It's magic is nigh untouchable. If the hearth is confused, then whoever did this hasn't decided what they truly want out of this yet." She then mumbled this next bit to herself, though everyone still present could hear her. "It's as if someone is trying to decide on either revenge or reconciliation with family over events of long ago."
The council frowned a bit at that. Zeus looked to Hera, "Anything you would like to add?" To which she shook her head no. "Very well, we will hold another meeting in one week to discuss anything that has been learned. If another emergency meeting comes up, come immediately. I don't care what you are doing unless it's life threatening. Council dismissed." Zeus and Hera stood up and disappeared in a bolt of lightning.
As the remaining council members went their separate ways, Percy returned to Apollo's temple and to the room used for treating Clotho. He stood by Apollo, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Apollo stretched and popped his back as he responded, "No, cuz. I've done all I can. It's up to her now to wake up. I've healed her physical wounds, but she's gone through traumatic mental torture, and that is beyond my ability to heal. Her mind must repair itself."
Perseus nodded, "Zeus wants me to stay here until she wakes. He figured she would want to talk to me first since we share domains. I agree, though it's also because she chose to appear before me. That leads me to believe she had a message for me. I've been trying to access my domain of Fate to see what is to come, but I cannot see it. I cannot see my own Fate and whatever is happening involves me enough that I cannot see. The only way to know for sure would be to look upon the Tapestry of Fate but even with my domain I cannot without the permission of the Ladies Fate."
"You can use the room next to this one. It's already set up.
Meanwhile in Camp Half-Blood
Athena materialized in a flash of light having just left the council meeting. She appeared in front of her cabin as that is where she is most connected to camp. The few campers around immediately bowed to the Olympian. She waved off their bow and as they were continuing about their business, one of her sons approached. "Hello Malcolm, do you know where Chiron is right now? I have news from Olympus."
Malcolm walked up to his mother, "Hi mom. I think he's teaching the archery class. I was about to head over to ask him something myself."
"Very well, walk with me." She said. And so they set off together towards the archery range. After Percy made the changes he did, all the gods started taking more active rolls in their children's lives. Athena was no acception. She took to her roll as mother with an almost Aphrodite-like glee. Not that she ever showed that side of her to others. She kept it internal. But as a result, she's gotten very close to her children. "So, how are you? I know it can't have been easy taking over as head of the cabin after all that has happened."
"Yeah, it hasn't been easy. But I'm managing. Annabeth left me an entire booklet of advice on how she kept it all running smoothly. It's bee a big help." Malcolm and Athena both laughed at Annabeth's antics.
"Yes, well she is very busy right now. So many construction projects and not a lot of time to work on them." Athena said. Malcolm just smiled.
"I'm glad though. She had a rough life, even for a demigod. She deserves her happiness." Malcolm said, almost to himself.
Athena nodded, "Yes, she does. Though her rash actions may have cost her a piece of her happiness. It was not a wise decision to accept the way she did. She could have gone about it in a much better way and maintained the last piece of her happiness."
Malcolm frowned a bit, "Yeah, it wasn't right what she did. Don't get me wrong, I love my sister, but her pride definitely got in the way up there."
At that they arrived at the archery range where Chiron stood trying to teach the newer campers how to properly shoot a bow. Luckily, Athena didn't see anyone as bad at archery as Percy Jackson. That meant no one behind the archers had to worry about being hit by mistake.
Chiron, having noticed the Goddess of Wisdom's approach, called a break for the class as he walked over to meet her. "Lady Athena, to what do I owe the honor?" he said in a slight bow.
Athena waved her hand for him to rise. "I have grave news from Olympus." And so she informed him of everything she knew. Her father was feeding her the information mentally as the meeting continued so she knew of everything they discussed after she left. Chiron was pale when he heard that the Fates had been attacked. Even more so when he heard that it may or may not end up in a third war depending on who the enemy is. His only conciliation was that Athena herself was going to be training the camp.
"I will inform the camp tonight at dinner. I assume you will be taking over as camp director in Mr. D.'s place?" Athena nodded. "I will have your room prepared immediately then."
