Vengeance, Rage and Rebellion

by Star-Of-Radiance

They swore they would never trust again. But years later, Percy Jackson and his friends stumble their way. What they find astounds and horrifies them beyond imagining. Children of the gods have been taken and used for unimaginable purposes: to become killers. Caught under S.H.I.E.L.D's radar, the camps turn towards them. But it's only a matter of time before worlds collide.

6. Chapter 6

To Matt: Ha! You think this is dark? Start reading some of the fics I've read. Even the non-crossover Avengers and PJO ones. This will be tame in comparison.

To Gold December: Don't worry- they are definitely far from stupid, but I'm trying not to make anyone biased in favour of one side. Some of the fics I've read really undermine the demigods (even as compared to Twilight vampires *shudder*!). This is not one of them. The demigods' strength will become more and more evident and they will unlock new strengths and talents very soon.

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO/HoO or the Avengers. No need to point that out. I'm not Stan Lee or Rick Riordan.

---

One of the most fundamental things to Alex, was the continuous presence of a backup plan, especially when things were getting tense. A good commander knew when the odds were heavily against them. They knew when and where to retreat and when and where to regroup, when and how to attack again. When his long-term plans for his future were basically non-existent (and to an extent, still were), he always had a backup plan. What irked him was that these incredibly smart and capable individuals, hardened warriors- what galled him really- was that they had absolutely no idea this was coming.

Did they think the mortals were that stupid? Sure, they may not be on the same level, but they were beginning to understand and catch up.

Mortals may be blind, but not stupid.

What made it worse was the fact that their celestial mothers and fathers didn't know or wouldn't do a damn thing.

As if his disgust and contempt could not get any lower.

He shook his head. "You can sit here and argue until they come, but I would advise we find out how much S.H.I.E.L.D knows."

They stared at him. They clearly weren't expecting an experienced soldier. Too bad, Alex thought dryly.

He wasn't about to reveal the extent of how he was trained, or worse yet, who trained him.

No, he had his own secret story, and his own loyalties. He was already given a mission, but bringing the demigods of Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter might be a bit harder than expected.

Alex had his mission. He wasn't about to fail.

"Listen," he insisted. "You can sit here and argue, if you'd like, but I'll be damned right now if S.H.I.E.L.D isn't learning everything they can about you, from your High School Chemistry results, to the date of when you were last seen by police. Everything from your parent's bank account details, to any minor bullying incident at primary school or day-care, they'll have it. We just need to find out how much they know." He turned hard eyes towards Leo and Jake Mason. "Think you can hack into their database?"

Leo hesitated. "I dunno, man. We could try"

Jake nodded. "Better than nothing."

"Excellent. I'll help you," Alex stood. "Now if you don't mind, why don't we take a look at what S.H.I.E.L.D knows?"

---

"There." Leo pointed.

Alex nodded with genuine approval. "Nice."

They might have grown lax, but they were good, they were great as a matter of fact.

Alex scanned the file. He had personally made sure the S.H.I.E.L.D operatives, even their director would never find out.

What he read, however, made his eyes darken. "He knows." He said shortly.

The others started. "What?"

"Clarisse La Rue. Annabeth Chase. Leo Valdez. Jason Grace. Thalia Grace. Piper McLean. Drew Tanaka. Katie Gardner. Travis and Connor Stoll. Will Solace. Meg McCaffrey. Miranda Gardiner. Jake Mason. Chris Rodriguez. Kayla Knowles. Austin Lake. Frank Zhang. Hazel Levesque. Reyna Ramírez-Arellano. Nico di Angelo. Bianca di Angelo." He stopped and looked up. "Percy Jackson. All your histories, everything about you, every event, CCTV camera footage, photographs, your academic performances- it's all on there."

Percy grabbed the screen. "Where?"

"It's too late, you can't erase it. The agents have already looked through those files- it's the first thing they do. No doubt they would have mentioned this to the director. It also mentions your names in context to bombings, riots, even a volcanic explosion in Mount Saint Helens, Washington." Percy cursed. "Someone saw you zooming through the air apparently. Probable mafia involvement- they saw thugs herding you to onto some cruise ship in Florida, and some guy forced you into a limousine in Gila Claw, Arizona." Percy blushed for some strange, inexplicable reason.

"To talk, apparently." Alex murmured, reading the screen. "And then he forced you out. Mercenaries were after you…" He turned to the Heroes. "You guys are on S.H.I.E.L.D's lookout list, alright. You're under suspect for terrorism."

Gasps all around. Alex ignored them and read on.

"They have your histories." He frowned. "There's a number of you guys on the list- in fact this isn't even the full list."

Leo had a terrible, sinking feeling in his stomach. He didn't need to look at everyone else to know they felt the same. "It's not?"

"No." Alex scrutinised things carefully. "It appears that a few of these files have been updated, at least within the last three days." He turned to look at Jason and Piper. "The ones of the two of you- and your sister." He nodded at Jason.

Piper's stomach dropped. "Us?"

"Your father, Tristan McLean was a guest of Tony Stark, quite recently- Iron Man invited him to a party." Alex did not react when he saw that Piper's father was a famous movie star. But Piper paled. "And an actress named Jane McEwan- she was a friend of Beryl Grace- your mother." He looked at Jason. "Until the two of them had a fallout- apparently, McEwan didn't approve of the way your mother raised you and your sister, even complained about her smoking and drinking whilst pregnant with you-" "WHAT?!" Jason choked. Alex grimaced. "And the two of them stopped talking. They were indirectly questioned by the Avengers themselves- 'Jane McEwan does not appear to have any contact with the Grace children since their disappearances and seems unaware of their current whereabouts.'" Alex's eyebrows rose. "She must have loved you guys- she created the Jason and Thalia Grace foundation- to look after kids in neglected and abusive homes- her and a bunch of other celebrities. That was nice." He stated, sounding surprised. "Apparently she was your godmother and still quite haunted by your disappearances and police's inability to find the two of you. Nice woman.

"'Tristan McLean, when questioned, did not know about his daughter's doings, only mentions his regrets about treating her the way he did-'" Piper got a lump in her throat. "'And that she currently has a boyfriend whom she met at Summer Camp. He mentions that his daughter now has a life of her own and that she barely sees him, to his regret.'" He sighed. "They're on the lookout for you." He turned towards Nico. "And you. They said you were born in 1932, Venice, Italy."

Nico went very, very still. "They know?"

"They said they sent agents to the Lotus Hotel and Casino in Vegas to investigate anything to do with you and your sister being photographed, leaving there, and Percy and Annabeth staying for a few days."

Percy cursed in Ancient Greek. "So, that's how they know."

"Wait." Jason held up his hands. "What is the Lotus Hotel and Casino?"

"It's the home of the Lotus Eaters," Annabeth explained. "The ones that Odysseus met on his journey with his crew. We were in their, stopping over on our first quest. We came out five days later- if felt like time stopped."

"Same," Nico said grimly. "Bianca and I were born before World War Two- before the first Great Prophecy involving the Titan War and our fathers' oath not to sire anymore demigod children. When our father refused to hand us over, Zeus destroyed out hotel in Washington." He and Percy winced. "Our mother was killed. Father sent us to the Lotus Hotel, where he took us out and put us in Westover Hall where you guys, Grover and Thalia found us."

"So, if they sent a STRIKE team and groups of agents to sniff out the place where time stops- something which is directly connected with you guys and the Olympian pantheon, that means, they're coming in hot." Alex withdrew from the screen. "We have to shut this down and make it look like no one's viewed it." He said abruptly. The Hephaestus campers nodded and hurried on.

"You don't have much time."

"But you know how to evade them," Chiron was looking at Alex.

"Temporarily- only temporarily." Alex stated firmly. "They're already onto you. You can't stop them from finding out, not without getting yourselves into trouble and falling right into your trap."

"He's right." Chiron stated. "What I meant was… Can you help us?"

"Help you?" Alex's eyebrows rose.

"Train them." Chiron insisted. "We have one unknown enemy- we are at the brink of war with another pantheon. On top of it all, we have to worry about S.H.I.E.L.D." he sighed and passed a hand on his face.

"We need your help." Chiron stated.

"What can I possibly help you with?"

"You're a soldier," Annabeth blurted. "In the mortal world."

"And currently, I'm supposed to be on standby, awaiting orders in Ireland."

"But you're not." Jason looked at him. "Please we need you."

Alex looked at them and sighed. "I suppose that's why I'm here."

"You mentioned… You were taken." Percy hated himself for forcing it out of him. "Who took you? Were there any other survivors? Do you think they might be demigods?"

Alex was silent. "Perhaps."

Annabeth was astounded. "You don't trust us." She murmured.

"I don't think you're trying to kill us, but I don't trust them." Alex pointed.

"Who? S.H.I.E.L.D?"

"No. Your parents." He turned around.

Everyone was silent. "Alex-" Jason began.

"Why should I trust them?" Alex said, allowing bitterness and harshness to enter his normally, very carefully composed and calm tones. "If these were their children… Do they even know what they've suffered? And what if they kill them?"

Annabeth drew in a sharp breath. Many of the campers shot nervous looks at the sky above. "Alex- they would never kill-"

"Really?" Alex said, barely managing to rein in his sarcasm. "You said," he looked at Nico. "That due to some prophecy, your uncle tried to kill your mother, your sister and yourself- he managed to do the former, but you escaped. You were a kid. You-" he nodded at Percy. "Mentioned being targeted by gods, ever since you were a kid. You were blamed for something you didn't do and they tried to kill you. So, any more reasons why I shouldn't trust anyone not to kill innocent kids?"

Silence. Not a single person would meet his eyes. Surprisingly there was no thunder.

"That's right." Alex stated. "These people have suffered enough. They've been through enough. I agree, you're going to need their help as well as mine, but I'm not letting anyone hurt them more than they already have. And I'm certainly not letting a bunch of supernaturally-powerful-" his voice rose. "Paranoid immortals or anyone who answers to them hurt them."

His eyes flashed with rage.

"We're not going to-" Percy began. "I swear."

"You might not," Alex conceded. "But they may. Once our usefulness has been outlived, why not get rid of them, for the sake of getting rid of a potential threat? Even if those 'threats' aren't interested in challenging or threatening anyone? Even if they are innocent?"

