Chapter 11- Battle and Quest Issued

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."

Sun Tzu

Set two weeks after Chapter 9

Far away, a woman sat on her throne, observing the events that she had put into place. A dangerous risk, one that had annoyed Ananke's daughters, but one that she deemed necessary. It appeared that the beings of Olympus were starting to realise some parts of her plan. No matter. It was risky, but if played out just correctly, could put an end to many of the problems that were laying.

Starting with the King of the Titans, Lord Kronos, Titan of Time himself.

She then turned her view to her person of interest. Perseus Jackson. The person whose life she had directly intervened in. He was faring well, in fact better than she expected and he'd play his part well. But he needed a bit of guidance. Something to prod him into carrying on her part of her plan.

A sudden thought came to her mind.

A strange woman entered Percy's dream. A strikingly beautiful woman, who had a warm motherly smile, hey blue eyes sparkling with pride and her long brown hair flowing to her shoulders. Deep down, Percy knew this woman. It was at the very back of his mind, buried deep in his memories but he could never forget that face. The same face that sang him lullabies as he slept in his cradle.

His birth mother, Sally Jackson.

Before Percy could say anything, his mother spoke
"Find the Castalian Spring. It'll provide you the protection you need by dear son. Locate it. You know how to find it,"

Percy, once again, shot out of bed. At least, this time it wasn't a dream about Saturn. But what did his mother mean? What protection did he need?

For the first time in a long time, Percy wondered what happened to his birth mother. He had asked Lupa and Salacia but both of they waved him off, saying that in due time he'd find out. Percy knew better than to question Lupa, knowing that she had her reasonings and his best interests at heart, but it did leave him curious.

He left out of his barracks, going towards the field of Mars to clear his mind. Recently, he had a habit of just training when he felt distracted as it helped clear his mind. However, he was surprised to see someone else there as well, practising.

"Leila?" Percy asked in wonder as the daughter of Ceres stopped her reps to see Percy observing her.

"Hey Percy, what are you doing up so early? I thought you'd be tired after your session with your patron last night," she asked

"I could ask you the same thing," Percy replied with a raised eyebrow. Leila looked at her blade before sighing

"I've been practising, like you've been teaching me and I couldn't sleep much so I decided to continue a bit by myself. I want to prove myself," Leila admitted. Percy could understand that, wanting to prove yourself in front of others.

"Want to do a spar?" Percy offered. "It'll help sharpen your reflexes and battle strategies,"

Leila thought for a moment before nodding. Percy took out his sword and Leila readied hers. It was a decently ranged sword, not as long as his, but had a better grip providing Leila better stability. She struck first as Percy shot back and within a few moments the sound of metal hitting metal filled the air, both of them landing blow after blow against one another, sparks shooting across. Percy ducked under a swing before trying to go into her defence but surprisingly Leila anticipated it and managed to deflect it, pushing Percy back. Percy could see Leila had improved immensely over these last 2 weeks, really pushing herself with him. He wouldn't be surprised if given the opportunity that she'd begin to par with him.

Percy feinted for a left and with lightning fast reflexes shifted his legs. Leila, who hadn't seen that coming, went to deflect the left and was going to launch a kick but instead was met with a strike to her right ribs. She grimaced before swinging her sword backwards to meet Percy's strike, knowing that was his plan after watching Percy and Reyna duel before. Both of them really put a strong competition against one another, but Percy had more experience and managed to win in a close call. But she knew Reyna was levels beyond her and she wanted to try and get to her standards.

Percy rolled underneath Leila after meeting Leila's strikes and lunged upwards. His battle strategies had begun to form a pattern, one which was influenced by Lupa; deflect, feint, swerve and lay a powerful hit. In this case, thanks to his speed, he managed to lunge up fast enough to knock Leila off balance and ducked underneath her legs, swiping his blade out, knocking Leila to the floor, ending the battle.

"Good win," Leila said as she got back on her feet. "I can't seem to get in a good offense because of your blade," she said as Percy handed her some water.

"You have to get in close," Percy said, remembering his dagger training, "When you have the shorter blade, try to get in close. Use whatever you have to your advantage, be it distractions or being agile, but really get in and that's your moment." Leila nodded

"So, how's your power training kicking in?" he asked remembering Leila had tried to begin learning to hone her powers. Before Leila could answer, a shrill sound cut through the air. Both Percy's and Leila's eyes widened. An attack was approaching.

