Author's Note: Sorry this took so long to update! I had intended to get this out much quicker since I'm on Winter Break with no academic obligations, but I've strangely found myself spending a lot of time with my family. However, I do hope that the length of this chapter makes up for the time it took for me to update! This is by far the longest chapter at 10,190 words! I hope you guys like it! :D
I want to mention here, though, that I do not arbitrarily use Greek or Roman names. I use either one or the other very specifically, so it is very important. I just thought I would point that out!
Also, I really hope you guys enjoyed the proposal scene last chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it! :) It didn't quite turn out how I had imagined it in my head, but I kind of just let it flow from what I believed. I debated many different proposals, most of them leaving Percy embarrassed, but I finally just picked the one where it just kind of ended happily. XD I must admit that I personally liked the proposal scene I wrote in Her Happy Ending more than the one that happened in this fic, but I thought it was still okay. I hope you guys did enjoy it, though!
Fort Olympus is now the longest project I have ever undertaken at 87,222 words already (an average of 7,929 words per chapter)! And I am not done, yet, so I think it will easily reach 200,000 words before I am done. I want to take this chance to thank everyone who as supported me and encouraged me to continue writing this fic! I want to thank all my reviews, my favorite-ers, and all my followers! Thank you all so much!
As always, please read and review! :)
Disclaimer: Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympians and all things related are property of Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion. I am not making any profit off of this work in any way, shape, or form.
Fort Olympus
Chapter 11: Plans
Nico rarely slept in. The day following Percy's extravagant proposal, he found himself awake and ready at dawn. He walked up to the Temple Hill, formerly known as Half-Blood Hill, and leaned against Thalia's tree.
"What are you thinking about, my son?"
Pluto had materialized right in front of Nico, in an elegant black tuxedo.
Nico gave a curt nod. "Father."
Pluto gazed at his son with soft eyes and sadness in his visage. "You are ashamed to see me."
Nico didn't respond for a minute. "I'm not ashamed, Dad," he finally admitted, "I just want… I just want to be accepted."
Pluto smiled at his son. "I'm sorry. I blame myself for your pain and feelings of ostracization."
Nico sighed bitterly. "No, Dad. As much as I want to blame my parentage, at the end of the day, it's my own fault. I chose this path of solitude."
Pluto raised his eyebrow. "But are you really living a life of solitude? Why are you still at Fort Olympus if you want to be alone? Why did you spend the whole day yesterday helping Percy Jackson if you want to be alone? Why did you agree to travel to Britain and retrieve the Elgin Marbles if you want to be alone?"
Nico didn't respond. He just gave his father an uncertain look.
"Nico, you've fooled yourself into thinking you're something you're not. You need to get past your insecurities and dig deep within yourself to understand who and what you truly are."
"Dad, my brothers are Mussolini, Hitler, and Hideki Tojo… I don't exactly have a good reason to be accepted."
Pluto gave him a sad smile. "Of the three men you listed, only Hitler was my son—as Pluto. The other two are children of other gods."
Nico narrowed his eyes. "World War II was your children against the children of Zeus and Poseidon."
Pluto shook his head. "That is what was told to you kids to make it easy to understand because the European Civil Wars are not something we gods like to remember… But the truth, my son… The truth is complicated."
Nico's eyes narrowed. "What are you saying?"
Pluto gave him a wan smile. "You'll understand soon, Nico. Just know that no matter what you might think or believe, I'm proud of you. I'm more proud of you than you can ever know."
Pluto pulled Nico towards him and embraced his son.
Nico stood there in shock for a second before returning the embrace. Never once had his father shown any affection, not even verbal let alone physical, to him before.
Pluto pulled back. "Nico, just remember that no matter what, I love you. I've always been watching over you. I've given you all your powers, and you'll soon be learning even more about your strengths and weaknesses. I am always with you, my son, even when it seems like I'm ignoring you. But remember this."
With one last smile to his Prince, Pluto vanished, leaving Nico wondering if what he had just witnessed was reality or a dream.
"It is real life," a female voice said behind him.
He turned to see a grey-eyed woman, donned in her golden toga with a tiara on her head and an owl on her shoulder. Minerva was watching him with no visible expression.
He bowed. "My Lady."
Minerva just watched him for a minute. "Your father loves you more than you'll ever know, My Champion."
Nico couldn't meet Minerva's eyes. "I'm the Son of Hades," he finally said, "I'm not meant to be a hero. I'm meant to be the enemy. I don't belong here at Fort Olympus."
"Ah, but since when did our parentage determine who we are, Nico?" Minerva asked softly.
When Nico wouldn't look up, she put her hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. Reluctantly, he looked up at his Patron Goddess.
"Nico, we can't help our parentage, but we can help what we choose to do with our lives. Remember this: It is not our birth that determines who we are; it is what we do in our lifetime that defines who we are."
"What do you mean?"
Minerva gave him a small smirk. "Jason Grace was born a Son of Jupiter, solely as a Son of Jupiter, but he ended up being too Greek to command a Roman legion. His adventures, actions, and choices in his life undid his Roman instincts, despite being the Son of the King of Roman gods. Your parentage only means as much as you want it to mean, Nico. You say that you're not meant to be a hero, but you are amongst the greatest heroes alive right now. Your loyalty to Olympus is almost unrivaled… Maybe at the end of the day… what only matters is what you do, and not what you're meant to do."
"I can't change what I was born as, My Lady."
"But you can change who you are. You might think you're not supposed to be a hero, Nico, but you are the one chosen by the Council of Gods to become the Patron of all Heroes. Maybe you don't believe you're a hero, but we do. You stuck by our children's side and provided them all the aid that we never could. You're a greater hero than any of us ever were."
Nico looked down, trying to hide the tears that were falling from his eyes.
"You have sacrificed a great deal to become the person you are now," Minerva said softly, her hands on both of his shoulders, "you have faced great pain and have lost everything near and dear to you… But through all the reasons you had to betray Olympus, you stayed with us, you fought with and for us. We can never repay you. The other gods might disagree…" Minerva put one hand under his chin and pushed his head up so that their eyes met, "but to me, you're the greatest hero. No matter the treachery Olympus has done against you, you always stayed with us. Thank you."
Nico closed his eyes to try to stem the flow of tears. It didn't work. Minerva kissed his forehead for a fraction of a second, causing him to snap his eyes open, but she was already gone—vanished into thin air.
Nico collapsed onto the ground and sobbed freely as Aurora passed over the valley and made way for Apollo to come through.
Through his pain and tears, he felt a shadow drifting over him. Someone took his face into their warm, comfortable hands. For just one second, Nico let himself pretend that it was his sister. She used to do this all those years ago, too, back before she abandoned him. She used to caress his cheeks and wipe away his tears, and she used to kiss his forehead and tell him everything would be okay in the end. But that was all before she abandoned him to join the Hunters—before she abandoned and left him to grow up on his own forever.
