(Well, last chapter was fairly long.

I'm really just trying to blow through to the point where Aaron gets to Camp, but I suppose I should take my time.

This chapter introduces a lot of new faces. Some you know, some you don't.

So, LET'S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS.

TO DEFEAT THE HUNS

Disclaimer: I own no copyrighted works or names mentioned.)

After that, I decided to head back to the Jackson residence. I pulled in the front to find Luke shoveling snow once again. He waved warmly and I waved back, stepping out of the car.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Not much, just got some work done, planning for Hale. Decided I'd drop by, grab somebody's phone number to keep in touch," I explained.

He nodded. "Oh yeah, Sil's inside doing some yoga. Mom left for work as did dad. Esp and Tom left earlier," he said.

"Ah." I picked up a shovel and helped him get the snow off the walkway.

"So, how is all this hitting you?"

I sighed. "Well enough. I mean, one day at a time, you know?"

"Best way to do things. I never imagined the Prophecyborn would be like you," he said with a grin.

"What do you mean?" I asked, finishing up the porch.

"Eh, you're a powerful drug dealer. A well trained killer. People are going to be surprised, that's all."

"I love destroying expectations," I replied with a cocky grin.

Luke just shook his head. "I'm sure you do."

After a while, we finished up the shoveling and went inside.

"So, how's the plan going?" came a female tone. Silena.

"Good. Coeus and Phoebe met with me. They're sincere. The plan is being moved up to next Thursday, Thanksgiving."

"Excellent," she replied, stepping into full view. She was dressed in a tight fitting tank top and yoga pants. Her black hair was drawn back into a ponytail.

"Yes. I stopped by because I forgot to get a phone number or an email," I replied. I was trying to distract myself from Silena's beauty. I wasn't going back to that stage in my life, and certainly not with her.

"Oh, right," she said. She told me her number and I put in my phone.

"Oh, and let me see your phone. Need to hook it up to our service." I gave her my phone.

"Demigod Mobile?" I joked.

Luke just grinned. "Yeah. Monsters used to be able to track you down using your phone, but some eggheads back at Camp made a service up so your signal just bounces off cell towers all over the country."

"Impressive," I murmured.

"There," Silena said, handing me my phone back.

"Thanks. So, any plans today?" I asked.

Silena nodded. "Luke and I were heading to the gym over on 22nd. Ran by a demigod," she informed.

"Ah. Mind if I join you?" I asked.

"Not at all. Might as well start introducing yourself. Tom and Esp are heading over too, as are some other demigods."

"Cool. What time?" I asked, looking at my watch.

"We're leaving in an hour," Luke told me.

"Perfect."

An hour came and went and we all packed into Luke's car. The drive was quick, and I spent most of it managing my business on my phone. Lizzy was able to get the weapons, and the first batch was waiting at my secure location.

We got out of the car, and I suddenly remembered I didn't exactly bring workout clothes. Silena told me there were spares inside, so any concern I had was gone.

The gym was mostly empty, except some teenagers and adults.

"Hey guys," Luke said, waving.

"Who's the newbie?" a gruff voice said. A woman, tall and muscular. Not exactly the prettiest thing to walk the Earth, but better than some supermodel.

"Aaron Crowley," I spoke for myself.

"Holy Styx, Lucy's kid?" a man sitting on a weight bench asked.

"Yup. He's, uh, he's the one in the Prophecy. He's also Zeus' kid," Tom said from the side of the gym.

The room went silent. "Shit, and he wears fancy suits?" the female in the front asked.

I smirked and pulled my suit jacket aside, revealing my .45 in a holster. "And carries a gun."

"Well Crowley, let's see what you got," she replied. Not surprised or intimidated, unless she was hiding it well.

I nodded. "Locker room?"

"To the left," Esp grunted, working out her legs.

I thanked her and went to go change. I slapped on some shorts and a tank top before moving back out into the main room.

"I guess introductions might be necessary. That's Connor Stoll, son of Hermes. That's Rose Stoll, Hermes and Demeter legacy..." Sil introduced me to everyone present.

"And I'm Clarisse LaRou, living nightmare," the buff woman said with a grin.

