Well, I'm sort of depressed at the moment. So, I'm going to keep this short. That's why there's really not much of a A/N in the latest chapter of Sola. Anyways, I want to thank those of you who read this story. I get a little depressed sometimes, just over this one. I especially want to thank those who review, it makes me feel a lot better. Like, guzman's came at a time where I was just in a "I don't want to post anything" mood. The other thing is that I'm going to go back and change Nico's hair color to black. It's been officially been changed back to black on his page, so I'm going to use that. I prefer black anyways. I also noted that Percy, Thalia, and Nico all have black hair now. So much diversity there. Anyways, I also will be going back to change the name of the sky pirate's ship from the Andromeda to the Argo. Makes it more fitting. I believe that's all I wanted to cover. Just be on the lookout for those changes.

Warning: Mild sexual themes this chapter

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, or any of the influence from Dragon Age.

Chapter 5

Thalia sighed as she pulled an arrow from her quiver. She drew her bow and readied an arrow, rolling her eyes as her mother continued to rant at the back of Thalia's head about the party her daughter was proposing. Thalia took a deep breath and attempted to block her mother's voice out before letting an arrow fly.

She smiled to herself as the arrow sank into the center of the target, a perfect shot. She blew at her bangs as she turned around to face her mother. "I just wanted a simple party, mother," Thalia told Hera.

"Simple?" Hera scoffed. "We are not some simple family, daughter. We are one of the most important families in the Empire, and you would do well to remember that."

Thalia rolled her eyes and turned back to her target. "Yes, mother."

Thalia nocked another arrow and took aim, biting down on her lip as her mother delved back into her tirade on having a proper party. The arrow flew true, another bullseye, which silenced Hera momentarily.

"Make sure you invite Lityerses," Hera reminded her.

Thalia dropped her head. "I know, mother," Thalia mumbled.

"I wish you would put that thing away," Hera said, gesturing at the bow in Thalia's hands.

"It allows me something to vent my frustrations with."

Hera scoffed. "What could possibly be bothering you? You have a good life."

"Couldn't say," Thalia droned, returning her attention to the target.

"Oh, and, of course, make sure your Arbiter protector is there," Hera reminded her. Thalia didn't answer, busy trying to put her focus into making another shot. Her mother glared at her. "Thalia, are you listening to me?"

Losing concentration as her mother snapped at her, Thalia's arrow struck the border of the target. Thalia narrowed her eyes and dropped the bow to her side, tapping her fingers on the wood. "Yes, mother, I'm just trying to do target practice at the moment," Thalia sighed.

Thalia groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose, when her mother went off on one of her many lectures on how a noble lady should not be wielding a bow. Thalia just nodded her head in silence as her mother counted off what better things Thalia could be doing with her time. Thalia raised her bow and plucked her finger across the string absentmindedly.

Thalia sighed and took aim like she was going to shoot an arrow, drawing the string back. She felt a tingling sensation run down her arm until it reached her fingers. A light emerged from her fingertips, and Thalia watched as it formed into a bolt of light, crackling with lightning. Thalia was in such shock that she released the string. The arrow fired from the bow and struck the target, scorching the wooden board.

Hera rose from her seat, eyes wide, as she stared at the burning piece of wood. Thalia dropped the bow and stared down at it in utter shock. "Thalia!" Hera exclaimed.

"Mother, I-I didn't," Thalia hurried to reply. "It was the bow! It's cursed or something!"

Hera stepped over to where her daughter stood and hesitatingly picked the wooden bow up from the ground. "We'll just take care of this right now."

"Mother, wait!" Thalia pleaded, but it was too late.

Hera slammed the bow down onto her leg, but the bow did not break. Instead, it released a concussive wave, knocking Hera off of her feet while the bow landing back on the ground. Thalia bit her lip as she slowly kneeled down and picked the bow back up.

"Are you alright, mother?" Thalia asked, absentmindedly slipping the bow onto her quiver.

Hera eyed the bow. "That thing is magic."

