Chapter 39
The day after the party the Praetor's and Percy summoned Dylan to the Praetoria. The young man appeared nervous in his Centurion armor as he entered the room and stood at attention. Percy, Bianca, and Jason, had discussed a plan of attack on this summoning, and could only hope that it didn't backfire.
Dylan was a tall wiry build, but had well toned muscles to his stature. He was approaching six and half feet in height, and his dark brown eyes, and dark brown hair cut for an intimidating figure to those who did not know him. His powers had always been a marvel to Percy, and the young man had been a friend for years now, but he had to be sure of his loyalty. He had to let Jason and Bianca do their jobs.
Bianca opened up the interrogation, "Dylan Payne, Centurion of the Fourth Cohort, son of Trivia. Nine years of service. Outstanding credentials, and zero disciplinary problems in the entirety of your service time here."
Jason continued from there, "No family in New Rome, mother Lupa brought you in when you were about as young as I was. Entered the legion at age nine, while staying with one of your older siblings. It says here that they defected during the mass exodus, but you stayed."
Bianca didn't wait for even a second, "Why?"
Dylan looked from the two Praetor's back and forth with wide eyes, and then he looked to Percy, "Consul what is this about?"
Percy said nothing while Jason snapped, "Just answer the question Centurion."
Dylan looked pleadingly at Percy who just held a steady gaze while the young man finally shook his head, "My loyalty is to Rome. Mother Lupa and the wolves saved me, and taught me to protect myself. No one taught me to use my powers I taught myself. I wanted to be of service to a home that took me in when I had nothing." Looking at Percy he said, "To be loyal to people like me who also came from nothing, but did everything they could to make a name for themselves and build a future."
Bianca questioned, "Your legionnaires speak highly of your leadership abilities, but you don't seem to have formed many relationships in your cohort, in the other cohorts, or in the city. Can you explain your detachment?"
Dylan seemed surprised by the question, and stared at his leaders, "Captain Jackson, is this really necessary? Can I at least be told the reason I am being interrogated?
Bianca snapped this time, "Please refer to the Consul with formality during this session. Now please answer the question."
The older teenager dropped his eyes to the floor clearly getting flustered with his frustration, "Not many people want to be seen with the legacies, or children of Trivia, or any of the minor gods these days. We've been looked at with scrutiny, suspicion, and sometimes even malevolence. Not many people are rushing to be my friend, or form relationships with me."
"Does that make you bitter towards some of the legionnaires?" Jason asked carefully. All three leaders could relate to the young man's situation when they were younger, but couldn't allow sympathy to cloud their judgement.
Dylan took a look at each of three of them before sighing, "Yes sir. Sometimes."
"Enough to sympathize with the Titans or your siblings who became deserters?" Bianca asked without hesitation.
Dylan turned red in the face, and the tension in the air spiked, "I resent that insinuation Praetor. I have been a loyal Roman for nearly ten years. I have led my cohort with honor. I was selected to be a Centurion for my prowess in battle, and my loyalty to this way of life."
The young man was now holding clenched fist, and was heaving for breath as his anger turned towards the Consul of Rome, "I have been loyal to you since the day you selected me to be on the Praetorian Guard. I took an oath to defend you and Rome with my life. I have never given anyone a reason to doubt me. My mother may have chosen her side in this conflict, but I will stand against her as is my duty to Rome. If you don't believe that then you can have my resignation as Centurion."
Percy broke his silence immediately at that, "That won't be necessary. I'm sorry for the deception, but we had to be sure. I need your help with something mission critical. Something that we can't even take to the Senate."
Dylan looked confused, "I don't understand. I thought all things had to be approved by the Senate."
"Not when we have an acting consul, and two Praetors. If the three of us agree on things we can silence anything as a state secret, though once the war is over we will not exercise this power often or at all if we can." Bianca explained carefully.
Jason nodded, "We have a need for unique abilities, and it had to be someone we trusted to go with Percy."
"Because we can't do it." Bianca explained gently.
Dylan took a deep breath, and looked to Percy, "Sounds dangerous."
Confirming his unasked question Percy nodded, "It will be, but like I said it's mission critical, and you and I are the only ones with the abilities to do it."
"I'm in." The son of Trivia said easily.
All three leaders blinked, and Jason scratched his head, "We don't expect you to accept until you hear the assignment."
The young Centurion shook his head, "You said it was mission critical, and that Percy and I are the only two capable of executing the plan. That means if I refuse our Consul would be alone. I. Am. In."
