A/N: Thought you got rid of me? ;-) As ever, I own nada. Everything to Rick Riordan and his amazing talent.
Percy POV
Note to my incredibly stupid self if I am still alive in the next hour.
When bringing an old friend back to life and giving said friend godly powers, never forget that she could whip your butt six ways from Sunday in the arena. Also, never forget her- ahem, large temper.
I, in my infinite wisdom of course had forgotten all the above.
Zoe, Luke, and I had made our way to the arena for a warm up spar only to find on arrival many of the elder demigods cowering before the rather pissed looking, and conscious Reyna. We had barely a minute to take a breath before the former daughter of Belladonna stiffened and spun in a neat circle to face them as large fiery wings erupted from her back. Blinking rapidly Percy shifted into an attacking stance as Luke and Zoe flexed their own wings sprouting from their backs, the former rising into the air as his twin swords appeared in his hands. Knowing that Reyna always had listened to logic I raised my hands up in surrender and took a step forward "Easy Reyna, just let me- "
3RDPOV
Reyna cut Percy off by lunging at him bringing her spear down with and angry snarl which Percy caught between twin swords larger than Luke still in the skies. With a practiced ease Percy flipped his wrists in a snapping motion throwing the spear across the arena to Reyna's shock. Dropping down low he brought a leg up in a sweeping motion making Reyna's legs buckle as two arrows sailed past Percy on either side straight into the new angel's shoulders. The son of Poseidon didn't need to look behind him to see Jason, Frank and Hazel wince as Reyna let loose a roar of pain which filled the entire arena.
Percy Pov
I gave her a few moments to adjust to the pain before speaking. I knew Zoe's arrows wouldn't harm her due to the angel essence in her veins, but I also knew from experience that they hurt like hell. So, crouching down so we were at eye level I spoke slowly, enunciating each word so I knew she was focusing on me and not the pain. "Reyna, I know you know you have been changed into an angel of war. The angels whom follow me are angels in the areas where they hold the most powerful. As a leader of new Rome and daughter of Belladonna it would be a crime not to choose war as your rank." Visibly gritting her teeth Reyna rasped "Why did you not let me die? I would have died a hero of Rome not this abomination!"
Percy grimaced as he heard the growls of Luke and Zoe behind him but focused everything on Reyna. Attempting the most soothing yet calming voice I was capable of answered her "Christopher is a coward and a traitor to Rome. The war against Erebus is going to be long and bloody, of that you cannot doubt. Reyna you will meet the ferryman at some point, but only in a true death and not when you are an accused traitor, before then we will need your help." Reyna's hands balled into fists "What is it?" Percy grimaced "Do what you do best, lead your friends and your people. The only thing your angel powers will change about you is none will survive against your attacks, so make sure to keep a hold on your anger m'kay?"
Giving a weak laugh Reyna nodded shakily as Percy grabbed the arrow shafts and made sure to look directly into her eyes "Sorry this is going to hurt like a bitch."
"Well from what we can discern, the dark forces thought our alliance with Rome was too fractured for Camp Half-blood to come to their aid."
A few murmured in agreement with Athena's words. The Olympian council, the heroes of the wars and Poseidon's cyclops generals lead by Tyson stood in the throne room. They had al been summoned after Reyna had been cleaned up to find out the tallies of the massacre. What they had found was depressing al around but most them were sadly all too aware in war they had to simply plow on. And so, they did, as Percy stepped forward "Sorry Apollo, but it seems Christopher was rather cocky in his execution of Reyna. I am aware I have been out of this world for a while, but I was still under the impression that Reyna is still an honored member of Rome?" Apollo hummed "Good point cousin, on inspection of my legacy's body however I found the latent titan powers which was previously held by Artemis and I's kin Iapetus titan of mortality. From the amount Christopher held I can only assume father than Iapetus no longer stands."
Apollo's words stunned the council, Percy glancing grimly at Zoe and Luke. Marcus and Reyna flanked Luke and Zoe, they even exchanging a dark look as understanding washed over them. After all, if Erebus had taken one titan's powers what was to stop him from taking more?
Artemis POV
I sighed as I thought of the ramifications of Iapetus's death. The power behind the legacy however made more sense, as Iapetus with the power of mortality could take it away at a whim. If that had been transferred to Erebus now rather than the void, many of the campers regardless of experience or power, chances of surviving were rather slim. From my position on the council I could see Zoe creep forward and place her hand on Perseus's should whispering in his ear. It made me smile as it reminded me strongly of the times long since passed when we had fought side by side.
I had yet to make up my mind of whether the trust Zoe had in Perseus surprised me or not. In the case of the fact they had spent half a millennium fighting at each other's side I was not surprised, but when you realize that most of the Olympians had fought together for the same amount of time, it is rather strange she hasn't killed him yet.
If he could be killed that is.