Thalia chewed on her lip. "Well, I-I mean, what should we do?" Thalia asked.

Hera's eyes grew distant for a moment. She eventually shook her head and picked herself back up, patting her dress clean from any dirt that might have gotten on it. "We keep quiet about it, that's what," Hera stated firmly. "Don't mention this to anyone, Thalia. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Hera paced around the gardens, nervously fidgeting with her hands. "Don't even tell that Arbiter about it. The last thing we need is for people to think we are consorting with Mages and dabbling in magic." Hera placed her hands over her face. "And for the love of the Matriarch, don't let your father know about it," Hera mumbled. "He's already having a hard time negotiating your marriage."

Thalia sighed. "Perhaps it's just not meant to be," Thalia suggested.

"Poppycock. Lityerses will make a fine husband. He will be a fair sight easier to manage than your father."

"But I don't love him."

"What does love have to do with marriage?"

"Couldn't I pick out the one I want to marry?" Thalia asked.

"That would lead to nothing but a weak marriage. Honestly, Thalia, we are trying to strengthen not only this family, but your Emperor's trusted alliances. Think about someone other than yourself for once, daughter."

Thalia clenched her jaw. "Yes, how selfish of me to want to be happy," Thalia muttered under her breath. She huffed as she made her way back inside their home.

"What was that?" Hera snapped.

"Nothing," Thalia replied as she slammed the door behind her.

Nico sat against the metal wall of the ship, his arm draped over one of his knees while his eyes were fixed on the blue glow of the ship's magical engine. Leo was in the engine room and he had left the door open, giving Nico a direct line of sight to the ship's power core. The hairs on his arm were standing up and he could feel the magic coursing through the air.

Cores were what fueled all airships. This core looked a little larger than what Nico would have expected to find in a ship this size. It sat between two metal beams, while the orb itself was housed in a glass sphere. They were a condensed form of magic, created years ago for this very purpose. Mages had created magical conduits and found a way to store magic within these items, being able to release the magic at will. The magic would course through the ship, giving it the power it needed to fly, and return to the core upon the ship powering down.

To a Mage, it nullified all other sense of magic within the space, making Mages, like Nico, unable to sense other magics at use. So, there Nico sat until a piece of bread was shoved in his face. He blinked at it, following the arm up to Nemesis's face.

"Never been on airship, kid?" the woman asked, taking a bite of her own bread.

Nico took the bread she offered him and shook his head. "Never been outside of the Imperium," he confessed.

"Not missing too much," Nemesis mumbled around her food.

Nico eyed her while he nibbled on the bread. "So, tell me about what we're going to be up against."

Nemesis let out a long sigh. "How much do you know about the Covenant and their holy army?"

Nico shrugged. "Not much. I know the Arbiters are Mages, obviously, since you were one. Um, I know the Justicars know talents that let them dampen magic."

"A little more complicated than that," Nemesis replied. She cleared her throat. "Let's start at the bottom and work our way up. The Grand Cathedral in Clotho houses the majority of the Covenant's forces. There, you have Academy, which is like the Imperium's Black Palace, expect they do not teach the variety of spells the Black Palace does. There will also be a Matron there. A Matron focuses mainly on healing. She will not be much of a threat, but I will caution you to stay away from her, Justicars are usually nearby Matrons."

Nico nodded. "And the branches?" he asked.

"The branches are broken up into three sections, each with their own Judge. The smallest and most peaceful branch is comprised of the Lorekeepers."

"Weaklings, they give up their magic so easily. I'd rather be an Arbiter over an Amn, and that's saying something."

"Yes, most Arbiters or the dead would agree with you. They are drained of all magic. But this allows them to focus on enchanting and things of that nature," Nemesis continued. "They are no threat. After that, there are the Justicars; fierce warriors who are trained to be better than most any soldier, even those prized troops of the Empire. They do know talents that dampen magic, like you said, but one-on-one, a Mage will usually have the advantage. It takes about three Justicars to bring down a Mage." Nemesis sighed. "A few have the talent to sense magic, but only in the vaguest sense. Just make sure you don't let one get close to you, or you'll find yourself run through with the pointy end of their blade. They are ruthless and know very little mercy."