"They can swear," Chiron stated. He sighed. "Normally I would never ask this of them, but if they swore on the River Styx-"

"Big deal. Something tells me that oath has already been broken." He looked pointedly at Percy. Thunder rumbled, as if grumbling. But no one could deny he had a point.

Everyone winced.

"So until you answer me this question: Why should I trust you with them? You get no help, not from them." Alex stared them flatly down. "Unless you were the ones who swore."

"What?"

"Swear an oath- all of you- Greek and Roman alike," he said with a deadly calm. "That you will never turn against them- your own brothers and sisters among them. That you will never betray, or even attempt to kill or hurt them in any way. That if your parents try to hurt, imprison, enslave, kill them or in any way dispose of them-" Alex began. "Well, I don't ask you to turn against your own parents and Olympus- that is something I would never ask of anyone. But I will ask you either to firstly, stand up to them and refuse. Secondly, if push comes to shove, remain neutral and refuse to help the gods in any way, not to turn these demigods and legacies over."

"We would never turn over our own brothers and sisters away," Clarisse growled.

"Swear it," Alex said abruptly. "Swear it with Greeks and Romans alike." He repeated. "Demigods and Legacies- those who have suffered and known what it is to fear and to be hunted. I don't expect the gods to keep their oaths-" thunder. "But you know what it is like to be helpless and afraid once. To go hungry. To be desperate. Friendless and alone. To be tortured, even. To fear not only for your life, but those you care about. To dread falling asleep each day, not only wondering if you would wake up, but what the next day would bring you. Not planning for your future, hopes and dreams, but nothing short of pure survival. You might not have gone through everything, but at least you know fear, suffering, hopelessness. You've been cornered before. Beings of tremendous wealth and power, with everything they could want at the flick of a finger, can hardly be expected to know what that feels like."

Silence. Even the thundering had stopped. Perhaps Zeus was wondering which direction they would go in.

"I'd swear." Percy spoke up first- no surprises. The others did the same. "We'd have to ask the Romans, but once they know… Yeah." Jason admitted.

"Good, then in turn, after the Romans have sworn, I can contact the others." He inclined his head and turned around.

Tony sat, frowning.

Clint grunted. "Never seen you so serious, Stark."

Tony glared at him while Bruce suppressed a smile.

"Well, I am serious. The Ten Rings. They targeted Emily Zhang." All smiles faded. "Why? Why that particular soldier?"

"They targeted her entire-" Bruce began, but Tony waved his hand irritably.

"I know that! But she was the only casualty!"

"Well, she did give her life so they could escape," he pointed out.

Tony sighed. "Yeah- but that's it, isn't it? Frank Zhang, Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Hazel Levesque, Jason Grace, Piper McLean, Leo Valdez, Nico di Angelo… These kids are connected to one another, and they're not supposed to know each other- except that they ran away, or ended up involved in huge international…" Tony waved his hand again. "Things!"

"Things?" Clint asked, blankly.

"And now, one of them, Frank Zhang, is connected to me, because his mom was targeted by the same terrorists I was!" Tony collapsed on the couch. "Sounds a little too interesting to be a coincidence, isn't it?"

As much as the others hated to admit it, he was right. It was way too suspicious. Not to mention the other similarities: the di Angelo siblings and Hazel Levesque were all born prior to the Second World War and disappeared during that time, like Steve.

Natasha wondered if more interesting stuff was to be uncovered. Somehow, she had the feeling that something even more shocking was on its way and she didn't like it.

She hated being surprised.

"What are these kids? Terrorists, or something else? And why did they target her?"

"Tony," Steve began but Tony cut him off. He stood abruptly.

"I gotta find this out," he muttered and strode off. "I gotta find Frank Zhang."

The Romans stared aghast. Some looked sickened, others horrified. Some were in tears. The Greeks too.

The view was clearly the Senate building in New Rome.

Yeah, Alex told them a bit more about what had happened.

They were all connected by one giant Iris Message screen.

"So…" Alex paused. "Are we in agreement? Will you swear by the Styx?"

Silence. Reyna took a deep breath and nodded.

"Yes."

"Every Roman? Every Greek? Demigod and Legacy?"

"Yes." Jason stared at him.

He barely showed any emotion, and either he adapted very well to the most tense situations, or…

Or what? Jason thought. Don't you think that he would've killed you already?

"And in return, I can promise that they won't destroy Olympus." Alex shrugged. "And certainly not Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter and New Rome."

Yeah, he was taking this way too easily.

But Jason knew- somehow knew- that Alex was not there to harm them.

"Very well." Reyna stood, and the whole load of Romans stood with her. On this side, the Greeks stood as well.

"I swear we shall agree to your terms." Reyna began. Everyone on her side repeated it. Then Percy said it, and everyone on his side did as well.

"Very well." Alex smiled slightly, and took out something from his pocket.

Leo's eyes bugged. "Is that a… Cell-phone?"

"What?!" Annabeth nearly shrieked. "A cell-phone-"

"What's the big deal?" Alex asked.

Chiron cleared his throat sternly. "Young man, I hope you did not use it here."

"No, I haven't used it since I arrived in the States," Alex assured him. "But why?"

"Why?" Annabeth looked aghast. "Monsters are drawn to it, like-"

"Moths to a flame?" Alex smirked. "Even this one?" He held up his smartphone.

It looked like the latest smartphone model (except for some reason, way cooler than that), except that it was gold. Pure gold.

No. Imperial Gold.

Reyna's eyes widened. "Is that… Imperial Gold?"

"That is correct."

Percy stared. "How the heck did you get your hands on that kind of metal?"

"I didn't." Alex said calmly. "One of the people I'm about to contact did. Like I said, I didn't believe those psychopaths when they said we were the children of gods. Who would believe them?"

Reyna started. "You never told us their name."

"That's because, unfortunately, I don't know." Alex emphasised. "That's how smart they were. Not a single one of us ever knew their names. They weren't like HYDRA- the terrorist group, I mean. They don't give a salute, and say a phrase like 'Hail HYDRA' and 'Cut off one head, two more grow back!'" Everyone on either side grimaced.

"These were clever. I will tell you the extent of how clever once we meet face to face. But right now…" He hesitated. "I think we should give them a call, don't you?"

"Just who are you calling?" Piper wondered. "What are their names?"

"I can't answer that yet," Alex stated.

"Why?" Jason asked. "Still don't trust us?"

"I admit, I have trust issues," the newly-arrived demigod admitted. "But it isn't just a matter of trust, but safety. And the fact that they trusted me, and whereas you swore you would never hurt them, they did not give me permission to tell you their names or where exactly they live." Alex shrugged. "I don't betray people's trust. They don't know you, and it is likely they may not trust you straight away- in fact, I'm actually quite certain that they won't. But we'll need their help. Like me, they were survivors. And each of them have their own particular skills and talents." He gestured to his phone. "Like the one who made this."

Leo's eyes gleamed with feverish excitement. "What else can they make?"

"Not saying, just yet. I need a team." He put in. "None of these people live here in the United States, but to show our- well, your goodwill and that you mean them no harm-"

Chiron held up his hand. "You wish for some to come with you."

"Yes." Alex agreed. "These people have trust issues, and I can't blame them. They certainly won't trust the gods."

Thunder.

"But we need their help." Alex looked grim. "Whether you like it or not, these people- and I- are the ones who know how to get one step ahead of S.H.I.E.L.D and who our enemies are. So… Agreed?"

"Who will you take with you?"

"I was hoping…" His eyes wandered to Percy. "You, for one. You are quite honourable."

"Wow. Thanks." Percy actually meant it. Alex didn't seem like the type to give compliments so easily.

"Jason?" He looked at him. "If the two of you are willing."

"I could come-" Piper began. Alex shook his head. "With a persuasive voice like yours? You don't think they wouldn't be able to tell that your voice has abilities?" He grimaced. "It's best not to push it," he said, apologetically. "They may not trust us if they think you're trying to magically persuade or enslave them."

Piper sighed, but couldn't deny he was right. "You're right."

"I'll go." Annabeth stepped forwards. Alex frowned. "They might think you're trying to trick them or analyse a way to force them to attend."

Annabeth looked hurt. "I would never-"

"I know you won't but you won't be the first grey-eyed genius they've met and dealt with," Alex said, shortly. "It would be difficult for them to trust you. I'm afraid someone else."

"I could." Calypso nodded. She stepped forwards. Calypso- formerly immortal, offspring of titans. Not someone they've ever experienced before. Alex sighed. "Very well."

"And me." Leo piped up. Alex frowned. "Are you planning to get on everyone's nerves?" He shook his head. "I'm afraid not."

Leo spluttered. Alex sighed. "Alright." This boy probably had a faster transport than a plane. "I understand you're curious, but you must understand, it will be difficult enough to convince them that you mean no harm." He gave Leo a look. "You must stay on our transport."

Leo spluttered again.

"I think," he sighed. "That will be enough." He rubbed his head. "And spray yourselves with copious quantities of perfume and deodorant, won't you? We don't need any monsters attracted by our scent. It's bad enough you're under S.H.I.E.L.D's radar." He sighed. "It's going to be hard. But our first target is… In Asia."

They blinked. "Oookay. Where, exactly in Asia?" Leo asked.

Alex frowned. "As I've said, I do not intend to betray their trust- or anyone else's trust for that matter. Asia and Europe. That's where they are."

Reyna's eyes narrowed. "And I suppose you won't tell us which country they're from? Whether they're male or female? Tall or short?"

"Blond, redhead, brunette," Alex shrugged. "As I've said- and I take this very seriously- I don't betray anyone's trust. You trust me, I won't betray you. They trust me, it's the same. If you've gained my respect, or you're not trying to harm an innocent- usually the same case- then I won't try to hurt, much less kill you."

Then it hit Jason. They had to trust him. Alex wanted to know whether they were as paranoid as their immortal parents. Whether they'd jump the gun or keep their promises. This was a test. Slowly, Percy, Annabeth and a few others had reached the same conclusion.

Jason took a deep breath. "Okay, fine." He gave the others a look. Some, like Annabeth, must have realised the same thing.