Percy grinned at the Centurion, "How's your ability to breathe underwater?"
Dylan shrugged, "I can cast all varieties of different magic that would allow me to do it. I could conjure a thin breathing apparatus, or create an oxygen bubble underwater as long as we aren't being attacked...we aren't going to Atlantis are we?"
The son of Neptune shook his head, "Not quite, but we are going to have to cover a considerable distance under water, and conduct a stealth mission to blow up a cruise ship the Titan Lord Saturn is currently using as a monster base of operation. If we don't then the monsters and Saturn will assault Olympus at full power, and western Civilization will be lost."
"There will be wind spirits controlling the skies." Jason explained.
"While Oceanus will be controlling the sea surrounding the boat, so Percy can't just sink it." Bianca added.
"Our best hope is to disguise ourselves on the back of Hippocampi, and board the ship, plant explosives, and get out without being detected. Of course that's the best case scenario. We should be prepared for things to go south, and even the possibility of facing the Titan Lord face to face." Percy said carefully watching the man.
Dylan showed no fear on his countenance, but Percy could tell by how his body stiffened that he knew what their odds would be if they were discovered before planting the explosives, "I understand sir. How long do we have to prepare? Will the Guard be told?"
The three demigods at the front of the room exchanged looks, and Percy answered the question, "One week to prepare. As for the Praetorians it will be strictly need to know. Jason and Bianca will tell everyone that we are going to pay respects to my mothers grave site. You will be merely acting as my guard, which Bianca and Jason will have insisted I take due to the state of things."
"Are you thinking there is a leak inside the guard sir?" Dylan asked, looking concerned.
Jason shook his head, "This is just a precaution Centurion. Triton told us that some of the best leaders in history inadvertently caused their own fall by being too forthcoming with their information. No benefit comes from sharing this information. It will only make everyone worry."
Bianca added, "Percy and yourself have always been viewed as good friends. No one will question the move. This whole operation can be complete within the span of a day, so you two can leave in the morning, and return by dawn the next day. If you don't we will alert the legion, and mobilize."
Percy shook his head, "Hopefully it doesn't come to that. Dylan I know you said you were already in, but I really need you to think about this. Are you sure you want to do it?"
Without hesitation the son of Trivia nodded firmly, "Yes sir."
The four held a brief silence pondering the impact the meeting would have, while Percy offered the Centurion a smile, "You are dismissed for now then Centurion, and thank you. You didn't deserve our interrogation, but it wasn't a risk we could afford to take."
"I understand sir. Thank you for your faith in me." With a bow of his head Dylan departed the Praetoria leaving the leaders of Rome to discuss what would happen next among themselves.
The week passed quickly leading up to the secret mission. Percy had begun dropping hints that afternoon that he was planning a visit to the city before the Romans began their siege, while Jason and Bianca publicly insisted that he took a guard as they were unavailable, and needed to help prepare the cohorts. It was a type of covercy that Percy didn't really appreciate, but he understood its necessity.
The morning of the attack came, and the four gathered out by the little Tiber all looking solemn. Jason was holding a bag, and passed it to Percy as they prepared for departure, "Hank made the explosives without question like you said. We told him it was for a secret project, and he asked no questions. You both will have enough explosives to take out the cruise ship in case one of you goes down. There are two detonators one on each of the watches in your bags. There's also enough nectar and ambrosia to provide any sort of first aid you may need."
Percy and Dylan took the bags offering their appreciation to the Praetor, while Bianca stayed silent. Her nerves clear, while the duo began giving their farewells. Hugs were given, and when Percy came to Bianca she pulled him in hard embracing him, "Be careful Percy. Jason and I won't be out there to help you. Trust in each other, and come back alive. Whatever it takes."
Percy nodded, pulling back and kissing the girl softly, "Whatever it takes."
Embracing Jason, the boy gave him a nod of encouragement, and Percy turned towards his partner, "Are you ready?"
Dylan offered the boy a grin, "Ready to get it over with? Definitely."
Returning the grin with a smile of confidence Percy raised his fingers towards his lips and let out a sharp whistle. In no time at all a black pegasi, and a white pegasi game blasting through the sky, and landing in front of Percy and Dylan with a stampede of hooves. Blackjack spoke to Percy, "Hey boss, ready to fly? I think Guido and I are hoping we can let you down near some donut shop so we can catch a late lunch."