He felt a new round of sobs wrack his body at the memories of the pain and bitterness that came with thinking about Bianca's abandonment.
Dimly, he felt a pair of warm lips on his forehead—just like Bianca used to do. He felt the person wrap their arms around him with their head on his chest, right where his heart should have been. He decided to just stand like that for a minute and pretend that it was his sister after all, and pretend that she hadn't abandoned him for an eternal girls club and then, eventually, death. He wrapped his arms around the person who was embracing him.
Long hair tickled his arms as he returned the embrace.
Nico finally opened his eyes and saw the sole true Roman praetor holding him. He looked down at Reyna, wondering how she had found him, but he quickly pushed the thought away. He decided to enjoy the physical warmth and affection for a little while, even if he knew that it was temporary and would eventually face away from his life. He missed having a sister embrace him after a breakdown, and it was nice to have that sort of comfort again.
Reyna didn't say anything; she just hugged him tightly. And Nico was grateful for the lack of words. She seemed the only one who truly understood the pain he had felt at Bianca's abandonment, for she had felt it as well when Hylla had abandoned her to join the Amazons.
"You okay?" She asked finally, black eyes meeting black.
Nico slowly nodded, not trusting his voice.
Reyna gave him a small smile and squeezed him against her just a little tighter, just to show that she was there for him. "You can tell me anything, you know?"
Nico looked at her gratefully. "I know. Thanks, Reyna. You've no idea how much this means to me."
Reyna hushed him. "You listened to me through all the complaining I did back across Europe, Nico. It's the least I can do."
Nico just tightened his embrace around her. "Thank you."
After another minute, he asked, "Why do you stay my friend, Reyna?"
Reyna looked up at him in surprise. "You're a great guy, Nico," she said finally. "And everyone deserves a friend. No one deserves to be alone."
Nico gave her a sad smile. He knew what she was referring to: Her own abandonment by all her fellow praetors, especially Jason Grace.
"I'm never leaving my friends," Nico said defiantly. "I'm never leaving you."
Reyna smiled at him sadly and shook her head. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Nico. I don't want you to disappear on me, too."
Nico kissed her forehead. "I'm never going to disappear. I'll always be with you."
Reyna shook her head before resting on his heart again, but she didn't say anything.
The two lost friends just stayed together for a little longer, just enjoying each other's embrace and wordlessly sharing all the pain that they'd had to individually endure for all this time beforehand. They had started to open up a lot to each other on their way back from Greece with the Athena Parthenos, but now, they were basically each other's lifeline to the mortal world. The two eternal virgins complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses.
"Alright," Nico announced tonelessly. "You'll each have exactly two minutes, and I'm only pulling up two legions. Understood?"
The whole of Fort Olympus and Thebes had gathered in the Coliseum (newly built to accommodate up to 120,000 spectators) in the city right before the elections would take place. It had occurred under Annabeth's command. She had wanted to show the Romans which of the three existing praetors were truly Roman before the legionnaires were to elect new ones. Leo had even commissioned his siblings to build a satellite device to broadcast the event to the three divisions in the external strongholds in Nashville, San Francisco, and Sonoma Valley.
Nico quickly explained the situation to everyone. "At the behest of our Lady Marshall, Annabeth Chase, before the elections that will be held today, we are here to determine which of the three existing praetors are actually true Roman officers. To do so, I will be summoning the dead legions of Rome with the scepter of Emperor Diocletian. Only a Child of the Underworld may summon the dead legions, and only a true officer of Rome may command them. In the House of Hades in Epirus, your former praetor, Jason Grace, was unable to command the Roman legions due to his loyalties changing. A reminder to those who do not already know: To be a true praetor of Rome, one must sacrifice everything for the greater good. This is not a Greek tradition, for the Greeks value the individual more than the whole, something very different than Rome."
Hazel watched her brother handle the situation from the special Council positions in the stands. On the stage of the Coliseum, Nico, Reyna, Percy, and Frank stood and awaited their chances to prove their true loyalties. The other Councilors were sitting with her. All of the Councilors were wearing their traditional clothing, Greek chitons and Roman togas. Only Percy, Reyna, and Frank were wearing their purple praetor clothing, and Nico was wearing his black toga to symbolize him as the Ambassador of Pluto.
Hazel considered the situation around her. Despite the protests of the other Councilors, Annabeth had insisted that they needed to hold elections. She believed that it was unfair for anyone to rule without the consent of the governed—even if they had the support of the gods. It was a very Athenian idea, and Annabeth's rule as the Marshal of Fort Olympus had gone unchallenged. Hazel turned to the situation unfolding before her with grim satisfaction.
Nico stomped the ground with his right foot, creating a fissure. He then raised the scepter of Diocletian in his left hand. Immediately, a legion of about 500 undead ancient Roman soldiers rose from the fissure.
Hazel wondered how exactly Roman soldiers could be found in the United States, but she quickly pushed that thought away, thinking that Nico was using some of his powers as the Prince of the Underworld to make the impossible possible. She watched with narrowed eyes as Nico motioned the first praetor to test his loyalty to the legacy of Rome step forward.
At Nico's gesture to step forward, Percy moved to stand in front of the legion. Everyone watched with bated breath as the leader of both Greek and Roman demigods stepped up to his mantle.
Hazel watched Percy with a thin smile gracing her figures. She had heard what happened in the House of Hades. If Jason, who was born a Son of Jupiter, could not command the dead legions of Rome, there was no way that Percy, who was born a Son of Poseidon, could. The Twelfth Legion had raised Percy on a shield to praetorship due to his admirable leadership and courage, not because of his Roman-ness. She watched Percy should orders in Latin and English, but it was all to no avail. the dead legions simply ignored him and milled around as though they were lost.
Just as Nico had promised, each praetor was given exactly two minutes. When Percy's time was up, Nico ordered him back. Percy complied without protest; the results had ended up just as they had all expected. Percy was too Greek to rule the dead legions of Rome. Hazel rolled her eyes at the formality. She understood Annabeth's reasoning for having the praetors test their controls, but she failed to see why every Greco-Roman demigod had to attend this formality. Perhaps it was to reign as witness to the results, but it seemed a bit extravagant for the situation.
After Nico had forced the dead to return and summoned a new legion, he summoned Frank forward.
Hazel leaned forward in interest. She had missed watching Frank rule the legacy of Rome under the ruins of Epirus, so she was ready to watch her boyfriend carry an empire on his back. She was also ready to see if the stories about his commanding presence were true.
Frank stepped up to the front of the legion with confidence and a steely glint in his eye.
"Legion," he barked, "form ranks!"
Hazel watched the legion with interest, and she saw her friends watching the unfolding scene just as intently. After a second of waiting, the legion did nothing. The undead warriors just kept wandering around with no aim or reason. Hazel was confused. Under Epirus, Frank was Roman enough to lead the dead… and that was not more than a month ago.