"So…" Alex paused. "Shall I?" He gestured to the phone.

They all nodded. Alex unlocked it. He then searched out an app.

"Whoa," Leo breathed. "Is that-"

"Where I will be able to send an instant message that I am on my way- immediately." He pressed it.

The commander looked up from his phone.

"It's done. He's on his way." He said shortly.

Aglaia rose from the couch. "Not yet. I will go to Athens. They shall meet me there, after the others." Her phone glowed. Alex was on his way.

She sighed and walked over. "I did not intend to be found out," she said in a warning tone. "I will not abide in this."

"I know you do not abide in this." He pointed out. He looked her in the eye. One pale blue, one dark blue eye, piercing straight into her green ones which were green and yet full of colours, like a treasure trove of the most priceless gems.

"But if we work together," he said slowly. "My love, we can fight to win and triumph." His pale and dark blue eyes glowed fiercely, awe-inspiringly in triumph and strength.

His face was close to hers. She smiled. "Some things will never change." She kissed him.

He welcomed the kiss, scooping her up from where she stood. "If they try to take you," he whispered in her ear. "I will fight the darkness from the very depths of Tartarus until you once more stand by my side." He had sworn his oath to her.

That was the end of the conversation. Alex could wait. He was going to Asia first.

"Japan." Alex looked at Leo. "That's where we're headed."

Leo nodded eagerly, like a puppy. "Okay then."

He jumped off the deck landed somewhere below and got to work.

"Japan?" Jason leaned down. "In Asia?"

Alex smirked humourlessly. "Yes." He looked at him, as if daring him to try something.

"We promised we wouldn't," Jason said.

"Right." Alex's eyes grew flint-eyed. "On the downside," he sat down opposite from Alex. "You should've made the gods promise."

Alex's eyes, if possible, went even harder. "I'd rather not be anywhere near them."

Jason was silent. "You know," he finally began. "The Second Titan War- well, based on what I know from the Greeks' point of view- I was still at Camp Jupiter at that time- there was this guy named Luke. Great hero, by the way they talked about him. But he grew angry, bitter. He was alone."

"And let me guess? He defected?" Alex laughed bitterly. "That's not the first time something like that happened. I assure you, I have no intention in attacking Olympus or any of the camps." A shame in the former.

"No, it's not that," Jason hastily assured him. "I know you won't. But…" He sighed, exasperated. "Luke believed his father didn't care about him. But in the end, even as he lay dying…"

"He realised he was wrong." Alex finished for him. His voice was quiet, gentle when he spoke to Jason. As if comforting a kid with a skinned knee. As if Jason was the one who needed comforting.

"I appreciate it." Alex stared out in the distance. "But I know for a fact, even if my father- whoever he was- tried to make amends, everything would be far too late. By far."

Jason was silent. He knew better than to push it. But inside, he was burning with questions. Who were they? What did they do to him? Did they really take kids- demigods, possibly, or Legacies- and torture them? Turn them into killer-slaves?

"Don't get your hopes up, Jason," Alex said, suddenly, quietly. "We may have escaped. But in some ways, we never did."

"Huh?" Jason blinked. "You were never in that place, and be grateful, it was the worst imaginable." He paused.

"Who are they?" Jason asked, growing angry now. He stood. "How do we stamp them out-"

"You can't." Alex looked at him. "I was sold there."

"Sold?!"

"Sold." Alex stood to face him. "Someone always sells us out- and they pay money to make sure governments look the other way too. Don't underestimate how powerful they are. Or how clever. I don't know how they managed to subdue and ship me, but thousands of us- if not more- were trafficked. Sometimes, you'd be a victim of human trafficking- and end up somewhere, in the middle of the mafia, some gangs or worse."

Things that made him grimace and scowl, inwardly or not.

"I learned not to trust or have any expectations the hard way. Including family." Alex looked at him hard. "That way, you're always prepared. That way you're never disappointed or betrayed."

Jason didn't know what to say. He just stared at Alex. It seemed as if he was trying to warn him of something. But what? And why?

Before he could say anything, Alex stood. "Our first target is in Tokyo." He said shortly before leaving. "The others will be around Europe."

"Okay." Tony scrutinised the screen, hard. "First off- Emily Zhang. Ten Rings. Why did they target her? What's so special about her and her son? Are they holding some kind of secret?"

Steve frowned. He exchanged glances with Bruce. "You assume the family's keeping some secret."

"Wha-" Tony looked up from the screen. "' Course I do! Look- whole bunch of kids, one parent raised them, one parent unknown? And all these kids from different places, and different ages met and teamed up during times of trouble? Maybe it's gangs, maybe it's the Mafia, or terrorists, but it's certainly no coincidence!"

Tony tried to breathe deeply. "I don't know about the others, but there's a reason why they targeted Emily Zhang. And now her son's in the thick of danger. I don't know who these kids are but they're just… Kids."

San Francisco…

Praetor Frank Zhang of the Twelfth Legion, New Rome and Camp Jupiter, Hero of Olympus, one of the Seven, walked along the streets of San Francisco.

Yeah, Frank knew this was a death trap. Ever since he learned what the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D knew… Man.

And this new guy, Alex. Frank wasn't sure whether he was a Greek or a Roman. Then again, he was at Camp Half-Blood, but even then they couldn't be sure. According to Chiron, the centaur trainer of Greek heroes, even the gods didn't know whose son he was. But they needed him. So Frank walked on unaware that someone was following him- namely two guys dressed in black.

---

Tokyo, Japan, a few days later…

"So…" Percy paused. "So where is this contact?"

"We'll meet her soon enough." Alex scanned the streets calmly. They'd just left Harajuku Station, taking care that no one was watching or waiting for them.

The streets of Tokyo were filled with people, chattering and hurrying in huge crowds to cross the street, some holding cell phones to their ears, others chatting to one another, others still too busy to talk.

A group of girls in miniskirts and stockings, hair in pigtails had asked to take pictures with them, but Alex politely declined and hurried off. According to him, this did happen here, from time to time. He looked at Percy and smirked, seemingly in amusement.

"Where are we going exactly?" Jason frowned.

"To the Meiji Shrine, a prominent Shinto temple." They looked at him strangely. "Ookay. What for?" Percy asked.

"What other reason would we be in Tokyo in such short notice?"

"A temple?" Calypso blinked. She had a calming influence and seemed sensible, the reason why Alex agreed to have her come (provided that the often gratingly-cheerful Leo would not say the wrong thing and get on their friends' nerves). "To whom?"

"It was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji- the Enlightened Emperor, and his wife Empress Shoken. But technically it's a temple complex to the Shinto gods." Alex stated. "And a popular tourist destination." He gave them a quick glance.

They definitely wore tourist clothes- passable and bland, not filthy enough to arouse suspicion (unless they were supposed to be trekking, but they were right in the middle of Tokyo).

"It's quite a big complex," Alex stated. "A ten-minute walk from its southern gate and the northern entrance near Yoyogi Station. Entrance to the complex is marked by a Torri gate- entrance to a Shinto temple or shrine is always marked by one."

Calypso craned her neck. "What does it look like?"

"Careful." Alex smiled out at the distance. "We're supposed to be tourists, taking a holiday to Tokyo. We're not searching for anything in particular." He paused. "The Torii gate is made of wood, usually painted orange and black. "

Jason looked at him. "You know the way?"

"I do," he said smoothly. "But I'm holding this map so they can think that I'm consulting it. It may arouse some curiosities, even suspicions, if tourists don't check maps to look for such a landmark site- we are supposed to be tourists."

So far, he had been keeping a good act. The others needing persuading, but Alex had set them to practicing until he was certain they would be able to make it. It was gruelling, and he was scrutinising, and relentless. Percy had a feeling that if this guy ever became an instructor….

"So, what would she doing near a Shinto temple?" Percy squinted at the light of the sun.

"She's a devout Shinto," Alex said casually, fake-checking his map. In truth, he had memorised the thing before they even arrived.

They looked at him. "She… Er, prays to Shinto gods?" Jason couldn't disguise the surprise in his voice.

Alex gave him a flat look. "Yes." He raised an eyebrow. "Surely you have nothing against that?"

"No," Jason said hastily. "Of course not. But… What if we told her-"

"That she's a demigod, Greek or Roman?" He sighed. "I doubt anyone's reaction to such news could ever be 'Oh great!'"

"Yeah," Percy grimaced. So did Calypso and Jason.

"That's why I asked you to spray yourselves with perfume and deodorant- sizeable quantities of them," Alex said patiently. "We don't want to attract attention- particularly from monsters from the Greek and Roman world. The Shinto gods will not be pleased and this world has enough conflict and problems on its own without us and Olympus being blamed for luring something there." The others winced.

"Plus, she would not appreciate it," Alex stated. "Definitely not."

They were close. They themselves had arrived from Harajuku Station, near the southern entrance. "The southern entrance has a large garden full of irises." Alex said. "It's famous, but you'd have to pay an entrance fee to get in." He smirked. "Lucky I had Japanese Yen in store."

Alex opened his mouth about to ask when he changed his currency, but before they knew it, the four of them were confronted by a massive arched, Japanese gate, painted light orange and black. A Torii gate, forty-feet (twelve meters) high.

"We're here." Alex stated. "Don't push our luck- we're in someone else's territory- try and be respectful, we don't need any more problems."

It was clear he had more respect for the Shinto gods than the Olympian ones. Well, he didn't seem to harbour any grudges against them, anyway, that would explain it.

They entered a large square. Crowds of people were about, some tourists, others worshippers.

"This is a temple," Alex reminded them. "Some places it's okay to bring food and drink. Other places no. Some places, it's okay to take pictures, but others, again, no. Some places, we really need to be quiet."

Percy and Jason stared. Even Calypso did the same. "You seem to be giving it extra thought." And it wasn't just because he didn't want to cause them anymore problems.

Funny considering that he seemed to really hate the Olympians.

"Considering that our friend is a Shinto, and we are really pushing it by meeting her here," Alex paused. "Then I'd say we show some diplomacy. Besides, need I remind you that you tried to pick me up at my family's graves? And led those guys- incidentally or otherwise- to come and engage us in a gunfight and a car chase?"