Percy chuckled, patting the horse on the mane, "Whatever you want buddy."
Mounting his pegasi, and watching Dylan do the same was something of a nerve wrecker. The Consul of Rome knew what was coming, and what was at stake, but trying to shake that off he offered a two finger salute to his friends, "We will be back around dawn tomorrow."
Jason called out, "May the gods watch over you both. Good luck boys."
Bianca had no words and merely waved sadly. Turning towards his companion Percy asked if the man was ready, and with a mental command the pegasi bounded forward.
The flight across the country was cold, and took up nearly the entirety of the day. Twilight was approaching when they landed in Chesapeake Bay, and as Blackjack promised they posted up near a twenty four donut shop that Percy just knew the pegasi were going to raid one way or another. Regardless, the walk to the beach took hardly no time at all. Dylan could be seen stretching his legs from the long flight, and trying to get loose, while Percy said nothing trying to dial in on the fight ahead.
Arriving at the beach Percy raised his hands towards the water and a moment later two massive horses with fish tales erupted from the water whining happily at the site of the son of the seas. When they came ashore they both offered a bow, and Percy returned it in respect. Dylan whistled, "They are beautiful."
"I'm glad you think so." Percy said happily, "Because they are our ride."
Percy communicated telepathically with the horses informing them of their destination, and mission, while they both stumbled over how honored they were to have been chosen by the Prince of Atlantis, Triton. There was no time at all before they were boarding the back of the horses, and the Consul of Rome looked to his companion to ensure he was ready. Dylan took a deep breath and offered a stiff nervous nod towards the son of Neptune.
Trying to give the boy a confident grin Percy turned his focus towards the water, and with a telepathic go ahead the two creatures dove towards the water accelerating at ridiculous speeds.
The water was warmer than he had expected, but still not exactly comfortable. As a son of the seas he knew the water temperature would not have much of an affect on his abilities, but he pondered the fate of his companion. Looking back at Dylan the Centurion had a bubble around his mouth as they surged through the water, and even had a blue flame in between his hands. He offered the Consul a thumbs up, and Percy merely nodded in approval.
It didn't take long for them to find the ship off the coast. Percy also felt his control of the water become stagnant. He had a feeling that he could still loosely control it, but he wouldn't summoning any tsunamis out here. His brother had been right, there would be no easy victory today.
Indicating to the hippocampi where they wanted to board the ship they were guided right up to the center hull where Percy gave a waving motion towards Dylan to indicate it was time to go. Both warriors began to stand on the back of their hippocampi, and launched themselves into the water where Percy carried them on a small wave to the lower level of the ship. The two hit the ship deck, and were immediately forced to take down a telkhine, and an empousa walking together. In a sharp motion Percy sliced through the demon dog with his hastily drawn trident while Dylan threw a dagger straight into the she demon, and summoned it back to his hand before it could clang to the ground.
Two small piles of golden dust fell to the floor, and two searched the area expecting to find more resistance. When none came Dylan offered a short nod to Percy, and the two began creeping their way through the ship. It was convenient that they started at the bottom, and didn't have a long way to go to get to the engine room.
The next threat they passed was a pair of enemy demigods. One was wearing an eye patch, and seemed younger than even Percy. The other seemed to be in his early twenties with a bit of a criminal vibe. Dylan flicked another dagger into his hand while giving Percy a significant look. The message was clear. Anyone left alive could compromise their objective, and maybe get them killed. In understanding Percy gave the boy a nod of approval, and the two surged forward in unison. Dylan went for the boy with the eye patch lifting him off the ground with the pull of his magic, and slamming a dagger into his chest, while Percy took the trident and went straight for the throat to prevent any sound coming from his assailant's mouth.
The life faded quickly from the two enemy demigods, and Percy sighed sadly as he withdrew his trident. All this bloodshed of his demigod brethren was heartbreaking, but it was them or his friends. They had made their choice, and he would continue to make his.
They reached the boiler room with no further delays, and the two quickly and silently went to work on planting the explosives. They knew many monsters had an enhanced sense of hearing, and knew any unnecessary distractions could cost them their lives.
They didn't have the opportunity to finish planting their explosives before the alarms started going off. As soon as they did they both stopped in surprise looking around for who might've caught them. Dylan broke their silence, "They must have found the bodies, or the dust. Either way we have planted enough. Let's get out of here."