Nico frowned as he finished his bread. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Just be careful, their talents do drain your magic, and if you're not careful, you could find yourself without a spell to cast."

"What about your order?" Nico asked.

"The Arbiters will be your biggest problem. They are Mages themselves, and therefore can stand on equal ground with you. They are trained in stealth and, like this ship we are on, can use chameleon magic to make themselves harder to see. They are also deadly warriors like the Justicars. You don't want to find yourself facing even one of them," Nemesis said, lowering her gaze. "They are extremely dangerous. A Mage would be lucky to be able to take on one Arbiter and make it away from the fight. Avoid them at all costs, Nico."

Nico nodded, letting out a breath. "Anything else you can tell me about them? I want to be prepared for them."

"You have one advantage in that you were trained in combat magic. Arbiters train in many of the same schools you do, but are forbidden from learning any significant offensive spells. They can defend against most offensive magic, but it might give you a chance to get away. What little offensive magic they do know usually takes time and concentration for them to cast. So, if they try to cast such, you can catch them off-guard."

"Are they as bad as the Justicars?" Nico asked, biting down on his lip.

Nemesis shook her head. "No, they tend to be much more merciful than the Justicars."

"What about the Judges?" Nico whispered.

"Pray you don't meet one," Nemesis said, patting Nico on the back with a small smile. "They are three of the most dangerous people in Teleria. Hyperion, Ouranos, and Prometheus are the current Judges. Hyperion and Ouranos are the two bigger players, heading the Arbiters and Justicars respectively. Ouranos is the most powerful and dangerous of the Justicars. He would destroy you in a heartbeat, with no remorse about the matter. Think of him like an Arbiter without the magic."

"What about the Arbiter Judge?"

"Hyperion is more reasonable, usually striving to keep the peace. He's usually the one on the Oracle's other side as Ouranos spews his desires for war at the Oracle. He is an extremely powerful Mage. Perhaps not quite as powerful as the Oracle or Chiron, though. As for you, I'm not quite sure. I would say you are an above average Mage, but I would definitely say that Hyperion would be a big threat to you. Stay away from him, that's the best advice I can give."

"Thanks," Nico mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "What about the Oracle?"

"The most powerful Mage east of the Elder Mountains. The only person that could probably stand on equal ground with her would be Chiron. The Magister and Oracle are both chosen by nearly the same standards. They, both, are usually the most powerful Mages alive at the time of their ascension. You're likely not to see her, though. Unless..." Nemesis trailed off.

"Unless what?"

"We are captured," Nemesis chuckled.

"I'm glad you find it so amusing," Nico mumbled.

"Glad I could be of help," Nemesis grinned, standing up and stretching. "Now, I'm going to get some rest."

Nico nodded at her and watched her walk to the only real quarters they were given. He knew they couldn't afford luxury while trying to sneak into Empire, so he wasn't going to go complaining to Hermes about it.

Nico stood and walked over to where Leo was tinkering in the engine room. "Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Leo asked, not looking away from his work.

"Got too much on my mind for that at the moment," Nico replied while he stared at the power core.

He jumped when two hands were placed on his shoulders. He spun around to find the two brothers grinning at him. "Admiring the core?" Travis asked.

"Pretty magnificent, huh?" Connor added.

Nico nodded. "It's impressive," he agreed.

"Hermes won it off another pirate in Haval," Leo informed Nico, waving a screwdriver at the blue orb.

"The guy stole it off one of the cruisers in the Emperor's personal fleet," said Travis, grinning at Nico.

"And you put it in here?" Nico asked.

Leo shrugged. "No harm in it. Actually makes the ship run more efficiently," Leo answered.

"So, what did Lady Man-hands tell you about us?" Connor asked, nodding towards the sleeping quarters.

