Chapter 2- Beginning
"The multiverse isn't just parallel universes accessible thorough science. They are in each of us, a kaleidoscope made of varying perceptions."
Micaiah Johnson
"What have you made this time?" Chiron asked, looking over behind Leo. Leo stopped, sighing slightly as he grabbed a towel and removed the sweat from his forehead. They were currently in the forge and Leo had missed lunch again after losing track of time building something new.
"Nothing," Leo said in a grim voice, "Just another failed experiment,"
"Leo. Give it a break. You've been at this for a long while now. Take a breather. Come have some food," Piper said, who had just entered the forge behind Chiron.
"I can't. I'm so close. I'm just…. missing something. Some important key detail," Leo said in a frustrated voice.
"Leo," Chiron said in a patient voice, "sometimes even the most obvious answers can be clouded from us. You've been working on your shrinking gun for days. You need to let your mind rest. Get some air. Take it from someone who's lived a long long life, sometimes you have to distract yourself from the current problem and let the answer come to you. Come," Chiron said walking out.
Leo sighed as he followed, Piper walking behind him.
"He's right you know. You've been at this for days. Do something else. Come back at the problem with a new perspective," Piper told him. Leo nodded, his mind still slightly distracted.
"Yeah, I guess. Let's go have lunch," Leo said as both friends walked into the pavilion.
Chiron watched the two demigods from a distance as they talked to one another with a slightly weary smile. In all his years of existence, he never believed that he'd come to bear witness to the fall of the Pantheon.
"Hello sir," came a voice to his right.
"How many times have I told you Nico? You may call me Chiron," he addressed the son of Hades, turning towards the young boy who emerged from the darkness.
"Sorry si-Chiron. Force of habit," Nico said with a sheepish grin on his face.
"You took longer than expected. Perhaps on a little side mission?" Chiron said with a knowing look in his eyes.
"I just don't understand where he could be. It's been three months. He's had enough time on his own," Nico said
"Percy Jackson will need time and self-reflection in order to clear his mind and understand his purpose. He can only do so in isolation, so I'm afraid he won't be found unless he wishes to. He's a smart one, he knows how to keep himself hidden and you would just be tiring yourself out trying to look for him," Chiron told him
"But…he won't just remain hidden forever, would he?" Nico asked.
"He won't. He bears guilt and shame for the current problems of the planet as a result of his actions, and, he'll return back when he is needed the most. But for now, he requires his solidarity and we wouldn't be doing him a favour by disrupting it. At the moment, only the Entity and this machine, Domino, are aware of his current whereabouts, and, perhaps it's best remained that way," Chiron explained to the demigod. "Now onto the main matter, did you manage to find the place?"
"Took me a bit of time, but I found the Roman camp. Camp Jupiter, it's called," Nico said. "It's located near San Francisco within the Oakland Hills. There's a service tunnel near the Caldecott Tunnel which conceals the entrance. And just like us, the magic surrounding it has slowly weakened, but it's still being sustained slowly. I introduced myself as the son of Pluto to their…. Praetor?" Nico told the centaur.
"Romans work on a different structure. They are based on hierarchy and discipline. Praetor is essentially the highest commanding role within the legion," Chiron explicated.
"Yeah so, their leaders are this girl called Reyna, daughter of Bellona and Jason Grace, the son—"
"Of Jupiter. The roman form of Zeus," Chiron interrupted, causing Nico to frown.
"You know of him?" Nico asked. Chiron nodded.
"You know the story behind that tree?" Chiron pointed at the tall pine at the entrance of camp.
"It's the one about Thalia, the daughter of Zeus. It was her, Luke and… Annabeth," Nico stumbled on her name and caught himself quickly. "They were on the run from the furies, and Thalia stayed back to fight them in order to give Annabeth and Luke time to run for help. However, she was fatally wounded. In order to protect her, Zeus, for the first time in his selfish life, turned her into a tree to preserve her spirit and create a protection barrier around camp," Nico finished off. Chiron nodded.
"Yes. Thalia's last name was Grace," Chiron said, causing Nico's eyes to widen.