Percy nodded, dropping the remains of the explosives to the ground, and followed the running son of Trivia towards the stairwell they had descended previously. It was no time at all that monsters began bursting out of the lower level rooms scrambling to their weapons to apprehend the intruders. Dylan and Percy fought like blurs trying to run and gun through monsters. All they had to do was make it back to the center hull, and jump off the boat. Percy could will them away far enough to survive, and with Dylan being able to breath underwater he still liked their chances.
His trident was a blur, and Dylan's golden daggers were being tossed into enemy monsters at blinding speed as he summoned them back to his hand to engage with two enemy demigods who came roaring out of the stairwell.
The two were a combination of brutality, and speed, but the sheer numbers they faced became overwhelming as they got caught on the stairwell. Dylan and Percy were side by side facing dozens of enemies with spears and shields locked in place. The two glanced at each other, and Percy reached for a power to rock the boat, while Dylan cried out in pain and duplicated himself. Percy had never seen the young man use this type of power before, and watched in amazement as two Dylan's turned to four, and suddenly the enemy was being pushed back by a dozen sons of Trivia.
The gap the duplicates created was enough for the real duo to surge forward, but were forced to take off in an unfamiliar direction as the taller ceilings allowed a group of giants to lead the assault against them. Knowing they would be crushed in close quarters against the massive beasts, Percy shoved Dylan to the side as a massive bolt came flying down the hallway that certainly would've skewered either one of them. The son of Trivia went crashing through a door that Percy quickly followed him through, and before he knew it the two were on the top deck with a golden eyed man staring at them with a feral grin, "Well hello there. Welcome to my ship."
Monsters poured onto the ship deck surrounding them in numbers that Percy couldn't have imagined. It would not be hard to imagine that this was a trap for them. The forces had mobilized so quickly, and efficiently and here the Titan Lord stood before them with a sinister smile splashed across his lips. Percy bit back the fear that threatened to consume him while thudding the but of his trident into the ship deck, "Hello grandfather."
"Percy, my boy. I hear you defeated one of my top lieutenants on the battlefield, well done. A demigod that has bathed in the Styx is always a force to be reckoned with, but you were still the horse I was betting on." The body of Luke Castellan said drawing his sword, and swinging it hypnotically in circles as he paced back and forth.
Percy stared at the man in surprise. He half expected the Titan Lord to murder him instantly, but this tactic was not when he had expected, "I suppose it is our time to do battle? Will you do so honorably or will you sick your army on two lowly demigods."
The man laughed, but it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. It didn't just send chills up his spine, it felt more like a spider was running up and down his back, "Oh Perseus we misunderstand each other. I don't want to kill you. That would be counterproductive to this Great Prophecy that is upon us. The fates are rarely wrong, and if I were to kill you now that would only mean that one of your stubborn friends will take your place. No, I think you will be much more reasonable before I am forced to kill someone you truly care for."
Percy flinched slightly at his words, and Saturn laughed, "Oh yes I know all about the ones you care about Perseus Jackson. The son of Jupiter, Jason Grace. The lovely daughter of Pluto, Bianca Di Angelo. The rest of your young Praetorian heroes that have been a thorn in my side. I could see them eradicated, and if you go against me I will see to their deaths personally, slowly, painfully."
A surge of anger flooded the son of Neptune's veins, and the Ocean rocked a little harder. Dylan looked warily at his leader knowing that the demigod was fighting for control against a Titan. Percy however didn't care. His trident was now pointing end over end at the Titan Lord, and he bellowed with laughter, "Oh Perseus don't be a fool. I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul cause I am better than you."
Roaring with rage at being antagonized Percy spurred forward, but as he did he felt time around him stop. He could see in real time, but his body was frozen in place. He felt himself moving at a miniscule speed, and the Titan Lord laughed as did the monsters surrounding them. With a blast of golden light Percy was struck in the chest and thrown backwards. There were bright lights in his eyes blocking his vision, but when he blinked out the created black spots Dylan was standing in front of him with two daggers at the ready.
Saturn continued to laugh, but Percy jumped back to his feet and stood beside his Centurion prepared to fight. With a focused look Saturn froze Percy in place again, but Dylan was not complacent this time as he launched a blade at the Titan King's eyes, and it bounced off hard making the Titan roar in anger. This broke the time spell, and Percy wasted no time surging forward, but Saturn was not stagnant. His spell deflected Percy's trident, and dodged Dylan's thrust that went straight towards his shoulder. The three combatants all twirled away from each other, each staring at the other with fury.