Athena stopped him before he could go. "That is not necessary. Since the Ancient Laws have been modified I will be staying in my own cabin with my children." Malcolm, who had been silent the whole time, lunged at his mother embracing her in a hug. Which she returned, after a startled moment of hesitation. Chiron just nodded, a smile on his face and true joy in his eyes that the campers he considers his own children are finally getting the parents they deserve.
Chiron has seen almost all the gods in camp since the change. The campers spirits are higher than they've been in generations upon generations. Not since Ancient Greece has he seen demigods in such high spirits. Dionysus is finally cheering up since he can directly interact with his children. Even Ares is brightening up. That was one of the biggest shocks of the Centaurs immortal life, seeing the God of War with such a genuine smile as he sparred with his children in the arena.
Chiron was snapped out of his thoughts when Athena asked him, "How many demigods do we currently have in camp?"
Chiron thought for a moment, "Well, as summer is coming to an end I can't give you a definite answer. I'm not sure how many will choose to stay year round this time. I'd say at least 50 out of 230 campers will stay year round now. Maybe more."
Athena nodded. "When will the final count be?"
"In 3 days." Chiron bowed again before returning to his class as Athena went back to her cabin with her son. In the excitement, Malcolm completely forgot that he was going to ask Chiron if he could start the cabin expansion. They were running out of space.
When they arrived, Athena took a look at the inside of her cabin for the first time in a few years and noticed this very thing. With a snap of her finger she changed the layout of the cabin completely. The outside was still exactly the same, but the inside was turned into a common room area with a small fireplace and couches littering the room in an organized manner. Bookshelves lined the walls and two doors were in the back of the cabin. Each had a sign that said either 'boys' or 'girls'. Athena, happy with her cabin, looked to Malcolm and explained.
"I've created an extra-dimensional space within the walls of the cabin. Each door leads to a separate wing for my sons and daughters. In each wing is a hallway with one door for each of my children. You now all have your own rooms. When a new camper is brought in a door will be created in the ever expanding halls. If a camper leaves permanently or falls, their room will disappear."
Malcolm just nodded, figuring she had done something similar to that, just not in that great of detail. "I'll go find my brothers and sisters and let them know. They'll be very happy to know that you are going to be staying with us!" And with that he rushed out to tell every one of his siblings, not caring if they are busy or not.
Meanwhile in Camp Jupiter
Mars flashed in the middle of the senate room while they were arguing about this and that. Petty things. As soon as he appeared they kneeled and shouted in unison, "Hail! Mars Ultor!"
"Rise," he said. Everyone took a seat, not daring to interrupt the patron of Rome. Mars turned to the Praetor, Reyna. She was currently the only one as a new one has not been appointed yet. "Praetor," he said. "I gather the Legion." She bowed and left the senate chamber. Mars turned back to the council, "Olympus has been attacked by an unknown enemy. I am here to train the Legion as commanded by Lord Jupiter. I don't care for the politics of Rome, I leave that to you. But know this, I expect only the best! Any questions?" He paused for a moment.
One of his sons stood, "Lord Mars, if Olympus is in danger then I request permission to re-enter the Legion from my retirement."
"Permission granted, ask around New Rome for any other retired Legionnaires who wish to fight. If enough agree, we will form a temporary sixth cohort. An Auxiliary unit. The two most experienced will be the acting Centurions." Mars commanded his son, who he recognized as one Brian Mercer. A 28 year old who served 13 years of honor in the Legion before retiring and joining the senate.
Mars left the senate to discuss among themselves while he headed to the Field of Mars to address the gathered Legion. In five minutes, Reyna had managed to gather the entire Legion in the field. They were arranged as normal in their cohorts. Mars grew to his godly height so as to be seen and heard by all. When he reached his full height he got a good look at the legion. It had grown. It now had a good 300 members. An even 60 per cohort including the Centurions. If you count Reyna, the immortal Praetor, then there were 301. 'Ironic that the Legion held the exact number as the forces of Sparta during the Battle of Thermopylae,' Mars thought.