"Not much," Nico replied. "Honestly, I didn't even know you were going to be sky pirates until you got here."

Travis pouted. "She didn't talk about our great skill both with the sword and in bed?" the brunet asked.

Nico arched an eyebrow. "I'm afraid not. How would she know?"

Leo rolled his eyes. "Those two are beyond arrogant," Leo mumbled.

The brothers grinned. "You could always find out first hand," Connor suggested to Nico.

"We don't discriminate based on gender," Travis finished.

"I-uh-I think I'll pass," Nico chuckled nervously. "Wouldn't want to catch anything."

Leo burst out laughing, while the brothers both pouted. "Don't need you limping on the job anyways," Travis huffed.

Nico rolled his eyes. "So, the gun your dad carries..."

"His most prized possession," Connor began.

"Besides us," finished Travis.

Connor nodded. "We're some of the best pirates out of Haval. Nemesis was smart to come to us for this job. She even-"

Travis nudged his brother in the ribs. "Shut up," he hissed.

Nico frowned. "Uh-Never mind."

"What's it really like in Haval anyways?" Nico asked. "How does the monarchy run the island chains with thieves' guilds, pirates, and the Furies around?"

The three young sky pirates shared a laugh. "That's the point," Leo chuckled.

"We run the country," Travis added.

"The Guilds make sure that the monarchy does what benefits them," Connor continued

"You'd be surprised at the amount of unity in the situation, though."

"So, you and the rest of those groups are actually the ruling force?" Nico asked.

"Essentially," answered Travis.

"The monarchy was failing years ago," Leo mumbled. "The Guilds did them a favor."

"We let them continue to be the figureheads of the country, in exchange for getting what we want," Connor chuckled.

"Turns out good for us. The better you are at your trade, the more powerful you are in Haval," Travis explained. "Father is pretty well off. We're some of the wealthiest sky pirates in the country."

"He gets a little cocky sometimes," Leo added in, grinning at the brothers. "Now I see where you get it."

Connor mumbled something in his native tongue that Nico couldn't pick up, while Travis made a rude gesture at Leo, running his hand under his chin and flicking his hand out. Nico cocked his head to the side. Travis shrugged. "Tis true, I suppose. Father likes to call himself the 'leading man' in our many adventures," Travis chuckled.

Connor cleared his throat. "Well, we need to get back to work," the younger brother suggested.

"Yes, we don't want the Argo falling apart while we're onboard, now do we?" Leo grinned. The brothers grumbled and walked off, leaving Nico alone with Leo.

"It's not really going to fall apart, is it?" Nico asked nervously.

Leo chuckled and shook his head. "No, but they need to keep things cleaned up and make sure there're no real emergencies going on." He sighed and stood up, wiping at his brow. "Well, I think I need to go let Hermes get some rest." He smiled at Nico. "You should probably do the same, got a lot of walking to do tomorrow."

Percy eyed the golden relic in his hand, holding it up to examine it better. He frowned at it, not sure what its purpose was. He looked at Hestia questioningly, but she just smiled at him. "It's just a gift, Percy," she told him, closing his hand on the object. "I want you to have it."

"Is it important?" Percy asked.

"It is a powerful artifact, one of the older relics in the Covenant's possession, although its origins and the extent of its power are lost to time, Hestia informed him.

"You don't know where it came from?"

Hestia shook her head. "I do know it allows for communication over large distances."

Percy arched a brow. "Am I going somewhere?" Percy asked.

Hestia smiled. "I just want you to have it.

Percy nodded. "Thank you," he said with a smile, slipping the relic into his pouch.

"Anything to report, regarding your assignment?"

Percy shook his head. "Nothing unusual. Is there anything you can tell me now about this?"

"I would just like to be kept informed of her wellbeing," Hestia replied.

The doors of the Oracle's throne room opened and Ouranos, Prometheus, and Hyperion entered the room, Ethan and Kronos trailing behind them. Ethan was an Arbiter like Percy, and close to the same age. Ethan had slicked back black hair and matching black eyes. He was around the same skin tone as Kronos, maybe a shade paler.