I nodded. "Well, let's get down to business than," I said, rubbing my hands together.

"That's either confidence, or bravado," Rose said, peering up from a book.

I snorted and chuckled. "Maybe both," I retorted.

"Alright, enough chit chat. Drakon Circuit, move it," Clarisse boomed.

I took the open station, squats. Luke was my spotter. "Drakon is just doing your max ten times," he explained. I nodded and we slid on 600 pounds.

I put the bar between my shoulders and brought it down slowly. I took a deep breath and moved upwards, barely straining against the weight. Luke seemed impressed. He was able to crank out about 400.

We moved our way through the circuit quickly. I was surprised at how well I fit in. I no longer felt like some kind of superhuman. I felt like I was among fellows.

When we had blown our way through all the circuit, we stopped for a water break.

"So, you're the Prophecyborn?" a boy maybe older than I asked.

"That's the rumor," I replied, sipping my water slowly.

"Hm. Fabian Solace," he said, extending his hand.

"Pleasure," I replied, shaking his hand.

"We've waited for a sign for a long time," he said.

"So I've heard."

"Do you think you can do it?" Rose asked, sitting next to me.

"Anything can be achieved if you want it to be achieved," I said solemnly.

"That's what I like to hear," Fabian said with a grin.

"Alright, let's go for a run. 20 laps, no stopping," Clarisse boomed. I looked at my watch. 3:00.

We went into another room, which had basketball hoops.

"Alright, newbie gets the music pick," Connor said with a sly grin.

I nodded and fished my I-Pod out of my pocket. I had a wide variety of music tastes, but most of them were old rock and metal, like Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden. I decided to go with some Maiden, since they seemed to have the best rhythm for a good run.

"Who's this?" Rose asked, eyes scrunched in confusion.

"The best metal band ever," Connor replied to his daughter.

We all broke out into a run. I was stuck in the middle. I had plenty of leg muscle, but there was just no way in Hell I was going to beat a Hermes or Apollo kid.

Once we were finished, we fell into a circle and sat down.

"Well, I hate this crap, but I guess it build teamwork. Or so Chiron said. Anyway, we go around the circle and tell what happened to us this week, and what our plans for next week are," Clarisse said. The last bit was probably an explanation to me.

"Aaron, you go first," Silena said with a mischievous grin.

"Uh, okay. I found out I was a demigod," I said awkwardly.

"Nice. Who's your Greek parent?" a boy who liked very similar to Fabian asked.

"Zeus."

"What?" "No way." "Crazy."

The circle erupted into conversation before it died down with a loud shout from Clarisse.

"Settle down! What's your plans for next week?" she asked.

I inhaled deeply. "I'm going to kill several people and assert my dominance as New York's only drug lord."

The circle fell into total silence. "You're a drug... a drug lord?" Rose asked.

I looked up to the ceiling. "Yup."

"Wow."

I rolled my eyes. "Easier than it looks, really."

"Yeah right," Fabian said.

"So, uh, killing people. That's cool," Connor said.

"Rapists, or those who care for that. All of them."

"Hold up. You mean... uh..." a girl with brown eyes started.

"Yeah, Joan," Silena said quietly. "He saved my life."

"Well, than it sounds like you're off to a good start."

"I suppose I am," I retorted.

After that, we all went around the circle. Most of the kids here were with their parents, most of whom had fought in the Titan War.

After a while, the door opened to reveal my mom, Percy, Annabeth, Nico, Piper, Leo, and a woman with red hair and green eyes.

"Hey everybody," Percy said, waving.

"Jackson. Trying to skip out?' Clarisse asked.

Percy just smirked. "You know me. I guess you all already met Aaron."

"Yup. Kids tough. Good job finding him," Clarisse said. "Hey sis," she said to my mom gruffly.

"Clar. So, Rachel, is he the one?"

The woman with red hair looked me over closely. "Probably. Delphi isn't saying much, but maybe she's biding her time for when he's claimed proper."

"Well, good enough," my mom said, coming to sit next to me.

"Yes, yes. Just give me a gun and tell me who to kill. Honestly, fate or destiny didn't have to tell me that," I said with a grin.

Everyone was silent again. I sighed.