Without missing a beat, Percy raced across the field of Mars to the entrance, Leila just behind him. He could join formations with his cohort when they got here. The First Cohort was on patrol for the night so Percy raced to help them.

"CUNEUM FORMATE!" roared a voice which Percy recognised to be Centurion Heaney, the Primus Pilus as the squad of First Cohort immediately got into the wedge formation that they had been trained in for the past 2 weeks after the war council. At the very front along with Gina was Michael Kahale, one of Percy's good friends in the First Cohort and probably one of the most skilled warriors he had ever met. Despite not having many powers as a son of Venus, his skills with a blade rivalled his and Jason's.

Gina saw Percy and Leila join and gave them a nod as they both joined the back of the formation.

Monsters kept running through the entrance and were forced back by the demigods and Gina ordered the first half to strike forward at an opportunity as the First Cohort. With Michael at the lead, the ranks moved forward, impaling a platoon of Empousai.

"Eiaculare Flammas" Michael yelled and immediately a wave of flaming arrows flew over the legion, taking down the next wave of monsters, giving the First Cohort some breathing room. However, Percy could see they needed some backup.

"Michael" Percy shouted gaining the son of Venus's attention. "Lure them into the river!"

Michael nodded, understanding Percy's plan. Percy raced towards the Little Tiber and jumped into it. Just as the next wave of monsters came in, the First Cohort pushed through in perfect formation, their blades and spears dripping with monster blood ridding the next wave. Michael saw an even larger formation of monsters running in and immediately ordered a retreat. Gina looked at him confused but he pointed to the river where Percy was waiting with narrowed eyes looking at the monsters.

She repeated the order as they retreated. Each legionnaire had been drilled to follow orders till the very end, no matter what. Just as the monsters edged to the river, they were introduced to a smirking son of Neptune with a dangerous smile spread on his face as he locked eyes on his next victims. The river raised a tendril, shooting Percy upwards as he thrust his hands out and a large wave of water shot out, knocking them back. They tried fighting back but another wall of water slammed against them, some even pulling them into the river as they swirled in the rapid currents, being torn apart within seconds. Percy jumped out the water and rushed forward with the First Cohort as they locked into formation pushing forward.

Right behind them, the Second and Fifth Cohort joined in the attack as Percy melded back with his Cohort, right alongside Jason as Julia shouted commands. Right across the battlefield Praetor Katters and Waters joined them.

"Legion CLOSE RANKS!" Cassie yelled and a cheer spread across as the Three Cohorts on the offense formed into one large legion fighting across.

Right near them Julia yelled "Pila iace!" and a wave of javelins shot across.

The moment they had the opportunity David yelled across to them "Oppugnare!" and Percy's mind immediately began to follow Legion Formation rules. He had learnt to fight in rank with others and along with his Cohort, they pushed across, their swords striking forward, blood streaking from the tips as monsters slowly began to retreat.

The battle slowly died down and people began to cheer but Percy felt as though something wasn't right. His blood felt cold, warning bells were ringing in his mind urgently and forcefully, as though trying to warn him. Jason noticed this and asked what was wrong. Percy closed his eyes and stretched out his senses across the rivers, trying to see what was wrong. He calmed his heartbeat and connected with the water flowing around.

His heart began to race in terror. The Lake, near the Pomerian Line, there was something happening, something was wrong there. He could feel it in his blood. Monsters…there were sea monsters there!

His eyes widened in fear, he could feel it now. There were sea monsters lurking in the lake inside. They had somehow managed to pass through and were about to strike.

"Julia, something is wrong with Percy!" Jason called as Gwen and Julia approached them. David narrowed his eyes as he saw Percy's eyes widen.

"There's monsters in the lake. THERE'S MONSTERS IN THE LAKE!" Percy yelled as he sprinted across. He could hear Julia shouting for him to wait, but Percy had no time. He needed to act quickly or else things were about to turn for the worse. Luckily for him Blackjack was stretching his wings and Percy sent him a message and swooped him.

"Where to boss?" He asked

"Set me down near the bridge," he instructed as Blackjack shot downwards. Without warning, Percy jumped off Blackjack, landing gracefully next to the bridge.

His sword laid in his hands as his eyes narrowed as his mind and body begin to shift modes from Roman Warrior to Lone Wolf, his main form. Lupa's voice started to echo through his mind.

"Hold your ground at all times. Show them who the true Alpha is my pup" Lupa's voice flashed through his mind remembering his training.