Percy stepped beside Hestia to allow the Judges to talk to the Oracle. All five of them kneeled down before the powerful woman. "What news have you?" Hestia asked.

"The Emperor would like an audience with you, Your Grace," Ouranos reported. "He asked to dine here tonight."

"Very well. Let him know I will be present."

"Very good, Your Holiness. He will be here shortly."

"We also have other matters to discuss," Hyperion informed Hestia.

Hestia nodded her head. She looked at Percy and nodded at the door. Percy smiled and bowed to his adopted mother. Kronos and Ethan rose from the floor and followed Percy out the door. Kronos frowned as the large metal doors closed behind them.

"It's not fair we can't be in there for whatever they are discussing," Kronos pouted.

"It's just classified, you know that," Percy chuckled.

"I overheard it was about that secret prophecy that Hestia had a few years back," Ethan interjected.

"The one the Emperor is afraid marks the downfall of the country?" Kronos droned.

Ethan nodded. The three began walking down the halls. "Do you know anything about it?" Percy asked, glancing at Ethan.

Ethan shook his head. "Probably about as much as either of you," he mumbled.

"I know it's why father wants to march on the Imperium so bad," Kronos added.

Percy came to a stop and leaned against a wall, Kronos stepping up next to Percy. Percy rolled his eyes at his friend. He knew what Kronos was doing. Ethan stepped closer and cleared his throat. "So, Percy, you want to go get some practice in, or maybe find something else to do?" Ethan asked suggestively.

Kronos narrowed his eyes. Percy just chuckled. "Go find some whore down at the brothel," Kronos growled.

"Oh, you can join too, Kronos."

"I don't share," Kronos said warningly.

"Do I not get a say in this?" Percy asked, still chuckling.

"Unless your answer is going to be no, no."

Percy rolled his eyes. "I do need to practice, though."

"You can practice with me," Kronos growled.

"Perhaps Percy wants someone less worn to practice his sword techniques with," Ethan butted in. Percy covered his mouth to hide his laughter, while Kronos glared daggers at Ethan. "Like I said, you are more than welcome to join."

Percy shook his head with a sigh. Things like this were common in the Empire, where bisexuality was standard practice. While not everyone found themselves in that category, it did happen a lot. Percy wasn't quite sure where he fit, if he was being honest with himself. The only real sexual experiences he had were with Kronos, but Percy found women to be attractive and beautiful. To him, he just wanted what Thalia wanted, real love.

"I think I'll have to pass today, sorry," Percy told Ethan.

Ethan sighed and nodded. Kronos smirked. "Yeah, you heard him," Kronos sneered.

"Because I don't have time for sex at the moment." Kronos glared at Percy, who just shrugged back at his friend. "Why don't you two go have fun?" Percy suggested.

Ethan shrugged. "Fine by me," he agreed.

"I just have to talk to Hyperion," Percy explained.

Kronos rolled his eyes. "Fine," he muttered, heading off for his chambers. Percy chuckled at his retreating form. "You coming?" he barked at Ethan. Ethan grinned at Percy and jogged after the Justicar.

Percy smirked and pushed himself off the wall, deciding to go back to wait for Hyperion. Kronos usually kept their physical friendship very exclusive, but Percy didn't mind the pale boy seeking out other lovers. Kronos had a strong sexual appetite, one that Percy did not always feel up to satisfying. Not to mention that Kronos did not always like to be on the receiving end of his sexual escapades. So, Percy could not deny him what he wanted, but it was another reason Percy would not actually bring their friendship to the next level. He would never be enough for Kronos, because that was something Percy would not do for his friend.

The doors to the Oracle's throne room opened as Percy approached, the three Judges coming out. Ouranos grunted at Percy before walking off with Prometheus. Hyperion sighed and rubbed his temple. Percy smiled as he approached his Judge.

"Everything alright?" Percy asked.