"Wait… Thalia and Jason were siblings? But Jason—"
"Is a roman demigod. Yes. Yet they are still full-blooded siblings. When Zeus fell for Beryl Grace the first time, it was in his Greek aspect. However, sometime later, Beryl Grace managed to attract his attention yet again. But this time, she ensnared the affection of his Roman form, Jupiter. For the first time in history, two siblings were born but from different ancestries—one Greek, one Roman. When Juno, Hera's roman form, found out, she was beyond enraged and in retribution, she demanded that Jason be the price to placate her anger. And Jason was taken to the Wolf House, where Roman demigods begin their training. Thus, Thalia ran away from home after he disappeared, thinking he'd died," Chiron finished. Both were silent for a minute, Nico trying to process the information he was given.
"But, how can the gods just change forms?" Nico asked in confusion.
"They didn't exactly change forms. They changed their beliefs and envisioned it based on mortal and demigod perspective. The Roman demigods are still Greek by blood but just from a different point of view," Chiron explained. Nico didn't speak for a few moments, still pondering over what Chiron had told him.
"So, are we to join forces with the Roman camp or what?" Nico finally asked.
"In all honesty, I'm not entirely sure as of yet. When this so-called Entity spoke to me, his advice was to seek out the other demigods. Only through unity could we be prepared for what was to arrive next," Chiron recalled. "I think at least some sort of alliance wouldn't do us any harm. You said you introduced yourself to them?"
"Yeah. They have more numbers than us, but it seems like a good amount of them apparently left as Olympus began to crumble. But they're still operating as best they can with the resources they have, which I must say, is at a better rate than us. Without whatever magic that's left holding this place together, our situation would be a lot worse," Nico said.
"Precisely why we need allies. I think an alliance with Camp Jupiter would be in the best interests for us and them. We have a lot more magical items and godly artefacts that can prove useful, and they have a lot more resources and numbers. We're in a similar situation, and we could help each other out," Chiron said.
"You want me to go and arrange some sort of meeting?" Nico offered.
"In due time. But first, I have some other things I need to ensure before we make our next move. Despite the fall of the gods, your powers seem to be working fine," Chiron noted.
"It's a bit harder to shadow travel and even harder to summon the dead but I can still manage controlling them with enough concentration," Nico explained.
"Your demigod powers come from your parent when you channel their domains. Although it still puzzles me how you still have access to them," Chiron wondered.
"Bianca told me that the gods aren't as powerful as the myths say they are. Hades told her that himself, Zeus and Poseidon don't actually control their domains. They purely belong to Tartarus, Ouranos and Pontus. But after the first Titan War, they moulded the powers of those elements and put their divine essence into it, allowing them limited control over the domain. They can bend them and harness them at their will but they don't have proper control over it," Nico remembered. "Perhaps, that's what is happening here. I'm still able to call upon the power of the underworld because I draw my power from my father, who drew it from Tartarus and because I'm his son, I can still control it, just not to the extent as before purely because of his passing."
"That sounds like a reasonable explanation. And what of the underworld? Does it still exist?"
"As far as I can tell, no. The underworld that we knew of doesn't exist there anymore. I've tried accessing it through shadow travel but there is no exit point there. However, there's still a lot we don't know. If my powers still work, there could be a lot of other things out there in place that we still need to discover,"
"I see. Well, our own numbers appear to be extremely low since many demigods ventured off by themselves. I suppose a few would be willing to come back if they understood the scope of what we may be facing but that's something we'll find out in due time," Chiron pondered.
"What do we know about this new threat?" Nico asked.
"I'm afraid not enough. Only that Leo Valdez will be at the centre of it according to the Entity. He himself will have Leo prepared for whatever upcoming threat will arrive,"
"And what about Percy?"
"As I told you earlier, Percy will take part when he feels he is needed. Until then, we'll need to make do without him," Chiron said firmly. "Get some rest. You've exhausted yourself enough for today. I'll explain to our two other residents here what we've learned so far. Perhaps if you're feeling up to it tomorrow, you can go back to Camp Jupiter and reveal to them of our existence,"
"This quickly already?" Nico frowned
"Cooperation and unity are on the basis of trust. We need them to trust us in order for this to work," Chiron said, walking away and ending the conversation.