"Try again?" Nico suggested to his friend.
Hazel saw that even Nico was confused. Nico had watched Frank lead an army to victory in the House of Hades, so this must have been strange to watch that verysame army ignore Frank a mere month later.
"Legion, form ranks!" Frank shouted in Latin this time.
The Coliseum was absolutely silent, watching in shock and horror as the undead soldiers did not heed Frank's commands. Hazel watched with her jaw agape and dismay splayed across her features.
Nico grimaced. "Your two minutes are up, Praetor Zhang. I'm sorry." Nico sounded genuinely apologetic at Frank's outrage and embarrassment.
Frank was more surprised than angry, though. Hazel could see it in her boyfriend's expression. Hazel thought back to their journeys together. Just a mere month ago, Frank had been Roman enough to lead the dead legions of Rome to victory in battle. But now, the dead legions treated him as though he were nothing. When Frank took his seat beside her in dejection, she squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek to offer comfort.
"It's okay," she muttered into his ear.
Frank dimly nodded, and the two of them turned to watch as Reyna stepped to the head of the legion. Reyna held her head high. She was dressed in her golden armor under her purple toga and cloak. Aurum and Argentum heeled on either side of her. Her face was an emotionless mask. Her eyes were as black as the night and as deadly as a lion. Her hair was down in its usual braid over her shoulder. She looked like she was ready to destroy anything in her path.
Even after having been under Reyna's rule for roughly a year, Hazel was afraid of her former boss, even though they were technically equals now. Reyna commanded a presence and attention of everyone in her presence. She had all of the strength and tactical knowledge of the best generals and admirals. When she looked at someone, the other person cowered and fled. When she gave an order, it would never be disobeyed. When she demanded something, it would be done. Reyna was, in every sense of the phrase, a true Warrior Queen. Hazel understood the look on Reyna's face right now. She had seen the exact same look on Annabeth's face for the past two and a half weeks.
"Legion," Reyna said calmly, betraying absolutely no emotion, "form ranks."
Immediately, the undead warriors formed into a rectangular formation.
"Archers, ignite," Reyna ordered.
The archers immediately responded
Next to her, Hazel felt Frank tremble. She turned to her boyfriend to see a mix of dismay and fear in his eyes. Frank had changed a lot, but he still feared Reyna.
Out of all the leaders of New Rome, Reyna had had the most experience. Hazel had heard how Reyna was elected praetor over a year and a half ago. She had been raised on a shield in a battle against the Titans' armies when Camp Jupiter was attacked.
Eventually, right before the Romans attacked Mount Tamalpais, they had elected Jason to the same mantle, but by the time of his election, Reyna had been leading for several months. Reyna was used to leadership.
Reyna commanded the legion before them as though she had done it many times—which, of course, she had. Reyna's every command was followed.
"Why do they follow her but not Frank?" Jason muttered next to her.
Hazel heard Piper sigh. Hazel and all of the other Councilors in the box turned to Piper. Piper watched Reyna order the legion to march in various formations and do many different drills with something akin to pity and sadness in her gaze.
Piper turned to her friends with a sad smile. "To be a true officer of Rome, one must sacrifice everything for the greater good, right?"
"Yes," Annabeth answered Piper's question for all of them.
Piper looked at Annabeth pointedly, and Annabeth's eyes widened in understanding and surprise.
"Reyna has always worked for the men and women under her command," Piper said softly, "but more importantly, she has given everything she has to them. She has sworn her entire life to them. She has taken a vow of eternal chastity so that she can always be focused on the men and women under her command. She traveled across the ancient lands to bring peace and happiness to her people. She fought whole armies of monsters to keep her people together. She put her own reputation on the line by arresting Octavian in the hope that her people would gain peaces without him."
Piper coughed back a sob. "She willingly gave up on the one person she loved to protect her people. She has given everything she is—for the greater good. She always has been and always will be a true Roman officer."
Jason flinched and turned away from both his girlfriend and his former colleague.
Hazel watched as a single tear found its way down Annabeth's cheek. Annabeth was watching her fellow Princess of War in sadness.
"Everything Reyna has ever done," Jason said quietly, "has been to help the legion and her people. She always stayed loyal to them, even when it seemed that there was no point or there was no reason to stay with them."
Reyna continued to order the legion to do all the drills she had taught the Twelfth Legion Fulminata and the citizens of Fort Olympus.
Frank squeezed Hazel's hand. Hazel turned to him with tears in her own eyes. Frank was looking a bit misty-eyed, too.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to give up everything like Reyna did," Frank said softly.
Hazel kissed him, grateful for his loyalty and love for her.
"I don't think any of us will ever be able to give up everything Reyna has for the men and women under her command," Thalia said softly.
She was watching her two quest-mates on the stage with admiration and also grief. But most of all, she was watching Reyna with a newfound respect for all the personal sacrifices Reyna had made for the men and women under her command. Reyna was truly a soul of pure honor and loyalty when everything was said and done.
Eventually, Nico banished the dead legions, and the citizens of Fort Olympus were dismissed.
"The elections will be open on all of your iPads in exactly two hours," Annabeth announced before the demigods were dismissed to their regular duties. "You will be required to log in with your biometrics and will only be able to vote once. For Greeks, you will be voting on your five non-permanent Councilors as well as the overall Marshall of Fort Olympus. The voted Greek Councilors will be two female and three male. The Romans will be electing their two praetors, voting for their five non-permanent Councilors, and any banishments from the Twelfth Legion. The voted Roman Councilors will be three female and two male. I hope the displays here have been in good fortune and will aid in your final selections."
The other eight Councilors walked down to where Nico and Reyna stood, talking in hushed tones. They both seemed a bit distraught.
Every member of Fort Olympus was assigned an iPad. The iPads had been sent from Lord Hephaestus' workshops, specially designed to work without attracting any monstrous attention. To log in, one had to use special biometric passwords, and only one person could use one specific iPad.
"Wow, Reyna," Leo breathed. "That was… something else."
Reyna turned to the fire wielder with no emotion. "Thank you, Leo."
"Are you okay?" Annabeth asked Reyna in concern.
Reyna nodded. "I'm fine, Lady Marshall. Now if you would all excuse me, Nico and I have some matters to attend to. If our attention is needed, please ping us on our iPads, and we will find you."
With that, Reyna took Nico's hand, and the two vanished into their own shadows.
"Are they okay?" Thalia asked Annabeth with worry creeping into her brow.
Annabeth nodded with a small smile. "They'll be fine."
Annabeth turned to Jason, and her expression hardened. "But perhaps your brother might want to explain himself fully and atone for his past infractions against Rome."
Piper dropped Jason's hand and nodded. "You've put it off long enough, Jason," Piper said coldly with her arms crossed. "Go apologize. Now."