"Yes," Hyperion sighed. "Ouranos is just being his usual self."

"Still desires an Exalted March?"

Hyperion nodded. "I'm afraid Prometheus and I will not be able to quell the situation forever," Hyperion confessed.

"What was it you wanted to see me about, sir?"

Hyperion sighed. "We were just discussing Thalia's party."

"What about it?"

"Ouranos and I suggested that a few Justicars and Arbiters be assigned to watch the house," the blond answered.

"Why?"

"Hestia felt it would be a good idea."

Percy nodded. "I presume that I will be there?" Percy asked.

"Of course." Hyperion rubbed his chin. "I want you to stay close to her side at all times."

"Understood."

"I want you to use your talent to make sure there is no magic at work during the party."

"Is Thalia being targeted by a Mage?" Percy questioned his superior.

"Just make sure," Hyperion mumbled.

Percy sighed and nodded. He frowned at the slightly taller man. "Ethan said you were discussing the prophecy with Hestia. Thalia isn't-"

Hyperion waved his hand in front of him, silently letting Percy know to drop it. "We will not speak of that matter, do I make myself clear?" Hyperion ordered.

Percy lowered his gaze and nodded. "Is that all, sir?" Percy sighed.

Hyperion nodded. Percy placed his hand over his breastplate and bowed to the Judge before turning on his heel and walking off. Percy headed towards the main doors, wanting some fresh air. He came to a halt as the large metal doors creaked open.

A tall man walked into the Grand Cathedral. He was a pale man, nearly resembling death itself with his black robes. He had jet black hair that hung just above his shoulders. His eyes were red like Hestia's, but his lacked the warmth that hers held. He towered over most people, even Percy only came up to his nose. His fingers were covered in several gold rings and his black robes were embroidered with golden designs.

"Hello, Perseus," the man said, walking up to Percy.

Percy forced himself to put on a smile and bow his head. "Emperor Minos," Percy greeted him.

"Zeus tells me you're the one watching his daughter." Minos smiled, sending a shiver down Percy's spine. "I can feel at ease knowing that beautiful flower is under the best possible care."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Ouranos approached them, smiling at the Emperor. "Emperor Minos," the Judge greeted the noble man, grasping his hand in a firm shake. Percy eyed Ouranos, tightening his jaw. It was no secret that Ouranos was friendly with the Emperor, and Percy had to sometimes question where the man's true loyalties lay.

"I was just telling young Perseus here what a fine job he is doing guarding Zeus's child," Minos praised Percy.

"Yes," Ouranos droned, turning his dark gaze upon the young Arbiter, "such a fine job." He turned to face Percy. "Make sure you keep up the good work, or else."

Percy straightened, placing his arms behind his back. He glared at Ouranos as the man walked off with the Emperor. Even if Ouranos was Kronos's father, he still provoked Percy. But Percy's true concern was the man beside the Judge. Minos made his blood run cold just at the sight of him. It had been like this since Percy was little. The man nearly all but radiated death, his hands drenched in the blood of countless lives during his quest to expand the Empire.

He was one of the few people that Percy would never want to fight, the Judges and Hestia being the others. He might not have killed all those people himself, but he was still dangerous. Percy shuddered to think what would happen if he ever turned his back on the Covenant and went against Hestia. It would be a dark time for the entire continent, that much Percy was sure.

Again, I'm going to keep this short. Nico is nearing the Empire. You got to get a look at Justicars and Arbiters compared to Mages. You got a small look at Thalia's bow. Oh, and I'm wondering if anyone can find the influence behind Travis and Connor. I had two characters of influence for them. I believe someone did guess who I influenced Percy, Thalia, and Nico from. You got a first look at another important character for this story, Minos. Next chapter, I'll be introducing a new POV, stay tuned to find out who it will be. Nico will be in the Empire and get his first look at Thalia and Percy. Thalia finds out something important. You get a deeper look into Percy's past, and his friendship with Kronos. And shit will be hitting the fan in chapter 7. That's all for now. Farewell.