Oh yeah, he was going to show them who the Alpha here was.

"Bring it," he shouted as he launched himself into the lake. All across the lake and the Little Tiber, monsters began to surface, sea creatures such as Telkhines and a Sea Serpent rose out the water.

They really want to challenge a Son of Neptune in the water?

Percy thrust his arm out and a large wave of water lifted him. He ran across the river, the water supporting him so it felt like solid ground as the Telkhines raced across to meet him. Percy summoned Shadow Crown and held his blades in an X formation and met their strikes, single-handedly pushing through their ranks. He ducked under a trident blowing for his head and threw his dagger with deadly accuracy hitting 2 for 1 as he willed the water to push him above, launching over a monster and countered back, killing it. However, he didn't expect the club aimed for his face knocking him several feet back.

"Oh it's on buddy," Percy growled. The water rushed up to his forehead to heal him and he rushed forward, his arm thrusting his blade out to meet in a spark and the water followed his movements, a large wave knocking the creature off as Percy vaulted over him and cut through his neck, ending him. However, he was in for a surprise

The Sea Serpent decided to engage, knocking Percy out the water. He groaned in pain as he hit the bridge in between the river, the back of his head throbbing in pain.

"Oh, come on, give me a break," he muttered.
"Don't ever be pushed back. You get hit, you hit back 4 times harder," came a flashback voice in Percy's head. "Show them their mistake for challenging you,"

Percy let himself drop into the water, allowing the river to heal him as he shot out the water like a rocket. He felt a slight storm form around him as he looked around in confusion before noticing Leila near the river, a light green aura forming around her as she concentrated with all her strength.

Well that answered his earlier question, clearly, she had been practising.

Percy raised his arms and 2 large hands formed in the river, mimicking his movements. He thrust it forward, hitting the Serpent in the head and jerked it downwards in an attempt to bring the Serpent downwards. He willed the water to shoot him onto his head and landed on his head.

It was very uncomfortable balancing on the Serpent's head as Percy spent most of his energy just trying to balance himself but after a moment he struck Interitum downwards into his skull. The Serpent let out a huge roar of pain and abruptly swung his head as Percy landed right back on the ground.

Percy had no hope. Even with Leila keeping the Serpent engaged by her small storm, which was surprisingly damaging the creature quite well actually, unless they had back up soon, it was not going to end well. Percy rolled out the way as a stream of poison headed his way.

"Come on fates, let me have some something here," he mumbled to himself

Suddenly the smell of ozone filled the air along with the stench of static electricity. Percy grinned. Now they had a chance. As expected, his cousin flew right above him, launching a few kicks before swooping out the way.

"Leila, keep him occupied for a few more moments," Percy shouted as Leila nodded, her face showing weariness as she tried to keep up but Percy knew they only had moments.

Even though his head was throbbing, he jumped in the river, the water clearing his mind slightly as his sight sharpened and some energy flowed through him. He had an idea. Now that Jason was here, it could actually work between the three of them. Percy commanded the water, willing it to snake itself through Leila's weather storm and started to encase the Sea Serpent. It tried to shake it off but Percy tugged harden, tightening the water around it, the words of Salacia's training flowing through his mind.

If this worked, Percy would sacrifice something to her today.

As soon as there was enough water around the Sea Serpent, Percy shouted to Jason

"Jason! Lightning! Shoot it downwards!" Percy yelled to Jason who looked at him in confusion. He pointed at the water that he'd flowed and Jason immediately understood. The clouds darkened again, rolling across the Camp as Jason closed his eyes in concentration. The smell of static electricity flowed through the air intensely followed by a large clap of thunder and the next moment, a large bolt of lightning ripped through the skies, striking downwards and coming into contact with the water.

Water was the best conductor of electricity and Percy used that to his advantage.

Immediately electricity arced through the river with so much strength and the Sea Serpent yelled in agony but it couldn't do anything. Another bolt of lightning followed again and this time Jason put more strength into it, finally causing the Sea Serpent to dissolve into mist.

That was the last thing both Percy and Jason remembered as they fell onto the ground, losing consciousness.

Jason had a weird dream. He was watching an event happen. There were 2 girls, one who had black hair and electric blue eyes, similar to his and another young girl who had a dagger in her hands alongside an older boy, one who looked similar to him. He had blond hair and sky-blue eyes and a faun, leading them somewhere. He concentrated on the girl, who he felt like he knew, somewhere from his young age.