Percy and Jason had the decency to look ashamed.

"That's right," Alex murmured. His blue eyes looked around. "Hold this, will you?" He passed the map to Jason.

"Where is our friend?" Percy tried not to look conspicuous as he looked around.

"Don't bother," Alex said, sounding bored. "You won't be able to see her."

"Then, where is she?" Jason looked at him. "Does she even know we're here?"

"I'm pretty sure she's here right now," Alex said calmly.

This alarmed his teammates. They cast their eyes around.

"What did I tell you about being inconspicuous?" Alex muttered. "Seriously, how are you not arrested by now? If I can figure this out…" He shook his head. "Never mind. Don't bother, you won't be able to see her."

"Shouldn't we-" Jason looked back at him. "Talk to her? Call her?"

"We'll cross the bridge when we get there." Alex stated. "Besides, I'm pretty sure she's spotted us and watching us right now."

"Then why hasn't she come to talk to us?" Percy asked.

"She's knows you're with me," Alex kept walking on. "She's watching you, seeing if she can trust you- analysing you, in case you turn out to be a threat."

Jason stiffened, and so did Percy. "Do you think she'll attack?"

"Only if you have any intention in attacking." He said. He led them through a long path.

"Wow. Shinto temples aren't like Ancient Greek ones." Calypso blinked.

Percy and Jason could only agree.

They turned right and went through another Torii gate. "We're near the main shrine." Alex stated. "The inner sanctum of the temple. This is where we have to keep our voices low.

The inner sanctum or main shrine was a huge towering building made of wood, with sloping roofs sheathed in copper, weathered green. The place had the tranquil, peaceful effect that most Japanese traditional buildings and gardens had.

"We're going around." Alex murmured. He turned to the right, and they followed.

Soon, they spotted a building with a sloping roof, made of redwood. It was a long hall.

"Here." Alex stated. "The Kaguraden. The hall of Sacred Song and Dance. These are where some of the most important ceremonies are performed- and where she will make it clear whether she wishes to meet us or not."

"Or not?" Calypso raised her eyebrows.

"We need to go to a cleansing station, we aren't permitted to go inside with unclean hands and mouths." Alex explained. "Once we've rinsed our mouths and our hands, we take off our shoes and we walk inside. You can wear socks, but no shoes." He pointed to a station.

After copying what everyone else was doing, Alex paid an entrance fee of five-thousand yen, after filling and handing in a request form. It was the only way to get inside, and participate in the oncoming ceremony.

Inside was wide and spacious. The wooden beams glowed reddish brown, rubbed with oil, its warm scent filled the air; crushed pine needles and wood. The tatami mats looked new and fresh, smelling of straw.

The audience faced a dais as the opposite end. Upon it, were small tables, one larger centre one serving as an altar, dishes of incense, votive candles and food offerings were laid upon the table above, with a silk painting of one of the Shinto gods on the wall above.

Several Shinto priests ushered them in and helped show them where they would sit on the ground. After a lengthy silence, drum beats echoed, a purification wand is waved above their heads while just as everyone else, they bowed their heads. And soon, the demigods and Calypso wait. They just wait, and Alex watches the Shinto priestesses, Miko they're called, enter the room. The priests or Kannushi are dressed in traditional Jōe robes and ebōshi hats. The Miko are wearing red hakama trousers and haori or kimono jackets, their hair plaited at the back with brightly patterned ties. Alex could afford to wait… For now.

So he watched the priests and priestesses perform the Order of Ceremony, clapping his hands the way the others did, indicating that they should do the same, and seeming to relax as they watched the shrine maidens perform a sacred Kagura dance. This time, he noted that they seemed to invoke some of their gods, by wearing masks and other things. Quite unusual for such an occasion. Then he noticed that the other members of the audience, Shinto and non-Shinto alike, didn't seem to particularly react.

Ah, he thought. And he observed them more closely.

Percy and Jason stared bewildered at Alex, prompting Calypso to do the same after a while. Alex showed no emotion whatsoever, save for a faint smile on his face. One would think he was a cultural tourist.

Once the ceremony is over, everyone took a ritual sip of Naorai rice wine (not sake). Before Alex led them out.

"We're going to the Iris gardens." He stated as if it were obvious.

Percy and Jason stared. "Why?" That was Percy.

"Our contact has agreed to meet us."

Calypso stared at him, and the other two started in alarm. "We didn't see-"

"That's because you were looking, not observing." Alex stated, matter-of-factly. "She was there. I gave her a message; a request for a meeting somewhere safe with you three- just to ask her to hear me out. And she agreed."

They stared at him blankly. Alex sighed. "Once you've stopped merely looking and searching, then you will be able to see and observe- you will never be surprised, not by monsters or anyone."

Percy bit his tongue and restrained himself from saying anything further. "The irises are in full bloom right now, so it's rather popular, so I don't know why she would want us to meet there. We may have to pay and entry fee, but it should be quite populated." Alex murmured.

So it happened, Alex guided them there, and paid the entry fee himself. Inside was spectacular. Calypso gasped. Percy remembered she adored her garden back on Ogygia. Here the irises were blooming- fields of them. But Alex looked somewhat impressed for another reason.

"Ah, she's gotten rid of the tourists- side-tracked them, I see. We're the only ones here." He said in satisfaction.

"How'd she do that?" Jason asked.

Alex opened his mouth but someone else spoke.

"Perhaps you need to know how."

They spun wildly- except for their Irish friend who simply smiled. But they saw nothing.

"Mizuki." He acknowledged. "You've been in here for quite some time. It's been a long while." He turned around.

There, in the direction where the three demigods and sorceress had spun to not one minute before, stood a young woman.

She was one of the most beautiful women they had ever seen in their entire lives; her face oval underneath a mane of silky, thick, luminous, glossy mane of hair, wavy and falling heavily down her back, flashing blue-black where the light struck it. She was East Asian with a touch of European or Caucasian blood. Her complexion was pale, her figure tall and graceful. Her almond eyes were a dark, absolutely haunting, silvery-blue shade. So strikingly beautiful but dangerous. Some uneasy part of Jason thought of Khione, despite this girl being undeniably Asian. She was dressed in the same white-patterned kimono-jacket and red trousers as the priestesses in the shrine.

"I admit, it's actually rather good to see you."

The girl- Mizuki smiled. Another thing, she reminded Percy much too much of Artemis- so beautiful she took your breath away, but utterly dangerous and not someone you'd get cosy to. Much too dangerous.

Calypso must have been thinking the same thing as she blinked, repeatedly.

"I admit, I didn't think you'd come." She said dryly, in fluent English. "Temples were never your thing."

"I can respect people's faiths," Alex answered.

"I'm sure you can."

This was a girl with shimmering, glittering golden hair, that literally glowed in the sun. She was fair-skinned- a Caucasian. Her figure every bit as slim and graceful. Her reddish lips were bow-shaped and her eyes were strikingly blue.

Alex turned to her with a smile, and Jason was surprised, that today, he was genuinely smiling for the first time he had seen him. "Eleana." His eyebrows raised. "This certainly saves me a trip to England."

The girl- Eleana- glanced behind him. "Yes, but we weren't aware you would be bringing others." She eyed the other three, every bit as beautiful as Mizuki, Jason observed. And every bit as dangerous, he sensed, although in a different way. If she reacted badly to their presence, he could trust Alex, but he didn't know if Alex alone would be able to stand against these two girls, whose skills were unknown.

"Normally I never would. I don't betray anyone's trust, Eleana, you know me." Alex said calmly. "In fact, I would never underestimate either of you either. Mizuki knew that I would be coming- and when she agreed to meet me, I would not be alone."

The two girls turned their eyes towards the group. Percy felt as if their eyes were x-rays, scanning him inside out, the way Alex analysed them.

"Americans." Eleana stated, matter-of-factly. True enough, her accent was English.

"New Yorkers?" Mizuki asked, dryly. "Or San Francisco?"

Jason cleared his throat. "Well, um, both."

"And a girl who can appreciate the outdoors." Eleana nodded to Calypso. "That itself earns a great deal of respect." She sighed, in apparent contentment. "I love this part of the temple grounds."

"I'm sure." Mizuki stated. "I don't have long. As I've said, I've persuaded everyone else to think that this garden is closed-off from viewing temporarily- for about twenty minutes. In truth, though, I don't have time. I am a miko priestess. I have a wedding to get to in about thirty minutes."

"Here?" Alex asked.

"If only." Mizuki sighed in irritation. "A wedding complex not far away. If this conversation drags on for two long, I'm afraid we will have to postpone it until after the ceremony. Eleana can take you there." Eleana nodded. "So what are you here for?"

"Well, I would never do this- or even let them do this- unless I feel that we are all in grave danger." Alex answered, gravely. Eleana's eyes darkened and flashed, whilst Mizuki went very still.

Finally, Mizuki spoke. "Is it them?"

"I can hardly be sure," Alex stated. "But you presume it." She said that sharply.

"All that I know, is sooner or later, your peaceful lives- in the temple and outside, will cease to exist." He said bluntly and frankly. "I know you love it here, and we all have respect for one another- so I would never take you out of the temple, unless I seriously believe that S.H.I.E.L.D is about to expose us."

"S.H.I.E.L.D?" Eleana asked, eyebrows arching. "The Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division?"

"Whoa," Percy muttered. "I think you and Alex were the first ones to say it by their full names."

"Well, we've always believed the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D chose their initials for a reason." Eleana responded. "They were always so paranoid." She muttered.

"Otherwise, they would never have attacked a Norse god in New Mexico." Mizuki muttered. "Before actually managing to recruit him for their superhero dream team: the Avengers." She scoffed.

Eleana laughed.

"I have reason to believe our enemies may be behind it." That caught their attention.

"How can you be sure?" Mizuki asked.

"I'm not," Alex stated. "But these guys are about to be exposed."

They turned their attention to the three.

"My apologies." Eleana flashed them a dazzling smile. "Please forgive us. We've had quite a day. We seem to have left our manners back there," she said amused.

"I am Eleana," she extended a hand to shake. "And this is Mizuki."

Percy and Jason shook in turn, followed by Calypso.

"Percy," Percy answered. "Percy Jackson."

