I'm sorry for keeping you guys waiting! I am trying to get back to usual but things are so busy! I swear I haven't abandoned anything!
Replies:
Undeath9087: I mean, I think it was incredibly stupid to send a boy and girl the first time. Like- give Gaea what she wants why don't you? And thank you for your patience and understanding.
Guest: I mean it is in character, and lol I get why.

Maybe it was stupid and short sighted for Percy to hope for objections. It seemed both too good to be true- Kekrops warning them, having a newfound ally, and also at the same time like a terrible, terrible omen. the idea of splitting up now was almost unthinkable. And yet Percy was sure that it was what would happen regardless.

And Jason was the one to speak up first. "Just a few." he said slowly, "We're on the enemies doorstep and we're being asked to split up. Isn't that how people get killed in horror movies."

"And-" Percy shifted slightly, feeling rather uncomfortable, "Gaea wants us to reach the Parthenon. She wants blood to water the stones or whatever-" she winced at the feeling of Luke's stare as her brother spoke up.

"She's not wrong. A boy and a girl. She needs the sacrifices." his eyes flicked from Percy to Jason- and Thalia tensed at the reminder of the fact that Gaea had made it clear who's blood she wanted- at least she had now that she couldn't use Alabaster along with Percy. Though.. she'd probably settle for Frank or Leo. Percy was the one she wanted the most, her messed up twisted version of poetic justice.

"Well." Ethan snickered, "You know what would come in real handy for you right now Percy?"

"Bathing in the Styx." it had occurred to Percy too. Sure it meant that if she got injured it was likely to be fatal, but she'd have had a better chance of not getting cut up and bleeding- and how much blood would Gaea need? It sounded to Percy like she'd need to kill the two demigods who's blood she spilled but maybe not.

The not knowing was beyond infuriating. What if all it would take was a single drop? If they had to fight they were going to bleed- and Percy could feel her thoughts spiralling rather unpleasantly.

Thankfully she was quickly distracted from those thoughts by Piper- who started to sing.

And okay, that felt kind of random- though she had to admit that the daughter of Aphrodite was a good singer, to say the least.

And as Piper sang Percy noticed that Kekrops' eyes had turned glazed, he was swaying slightly. And Percy realised that the other girl was charming him with her song- and okay that was impressive she had to admit.

When she stopped singing there was a long moment of silence before Jason spoke up, his voice almost hushed, awed. "Pipes... I had no idea."

"That was beautiful." Leo agreed, "Not Calypso beautiful but still."

And Piper's cheeks were slightly flushed as she stared at the snake king.

"What are your real intentions."

"To deceive you," he said in a trance, still swaying. "We hope to lead you into the tunnels and destroy you."

And yep, yep that tracked didn't it? Because their luck was just that bad. Their best chance at getting into the Parthenon was working for Gaea. Gods but this was a mess. Percy was so retiring from the hero business when this was all over, Great prophecy's be damned.

"Why?" Piper asked.

"The Earth Mother has promised us great rewards. If we spill your blood under the Parthenon, that will be sufficient to complete her awakening."

"But you serve Athena," Piper said. "You founded her city."

Kekrops made a low hiss. "And in return the goddess abandoned me. Athena replaced me with a two-legged human king. She drove my daughters mad. They leaped to their deaths from the cliffs of the Acropolis. The original Athenians, the gemini, were driven underground and forgotten. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, turned her back on us, but wisdom comes from the earth as well. We are, first and last, the children of Gaia. The Earth Mother has promised us a place in the sun of the upper world."

"Gaea is lying." Piper told then, "She intends to destroy the upper world, not give it to anyone."

Kekrops bared his fangs. "Then we will be no worse off than we were under the treacherous gods!"

He raised his staff, but Piper launched into another verse of 'Summertime'.

The snake king's arms went limp. His eyes glassed over.

Piper sang a few more lines, then she risked another question: "The giants' defences, the underground passage to the Acropolis – how much of what you told us is true?"

"All of it," Kekrops said. "The Acropolis is heavily defended, just as I described. Any approach above ground would be impossible."

"So you could guide us through your tunnels," Piper said. "That's also true?"

Kekrops frowned. "Yes…"

"And if you ordered your people not to attack us," she said, "they would obey?"

"Yes, but…" Kekrops shuddered. "Yes, they would obey. Three of you at most could go without attracting the attention of the giants."