Thalia, his big sister.

She had a quick argument with the blond guy who tried to retort but she gave him a firm look. He took the young girl and the faun as they raced across and Thalia looked back, her shield and spear in her hands. Right across them were 3 flying bats. Jason recognised them from his Mythology lessons, they were the Furies, the enforcers of Pluto. But why were they trying to hurt Thalia.

Thalia struck forward, fighting them by her lonesome but she couldn't take all three of them. She was hurt and Jason could see she was dying.

But then, something happened. Jason felt it before he saw it; a bolt of lightning shot from the sky, hitting Thalia and she began to transform, roots forming from her body as she turned into a tree.

What was going on?

Then Jason woke up. His mind raced with questions. What had he just seen? Was his sister dead?

He was shaken out of his thoughts as he realised, he was in a bed. He looked around and saw he was in the infirmary, surrounded by Reyna, Leila, Julia, Dakota, Gwen along with Cassie.

"Well looks like I made it out alive," Jason said with a groan as everyone looked at him, realising he was awake.

"And that's a good thing," Reyna said

"Maybe, but I feel the bells of Notre Dame are ringing in my head," Jason spoke grimacing at the pain in his head.

"Well, that's because you took a good hit to the skull buddy," came a voice from behind Cassie. Auster, the prima medicus, walked into view.

Auster was a son of Apollo, a skilled archer and one of the best doctors in Camp Jupiter. Next to him was the younger boy, the newest trainee to the medical team: Pranjal, the son of Aesculapius. Auster said something to him and he went off while Auster approached Jason, checking his pulse and temperature. He took a vial of some liquid and told Jason to drink it.

Jason drank it and immediately his head felt better and his vision cleared.

"You need to stay here for another hour till the medicine wears off, then you can leave. If you feel light headed or if your vision starts dulling, come back here," Auster said to which Jason nodded. His mind was still reeling with his vision from earlier but he tried to dismiss it for the time being.

"Where's Percy?" Jason asked. Cassie moved out the way and on the bed nearby, Percy lay, still unconscious, his head had a large red bump and he had blood marks on his body which were blows from hitting the bridge and being smacked by the Serpent.

"He was in a far worse state earlier on," Cassie informed him, "When we tried taking him with you to the infirmary, the river blocked our path, wouldn't let us approach him at all, and kept him doused for 5 minutes before giving him back to us. Auster is planning to build a water vessel for Percy considering he'll probably be ending up in the infirmary on a regular basis,"

"How do you feel?" Leila asked

"Not too bad considering I just fought a massive serpent head on," Jason said, bringing a grin from Dakota and Gwen

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be helping Praetor Katters with assessing damage?" Jason asked Cassie who shrugged

"David said he had it under cover so I decided to see how you all were holding up," Cassie told him.

"You should watch out for Octavian just saying," Dakota said and Jason groaned.

"What now?" he asked, not even wanting to know the answer

"He's going to try and discredit Percy by the use of excessive destructive power that could have perhaps damaged the citizens of the city," Gwen said, rolling her eyes

"Yeah but Percy ended up saving the lives of every single person in the city?" Jason said with a frown.

"And that's why Octavian has shut up for now," Reyna said.

They were interrupted by a voice groaning in pain behind them, signalling that Percy was awake. Auster heard him wake up and went over to him but they were met with a surprise. Percy shot out of bed, even though his eyes were half closed, kicked the 2 medics and summoned his sword. His vision was dulled and he had no idea where he was. The 2 medics got up to restrain him and Reyna rushed forward with Cassie trying to stop him as he fought.

"Percy! Calm down, you're in the infirmary," Reyna said as she struggled to restrain the wild son of Neptune. Percy stopped immediately at hearing her voice.

"Why can't I see properly?" Percy asked

"Percy you took a few blows to the head, if you just get back in bed and let Auster do his work, you'll be fine," Cassie said. Percy slowly nodded and both of them guided Percy back to the bed.

"Sorry. It's just that I wasn't sure where I was and-"

"It's fine don't worry about it Percy, just relax," Reyna said as Auster worked on Percy, Pranjal handing him things he needed.

"Your vision will return in around 5 minutes, but like Jason, you need to stay here for another hour for the medicine to wear off," Auster told Percy who nodded.

"How you doing Percy?" Leila asked while the others just tried to process what happened.