"Jason Grace." "Calypso." They all nodded in turn.

"So you came here with three or…"

"Four," Alex sighed. "It was necessary to leave our fourth member behind. This is a temple, and as endearing as he is, he can be quite excitable." Calypso flushed but didn't deny it.

"Interesting." Mizuki studied Alex hard.

"He's extremely skilled, one of the most brilliant inventors," Alex supplied. "And these are some of the greatest warriors the world has ever seen- not as flashy nor as big show-offs as the Avengers."

"But they're not ordinary, are they?" Mizuki looked at them. "Why else would S.H.I.E.L.D be so interested in you?"

Jason bit his lip. "Yeah, about that…"

Percy sighed. "It's a long story."

"If that's the case, I must make my way to the wedding now," Mizuki supplied. "Eleana, could you-"

"Of course." She nodded. "If you would come with me."

Alex nodded. He could see Mizuki was disturbed. More than disturbed, even more than troubled. He couldn't blame her. This was alarming news, terrible things to digest.

Eleana kept her gaze on them as Mizuki turned and made her way back to the temple buildings.

---

The wedding complex was quite a large one, and featured exquisite chapels of Christian and Shinto nature- even Buddhist. According to Eleana, it was where people in Japan were opting to be married more and more, as it had halls for main religious and civil ceremonies, and the receptions afterwards, without stretching much distance.

"Normally, weddings would be held within the Meiji shrine itself. But this is becoming more and more popular." She explained as she led them through spacious halls.

"Just what were you about to explain to us?" She asked. "I might be able to fill in some details."

Alex sighed. He gestured for Percy, Jason and Calypso to tell her their parts of the story.

They expected Eleana to look at them as if they were crazy but she showed absolutely no emotion when that bombshell dropped.

Eleana went very still when he said that, but most surprising of all, her reaction was just like Alex. She'd sighed. "If Norse gods exist… Why not the Greek ones?"

Learning she was a demigod made her eyes narrow. For once, her friendly and cheerful disposition seemed to darken. Percy, Jason and Calypso all got the impression that she was no fonder of her parents than Alex was- at least her immortal one.

Alex had explained to her everything else: from S.H.I.E.L.D to the ones after them, to everything which had happened since he first met them in Ireland. Even the oath he made the demigods and legacies swear.

"It might've made more sense to get their parents to swear," Eleana mused. "But I see why you didn't want to negotiate with them. You realise the others aren't going to be happy about this? If we are demigods, they would not like to know that their long-lost or presumably dead parents still live- and is enjoying everything up there, whereas everyone else suffered." There was a bitter, harsh note in her otherwise melodic voice.

Alex sighed. "No." He said frankly. He gave her a look. "Are you willing to help us?"

"I think you know better than that, Alex. This affects me to. There's no chance of me going back to England and living my life the way I want to, in peace without any supernatural things happening. Sooner or later they'll find me." She looked as if she had tasted something foul. Or worse, swallowed it, and was trying to digest it without throwing up. "I have absolutely no desire to reconnect with my missing parents- immortal or otherwise- it's far too late for that and I've already made my peace. I was happy without all this supernatural drama intruding on my life. I don't need my parents." She sighed. "Why now?" Her sourness worsened. "Oh, right. S.H.I.E.L.D. Well, it would have been wise to get the Olympian gods to swear that oath, but I see where you're coming from Alex. I don't trust them. Even when it comes to seeing them. I don't trust them to walk a dog, much less get into contact with any of their younger children."

Surprisingly no thunder. Perhaps it was because Japan was the domain of Amaterasu-ōmikami and the pantheon she led.

Eleana scowled. That looked out of place on her beautiful face. "Mizuki will not be pleased."

"Well, I know I'm not." Another voice responded. Only Alex didn't jump but Percy and Jason did, as did Calypso. It appeared demigods like Alex popped up whenever and wherever they could without anyone else knowing.

"Drypetis. I thought to find you in Sweden."

"I'm on my annual break," she responded. This one was beautiful like the other two, but with a mocha complexion and a narrow-looking elfin face with delicate features. Her chocolate hair was tinged with red, a natural auburn. Coffee-coloured eyes stared back at them beneath thin-arched eyebrows. She looked vaguely Middle-Eastern, but not quite Arabic.

Drypetis stared them down. She wasn't as tall as the other two girls but she was slender and her movements reminded them of a gazelle.

A thought struck Percy: why is it that these girls were seriously hot?

Then again, he glanced at Alex. Alex was taller than him and Jason, well-built with golden-blond hair like beaten gold. His features were perfectly sculptured, chiselled and straight, skin as pale as marble and unblemished. Even Percy had to admit he was one good-looking dude, even as compared to the other guys he'd seen in his life- the gods (like Thanatos and Apollo in his original form), demigods (like Luke) and all the mortals he'd seen. But he hadn't realised it because unlike Nico he felt no attraction to boys, and Alex radiated an icy-cold aura which put him off more than going anywhere near the Zeus Cabin- or his first airplane flight experience. He wasn't a threat, but he certainly didn't encourage warmth either.

"I had a feeling you might be here," Alex said dryly. "When Mizuki showed up with Eleana- well, the three of you are usually tied at the hip, so to speak."

Drypetis cocked her head to one side. "Alex. It's been a long while. You're looking quite good, if only we met in happier circumstances. Alas, I can't say that I am pleased about all this."

"No," Alex said darkly. She turned her eyes towards Percy, Jason and Calypso. "I am Drypêtis. I confess, I am not currently at liberty to share my surname with anyone else."

"Even more careful than me." Alex only sounded slightly amused.

"Don't be so sure," Drypetis shot back. "I think you've been cleverer than most of us about this. I can't help but be impressed."

"I confess that is not entirely warranted." Alex admitted. He looked at the three of them. "Well, I've asked Eleana. What about you?"

Drypetis' eyes darkened. "I don't like this and I don't want this. I want absolutely nothing to do with my long-lost father. I didn't even want to know his name. I was happy without him. He wanted to go, so why not let him stay gone? And now you've come on our doorstep, ready to bring us under their gaze. What if we don't want to do their dirty work? All we want is to live our lives in peace. Now that the Greek gods have found us, I don't think they're going to let that happen. They don't want that. They want to get us killed- even if we are their children. They will get us killed, fathers or no."

The three campers took a step back at those words. Percy even winced. He thought he'd heard that before from Luke, but unlike Luke, he sensed that both Drypetis and Eleana- and probably (most likely) Alex and Mizuki wanted absolutely nothing to do with their immortal parents, whereas Luke, no matter how much he denied it, wanted recognition. As weird as it was, it was like he was a teenage hooligan, one of the rich kids rebelling to get their parents' attention. And Percy had met a lot of those.

"Do you think I want this as well?" Alex muttered bitterly. "You know my history- as much as I tried to hide it. But this isn't about them, it's about us. We're being hunted. The gods can take care of themselves, they've always had, and they've clearly made it quite clear and shown that they do not need or want us. That's okay. I don't have any expectations of my father, and I feel the exact same way as you do. But we need to survive. It's not a matter of trust; it's mutual self-interest- and not with Olympus- but them." He gestured to the other demigods and the sorceress.

"But how do we know they still won't try to kill us?" Drypetis snapped.

"We don't." Alex conceded. Percy and Jason opened their mouths, about to say something but he held out a hand.

"But gods are like many rich people: they tend to favour some of their children to the point of completely ignoring the others. These-" he waved a hand towards Percy and Jason. "Are two of them. If we leave them alone, S.H.I.E.L.D will capture them. Their existence and that of the Olympians, will be made known to an increasingly paranoid and hostile mortal world, steps will be taken to imprison, monitor and restrict the freedoms of, even kill these demigods. In fact, if I know these people, which I do, they will try to use the demigods to get to their parents. It's like them to get kids to their parents." He shrugged. "I'm not asking to be my father's favourite. I don't want that, it's too late and too much has happened for either of us to build any relationship, but Jason and Percy have had better relationships with their immortal parents. Maybe even their mortal ones- as compared to us. If we save the lives of our more fortunate siblings, we will be able to survive."

"But they will never leave us in peace!" Drypetis raged. "Not after this!"

"Who says we answer to them?" Alex's eyes glinted. "I know you still pray, Drypetis. I know at least two of you do. You don't think I don't as well? If the Greek gods and the Norse are real, we know full well who we serve in this cosmos. They just have to respect it. Based on what they've told me, Olympus and Asgard are currently having a tense relationship, at the moment. No matter how powerful either of them are, they can't afford a fight on all sides.

"I admit," he sighed. "I do struggle with being a good Catholic at times. Things like forgiveness and honouring one's father and mother tend to get at me. But it doesn't mean I can't try, and I know that He wants me to do the right thing- to save you and them from further suffering and other kids from misery. And I know your creed: the Truth and the Lie. What does the Truth tell you?"

There was silence.

Drypetis leaned back. Her eyes narrowed.

"Clever, Alex, very clever. Using my strong philosophical and religious beliefs against me. You know I believe in Good Words, Good Thoughts and Good Deeds. Thing is, when you step into another pantheon's threshold, you don't know how much of that carries there. Do you think the Olympians will leave us alone and forget about us if we save their favourite children?"

"Are their morals even the same?" Eleana asked. "After all, they cheat, lie, steal, trick and commit adultery. I thought you were the Catholic, Alex. Can you-" she turned to the other demigods. "Honestly deny your parents don't cheat, lie, steal, trick, brawl and commit adultery?"

Percy and Jason grimaced at that.

"Exactly." Drypetis stated flat-out. "They don't know the concept of Truth. The Truth and Lie are mixed up with them."

"Maybe." Alex said. "But as I said, this isn't about them. And they do have their own laws. We help their children, we go back to our normal lives, and it will be as if none of us ever existed to the other. If they can ignore us in the beginning, they can certainly do it after this. We can act like we never knew each other existed, as we always did before. That's what you want, isn't it? Well, it's what they want too." He insisted. "They've already ignored us from the beginning. They've made it clear. This benefits us too."

"You think it's that simple, Alex?" Eleana asked.

