Chapter 14: Leo

Khufu's monologue took Leo aback. He was impressed that his father had been able to actually contain Chaos. He was even more impressed with Jason's confidence. Percy had been right; he was basically a blonde Superman. Khufu on the other hand was possibly the weirdest thing Leo had ever seen. He was dressed in the most stereotypical ancient Egyptian outfit. An ornate crown rested on his head. The Pharaoh looked to be in his late forties, despite his age. Leo was freaked out by the prospect of being stuck in a Pyramid for all eternity, especially if one had to guard a glorified flagpole. Before Leo could make an inappropriate comment the entire chamber rumbled. Leo frantically looked around at the others. Dust was descending from the ceiling.
"What was that?" he exclaimed.

"The Pyramid is under siege!" yelled Khufu. The demigods sprinted to the exit with the Pharaoh in tow. In the sand beneath them Leo could see two tanks bearing the Egyptian flag. The turrets were mounted by deathly figures. A few dozen more figures surrounded the tanks. Behind them stood a giant, cloaked in a crimson cloak. A red helmet obscured his face.

"Vrykolakas." Muttered Khufu.

"Vryka-what now?" responded Leo. He had heard of many weird and wonderful things but could not understand what Khufu was talking about.

"Vrykolakas. Undead cannibals that feast on human flesh. They are here for the staff." The Pharaoh continued.

"So they're zombies." Said Jason. Khufu turned to face the son of Zeus.

"Essentially."

Before Leo could even react Jason and Annabeth leapt past him onto the desert floor.

"Show offs." Smirked Leo as he followed. He unleashed a flurry of fireballs, disintegrating several vrykolakas. Beside him Khufu had unleashed two sickle swords and was cutting down the creatures. In the distance Leo could see Jason unload a blast of lightning on a tank. The metal contraption exploded in a blaze. Leo could see the other tank swivelling its turret towards the son of Zeus. He sprinted towards the tank, jumping onto its hull. Placing his hands on its turret he felt heat flow through him. The melt collapsed in on itself. Launching himself off the tank Leo crashed into the ground. Sand went into his eyes. Turning around he saw Annabeth's dagger fly through the head of a vrykolaka standing over him. Its body slumped onto his own.

"That 's disgusting." Leo grimaced as he freed himself. In the distance the second tank exploded as a shell rebounded within its melted turret. There were few enemies left as Annabeth retrieved her dagger. Leo punched another monster, wishing he also had a cool weapon. Then again, he did have the ability to literally control fire. Jason cut down the last of the vrykolakas. Leo could see the giant in the distance.

"Your turn now!" he shouted.

"Not yet demigods. Not yet." A booming voice replied from under the red helmet. The giant turned away from the pyramid and ran. Leo was astounded by the giant's speed. A sonic boom was heard as the creature faded into the morning sun.