"I feel like my head has just been pounded by 20 feet of snow and then left to freeze for a few years," he grumbled while Leila rolled her eyes.

"That was a smart plan there," Jason said while Percy had a small grin on his face.

"Glad it worked," Percy said

"What exactly did you do?" Cassie asked with a frown on her face.

"Well the Serpent had an extremely hard skin to penetrate and couldn't be hit directly. But then I remembered what Mother Lupa taught me a few years ago when she was training my electro kinesis. Water is the best conductor for electricity and distributes it all throughout its surface. I wrapped the Serpent in a thick layer of water, while Leila kept it distracted with her new found power- great job on that by the way. That was impressive," he said as she blushed slightly.

"So then Jason let out two bolts that spread through the water which caused the Serpent to become monster munch," Percy finished. They were interrupted by someone entering the infirmary. Michael

"Hey Percy, glad to see you awake. Praetor, sorry for interrupting but Praetor Katters needs you right now. Something is wrong," he told Cassie who nodded and left.

"What's wrong?" Jason asked

"It's the Camp defences. There's something wrong with them," Michael said as Percy frowned. He had studied the magical boundaries of Camp Jupiter and for them to malfunction after being weaved by the gods, that was next to impossible.

"What do you mean? Have they stopped working?" Percy asked and Michael shook his head.

"They're still up, but the strength and roots of them are weakening. Terminus confirmed it. They're still functioning, but it's as though they're weakening. With enough force, monsters could pass through. I am assuming that's how they got into the lake," Michael said and Jason focused on Percy. He could see that Percy was in deep thought, thinking about something.

"Auster!" Percy called as the head doctor poked his head. "Can you write a letter to Mother Lupa asking her to come here?"

Auster frowned for a moment before shrugging, nodding his head and went off to get an eagle.

The others stayed for some time before they had to leave to resume their duties. Julia promised to check in on them later as they left. Percy and Jason talked about random stuff till a wolf appeared, walking through the infirmary towards her 2 pups. Her body began to glow as she transformed into her human form, giving both of them an amused smirk.

"It's been two weeks my pup and you've already ended up hurt. You can't seem to stay out of trouble, can you?" She said as Percy rolled his eyes.

"Lady Lupa," Jason acknowledged her as Lupa turned to one of her greatest students.

"Hello little pup. I see you're still in form. That's good to see," she said to him to which he nodded. He hadn't seen Lupa since they were given their quest and the time before that was when Percy joined the legion.

"So, what was so urgent that you needed me for?" Lupa asked.

"You are aware of what has happened to the borders?" Percy asked as Lupa nodded.

"What so of it?"

"Well answer me this, what is the Castalian Spring? It sounds familiar," Percy asked as Lupa looked at him.

"Really? You've been here, a month or so, and you've begun forgetting your lessons already?" she said narrowing her eyes at him. Percy sighed, knowing that a lecture was about to appear, following some ear grabbing and slapping if he didn't try to remember.

"It…It was some sort of sacred place to Apollo, something about one of his domains?" Percy said as he racked his brain trying to remember his history lessons.

"Correct. It was Apollo's sanctuary, located in Greece. It was dedicated to his Delphi, the very place's chemicals that inspired the Pythia's oracles hence why it was dedicated in Apollo's name," Lupa told him, trying to understand what he was going on with.
"What does this have to do with our camp?" Lupa asked as Percy thought intensely. That dream vision, it had told him that place was important, this was the reason why, for Rome. But why, what was there specifically?

"Like Olympus, I am assuming that there is a location based on the Western Civilisation for the spring?" Percy asked as Lupa thought about it for a moment before nodding.

"Yes, there would be. But since it is such a powerful place, veiled with heavy magic, it is concealed, harder to find than the one located in Greece. Where are you going with this?"

Percy tried remembering what else Lupa had taught him. In his lesson, there was something, something made by Apollo, that had godly regenerative capabilities.

"When you taught me about artefacts by the gods, you taught me about something that hadn't been seen since Ancient Rome. Something that had very powerful healing capabilities," Percy remembered and his mind cleared, remembering

"Silphium. That's it. The plant of Silphium. The mortals used it for normal medicinal capabilities and miscellaneous things such as seasoning and perfumes, but they didn't know the full extent of its capabilities," Percy said as Lupa nodded, motioning for him to carry on.