"Our lives may never be simple, but the Olympians each have their own code- mortal or immortal, everyone has their code. The gods of wisdom value that and knowledge above everything else. They also tend to be quite sensible most if not all the time. Like I said, we all serve different deities. No matter how powerful Olympus and Asgard are, can they truly afford conflict on all sides? As king of the gods, Zeus and Odin each have their own responsibilities and they can't afford a bad track record- no mortal or immortal king does. It would undermine their reign. The Greeks believe in the concept of Xenia- hospitality for guests, and cutting down Hubris- deadly pride. Those are only two. If we do this, Olympus will have no choice but to ignore us, and let us live our lives without them- just the way we want it."

"And if they jump the gun and decide it's better to be safe than sorry?" Eleana demanded. "Kill us all?"

"Not if they owe us for saving their kids." Alex stated. "Let's see what our friends have to say about this, shall we?"

"Interesting." Mizuki said sharply. It turned our she had been there for some time, listening to every word, the whole time. In truth, Alex had anticipated this. Mizuki could learn through observation too.

Her eyes were narrowed, and her hair was pulled back in a braid, with colourful ties, like the priestesses in the temple.

"They may still kill us," she stated flat-out. "They will break their word."

Percy couldn't stand this anymore. "You're their kids!" He blurted, ignoring the irritated look Alex gave him.

Before they disembarked for the Meiji Shrine, Alex had sternly instructed the three of them to let him do the talking- they were going to be suspicious enough as it was if they learned there were others involved- including gods.

"Does that mean anything?" Her eyes narrowed. "The titan Kronos swallowed his own children because they may be a threat. He dethroned his own father. After that, he was dethroned and cut up by his own son. They've made it clear; family ties and blood ties mean absolutely nothing to them. Otherwise, well, we wouldn't be having this problem now would we?"

Percy took a deep breath. "They aren't like Kronos."

"Maybe, maybe not." She looked at him. "We don't know them. How can we be sure?"

"They didn't approve of this plan." Alex said calmly.

"Wonderful. Now I am certain that they will kill us, offspring or not."

Percy and Jason opened their mouths this time but Alex beat them to it.

"Why? Because they owe us if we help their favourite kids, smoothing their re-emergence into the mortal world if it isn't possible to hide any longer, or making the heroes stronger in order to prepare themselves for the worst? No one likes this, not even I do, but we all agree that this is necessary. We're stronger together. Besides, these are our half-siblings. What does it matter who our parents are? They might not have been abandoned to the same degree as us, but we can't afford to abandon them ourselves. Like you've said, Eleana, sooner or later they will all find us. It's only a matter of time."

The three girls regarded him silently.

They exchanged covert glances. Alex just stood there. For three full minutes, everyone was silent.

"We don't have much of a choice, do we?" Mizuki asked. "We can hardly refuse if they request it of us."

Somehow, Percy got the feeling that she was not talking about them.

"Technically, yes, you do have a choice, but I think you also know what will happen to our survival in the long-run." Alex responded. "We have little time."

They regarded him in silence again.

Eleana sighed. "You've already proven your point." She sighed, her mood clearly ruined. "If they will leave us in peace… Then yes. We are the servants of other deities, if we follow other religions. And it's clear we're not getting paid for this, so our payment would be that."

"Then it's a good thing you-" he nodded to Drypetis. "Are Zoroastrian, and pray over Ahura Mazda's sacred flames, and you-" he inclined his head towards Mizuki. "Are a Shinto priestess and your patron goddess is Amaterasu. They can never take that away from us. Lives and dreams, but not faith. And our faith and beliefs do not lie in them. We owe others our allegiance."

Normally this would not be that encouraging, but there was something in the three girls' eyes as they once again exchanged glances.

"Very well." Mizuki stated. "But Alex-" her voice darkened. "Pray that this works."

---

Frank was not enjoying himself.

Firstly, his demigod instincts, toned after battle and practice, hiked up on alert when he sensed he was being followed. Second, two guys in black attacked him, one after the other. One of them actually tried to taser him, which made Frank's eyes blur and water, only for the guy to get sucker-punched.

Thirdly, the second man fired a bullet. Frank barely dodged, then cursed as he realised these were mortals, not monsters. He would welcome a monster attack after this.

Frank realised he needed to escape after this, but he didn't have much time.

He bumped into somebody, and for the life of him, he couldn't remember ever being so relieved to see someone.

"Nico!" He sighed. "No time," Nico grabbed his arm with a surprisingly strong vice-like grip. He dragged him behind some buildings, pressing their backs flat as the mortals ran past.

"We're definitely being hunted." He muttered. "Listen Frank, the camps are going to need some neutral ground to meet on. Once Percy, Jason, Leo, Calypso and Alex return with their friends, we need to meet them face-to-face. See what they've got."

Frank looked at him. "And then?"

"And then we try to compromise." Nico's eyes were grim. "I don't know what these guys have been through but they don't trust anyone. But we need them."

Frank sighed again. "Reyna said Alex didn't tell a single lie. Or well, her dogs believe that."

"Yeah." Nico agreed. "So, your Romans know any safe ground? I've been scouting as well."

Frank shrugged helplessly. "There are a number of mortal-free places, but somewhere where we can all get to easily? From both camps? Not easy, man."

"I know," Nico admitted. "Just keep trying. And be on your guard. You've heard about the Lotus Hotel. But two guys were following me when I returned from Percy's parents' apartment. So be on your guard."

Frank's eyes narrowed. "S.H.I.E.L.D?"

"Maybe." Nico conceded. "But Alex did mention someone else was kidnapping demigod." His eyes narrowed, dangerously and in hate.

"Yeah, but who?"

"Alex said he didn't know." Nico sighed. "And Reyna's dogs believe him. He was telling the truth, I know that much. Those guys." He scowled. "Whoever they are-"

The sound of tyres filled the air. Nico cursed and grabbed Frank's hand, shadow-travelling some place safe.

---

"And this is the-" Leo was raving excitedly about his new mode of transport. Similar to the Argo II, but not quite. Only Drypetis showed a keen interest in all of this.

Mizuki and Eleana were polite, but Jason could tell they were casually avoiding Leo and the rest of them as much as they could. Only Alex could be seen talking to them, and it looked like Mizuki and Eleana were debating with themselves and him, on whether this was the right choice.

Mizuki had explained to the temple priests and priestesses that she would have to go away because a relative was seriously sick. Now, she was no longer dressed in the costume of the Shinto priestesses, but in black pants, top and a close-cropped jacket, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her eyes looked cold, but Jason no longer thought of Khione when he saw her. In fact, she reminded him of-

"Artemis." Calypso appeared next to him. "She does remind you of Artemis, doesn't she?"

He stared at her. "Were you reading my thoughts or something?"

"No, but I was thinking the exact same thing." She stared. "But Artemis doesn't have any demigod children. Then again," she conceded when Jason opened his mouth. "Athena also took a maiden vow."

"Yeah, how did that happen?" Jason muttered, referring to Athena's demigod children. She had none as Minerva, precisely because the goddess hated Romans and as long as he remembered, he had always been taught that Athena/Minerva was a maiden goddess."

"You know how she was born, right?" Calypso looked at him. When Jason nodded his head, she continued, "Her children were born in the same way."

The expression on his face must've been priceless, slack-jawed, gaping and all. But Calypso said: "Children of Athena are created from the divine thoughts of their mother and the mortal ingenuity of their father."

Jason opened his mouth and closed it. He did it again. Calypso didn't seem to notice as she frowned. "I wonder if Artemis found a way around that vow, like Athena."

"If she did, wouldn't she know about it? Chiron said the gods didn't know about Alex. I don't think they knew about Mizuki."

"True." Calypso admitted.

"So, I know it's not for me to say this, but any idea on how we keep the gods from incinerating them once we get to camp?" Percy asked.

Jason sighed. "Like he said, we need them. More than we know."

"Interesting." Drypetis' eyebrows rose delicately. "Ingenious."

Leo puffed up with pride. "Yeah, I try."

"And you have two repeating crossbows?" Drypetis then frowned. "Hm. I would have used something else."

"Huh?"

"Are they your main weapons? What do they fire?"

"Well, mainly bolts strong enough to explode through concrete."

"This Celestial Bronze?"

"Yup." Leo popped the p. "And the oars aren't just retractable and self-automated- they change into spears."

"But you would hardly be thrusting them through their holes?" Drypetis asked, sceptically. "The holes are too narrow and difficult. What if the oars break?"

"They're reinforced." Leo argued. "And automatic."

"Still, why not-" she gave a few ideas. She knew it was unwise to drop her defences so easily, but she could not help it.

Leo showed them the controls. The keyboard monitor had the aviation controls of a leer jet, a dubstep soundboard, sensors to control various parts of the ship, even Wii remotes. Drypetis looked impressed- though mildly and grudgingly.

Leo's eyes had lit up as they spoke. Could this be? Was she-

But then again, she could just as easily be one of Athena's kids.

"Very interesting." She cast her eyes around the ship.

"Huh." Percy looked at Jason and Calypso over there. "So… Interested in mechanics, seems to know her stuff. Like Leo, isn't it?"

Calypso's eyes widened. And Jason's. "She could be." She agreed. "But then again, she could be one of Athena's."

Percy shook his head. "I don't think so."

---

The Olympians were silent.

They couldn't pretend that didn't stung. The conversation with the new demigods…

Well. And now one of them was most likely Hephaestus'.

"They could have said things nicer." Someone mumbled.

But even then they couldn't deny the truth of those words. No god could dney that they had never lied, tricked or committed adultery. Their own kids…

"What did Alex say?" Athena murmured. "He said his mother was in prison… For child abuse and murder."

Everyone stared at her, and a few even gasped.

"I can't imagine it." Demeter muttered. As someone who adored her children, including the one in the Underworld…

She shot an angry glare at Zeus. "Just who did you hook up with?" She demanded.

Hera's eyes narrowed. "I would like to know that as well."

Zeus scowled yet again. "I told you: I don't remember. I can even swear it by the Styx, or anything else that you put me up with, but for the life of me I can't remember anyone who might've been his mother."

"Some Irish chick?"

"No." He scowled. "And I never travelled to Ireland either."

"I can't remember anything either." Hephaestus said in astonishment.