Jason paled and shook her head.
Piper glared at him. Everyone else watched the exchange between the two lovers with amusement and trepidation.
Jason finally turned his head down. "Fine," he muttered.
Piper continued glaring at him, but there was an inkling of softness in her eyes now. "It's the least you can do after all you did to hurt her, whether it was intentionally or not."
Jason looked at his girlfriend in confusion. "Aren't you supposed to hate her?"
Piper threw her head back and laughed. "Trust me, if Reyna took you back now, she would be extremely desperate. And for some odd reason, she doesn't strike me as someone who ever gets desperate. Also, there's the small issue of her vow of eternal chastity."
Jason flushed. Piper smacked the back of his head. "Go apologize to her. Now."
With that, Piper stormed out of the Coliseum. Thalia gave her brother a small smirk before following. The others gave mixed looks of sadness, empathy, and pity to Jason before leaving him standing by himself.
Releasing a dejected sigh, Jason walked off to find Reyna and Nico, realizing that this was going to be a long day.
Jason found Nico and Reyna in the field used for war games. A phalanx of undead Greeks and a legion of undead Romans were having a mock battle with Nico and Reyna calling each side's respective commands. Jason took a minute to just marvel at what he was watching. As a tactician, he had always wondered what the epic battles of the old Greco-Romans wars might have been like, and he was now watching one play out right in front of him.
In his history lessons at Camp Jupiter, he had learned how the Roman legions had overpowered and defeated the better-trained Greek phalanxes. A Roman legion was small and had thus had more maneuverability. The Roman legion was also able to break up into different units and attack from many sides, something that the Greek phalanx was unable to do with its sheer mass. With this superior agility, the Roman legions had been able to defeat the Greek hoplites, who had superior and much better training than the Roman legionnaires.
Jason watched the mini-battle unfolding before him. He had known for a long time that Reyna was a great tactician, but he had never seen Nico's true military genius in action until now. Sure, they had all heard Minerva's praise and seen him give some amazing orders in the battle against Gaea's forces at both Marathon and Fort Olympus a few weeks ago, but those seemed minor skirmishes compared to what he was watching now.
Reyna's legionnaires were trying to surround Nico's phalanx—a classic Roman tactic, something that had been used to defeat the Greek hoplite armies for centuries. But Nico's tactical abilities were greater than even the best of Ancient Greek generals. Nico ordered his phalanx to form into a circle with the shields and spears pointing outwards. This way, every time the legion's units tried to surround the phalanx, the legion was defeated and run through.
Jason watched in small wonder as Reyna called off the legion form the offensive, back into its base rectangular formation. Nico ordered the phalanx into its normal formation, and the phalanx attacked with its spears down in the front and up in the back. The phalanx and legion met in the middle, and the pila and dories (Greek/Spartan spears) met. This attack ended in a stalemate. Nico called off the phalanx, and he ordered the hoplites to drop their spears and draw swords. The phalanx broke into two distinct formations.
Reyna ordered her legion to break up into six units and advance with pila, three attacking the phalanx's left formation and three attacking the phalanx's right formation. But Nico had anticipated this attack.
At Nico's command, each of the phalanx's two formations broke up into three triangular groups, for a total of six. Each of these six groups leveled their shields and advanced to meet the pila of the legion's unit they were assigned to. The legion had more maneuverability, but in close quarters, the Greeks' superior training took over and overpowered the Romans' ease of movement. The stronger Greek shields destroyed the pila, and the Greeks' swords quickly laid waste to the legion. Effectively, Nico had turned the Romans' greatest strength into their greatest weakness.
Jason watched in amazement as the mini-battle ended, and Nico ordered the dead to return to the Underworld. He couldn't help but marvel at Nico's tactical capabilities: Minerva hadn't been lying. Jason had never seen anyone out maneuver Reyna, except maybe Annabeth, but Nico had managed to do so. He developed even more respect for the Son of Hades.
Jason shook himself out of his reverie and forced his thoughts back to the matter at hand and the reason he had come here. He knew that he couldn't escape Piper's orders—not this time.
Reyna and Nico congratulated each other on a good match. Jason quietly approached them as they weren't looking towards him.
"That was amazing," Jason muttered.
Nico and Reyna gave him askance glances. Nico nodded at the Sky Prince. Reyna merely acknowledged him with a raise of her eyebrows.
Nico cleared his throat. "Can we help you, Jason?"
Jason flinched at the formality in Nico's voice. He knew that they had all gotten relatively close, but there was obviously still a bit of weariness in Nico's demeanor towards him. "I—actually I'm here to talk to Reyna. Mind if I steal her for a while?"
Nico raised his eyebrow and turned to Reyna. Jason watched with bated breath for Reyna's reaction. Reyna studied Jason's expression but gave a slight nod.
"Very well," Nico said. "I have a meeting with Percy and Annabeth, anyway. Have fun, guys."
With that, Nico walked off.
Jason turned to Reyna with his heart beating fast in his chest. Sure, he and Reyna had talked since coming back from Olympus after they were rewarded, but they had carefully avoided the one topic that he was going to bring up today.
"Is there anything you'd like, Jason?"
Jason tried to discern Reyna's expression, but he had never been good at doing so. And he realized that he wouldn't be learning how to do so anytime soon. Reyna had a perfect mask of indifference and apathy. She might have been planning to overthrow a government or just wondering what was for dinner, but she betrayed absolutely nothing in her mind.
"Uh, want to catch some lunch?" He asked awkwardly after a minute of silence.
Reyna studied him, and it seemed like her black eyes were piercing into his soul, reading his every memory and thought. Jason fought the urge to flinch and cower before her gaze. He met her eyes.
She took her time in formulating a response. "I'm not hungry right now. How about we go for a walk on the beach instead?"
Jason nodded dumbly. "Yeah, sure."
They set off towards the docks in silence. Jason wanted to broach the topic, but he had no idea how to do so. He had been hoping that he would never have to confront Reyna about whatever they might have had in a different reality but did not, but Piper had taken that choice away from him today.
Reyna turned to him once they were on the sands near the docks with her arms crossed and a blank expression. "While I'm sure you would quite enjoy spending time with your former colleague, Councilor Grace, I highly doubt that is your sole reason for seeking my companionship today. Might I ask to what I owe this honor to?"
Jason flinched and looked down at his shoes at Reyna's cold words. He'd heard that tone and vocabulary before: It was the same way she used when dealt with the Senate and other annoying political work that she had no way of getting around.
Jason finally looked up at her to meet her eyes and saw that she was watching him impassively. She raised her eyebrow.
"I wanted to talk to you about… what happened before I left Camp Jupiter."
Immediately, Jason could sense her mental shields and wards activating.
"And what exactly happened?"
Jason just looked at her sadly. She raised her eyebrow. He realized that she wasn't going to make this easy for him.