"Well don't all speak at once," I grumbled.

"Sorry. It's just... it isn't what we expected," an older man said.

"What? That I would be a killer and a drug lord? Well, that's what I am."

"Yes. Anyway, we should probably be rolling out," the older man said again, as everyone got up and dispersed. I just rolled my eyes and went to get dressed.

Luke changed next to me. "You know... you might want to roll it back a bit."

"What do you mean? I asked.

"The whole kingpin killer act."

"Act?"

"Look... It's just that it isn't what we were expecting."

"Expecting? Well, sorry. I am what I am. I am, in fact, what you all need. A trained killer and an expert leader. The Germans won't exactly be rainbows and sunshine, will they?"

He winced. "No."

I sighed and sat down. "I will take that into account though."

"Thanks," Luke said, before leaving.

I left a while later, finding everyone still there and talking in small groups.

"Alright, listen. I don't really know what's expected of me. I'll take orders and do as I'm told. For three years, I have been doing what is right by the law. Or at least, the truth. The truth is, I lost a good friend to a monster and his allies. I have built a drug empire that stretches the nation. I have hunted down these killers, got revenge, and saved lives along the way. There is little else to say," I said loudly.

Everyone paid attention to what I had to say. Some nodded, others murmured agreement.

"Well said," Nico admired.

"Thanks," I said. I stepped closer to him, and the others went back to their conversations.

"I apologize if I offended you last night. I wasn't aware my father would... go to such extremes."

His face softened a bit. "It's alright. No harm no foul."

I smiled. "Thanks."

"No problem. Have you seen a redhead around here anywhere? About five foot, brown eyes... fiery temper..."

I was about to answer when a sigh came from behind me. "Yes dad, right here," came an exhausted drawl.

"Ah, there you are," Nico said, motioning her over to stand in my field of view.

"Bianca, Aaron. Aaron, Bianca," he introduced.

The girl stepped into my field of view and nodded. I returned the gesture.

"So, you're the one? I guess you look it," she said airily.

I chuckled. "The One. Catchy. Maybe that can be my wrestling name."

She rolled her eyes, flicking her hair out of her face. "I'm going to do down to the library, catch up on my project. See you later dad," the girl said before leaving.

"That's Bianca. A bit of a far cry from my sister, but, she's just as nice when she wants to be. I better get rolling too, need to finish a chapter for my new book. See you around, Aaron," Nico said, before following his daughter.

I just shook my head before going back to the group. I found Silena, who was dressed back in her normal attire, talking to a couple of girls.

"What? What!? No," Silena exclaimed as I came closer.

"Well, if you don't, I will," a girl a little shorter than her answered. The girl looked Asian, wore way too much makeup, and dressed in a... revealing attire. When she saw me, she smiled.

"So, uh, Aaron. I was just talking about you," she said in a sweet tone.

"Uh huh," was all I got out.

"You know, Camp is a big place to get lost in. Always good to have... someone close, if you catch my drift. Zeus Cabin gets pretty lonely, no one else there. Maybe I could keep you company?" she asked, twirling her hair.

I'd been around the block enough to catch her drift, all right. "Let's speak plain. You like speaking plain?" I asked, crossing my arms.

She looked caught off guard. "I don't know what that means, but-"

I cut her off. "You want to sleep with me, yes?"

Everyone in the group was just aghast. Silena bit her lip like she was trying not to laugh.

The Asian girl looked puzzled. "Um, uh, um... well, I mean, I want to date you."

"Look, look. You seem nice. I'm sure you are. But I don't beat around the bush. Yes, or no?" I asked.

The girl just stammered before making some lame excuse and walked off.

Silena just hide her mouth and laughed quietly. "That was marvelous," she said between giggles.

Another girl just sighed. "You do that to all the girls?"

"No. Just the ones who hit on me," I replied.

"Well, that's refreshing. Do pardon my sister though, she tries that on... well, every guy. Chardonnay Tonaka, but for the love of the Gods, just call me Char," she said.

"Good to meet you. What was her name?" I asked.

"Diamond. Our mother didn't get creative, making names," Char said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, Aaron seemed to be a pretty random draw," I comforted.