"Drypêtis is a Persian name," Athena stated. "It was the name of a Persian princess, the daughter of Darius III and the sister-in-law of Alexander the Great. Sister of Stateira and wife of Hephaestion."

Hephaestus shook his head. "Zoroastrian… Iranian…. Nope, I got nothing." He heaved out a gusty sigh. Then he looked bitter, remembering what she said. That actually hurt.

"Did you see those girls?" Hermes' eyebrows rose. "And Alex? Isn't it just insane how uncommonly good-looking they are? Even for our standards?"

"And Drypetis doesn't look like you at all." Apollo pointed out. Lucky kid.

"And yet none of you remember their mothers- or fathers."

"We might be jumping the gun here." Athena warned. "Remember: just because Drypetis has shown a keen interest in mechanics, and Alex looks just like Father in his younger years, it does not mean that they are necessarily their offspring." Everyone else gave her an incredulous look.

"Well, one of my former Hunters, Josephine is a mechanic." Artemis sighed. "Her mother was Hecate. Athena is right, we really shouldn't presume."

But everyone else had noted the unnaturally strong resemblance Alex had with Zeus as well. In fact, he was almost completely identical to Zeus during the first Titanomachy and the first millennium of his reign.

Athena saw this as well, frowning. "Then again… The resemblance between them is… Uncommon.

"Mother was Irish… Died in jail for child abuse and murder…" She murmured. Athena sighed and looked at her father. "Absolutely no idea?" Zeus' face darkened, like thunder clouds in a storm and he shook his head.

"Are we even sure that they're demigods?" Demeter protested.

"I am certain of it." Athena admitted. "Could you not tell?" That question was directed to the others.

Only a few mumbled in assent. The rest shook their heads.

She sighed. "It may be because they are Roman. Perhaps we should test them?"

"And how do we do that if we don't even remember their mortal parents in the first place?" Hephaestus pointed.

Athena's grey eyes were steely as she spoke: "I have an idea."

---

Mediterranean Sea, Greek waters …

"What makes you think they'll agree to this?" Mizuki challenged.

"The same points I put with the three of you." Alex said flatly.

"Not all of them will agree."

"I don't aim to ask all of them." Alex looked at her.

"But you will ask her." She stated.

"She has already agreed to this beforehand." Mizuki froze.

Her eyes then narrowed. "Her and… Him?!"

Alex nodded.

Mizuki absorbed this in silence. "They truly believe this is the wisest course of action?" Her voice sounded truly incredulous and sceptical.

"We all believe it is the only course of action." He retaliated. "Even I am faced with that fact. I can't deny it any more than they can. And don't say that you can- you're smarter than this, any idiot knows that."

Mizuki stared out at the Mediterranean. Not long before they reach Athens. Dusk had fallen and she could see the lights were out in the distance.

"What if they turn against us?" She asked in a low voice.

"Then there is always the contingency." He stated. "We are not alone in this fight. The demigods have already given me their word- and the Legacies. Are you sure we won't be able to take care of ourselves?"

"Fair point." She did not take her eyes off the approaching city.

Alex sighed and turned, placing both hands on the railing. "I don't pretend that they are ideal and perfect, nor trustworthy, but even they have their code. Xenia- the laws of hospitality and Guest Right. Arete- the laws of Excellence, Effectiveness, Efficiency and living up to one's full potential. The law against Hubris- Deadly Pride, and arrogance. Laws against cannibalism and the murder of one's flesh and blood."

"Laws which they have broken." Mizuki stated.

"Not Xenia- not unless their guests violate the terms of their Guest Right."

"The Love goddess did that when she prompted Paris to elope with Helen from right under Menelaus' nose and hospitality." Mizuki retorted. "Publicly humiliating him and harming his reputation, despite his kindness. Undermining his authority as a king and endangering Sparta, Greece- and Troy. They've also either participated in the murder of relatives, like Kronos or helped those like Orestes and Agamemnon slay their own kin; it was the goddess of Maidens and the Hunt who ordered Agamemnon to slay Iphigenia, his daughter, for the crime of the father breaching her sacred grounds." She paused, taking him in. "And Hubris only applies to mortals."

Alex was silent.

"You of all people understand better than most: the more you trust, the more you are betrayed. This is no different."

"I've already said this was a matter of mutual self-interest." Alex kept his eyes on the city.

"Then keep your senses alert even when you sleep. You don't know when they may literally stab you in the back. Even your own father and mine." She turned and walked away.

---

This was the second time they visited Athens and Percy, Jason and even Leo kept their senses peeled and on high alert. Monsters were wild and unpredictable in the ancient lands. But everything seemed fine with the mortals. Most were out, partying in the clubs. They could hear music from the streets.

"I've booked a room in a hotel." Alex muttered. "We need to change."

They turned to stare at him.

"Party time?" Eleana asked.

"In the royal palace- yes. I have the invites."

"Cool!" That was obviously Leo.

"Don't make me regret this." Alex gave him a sharp look.

Leo held out his hands. "'Kay, 'kay, chill man."

"This is a serious matter," Alex retorted. "If we attract attention, we have not only monsters and mortal police to worry about, but S.H.I.E.L.D. If they haven't caught us on CCTV already." He said, threateningly.

In truth, Drypetis had already hacked into the CCTV cameras, and just about every security camera in Athens from the ship. Still, if Alex's threat could ensure no one made mistakes…

Exchanging their clothes, Drypetis walked forwards. "I'll be on control backup in case anything goes wrong." She warned them.

"Do you have somewhere you can operate safely?" Alex asked.

She smiled. "Who do you think helped us out?"

Alex smiled in response.

"Right- the three of you, please come with me." He directed them to the closet.

"Our newest contact has agreed to meet, but we are meeting somewhere populated with a lot of important people." He explained.

Jason and Percy exchanged bemused glances. "Is that wise?" Calypso asked, crinkling her brow.

"Quite frankly, I trust her judgement. It's when it's too quiet nowadays which worries me, especially with S.H.I.E.L.D ready to burst out of nowhere." He glanced quizzically at the three of them. "Eleana could you-" "On it," their British friend replied. "This way, please Calypso. We need to get you suited up."

"Here, this one should fit you," Alex stated, almost- fondly? He handed a suit on a hanger to Jason. "And this one goes to you." He handed one to Percy.

Percy's suit was navy blue, Jason's was even darker in colour. Alex had quickly gotten into his suit which appeared black at first glance, then turned out be a very dark blue-grey. He looked extremely… Elegant. And again, it showed Percy and Jason just how good-looking their friend was, which was bewildering enough as it was, especially as Alex's aura of detached coldness, or icy efficiency would deter anyone from approaching him. But he was undisputedly one of the most handsome men they had ever seen- even compared to the gods.

His features were perfectly chiselled, and classical as if carved from some marble statue, but not even a master artist could sculpt like that. The perfectly straight, thin nose, high cheekbones, chiselled lips, and a sculptured, strong jawline…

He looked bizarrely familiar.

Percy himself frowned trying to see who it might be, it was like déjà vu, trying to grasp something that was on the fringes of his mind. He knew it was there, he knew he had seen someone like Alex before. But Alex's golden-blond hair ruined the image he was trying to recall. All he could think of was Apollo with his beaten-gold hair, but no, though there was a tiny bit of resemblance, he didn't think it was Apollo in his godly form who looked just like Alex.

"Here." Alex broke them out of their thoughts (frustratingly trying to recall which god he was, and failing yet again). He handed them each a tie. He was already wearing his blue one, Jason received a tie of dark violet whereas Percy's was emerald. Alex came forwards and straightened their cuffs, collars and helped them with their ties. A surprising move yet again. Almost affectionate.

"When you meet our next contact," he stated. "Try not to stare, alright? Or gape or anything like that."

"Huh? Why?" Percy asked.

Alex shook his head. "You'll see when we get there."

"Why all the secrecy?" Jason asked.

"Because you never know if someone else is listening in, or if it is the right time to discuss such things." Alex said in a flat tone that allowed no arguments.

"This party will be filled with VIPs. And we'll be in the Royal Palace. It's a ball."

"Wait- what?!" They both yelped, but Alex took no heed of them, as he handed them each a pair of perfect, hand-tooled leather shoes to wear, smirking as he did.

---

Aglaia stared outside the palace. A storm was brewing. Literally and figuratively. She couldn't take her eyes off it.

"Andrew." She spoke.

"Yes?" Her companion looked up from where he had been fixing his cuff-links. They were due to meet with their companions and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood soon enough.

"Can I ask you a question?" She said softly. "You were with… Him during our medical check-ups, am I right?"

Andrew rose, his hair was dark and he was handsome like all the others. But his most striking feature was his steel-grey eyes, like storm clouds.

"Of course. Eleana was in charge of us both, but we had our check-ups together."

"Even after two thousand years…" Aglaia mused.

"Well, what was it that Marcus Aurelius said?" Aglaia struggled to hide a smile as he said that. "'Do not act as if you are going to live for ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, do good.'" She quoted.

He smiled. "Yes, that."

"For all his success and legacy, I think he regretted living like that during his human lifetime." Aglaia pondered.

"You of all people know he has many regrets." Andrew said softly.

Aglaia was silent for a moment. "Yes." She agreed, softly.

"But what I wanted to say is… Did he ever… Take something to prevent me from becoming pregnant?" Andrew looked up at her in surprise.

"What brought this up?" He asked, bewildered. Aglaia sighed, masking her embarrassment. "Well, just a thought. Eleana is being professional, as always, in this field. And I dare not ask him, as… Well, I don't want to reopen old wounds, but… If a couple did what we did, as much as we did, shouldn't I be pregnant by now? Unless there was something wrong with me? But I never made it to my graduation, did I?"

Andrew was silent for a long moment too. "Yes." He admitted. "Yes, he did take something to prevent you from becoming pregnant." Aglaia looked at him, in shock. "Eleana and Mizuki both made something that would prove an efficient method of contraception- even to gods."

"But why?" She asked, bewildered. "That was one of his main motives in his mortal life, wasn't it? Well, perhaps not," she conceded. "But he did understand the importance of it. He never had the time."