"If tuned with magic properly, it has godly regenerative capabilities. It could save someone of life-threatening injuries and leave them in a better state that a normal mortal body. It could hypothetically be weaved into the magical boundaries of Camp Jupiter, strengthening it completely," Percy said

"Theoretically it could Percy. But the plant that was used to make Silphium hasn't been seen since the fall of Rome and has been lost to time. No one has seen records of it," Lupa said as Percy shook his head. He explained to Lupa the dream he had, his mood souring slightly remembering his birth mother.

"That could work. We could find the plant and help the defences of Camp Jupiter," Jason said but Lupa raised her hand to cut through

"What you're proposing, while a valid theory, is extremely difficult. If what you're saying is true Perseus, then your two options are to go to the spring directly located in Greece or locate the one in the Western Civilisation," Lupa informed them

"The location of that spring isn't completely known to us, with the exception of Lord Apollo, who would've granted you that information if he was allowed to. From my understanding, the spring would be located somewhere across Pacific Ocean, laying from the bay of San Francisco. It wouldn't be connected to a physical landmark, but existing by itself, not attached to anything, just flowing within the streams of Olympus on the ocean,"

"Maybe, but who better than me to find it Mother Lupa. If approval gained, me, Jason and a few others can go. And it would make sense, a healing plant, located in Lord Apollo's sacred places. The symbols seem to be pointing towards there," Percy said in excitement but quietened down at the look Lupa gave him. She sighed for a moment before speaking.

"I suppose if you're insistent on this, then at least you're headed in the right direction. But Percy, are you sure saving the camp is the only reason you're doing this?" Lupa asked, reading Percy's emotions which laid flat open for her.

"What do you mean?" Percy asked but he could tell it was no use. Lupa could see right through him.

"Percy…" she spoke in a soft hiss, meaning that he was about to end up on the wrong side. When he was younger, this'd mean either running more laps, holding some weight for 2 hours or some other tedious punishment.

"Its…. I saw my birth mother; it just reminds me that she's not here for me. And while you haven't told me much, I do remember enough to know that she gave herself up for me. And seeing her, I just want to prove myself to her, prove that I was worth saving and that I'm worthy of being her son," Percy admitted as his head sunk low. Lupa looked at him for a moment.

"Percy, your mother saved you because she loved you, that's what mothers do for their children. And if she could see you know, she'd be proud of you for what you've done, surviving, learning to be a hero, fighting a Titan and defending Rome,"

"How do you know?"

"Because," Lupa said, "I am proud of you. Both of you for what you've done," Lupa said as Percy looked at her in the eyes. The same eyes that he'd lived with for 8 years.

"And you won't fail. Because you know by now, failure is just a path to success. And from you, I expect nothing but success, is that understood," Lupa said and Percy nodded, his eyes hardening.

"Rest up. I'll inform the Praetors of what you've told me and it'll be up to them to decide accordingly," Lupa said as she walked out. She stopped for a moment, turned to Jason and said,

"Don't mistake my words. You have done beyond well, but your true test will come son of Jupiter. Do not fail me," Lupa said as she walked out back in her wolf form.

Jason turned to look at Percy, who seemed to have gone into what Jason liked to call brooding mode, when his face goes stoic, his eyes darken and have a faraway look. He took a deep breath remembering what his vision and spoke to Percy.

"I never really knew my mother," Jason said as Percy's head snapped up. Jason rarely ever spoke about his past, so learning anything about him was always new.

"The truth is, the reason why I was with Lupa since 2 is because my mother had left me when I was 2 at the Wolf House. Juno guided me and Lupa found me, taking me into her care along with her pack. And from what little I remember, I had an older sister," Jason continued as Percy looked at him in shock. Another child of Jupiter?

"Her name was Thalia, apparently she was separated from me, till she died," he muttered angrily. Percy looked confused and Jason told him the dream he had and Percy looked at him in understanding. Losing family was something he knew very well.

"Well, everything apparently happens for a reason, huh?" Percy said and Jason nodded. They were both silent for a bit, but there was an even stronger bond between the two cousins from that moment.

"So, you're saying that this plant, Silphium, you can locate it and use it in order to strengthen our borders?" David asked in confusion. They had converged for a Senate meeting at Lupa's request in order to talk about the information Percy had given.