Nico walked off towards his cabin. After the other demigods left, he used his power over the metals in the ground to create a cabin for himself and for Bianca when she stayed over every now and then. He hadn't seen his sister for 3 weeks and he missed her. He made a note to himself to see her this weekend should he get the chance.
He hoped Hazel would be able to adjust well. Seeing her so lost and confused in the new era reminded him of himself when Percy had first taken him to Camp Half-Blood. The world had changed completely and everything was different. He had to keep Hazel hidden for a while until he managed to locate Camp Jupiter. He knew he could've taken her to Camp Half Blood with him, but she deserved to explore Camp Jupiter, being the daughter of his father's Roman form.
Jason frowned as he observed Camp Jupiter. The once proud Twelfth Legion Fulminata, descended from the original Rome, with the glory of Olympus which had many promising sights and buildings now looked like a dull wasteland. Many of the buildings had just crashed slowly. The magic was thinning. The view of camp had gone to dreary. Rome had to defend itself against the rest of the world, keeping in account of their numbers, which had begun to drop slowly, and fortify their home against any new threats that could show up.
"What are you thinking about?" came a voice behind him. He turned to see Reyna.
"Just remembering the old days," Jason replied.
"You mean before Mars came down announcing that everything was changing. Yeah, those days were the good days," Reyna reminisced
"Wonder what actually happened," Jason asked as Reyna shrugged.
"They didn't exactly give off too much to us. After the battle against the titans, Mercury told us that a good amount of them were dead due to an assassin. Some rogue demigod. Said we needed to lock down New Rome and prepare for changes that'd arise. And that there was a chance they'd all be dead soon enough so we'd be on our own," Reyna remembered.
"Speaking of numbers," Jason carried on, "What do you think of the new demigod?"
"Hazel?" Reyna asked
"The other child of Pluto. Nico," Jason corrected.
"Well, he seems alright. Slightly odd and dark, but honestly, we could use all the allies we can get. And plus, if he's been venturing outside as long as he says he has, he could give us some insight. Does something bother him about you?" Reyna frowned.
"Not sure. Just something seems off. He's a son of Pluto, and by the looks of it around 14 or 15? He should've been chased by monsters long ago yet he's survived this long without being inducted into the legion. Just a little cautious, that's all," Jason replied "Anyways I'm going to go get some rest. Let me know when the squad comes back with the weapons they discovered. I'll make sure they're documented," Jason told her as he walked towards his resting quarters
"Really? I thought you hated paperwork?" Reyna teased as Jason rolled his eyes.
"I do. But you seem too tired to take the night shift so I'll do it. See you later," Jason smiled back leaving the daughter of Bellona to her thoughts.
"My lord. Your eldest, Lady Nyxeune has returned and wishes to speak with you," spoke a soldier.
"Let her through. You and the rest of your cohort may dismiss yourselves. I have business elsewhere after this," came the reply.
An incredibly beautiful woman with raven-black hair and eyes darker than the night sky walked towards him. She had on a long dress that reached down to her legs with a blood red necklace and two blue bracelets on her arms.
"What have you discovered," was the first thing he said as Nyxeune raised an eyebrow.
"I'm doing good, Helix, thanks for asking. And yes, I'd like a drink after a tiring mission, please," she said in a teasing voice.
"I've told you, outside the realms of the Void and Paradoxia, to not say my true name, but to call me by The Entity. In current times, it's far too risky," he said in a tired voice.
"Relax a bit, would you? It's highly unlikely anyone is currently spying in this area. I swear you've gotten more uptight ever since you felt the disturbances. You used to be more fun," she said with a light smile as Helix sighed.
"I am glad to see you're alright, you know I am. And here's a drink," He replied, summoning two glasses of red wine, causing her to raise an eyebrow.
"That Earth drink?" she asked, "you like it?"
"Well considering I've spent my recent time period there, I've grown some taste for it. Try it out," he offered as she took a glass.
"It's…. better than I thought it'd be. Not as good as ours, but fairly better than some of the drinks in Clydestine," she remarked. "Now for your news. It's what you were expecting. The seal is weakening. Dynamix's slumber has slowly dulled and he's gaining more consciousness. I managed to retrace some of his dark energy to a Merkese. But this wasn't like the Merkese we faced before. This one was more advanced,"
"He's growing more powerful. Getting smarter. He's been planning this for a long time, even in his slumber," Helix muttered but Nyxeune heard him.