"I guess nothing happened," he said softly.
She cocked her head to one side. "Jason, I know you want something from me. You might as well get on with it. I have things to do and bags to pack. We're leaving for Europe tonight. We need to make this quick."
Jason almost forgot that they were all leaving for Europe tomorrow. He breathed out a sigh and steeled his nerves.
"I'm sorry for leading you on," he finally blurted out. He watched her reaction closely.
As usual, Reyna had the perfect poker face. Her emotions were unreadable, and her expression was as blank as a tabla rasa—a white slate.
She studied him before nodding. "I see. Thank you for your apology. You're forgiven. Is there anything else I can do for you on this fine day?"
Jason tried to control the grief threatening to engulf him at her shutting him out. She had been one of his closest and most reliable friends back at Camp Jupiter. She held no particularly high opinion or expectation of him just because he was the Son of Jupiter. In her eyes, birth meant nothing unless one could live up to it. She had been elected to praetorship before he was for her brilliant leadership skills and fantastical tactics. The legion had always followed her as their senior praetor, more than they ever had him.
In more ways than one, she intimidated even him.
"I just… I'm sorry for everything, Reyna. It was wrong of me to lead you to believe that we had a future together when I wasn't ever sure of my feelings for you. I shouldn't have led you on like that. I'm sorry. I know there's nothing I can do to change the past, but… I didn't want to live my life knowing that I was the reason for your choice to take this vow against love for eternity."
Reyna studied him for a second before turning to looked out towards the sea. Jason still couldn't read her emotions or thoughts. As a leader, he had learned early on how to read people's emotions like an open book, but Reyna had always been a mystery to him. She answered to no one but herself, and she never let herself be controlled or led by anyone else. She truly was an enigma.
Finally, she spoke, but she still faced the sea despite addressing him. "Do you remember when we were sent to Charleston, Jason? The first time, I mean—to retrieve the imperial gold weapons in Fort Sumter."
Jason turned a look of confusion to her, but she still avoided his gaze. "Uh, yeah."
Reyna took her time answering, and Jason felt his palms sweating in anxiety. He knew that she had met Venus there, but she had never told him what exactly had transpired. "I talked to Lady Venus there. She had chosen to only talk to females; why, I know not. But she had warned me then, almost a year before you were taken away to Camp Half-Blood, to give up all hopes I might have upon you."
"But—"
"Please," Reyna cut him off. "Just let me finish. Wait until I'm done before you speak."
Jason nodded in dejection.
"We had known each other for, more or less, two and a half years by that time. I was a centurion in the second cohort, and you were a centurion of the fifth. We were often sent out on quests together by Marcus and Lucy."
Jason looked at her cautiously. All she said was true. Marcus, a Son of Mercury, and Lucy, a Daughter of Ceres, the praetors before them, had often paired Jason and Reyna together for missions, claiming that they worked well together.
"At first," Reyna continued, "I had no particular love for you. I saw you as brash, somewhat insolent, and a bit stupid at some times. But you were a strong leader and a commanding presence. We did many missions together for the legion. Lucy retired a few months after we came back from Fort Sumter, and the legion elected me to the praetorship. I don't know when I developed me… feelings for you, but by the time we had gone to Fort Sumter, they were there. But I had always put my duty to those underneath me before any personal wants or gains. It is in my blood. My mother, Bellona, is the goddess of protecting the homeland, and her Greek counterpart Enyo is the goddess of battle sacrifice. It is who I am and what I was born to do. When I met Venus, she reminded me of my birth and my duties. She warned me that my biggest sacrifice was yet to come, and that it would deal with my feelings for you."
Reyna gave a bitter laugh before continuing, which shocked Jason. "Venus even warned me that she was planning her favorite daughter's love story with you. I let go of any hopes that we might have a true future together in Charleston that night, Jason. Sure, I had some small hopes when you were taken away by Queen Juno, and I was bitter when the Argo II came to New Rome where you showed up with a new girlfriend. But I knew that our strings of fate weren't tied together. Marcus retired after Lucy had, but the two of them had an insurmountable love between them. I don't know if you know this, but they married before you came back to us. After meeting Venus, I knew that I would never have that sort of relationship with my fellow praetor, whoever it might be. Jason, I gave up on you a long time ago, even if it might not have seemed like it. I thank you for your apology, but there was no need for it. I knew that our fates were separate the day I met with Venus. On Olympus that day, when I asked for protection from love forever, it was because I knew that it was my destiny. And I knew that my birth made it so that I would always protect those who swear themselves to me. You might not have this attachment, for whatever reason, Jason, but I always have and always will feel responsible for those who swear to me. It is my duty, my life, my history, and my destiny."
Reyna finally turned to him. She dropped her hands to her sides, and her expression was one of exhaustion. Jason watched her in shock and grief. She had given up on him a long time ago—long before he even realized that she'd liked him. She had truly and literally given everything up for those under her command.
Reyna seemed to notice his expression of pity and longing because her jaw stiffened. She snapped, "You've found your happiness elsewhere, Jason. Enjoy it. Our destinies have always been different. I know you never had any feelings for me, and I lost all semblances of romantic attachment when I swore off love on Olympus. I'm not interested in your pity."
Jason flinched. He finally knew in reality it was his fault Reyna had sworn off love forever. She had chosen to live out her life by herself because he had hurt her so much, even if it was all inadvertent on his choice.
"Do I have your forgiveness?" He asked softly.
Reyna wouldn't meet his eyes. She seemed to be staring right through him, instead of at him. Reluctantly, she nodded.
Jason just watched her. He could feel his eyes getting watery at seeing her dejection and feeling his own as well. "It might have happened, you know," he whispered.
Reyna turned back to the sea.
"I can't say I never felt anything for you, Reyna," he continued when she didn't responded. "You're amazing—smart, beautiful, powerful, and everything a guy could ask for. When I met Cupid… He made me admit that I doubted whether or not I had found true love with Piper. I know that we have nothing for each other anymore, what with your vow and my being sworn to Piper, but I wanted you to know that your feelings weren't exactly unrequited. I think, under different circumstances, we probably would have been together, as most praetor pairs are by the end of their terms."
He felt a strange sense of relief at admitting his deepest suspicions instead of the dread he had expected to feel. He had chosen Piper, but he knew it was foolish to keep lying to himself. In another universe, he suspected that he and Reyna would have been spending their lives together, in happiness and love.
Reyna didn't respond for a few minutes, and she kept looking out over the sea.
"The past is the past, Jason," she said finally, turning to him slowly, "and it does not do to dwell on what might have been. We must focus on what is and what will be. We need to stay to our reality or be destroyed by our mental questions and doubts. I thank you for sharing your secrets, but we are not working together anymore. We have gone our separate ways. We are both sworn to serve our fellow half-bloods. You've found love with the Daughter of Love. I am sworn to continue the legacy of Rome and protect those under my command with all my being."