Andrew sighed at that. "And surely," she continued. "If he had regrets about that, even though everything he's built throughout his mortal life, the empire and all, is gone, surely he would want-" but Andrew shook his head.

"Even if everything was left standing, he still would not get you pregnant." He paused. "I confess, I did ask him about that, Aglaia. He told me that having lost everyone… Well, he finds it hard to risk starting again, just to lose everything. You, namely, and any child of yours. Then there's the fact that you two aren't married yet. He remembered what you told him about your biological parents. He doesn't want to ruin you, especially not publicly. This isn't Monaco, and an illegitimate child of yours will never be accepted, and you will be disgraced- things will get worse, if S.H.I.E.L.D, the Avengers or any mortal finds out about your child's heritage."

Aglaia was stunned into silence. She knew he cared for her, and he did tell her she was the third person he ever fell in love with, but…

She did not realise he cared for her this much.

"It's been over two millennia," Andrew said, smiling sadly. "In some ways, he's never changed. The greatness is still there, for example. But he has a whole ocean full of regrets. His worst nightmare would be to lose you. I think he feels he cares too much for you."

Aglaia sighed. "Is it even possible? Between us? I mean, I am a demigoddess after all. Half-immortal, but still mortal."

"Maybe," Andrew stated. "But he doesn't care."

Aglaia turned back to the windows, facing the thundering sky. "The Triumvirate are still a threat. Nero and the others… They've reformed."

"Maybe. But we've got him on our side, and he's worth over a million of them put together." Andrew stated. "And I am not just stating this because of bias."

"The Triumvirate are the least of our worries." Aglaia stated. "If he's right, which even I must admit, he usually is, then they are back."

"You do realise that you've taken a great risk in this?" Andrew nearly demanded. "Aglaia- you know he won't be pleased-" he began heatedly.

Aglaia shook her head. "He cannot stop me. No one can. Not from conquering our enemies."

"You should have been alive with him when he was busy conquering the world." Andrew scowled.

She turned to scrutinise him. He was striking in his charcoal-grey suit. His hair was neatly combed, slick with gel.

Aglaia sighed. "We had better get going." She gave him a stern look. "And need I ask you not to say anything about this?"

Andrew smirked. "Of course not."

"Thank you."

---

Cars rolled in, many of them Rolls-Royces or limousines, sports cars like Ferraris and Porsches. The doors were opened by awaiting men in neatly-pressed tuxedos, porters, valets, butlers, et cetera, came forwards to open the doors, letting the elegantly-dressed guests pour through.

Alex had brought Eleana as a 'date' and Leo was going with Calypso (no surprises there), whilst Percy was with Mizuki and Jason with Eleana. Drypetis had chosen to stay behind as their back-up person.

It sat wrong with both Percy and Jason to bring 'dates' but Alex assured them that many people came escorting someone who was not in a romantic relationship with them. "Like bringing a plus-one." He promised. "Besides, this is nothing but show." No one was getting betrayed.

Waiters in creamy white jackets came offering canapés, hors d'oeuvres and flutes of champagne among other things. Many were local delicacies which were incredibly delicious. But it was not for them to enjoy the party.

People toasted one another and chatted gaily. Music played, the chandeliers glowed- it was a scene from a movie. But even though Alex appeared relaxed (and he had instructed the others to appear like that as well), he was on the lookout. Not just for any potential spy, assassin, or S.H.I.E.L.D agent, but monsters too. Or security guards looking alert and suspicious. But he found nothing.

He was also on the lookout for their contact. Who so happened to be absent. Alex frowned inwardly.

Then his eye caught something.

"Good evening." A smartly-dressed, handsome young man appeared in front of him.

The man's hair was dark, and his eyes were steely grey. "How very nice of you to join us." He extended a hand.

Alex had frozen for a few milliseconds before he took the man's hand. "Andrew." He stated. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you think?" Andrew answered. "I was invited. And you wanted to see me, didn't you? I saved you an extra trip by coming here."

"Is this, err, our contact?" Jason asked, tentatively. "One of them." Alex answered. "And let's keep our voices down, shall we? Jason, Percy, Leo and Calypso, meet Andrew Ramirez." His eyes sharpened.

"What the heck are you playing at?"

Andrew merely smiled. "Come now, Alex. You know me better than that."

"Unfortunately, yes." Alex grunted. He nearly rolled his eyes. "Who else is here?"

"Just her. You don't need everyone." He smirked. Taking a sip from his champagne, he eyed the campers and sorceress. "So… Not survivors, I see."

"No." Alex said frankly. "New Yorkers?" He sounded amused. Alex gave him an irritated look. "Or… Let me guess? San Francisco."

Leo looked at him flat-out. "Dude, you have got to teach me that." He looked at Alex and the girls they had met in Tokyo. "All of you."

"Another time," Alex said, curbing his annoyance. "Just you?"

"And her. It was a good idea."

"Whose was it?"

"Who do you think?"

Alex's eyes narrowed. "This has your fingerprints all over it."

"But I'm not the only one." Alex stifled a groan.

"Why?" He sighed.

"Why not?" Andrew smirked. "Did you really think you were the number one pal on your own?" Alex gave him the evil eye.

"Great." He growled. "You tend to annoy me; do you know that?"

"I know," Andrew said cheerfully. "I also know that you love me."

"Love you my-" and Alex muttered several foul obscenities in English and Irish under his breath. "Ouch." Andrew put his hand over his heart, feigning hurt.

"I am glad you are in Greece." Alex hissed, drawing closer to Andrew. "Because there are a lot of ruins. So, if a column happens to fall and hits you in the head-"

"You'd laugh. I know. But you'd also mourn." Andrew smirked. "If you kill me, you'd also regret it."

Alex cursed in Irish and English some more. He rolled his eyes. "This is Percy, Jason, Leo and Calypso."

"Interesting." Andrew gave a winsome smile. "Pleasure. Like us?" He asked Alex sceptically. He sipped his champagne again. "But not like us?"

"No." Alex managed to calm himself. This was the only person who could annoy him like this. The one person and he had to meet him right now. But he was right, Alex thought grudgingly. They would need Andrew, and for all his faults, even Alex didn't really hate him. But he would rather not admit that.

"Where is she?" He asked, really rolling his eyes now.

"Coming." He smirked. "Oh, it's you." Mizuki sounded bored as she reappeared. Eleana nodded courteously towards Andrew.

"Mizuki and Eleana." He gave a charming smile. Alex looked like he tasted something sour.

"Andrew." Mizuki didn't look too pleased either. "I didn't know you'd be here." She gave a glance towards Alex.

"Neither did I," he muttered.

"Shame, isn't it? But it was a good suggestion, so I went." Andrew ate a canapé. "How the heck does she tolerate you?" Alex muttered.

"Well, she's… Her. So really, you can't say anything about that." He gave the others a nonchalant glance. "They don't know much do they?"

"It wasn't wise to give them the names of our contacts until we've met." Alex muttered. "Plus, you know I don't break anyone's trust."

"Same old Alex." Andrew sighed. He took a glance at Leo. "Scrawny, but sassy. Oil stains in your hands- you can't get those off, can you?" He smirked. "Even Drypetis struggles with that at times. How is she anyway? Still insisting she'd rather stay as controls and backup?"

"Um…" That was Percy and Jason. "Oh, right. New Yorker- but you look half-Greek- or in the very least Mediterranean, but I'd say Greek. Hm. Do you like the beach?" he grinned mischievously. "Or the sea as a whole? Sailing, swimming, surfing- those sorts of things? You also look like a soldier, but crossed with a rebel. A rebel soldier, who doesn't fight for a rebellion. Huh. A good, strong, loyal and charismatic leader." He glanced at Jason. "Well, look at you. Similar. Very similar. Well, you're obviously blonde," he drawled. "But strong, serious, with a bit of a soft spot somewhere. Not as much as an easy-going guy, but pretty mild as compared to some of your colleagues, or should I say, comrades?"

Calypso was next. "Hm. Greek, I'd say, or rather, that's the closest I can get. You don't seem like anyone I've ever met, but you are quite the gardener, aren't you? Nature- that's your thing. But you're not someone who's supposed to be underestimated, are you? Pretty powerful? Perhaps not in combat, but heck, everyone has their abilities, right?"

He turned his smirk towards Alex. "So where'd you pick them up, Alex? Why New York?"

"I would much rather say it, when I know she's here."

"Well, you won't have to wait for very long." He turned his head towards the stairs and everyone gasped simultaneously.

There, on the stairs like a movie, stood the most beautiful woman they'd ever seen. She had the most delicate and beautiful face any of them had ever seen. A perfect heart-shaped face with high, elegant cheekbones a tiny, delicately upturned, but straight nose, a lush rosebud mouth, rosy and rounded. This girl had the longest, thickest black lashes framing her slanted almond eyes, and a delicately shaped and fine jawline and chin, even a widow's peak that made her face truly heart-shaped. Her skin was luminous, glowing like mother-of-pearl, flawless and smooth.

Aglaia had arrived.

And Alex knew she would spell trouble for the gods. He didn't have anything against that.

Her smile was magic.

She was dressed in a gown of emerald shot-silk that shifted to silver and turquoise encrusted with a few crystals and flounces that clung to her curves and flowed down her slenderness like a waterfall. Her minimal jewellery and gauzy silk wrap draped around her shoulders only served to accentuate her glow and beauty.

"Didn't I tell you not to stare?" Alex sighed, exasperatedly. His normally limitless patience was worn thin. But he knew this had been inevitable. At least everybody stared- not just the four of them.

This was not a promising evening. The arrival of Andrew Ramirez showed that. The fact that Aglaia would have normally worn her mask to meet them… Why would she do that?

Alex scanned his brain for countless possible reasons as to why the normally cautious Aglaia would do such a thing. Then again, would she have required an invitation if she went in disguise. Verification and proof? Perhaps this was easier, but risky. Still very risky.

Irritation levels rising on this rare occasion, Alex decided he would play along.

For now.

If he saw the glint in Aglaia's eyes, he may have had a clue as to what she was planning.

---

Sorry, I realised that this chapter was getting far too long for my planned action scene to take place- so I'm afraid it's going to take place in the next chapter- SORRY, SO SORRY! Please forgive me, I didn't mean to cut it out!