"And you truly believe that the children of Olympus, the heroes of Earth, are the answer to this threat?" Nyxeune countered.
"If what Chronos and Taiancy told me is true, then I believe so. When we first created Earth, we did so with the thought of seeing how a civilisation completely outside of our powers, knowledge and guidance would sustain and survive. Not only have they survived and adapted, they've evolved beyond measure. Their kind of people are just enough outside the box to be able to counter Dynamix," Helix told her.
"And that's why you orchestrated the death of the Greek gods?" Nyxeune asked. "My Greek counterpart tells me you have fairly active in helping the son of Poseidon in your goals,"
"That was part of the reason. Ultimately, the main reason was still because I care about Earth and its people. They deserved freedom from the gods that did not give any concern to those beneath them purely because of their status. It's not how life should work," Helix told her.
"And now you wish to prepare Leo Valdez for what's coming," Nyxeune asked.
"He may just be able to save the world. Dynamix wishes to use Hephaestus's weapon to begin his destruction of the Multiverse. Who better to use against the weapon than the child of the person who created it," Helix informed her.
"But I would've expected you to pick… well a warrior or a fighter," she wondered.
"So would Dynamix. That's what makes Leo special. It's not just about fighting. He prefers to use his mechanical mind to solve problems instead of trying to just fight his way out. He's someone Dynamix wouldn't expect as capable enough to stop him," Helix countered.
"And what of Perseus Jackson, your original protégé?" She questioned.
"For now, he must clear his conflict. Whether or not he wishes to fight is completely up to him. However, I believe that he'll place himself in this war. He's a soldier— it's against his nature to shy away from a war as important as this. And even though he may not be the main hero, his role will be beyond important and vital to victory in this war," Helix said. "Any more questions?"
"Just one more. What of Jason Grace?" Nyxeune asked as Helix turned around in surprise.
"Taiancy told you?" Helix asked in confusion.
"Honestly, I overheard the conversation between her and Tellesium. You plan to involve more than just two of the demigods, right?" Nyxeune asked
"To win a war, you need as many allies as you can get. Especially with what's to come," Helix trailed off as Nyxeune frowned.
"Helix, what aren't you telling me?" Nyxeune demanded.
"In due time, you'll know. For now, I need to make a visit to my newest champion," Helix said, ending the conversation.
Author's Note: After a while, I finally got the next chapter out. Sorry for the long wait everyone, but it's been a tough time and I've had other things to deal with. And sadly, I have my finals coming up in 2 weeks and they will go on until May 31st hence I won't be posting as many chapters as I'd like to because, well these are very important to me. However, once that's done with, I'll be back to a slightly less hectic schedule and should be able to post chapters on a more regular basis (hopefully).
Anyways 3227 words. A fairly lengthy chapter that should answer a few questions and give you all an opening into the plot I have thought of. Some teasers and such and I'm sure many of you are thinking, where's Percy? Will he be returning? What's he up to? Those questions will be answered soon enough, but for now the main focus is on Leo and the other demigods.
Also one thing to address: I know that Roman demigods aren't Greek by blood but in this version of the story I've had to change that for a reason. In the prequel to this, Hades kept almost no secrets from Percy (the exception being his mother's death) and would've told him about his Roman form so I had to tweak it slightly to fit the story. It shouldn't affect the story too much though.
A huge credit to Pterygio for being my beta. He's an amazing writer (all of you who have already know that though) who has helped me formulate my ideas has helped me in making sure that my writing is as good as can be. If you're reading this, I don't say this enough but thanks a lot, I really appreciate the amount of work and effort you put in to help me.
A huge thank you to Previously Yesse, Guest, TheFire44 and griffin for reviewing. Please, if you have the time to review then do so, I always appreciate feedback, it motivates me to write and make more for you all as my readers and I always enjoy reading them. Also please if you spot mistakes, do let me know, I still have a lot of improvement so any errors that I've made, just post them in the reviews and I'll get to work on them.
Previously Yesse: Honestly I didn't even realise that until you mentioned it XD. Good shout lmao.
Well that's about it for this chapter.
Hope you all enjoyed it.
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