Jason watched her in sadness. She was basically telling him to get out of her personal life now.
"Can we at least be friends, Reyna?"
"I never stopped being your friend, Jason," Reyna said, tired, "even if you stopped being mine for a while. And I've never stopped looking out for you, either. I've always been the senior praetor, and you were always under me. I was born to protect those who serve under me."
Reyna closed her eyes for a brief second before reopening them. Jason could see that she no longer felt anything romantic towards him. But he also saw that she only felt dejection within her now, and he couldn't help but blame himself… Because at the end of the day, he would always consider her to be his biggest 'what if?' He would be lying if he said he still didn't feel some sort of affection for her, but he knew that his chance was gone. He should have taken it a long time ago, back when the two of them were still close friends.
"Thanks, Reyna."
Reyna merely nodded. "Is that all? I really do need to go pack now, and you should, too."
"Yeah. That's all."
Reyna gave him another nod and turned to walk away. On an impulse, he grabbed her arm before she was gone and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. Reyna didn't respond for a second, and Jason was afraid he had overstepped some sort of boundary. But soon enough, she just gave a dejected sigh and hugged him back. Not a second later, she pulled away, though, and went back to her quarters.
Jason felt his heart plummet.
He felt someone take his hand squeeze it. He turned to his side and saw Piper next to him. He immediately braced himself for something bad to happen, but Piper just watched Reyna's retreat in sadness.
"How long were you there?" He asked his girlfriend cautiously.
"I saw and heard the entire thing," she answered simply.
Jason was scared. His heart began to race, and his mind began to come up with excuses for whatever she might ask him. Piper just gave him a bitter smile.
"You don't have to be scared of anything, Jason. I still love you, and I know you still choose me."
Jason nodded, not trusting his voice.
"I hope she does find true happiness," Piper said softly. "I can tell she's been through a lot. She deserves a happy ending, too."
Something clicked in Jason's mind, and he felt like someone was slapping him silly. While the new Queen stands proud and tall. The prophecy's line rang in his ears.
"Piper, Reyna's name means Queen in Spanish… Do you think—"
"That she could be the Queen in the Prophecy?"
Jason nodded.
"I don't know. I asked Annabeth and Nico about it, but they're not saying anything. If they know what this prophecy is talking about, they're not telling anyone or sharing what they know."
Jason looked at his girlfriend strangely. "Why aren't you biting my head off for what I told Reyna?"
Piper gave him a wry grin. "Jason, I'm not a fool, and in fact, when it comes to matters of the heart, I'm quite an expert. I know that you always had some feelings for Reyna, but I trusted you. And honestly," she squeezed his hand, "I feel bad for her… Octavian was right, you know… She shouldn't have had to shoulder a job meant for two people for so long all by herself, even if she's loyal to the soldiers under her command. She should have had help. She is a strong woman, and she is a worthy person."
"Have you talked to her?"
Piper gave a nod. "She and I have more in common than you might think. And Reyna's a great listener. Actually, it's pretty late by the time we get to bed in our chambers. Hazel is always telling some stupid story about how Frank messed up in front of Nico and then wet his pants, or Annabeth is complaining about Percy, or Thalia is complaining about boys' stupidity… We all know each other pretty well."
Piper laughed at Jason's indignant expression.
"Oh come on! Don't tell me you guys don't complain about us in your room," she teased.
Jason's face turned bright red because yes, the guys did share complaints about how girls were harder to understand than prophecies every other night.
Piper just laughed again and led them off to the Council House.
Nico had gone to find Percy and Annabeth after leaving Jason and Reyna. He found both of them sitting along with Calypso, Leo, Hazel, Thalia, and Frank in the Council House.
With a nod of acknowledgement to all of those assembled, Nico turned to Annabeth. "You wanted me, Lady Marshall?"
"You can cut the formality, Nico. We're in private conversation now," Annabeth smirked.
Nico relaxed but kept his visage expressionless.
"I'm sending Leo and Calypso with you guys to Europe," Annabeth finally said.
Nico raised his eyebrow. "Why?"
Annabeth turned a sardonic grin to her friend. "As much as I'm very much sure of everyone's intelligence, none of us can use the Argo II without Leo. You'll need him to take you guys there and bring you back. And I'm sending Lady Calypso because someone has to chaperone."
Nico's eyebrow rose further. He could understand the logic behind sending Leo, but he didn't understand why Calypso had to come as well.
"Very well, Annabeth. Are we all still departing tonight?"
"Yes, you eight will leave after evening muster tonight."
"What exactly are we doing in Paris, Annabeth?" Percy asked.
Annabeth's eyes darkened, but she turned to her fiancé. "I need you guys to find a book of ancient Greek myths. It's going to give us all the answers we need."
Percy looked at her in confusion but nodded.
"So that's going to leave you, Hazel, and Piper in charge of running Fort Olympus when we're gone," Thalia said.
Annabeth nodded. "We can do it," she said confidently. "I expect nothing major happening. And besides, if all goes well, you'll all be back within five days, and we can return to our normal schedules."
Annabeth and Percy left their friends in the Council House.
Nico noticed Frank looking at him with a slight sense of fear. He inwardly smirked. "I'm not going to kill you, Zhang. You can stop with your fear of me now."
Frank whimpered. Hazel kissed her boyfriend. Nico cracked up. Leo and Calypso watched in amusement. Thalia watched impassively but with just the correct amount of mirth in her eyes.
Nico chuckled. "We're going to be going through the ancient lands again, Frank. We have to be able to rely on and trust each other."
Frank nodded. "You know, you're pretty scary for an overprotective older brother."
Nico smirked. "Thank you. I try."
Hazel glared at her brother while also trying to comfort her boyfriend. Hazel and Frank eventually left to get ready for the trip.
Leo and Calypso gave some excuse that they had plans to go to or something, leaving Thalia and Nico observing each other in silence.
"You don't always have to keep that façade of strength, you know," Nico said finally.
Thalia raised her eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"I know you're hiding a lot of pain behind that mask of yours, Thalia, and I want you to know that it's okay to show emotion and your hurt every once in a while. Trust me, keeping everything to yourself gets ridiculously harmful to yourself after a while. I've been there and done that. I would know."
Thalia observed him for a minute before nodding slowly. "Do you still blame the Huntresses for Bianca's death?"
Nico looked at her in sadness for a minute before shaking his head. "No, I don't. I learned pretty quickly that holding a grudge accomplishes nothing. It's better to just let go and live life to its fullest."
Thalia nodded. "I'm proud of you."
Nico gave her a sad smile. "Thank you for protecting me, for doing all you could. You never had to."
Thalia gave him a thin smile. "Someone had to watch out for you when you were watching out for all the others, Nico."