"Yes. If given the proper treatment, it can be used to strengthen our borders and also with enough left to spare as extreme medical emergency when needed," Percy insisted. Gina raised her hand to speak and Cassie motioned for her to speak

"If I may, I've heard the legend of this plant. But from the books I've read from, Silphium has been lost to time since Rome, the original Rome back in the ages. How would you even know where to begin?" Gina asked as eyes turned back to Percy. Percy explained the message he had in his dream and how he got to his conclusion.

"The plant is a magical healing herb. Where else would it be kept other than a sacred place of Lord Apollo?" Percy responded as some of the Senators began to mutter in agreement but of course, there were always going to be some who didn't

"And why should we trust you?" yelled a voice from the back. Octavian smirked, as though someone was finally talking sense.

Percy calmly looked back.

"Why not? Have I done anything that indicates suspicion against the Senate or Rome?" Percy countered.

"You are the son of a God whose descendant destroyed our original camp," came the response. Percy could feel his anger bubbling but forced himself to remain calm.

"And it's the same son of Neptune that ventured into the depths of our enemies by himself to warn us in advance and fought off a titan. And may I say, at the age of 12. That's more than you've ever done," Jason shot back, clearly getting annoyed as the same Senator struggled to find words to counter back but hung his head down in embarrassment.

"Also, I think you forget, Percy was raised by Lady Lupa. Challenging him is a challenge to her and her authority. You sure you want to go down that route?" Cassie reminded them and instantly the room went quiet. She motioned for Percy to carry on.

"So, what I am saying is that an official quest to be issued. I believe it to be plausible and we can come back successful," Percy said

David and Cassie discussed it for a few moments in between themselves before looking to the people.

"We shall put it to a vote. All in favour for the quest raise your hands," Cassie called out. Slowly hands went up. A handful chose to abstain, chief among them was Octavian but they were clearly outvoted by those in favour.

"Well, it is passed. Now we need to discuss who shall lead this quest and who their companions will be," Cassie said.

"Isn't it obvious, Percy should lead it?" said Centurion Aidan Tank, but Percy shook his head.

"I am not allowed to. An official quest can only be led by an official officer of the legion," Percy reminded them.

"I can do it," came Jason's voice as eyes turned to him.

"I am a secondary Centurion of the Fifth Cohort. Officially speaking, I meet the requirements to lead a quest with companions of my choosing," Jason said as people murmured in agreement.

"Very well Jason. Who do you choose as your companions?" Cassie asked.

"I'll take Percy. I will also take Reyna alongside with us," Jason told them as David nodded his approval but Percy raised his hand.

"May I suggest one more candidate who'd prove useful," Percy asked as David nodded.

"Leila, daughter of Ceres from the Fourth Cohort," Percy said as some people looked in question while Jason nodded.

"She'd prove to be useful being the daughter of Ceres, she can help us locate the plant based of her heritage. She is also a proven member of the legion," Percy said

"Percy, normally a quest is consisted of three members," Cassie said

"Maybe, but the situation has changed in light of recent events. That calls for some unorthodox measures," Jason responded. Cassie looked at her boyfriend who shrugged.

"Very well. The quest is approved. The chosen members of the quest are to leave the day after tomorrow. And may Fortune favour them. Dismissed!"

Author's Note: 6217 words. Not too bad if I may say so. Like I said earlier on, Percy will be going on an official quest and I have read quite a lot about Roman History and their trinkets and I remembered this so decided to use this in the story. I hope you all enjoy the plotline for it. A little heads up: Bonus Chapter will be coming soon- the night Neptune saved Perseus so that should be a good chapter to read. Anyways I do hope you all enjoyed the chapter, I spent a bit of time structuring it.

Didn't get too many reviews this time but then again my previous chapter was not up to normal standards so fair enough
Regardless, still a great thanks to Yesse2362, AWESOME1356, JoJo Jesus and LoneWolf229; as always love the positive reviews, keeps me motivated and am glad to see you all loving my work.

As usual, poll is up on fanfic and on my discord server, feel free to vote. I'll be closing them soon but I'll just say that Perlia is catching up with Preyna very quickly but Percabeth is still in the lead and I won't deny it, I am happy to see Percabeth in the lead :)
There is still the other question: Who do you all want as the Greek Hero between Bianca and Thalia, let me know in the reviews

JoJo Jesus: I do agree with you; Perlia usually works best if started at before The Titan's Curse and with her being the Lieutenant of Artemis, it just wouldn't work out.

Well that's pretty much it, I don't have much else to say at the moment.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter

Discord Code: VUMM3Sb

That's all from me for now

SpiritsOfTheWorld