The fight that followed was reminiscent of the day Jason, Bianca, and Percy had fought Luke on top of the Empire State Building. They were hopelessly outmatched, but still they fought with ferocity, speed, and desperation.
Looking back on it Percy would remember the grin that Luke was wearing on his face. The golden eyes of Saturn were watching in amusement as he misdirected Dylan and Percy into each other, and dodged their strikes with ease. They were being toyed with, and it would have been humiliating if the demigods hadn't known they were seconds away from death.
Percy was beginning to feel desperate when Saturn pushed the offensive. His attacks were fast, and the two demigods shared a look when they were shoved backwards knowing they weren't going to walk away alive. It was time to detonate the explosives and live with the consequences. Jason would become the child of the prophecy, and he would have to avenge his fallen cousin.
Both demigods were heaving for breath, but Dylan was giving Percy a significant look. It was now or never on the explosive, and Percy sighed as he reached for his watch staring defiantly at the Titan Lord as he activated his detonator.
A small explosion rang out, and Percy closed his eyes waiting for the inevitable firestorm to take him, but nothing happened. He opened his eyes again to see Dylan looking wide eyed at him. Something had gone wrong. The explosive had failed? Saturn laughed at their looks of bewilderment, "I fear my stalling tactic worked well young ones. The explosives have been disarmed by now, and it seems what little did activate have already run their course. You have undoubtedly killed a few of my followers, but they will be avenged shortly by their lord. It seems I must make my final offer. Lay down your weapons, and I will spare your life. Standing aside during your sixteenth birthday will lead to the razing of Olympus, and I will have won the war, and you will have completed the prophecy. See reason Perseus Jackson. There is no need for you or Rome to die in the coming conflict. What have the gods done for you?"
Percy glared at the Titan King spitting blood on the ship deck, "More than you will do for demigods in the future. The gods guided me, and showed their faith in me. They chose me to lead their greatest army, and as long as there's breath in my body I will never surrender to you. If that means we have to take this fight to Tartarus then I will see you there you son of a bitch."
Dylan yelled out in approval, and suddenly two swords materialized in front of him. Percy too knew it was their final stand and did what he could to summon the will of the Ocean to rock the boat, and with minimal effect some of the monsters were thrown around. With a final desperate attempt Dylan launched forward with two daggers in his hand, and two swords magically swinging themselves in the air towards Saturn. Percy followed the final charge and swiped chaotically at the Titan Lord who was an invisible blur of speed deflecting five weapons. Percy swung and swung his weapon as fast as his arms would allow, and he cried out with a mighty thrust as he attempted to impale the Titan Lord, but the mortal host disappeared in a blur of gold, and his trident missed its target going straight forward...into the chest of his chosen companion.
Dylan looked surprised by what had happened as he looked at the trident that had impaled him. Blood immediately began pooling in his mouth as he crumpled, and Percy let go of his trident in recoil watching the young man fall. The son of Trivia choked out, "It's...okay...Per-Cy."
Staring in horror at what he had done, Percy just watched as the boy fell onto his back. He wasn't sure how long he stared at the wide eyed son of Trivia with a trident sticking out of his chest, but the cold laughter broke him out of his funk, "Foolish boy. I gave you every chance in the world to surrender, and now the blood of this child is on your hands. How many more will die before you see you are doomed?"
Percy fell to his knees searching for the will to go on. The will to continue to fight, but he couldn't find it. All he could find was rage. He put his hands on the deck as if he were going to be sick, but he closed his eyes, "Lords of the Ocean. You have heard my prayers before. Let this be the last time I call for your strength. Please, I really need you this one last time."
He said it so quietly he knew no one had heard him. In fact Saturn bellowed out, "Speak up boy do you surrender?"
Instead of answering Percy reared back with both hands, and slammed his hands onto the boat making a guttural sound of pain let loose as his body threatened to rip itself apart. The surge of power through his ears was so loud he was certain his ear drums would rupture, and his eyes shot up to see a surprised look on the Titan Lords countenance as a massive wall of water came from sea, casting a shadow from the little moonlight that was available. Percy only had time for a final look of defiance towards the Titan Lord before a wave like none other struck the boat, and everything went black.
(A/N) Hello everyone. If you would like to read chapter 40 join me over on Discord. Please don't forget to let review, and let me know what you think of how things are unfolding, and I will see you all in two weeks!
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