Nico said nothing. Thalia pulled him into a hug that he gladly returned. They eventually broke apart, and she left to prepare for their departure.
Nico headed to the Marshall's office, knowing that she was waiting for him.
Percy and Annabeth were kissing on her office's couch as Nico walked in.
He smirked at the sight. "You know, guys, when someone says to get a room, it usually implies one with a locked door."
The two lovers jumped apart at their friend's voice with their faces the color of ripe tomatoes.
Nico resisted the urge to crack up.
"You wanted to talk to me, both of you?" He asked finally.
"Actually, I wanted to talk to both of you," Annabeth said.
Percy and Nico shared a surprised look before turning back to the Marshall.
"When you guys are in Europe, I want you to keep an eye out for anything that might seem… strange."
"Strange how?" Percy asked cautiously.
Annabeth shook her head. "I don't know," she admitted. "The ancient lands are already bad as it is, but I sense something is off, more off than normal. Just… keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. There's something wrong in the East, and I fear what might be coming."
Instantly, Nico was alert. He remembered Lady Hestia's warning the other day: The typhoon approaches from the East.
"Hestia warned me about something going on in the East," Nico finally said.
Annabeth's eyebrows scrunched together, but she didn't look particularly surprised.
"Juno told Reyna something similar a few week ago, too."
"Do you guys know what it means?" Percy asked.
"No," Nico shook his head. "We couldn't make heads or tails of it. Do you know, Annabeth?"
Annabeth wouldn't meet his eyes. "I have many ideas," she admitted, "each worse than the next. Hopefully my guesses are all proven wrong."
Percy and Nico exchanged worried looks. If something could manage to scare Annabeth, they weren't sure if they wanted to meet it.
"Come," Annabeth said finally, "it's time to go see the results of the elections. And I'm sure you guys still have to vote."
Nico swore under his breath. He pulled out his iPad from his pocket and quickly cast his votes. He noticed Percy do the same next to him.
The presiding Council was gathered in the Council House. The citizens of Fort Olympus had done their best to fit into the House. They were all interested to hear the results of the elections. The Councilors were dressed in their traditional clothing. The Greek Councilors were wearing their silver chitons, and the Roman Councilors were wearing their golden togas.
Rachel and Ryan stood and turned to face the subjects of the Fort. As the Oracle and Augur of Apollo, it had been decided that it would be their duty to arbiter the elections. They had given sacrifices to their Patron, the God of Truth, to watch over the election and see that it was fair.
"Heroes and Councilors," Ryan announced, "the results of the election are in. The newly elected officers will take their roles in exactly one week from today, and they will serve until the next elections on the next summer solstice."
Rachel waved her hand, and the screens above the Councilors' table began to glow with Apollo's golden bow.
"The winners of the election will find themselves with their names above," Rachel said.
"For the Roman Councilors," Ryan intoned, "the following demigods have been elected by their peers to join in the decision-making process: Dakota Vin, Son of Bacchus; Brenda Velaru, Daughter of Ceres; Hank Voiture, Son of Mercury; Aliya Stal, Daughter of Vulcan; and Katharina Waffe, Daughter of Mars."
"For the Greeks," Rachel picked up, "the following demigods have been elected by their peers: Clarisse La Rue, Daughter of Ares; Malcolm Neart, Son of Athena; Katie Gardner, Daughter of Demeter; William Solace, Son of Apollo; and Travis Stoll, Son of Hermes."
"Elections for the new praetors have produced some interesting results," Ryan announced.
Annabeth raised her eyebrow at this. She wondered what these interesting results were exactly.
"Senior Praetor Reyna Ramirez-Arellano has been reelected for her third term as praetor of the Twelfth Legion Fulminata. The strangest result of this election is the second praetor of New Rome…
Ryan paused for a minute, and he and Rachel shared an apprehensive look. Rachel gave him an encouraging nod.
Ryan took a deep breath before continuing, "The second praetor has been elected to his first term… For the first time in history, the Twelfth Legion Fulminata has elected a Son of Pluto to its leadership. Nico di Angelo will be joining the mantle along with Praetor Arellano."
There was utter silence in the room at the announcement. Nico and Reyna exchanged shocked looks. The rest of the Councilors were utterly dumbfounded. Never in history had a child of the Underworld been elected to lead a Roman legion before. They refocused on the messengers of Apollo, though, because they knew that there were still results to finish announcing.
"As for the banishments," Ryan began with a small amount of fear lacing his voice, "The Twelfth Legion Fulminata has elected to banish its three former praetors: Jason Grace, Frank Zhang, and Perseus Jackson."
Ryan looked at Rachel with a pleading expression. Rachel just gave him a look that told him to stay strong.
Percy, Frank, and Jason all had their jaws dropped. Every election period, the Roman legionnaires were allowed to write in the name of someone they wanted to banish from the legion. If at least 60% of the legion said the same name, it would be brought before the Senate to approve or disapprove. Usually, no one got that large a majority, and it was just a formality that was kept on election cards just to honor tradition. Most of the time, no one would even list a name they wanted banished.
"As reigning and future praetor," Reyna interrupted Ryan before he could continue, "I veto these banishments. However, I would like to hear the written reasons, if you wouldn't mind, Councilor Tae."
Ryan turned to Reyna with fear in his eyes. Reyna gave him an encouraging nod, and he slightly relaxed. "The reason for all of three of them, Praetor Arellano, was the same. The Roman legionnaires believe they have been abandoned by their leaders, and as such, they have asked their leaders to leave the Twelfth Legion Fulminata. They no longer feel safe with any of the three aforementioned in their midst as their leaders."
Reyna considered the explanations for a minute before nodding. "I continue to enforce my veto. Thank you, Councilor Tae. I believe we have one more election result to uncover."
Ryan turned to Rachel and nodded at her.
Rachel turned to the gatherings at large and said, "The Marshall for the coming year shall remain Lady Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena and Hero of Olympus. It was an overwhelming majority voted in Lady Chase's favor, and she carried roughly 79% of the vote."
Ryan and Rachel then said simultaneously, "We swear in the name of our patron Lord Apollo, the god of truth and light, as well as he River Styx that all of these results are true."
Thunder boomed outside, but nothing happened. The truth of the demigods' wishes had been revealed.
"Thank you, Councilor Dare and Councilor Tae," Annabeth said finally, "We appreciate your service."
Annabeth turned to the Fort at large. "The newly elected Councilors are to find their amenities in their chambers tonight. Tomorrow, Councilors di Angelo, Grace, Grace, Arellano, Zhang, Jackson, and Valdez will be traveling to Europe on the Argo II to finish a mission. They will return on the night of the 24th. The inauguration for the newly elected Councilors will take place on the 27th, after these Councilors return and after we have had to finish our deliberations. Strategos Malcolm Neart and Strategos Dakota Vin are now officially asked to return with Division 3 and Division 6 to Fort Olympus as soon as possible. All of the newly elected Councilors will maintain their titles and rank in the Fort's military hierarchy. To relieve Division 3 in Nashville, Strategos Lou Ellen will be dispatched with Division 10, and to relieve Division 6 in Sonoma Valley, Strategos Connor Stoll will be dispatched with Division 7. You are all dismissed to your duties now. If you wish to join us to send our Councilors on their way to Europe tonight, you are welcome to join us."