"It's Hebrew, means 'light bringer'," Silena answered a bit too quickly. She blushed a bit and I raised my brow.

Char just smirked before saying 'bye' and walked off.

"How did you just know that?"

"Um, I was kind of curious about you. So I basically looked up everything about you," she explained, regaining her composure.

"Well, I'm flattered," I said.

She just snorted. "Don't get a big head."

"I'm a son of Zeus. I always have a big head," I joked.

"Yeah, yeah."

"Ready for break?" I asked. I winced when I realized what exactly our plans for break were.

She nodded. "Have you reconsidered my involvement?"

"Damn it, Silena, no. No, no, no," I told her sternly.

"I have to be part of this," she said quietly.

I erupted into a shout, my temper boiling over. "Look, you got hurt too. I get that. But two of my friends were just gunned down. I've lost so, so, so many others. You may be a demigod, you may be some ultimate fucking warrior, but you will NOT be part of this because you could be killed. And I'll be damned if I have more blood on my hands than I need. You WILL do as I say because this is MY war. Are we clear?" I boomed, chest heaving from hard breaths. Everyone stared us down, awaiting her move.

She simply stared at me, unflinching. "No, we are not clear. I will be part of this, whether you like it or not," she said evenly.

I just clenched my fists in anger. "You know what? Fine. When you're dead, you think about how much you wanted this," I hissed.

Percy stepped between us. "That's enough," he said firmly. "Silena, you know this is dangerous."

"And, what, fighting the Germans won't be?" she asked.

Percy was silent. "That's fair enough. Aaron?" he asked me.

I took a deep breath. "Thomas Hale is the most dangerous man I have ever encountered. Hell, I'm sure he's the closest thing to Kronos as you could call him. You think you know danger? Hale is smart, he is strong, and he is creative. I'm not even sure my organization can take him down," I told him.

Silena just looked at me sadly. "So you'll risk your life? We need you."

Percy sighed. "Sil, he needs to do this."

"I know that. I need to do it too," she said.

"You could get hurt," Annabeth chimed in.

"Like I said, the Germans could kill us all. How is this any different?"

I sighed. "Fine. You can join us. But you follow my orders, and any kind of insubordination will not be tolerated," I said.

"Agreed," Silena said.

"Well, than that's that," Luke said.

I nodded, before my phone started ringing. I quickly picked up and answered.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Aaron."

I froze. Silena gave me an inquisitive look.

"I won't waste either of our time. Why did you call?" I asked.

Thomas laughed from the other end of the line. "Your plan to dispose of me. Surely you didn't think I wouldn't notice. No, I've known of this for some time my friend," she said in his smoothest tone.

My fist clenched in anger and my jaw tightened. "I am not your friend. Now, what do you have to say? Surely you could be spending time with your mother," I said with a smirk. Hale's mother had cancer, progressing fast. The taunts used to bother him visibly, but now I had to count on his subconscious to do the work.

"Tsk tsk. Making comments about my mother? Shame on you Aaron. I thought you were above that. But, you see, I know about Balil and Vanessa. I know about Jennifer. And I know about Silena Jackson."

I inhaled sharply. "Very good, I must admit. So, what's your plan now?"

He sighed, as if bored. "Oh, I'm not sure. I have all three of them in a secure location. Their fates are up to you, really. See, you're going to break your little group up. I'm going to restore my control over this city. I will give you until, oh, let's say Tuesday to make your decision. However, there is another option."

I took a deep breath. "I'm always open to all options."

"See, that's why I like you! No yelling, screaming, crying. You're just like me, in that aspect. You just aren't a conqueror."

"The other option?"

"Kill Jackson. Actually, bring her to me. I let the others go, you keep your territory. Hell, I'll break up the Titans. You can have all of New York. In the light that you could choose the latter option, I'll be sure to have a courier come by with directions in an hour or so." he said.

I sighed. "I'll keep that in mind. You'll have my answer by tonight."

"Excellent! I look forward to your decision," he said before hanging up.

I put my phone back in my pocket. "That was him."

"You just had a civil conversation with that man?" Silena asked.

"He has Jen. Would calling him names get me anywhere? But now, we have a plan. And you guys aren't going to like it," I said uneasily.