"Legion!" Mars shouted. The Legion stood at attention as Mars continued. "Battle may be upon us. An unknown threat has attacked the Fates." Mars paused, testing the discipline of his army. None gasped or broke ranks. 'Good,' he thought. "Two are missing while one is recovering on Olympus. Lord Jupiter commands the Legion to undergo my personal training regiment." The Legion stiffened a bit in the attention. Though weather it was fear or excitement Mars couldn't tell. They were very disciplined. "We begin tomorrow. Every morning we will meet here in the field before I separate the Legion into smaller groups to undergo my various training excersizes. Rest up, you will need it. Dismissed." And with that Mars flashed to the section of New Rome dedicated to the temples of the gods. Mars appeared in front of his own temple where the Mother of Rome herself was waiting for him.
"Lord Mars," the wolf goddess bowed.
"Lupa, until this is done, we break tradition. Jupiter believes it to be best and for once I agree with him."
Lupa nodded. "Shall my pack join in the fight if there is to be one?"
Mars shook his head, "I do not know yet. I must first test our Legion tomorrow to see if their fighting is as good as their discipline was today. You've done well with them."
Lupa was startled. Yes, Mars was much more respectable than his Greek counterpart, but a genuine compliment from him was as rare as Juno/Hera actually liking a demigod of Jupiter/Zeus.
"Now," Mars continued. "About the training regiment."
Meanwhile in the Olympus Throne Room
Hestia was tending to the hearth as normal after a council meeting. The flames of hope were burning very strangely since the meeting started. In the flames she could see the hopes and dreams of everyone. She could see where they considered to be home and who they considered to be family. She looked at both camps quite often. Today they were in quite high spirits, all things considered.
Camp Half-Blood had such great hopes that it reminded her of the glory days of Greece. Ever since Percy altered the Laws to allow gods to interact with their children the demigods have grown their hopes and dreams for the future. The gods too have changed. They are becoming more kind and responsible in nearly everything. Except for mortal affairs. That still happens, and even that has been changed by Percy in another way. It's a necessary thing for the survival of Olympus, so Percy made it so that it didn't break vows of marriage so long as the spouse agreed. Hestia wasn't sure what the exact vows were, but they were working.
Camp Jupiter too was in very high spirits. With the gods visiting their children more, it was changing. The gods still didn't interfere with New Rome's politics nor the way the Legion was run, but they got to know their children for the first time in Roman history. And with the appearance of Mars in New Rome and Camp Jupiter today, spirits were rising to unheard of heights. Even with the new of battle, their hope never faltered. In fact, the idea of being trained by Mars Ultor himself seemed to do the opposite. The Legion was practically in Elysium at the news.
"My family is finally coming together as one." Hestia muttered to herself at the hearth, unaware of her youngest sister approaching behind her.
"Yes, it is." Hera agreed, startling Hestia at her presence. She turned to her sister with a warm smile which Hera returned.
"It makes me happier than I have been in millennia, little sister." Hestia exclaimed.
Hera sat down next to her. "I know. I never thought I would see the day."
And so the two goddesses of family sat at the hearth side watching families around the world as they grew closer, reflecting the state of Olympus. They sat in silence, just enjoying the sense of peace radiating from the hearth.
Suddenly the flames flickered and showed an image of a woman in a Greek Toga standing in the ruins of a temple in Greece, her face shadowed as it was night and it was a new moon. There was something very familiar about this woman, but neither goddess could quite identify what, and as suddenly as the image appeared it was gone. When Hestia tried adjusting the flames of the hearth to show that location, the woman was gone. Hestia and Hera stared at each other for a moment trying to comprehend what just happened.
Hera spoke first, "Something about her seems so familiar, but on my immortal life I cannot identify it..." She was mostly muttering to herself, but Hestia agreed none the less.
A/N: Well, it was a shorter chapter, but it did exactly what I wanted it to. I just hope the conversations came out right. It always seems different to the author than it does the reader. Leave me a review and let me know what you think. Ask questions if you wish and if the answers don't have too many spoilers I'll let you know.
Don't forget to vote. The Poll is open until I start the next chapter in a few days. I look forward to the results. Until then, I hope you enjoyed.