Soon enough, the Council House was empty with only the twelve permanent members of the Council of Demigods left. There was a tense atmosphere between them after they'd heard the election's results, but no one had the heart or the energy to discuss them right then.
"Get some rest, guys," Piper said. "You're traveling tonight. We can deal with the results when you're back okay?"
Muttering thanks, Frank and Hazel almost ran out of the room. The other Councilors soon followed in their footsteps.
That night, the eight people chosen to journey to Europe were standing on the docks. Despite Annabeth's earlier invitation, no one from the Fort had come to see them off on their quest. They were on their own, save their friends on the Council.
"We will succeed," Nico promised his friends with determination in his eyes.
Piper hugged him first before moving on to the others journeying.
"Stay safe and come back," Piper whispered to Reyna when they hugged. Reyna gave Piper a small smile but nodded. "And keep Jason safe for me, okay?"
Reyna snorted. "No promise."
The two girls laughed before Piper moved on.
Annabeth gave all of the travelers a hug as well. She gave her boyfriend a quick kiss before turning to Councilor di Angelo. "You know what is ahead of us better than even I do, Nico," she said grimly.
Nico nodded.
"Watch yourself. Be careful. Come back to us. We need your mental strength and wisdom."
Nico smiled at Annabeth's words. She hugged him quickly.
Hazel couldn't bring herself to let her brother go quickly. She kept him in her embrace for almost five minutes. Finally, she pulled back and kissed his cheek.
Nico smiled down at her and kissed her forehead.
Hazel's eyes were releasing her tears. She had already lost her family. She didn't want to lose her brother.
"Come back to us, okay?" Hazel whispered into her brother's chest.
Nico just nodded. "I promise I will."
Hazel squeezed her eyes shut and hugged him tighter.
Finally, after the last good-byes were sent, the eight chosen ones boarded the Argo II, and the trireme took off for Europe, first to stop in Paris. The Argo II's jet propulsion sped it along the way across the Atlantic Ocean.
Author's Note: I was pretty happy with how this chapter turned out.
I really enjoyed writing the Reyna/Jason scene here. Reyna is one of my favorite characters, and it really irks me that Jason has been able to get away with hurting her without any repercussion. I really hope Riordan has some sort of confrontation scene between the two in The Blood of Olympus where he apologizes for leading her on, but I have a feeling that it won't happen given how much he has to write in the last book. Ah well, a guy can dream, right? Also, I have a bit of a plot bunny for a oneshot where Jason tries to talk to Reyna about their past after the war, but it would be a lot less forgiving and calm than the one in there. Anyone interested in reading it? XD
I know I promised some depressing things this chapter, but it didn't feel right to have it just now. I hope you guys really enjoyed the scene with Nico, Minerva, Reyna, and Pluto in the beginning. That was one of my favorites to write so far! :)
I want to hear it from you guys: Does it feel like this story is moving too slowly, or does the story's pace seem just right?
Also, I can imagine that it's probably getting to be a bit difficult to keep all my main plots together, so I'm going to list the main ones below. The list will look completely disjointed and strange, but I promise that they are all connected, and the resolutions will reveal everything.
Main Plotlines:
1. Reyna/Nico friendship and how it developed and where it goes
2. Countries the gods have been in/Various National Personifications of Athena/European Civil Wars
3. Palladium/Fall of Troy/Rise of Rome
4. "The typhoon comes from the East"
5. Elgin Marbles/Athena as Britannia (a Sea Goddess)
6. The newest Great Prophecy (To storm or fire the world must fall/ While the new Queen stands proud and tall/ To lead the new Age the Ten must fight/ As Juno's Seven join the Three of Light/ Victory shall be King and conquer Death/ And an Oath to keep with a final breath)
7. Nico's military/tactical genius along with Athena's/Minerva's blessing
8. Poseidon's faded family/Poseidon's new love
9. Ancient Prophecy/"My Grandmother's last act of kindness"
10. Nico as the Patron of Heroes
I know that it's a lot to keep track of and that a lot of it seems unconnected and strange, but I promise it will all make sense as the story goes on. Again, thanks for reading!
I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this chapter and my story as a whole, especially after this quick synopsis I just posted! Thanks again for reading, and please do leave your review telling me what you think! Also, if you have any suggestions for how I might improve my writing, I am very open to feedback! :)
Review Replies:
TheGoddessIsAlive: (Chapter 10) Hahaha I had a lot of fun writing that proposal scene! :) I actually thought it wasn't too bad. :D As for what happens to Poseidon and/or Athena, you will simply have to wait and see! ;D I will say this, though: Poseidon will not be getting a happy ending in this fic, and Athena will be forced to answer the call of duty to her people. Thanks for your review! :)
The Son Of Hades123: (Chapter 10) As of right now, Nico and Reyna can resist Love's all-encompassing power because of Athena's patronage and Aphrodite's approval to her request. We will have to see what happens, though! As of right now, they only have a good friendship that developed because of their common trials and tribulations on their journey back from Europe. I have not decided anything definitively for this fic, though. I'm only "writing to discover", as Stephen King would say, with this fic. I'm just letting the story reveal itself through my writing. I am intrigued by your idea of Nico being grounded to the mortal world with his loyalty to the demigods he has sworn to protect were he to bathe in the River Styx. I don't know if I will do it, but I am intrigued by your supposition! I will definitely keep it in mind. Right now, I can't think of any particular reason why Nico would need to become invulnerable, but as I said, I'm just letting the story reveal itself through my writing without forcing anything. We shall wait and see! I shall not reveal who stole Poseidon's heart just yet! :D You shall have to wait and see! Thank you for your review! :)
Dee3: (Chapter 10) Thanks! :)
Lupita M: (Chapter 10) Thank you so much! :)
Specta Rainbow Dash: (Chapter 4) Thank you! :)
Specta Rainbow Dash: (Chapter 10) Thank you for your praise! And, well, they are going to war, so some people will indeed have to die!
koryandrs: (Chapter 10) Thank you! :) I noticed that you also reviewed my fics Last Wish and The Fall of Truth. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all these very long pieces! I really appreciate it! I really appreciate your praise! I do want to say that The Fall of Truth has taken a back seat until I finish Fort Olympus, though. I hope to finish Fort Olympus in the next couple of months, and I will hopefully pick up The Fall of Truth as soon as I'm done. We shall have to see, though! Again, thanks for your reviews!