Annabeth's eyes darkened. "Piper, we'd be crazy to try it. He'll kill us at the first opportunity." her eyes flicked to Percy, expression filled with concern. And Percy wondered if Kekrops knew that Gaea wanted her specifically or if he'd have just killed whatever boy and girl he could trick into going underground with him.

Percy was painfully grateful for the fact that Piper's music had forced his plans into the open. It wasn't a big comfort but at least they knew for sure that they were going to be betrayed.

"Yes," the snake king agreed. "Only this girl's music controls me. I hate it. Please, sing some more."

Piper gave him another verse.

And Percy had to force herself not to laugh when Leo got into the act, picking up a couple of spoons and made them do high kicks on the tabletop until Hazel slapped his arm.

"I should go," Hazel said, 'if it's underground."

"Never," Kekrops said. "A child of the Underworld? My people would find your presence revolting. No charming music would keep them from slaying you."

Hazel swallowed. "Or I could stay here."

"It has to be three girls." Annabeth spoke up, clearly thinking. "She wants a boy and a girl, so we need to make sure she can't get that."

"And we need Piper to keep Kekrops in line."

"Okay." Thalia leaned forward, laying her hands flat on the table, "So since Hazel can't go that means you, Rachel, Percy or me."

"It has to be us." Percy's voice was quiet, "I don't like it- I feel like we're definitely heading into a trap, but I have to be there, and I feel like Annabeth does too."

"Think of the history." Annabeth nodded slowly, a grim look on her face, "It is the most logical choice. The oldest shrines on the Acropolis are dedicated to Poseidon and Athena. Kekrops, wouldn't that mask our approach?"

"Yes," the snake king admitted. "Your … your scent would be difficult to discern. The ruins always radiate the power of those two gods."

"What about me?" Rachel's voice was desperate, "I don't want you guys running off without me. And I'm a legacy! It's not like I even smell very strong."

"True." that came from Grover, who was nodding slowly. "You might be gifted but your scent is- I mean I thought you were a normal mortal."

"The girl's scent is weak, she should be able to pass."

"This is crazy." Luke shook his head, "We all agree that this is crazy right-"

"I hate it." Nico scowled, "But I can see the logic."

"It's our best shot." Frank spoke up, "You four sneak in, disable the onagers and cause a distraction-"

"My speciality." Percy gave a fake wide grin and a little mock bow which made Frank shake his head fondly and snort.

"As I was saying, after that the rest of us will fly in with ballistae blazing."

"That I can do for you." Leo spoke up, a determined gleam in his eyes.

"That plan could work." that came from Kekrops, "If I do not kill you first."

"I have an idea." Annabeth's expression was thoughtful, "Frank, Hazel, Leo, I need to talk to you. Piper can you keep our friend musically incapacitated?"

And instead of saying yes or no Piper simply started singing again.

Percy exhaled, watching Annabeth, Hazel, Frank and Leo move away so that they could talk privately, and she shifted slightly when she felt Rachel moving so that she was next to her, resting her head on Percy's shoulder as Luke and Nico moved towards them, Thalia splitting off to talk to Jason as Ethan talked quietly to Grover.

"Are you sure this is a good idea Sephie?" Luke's voice was tight, pained. "Splitting up is never a good idea and the giants- they know how obsessed Gaea is with you."

"I mean, hopefully at least Polybotes won't be there." though Percy knew that holding out hope for that probably wouldn't be for the best.

"Even if he's not there it's dangerous." Nico shook his head, "Even if the blood letting has to happen at the same time the Giants will still be trying to capture you ready for it."

"I know you guys are worried but we'll be fine, right Rachel?" she turned her head slightly, and Rachel lifted her head, pressing closer to Percy's side.

Her expression became distant- and Percy noticed the way her brows furrowed, her nose scrunching up very slightly as she clearly tried to focus- tried to see what was to come, or at least to get a gut instinct. But after a long moment she exhaled slowly, shaking her head.

"I don't know." she admitted, her voice troubled, "I can't- it feels uncertain. I can't-"

"Don't strain yourself." Percy said quickly, grabbing the other girls hand and twining their fingers together. "It might be uncertain because whatever's going to happen is still not certain."

"Ughhh." Nico groaned, "I still don't get how you can be a ridiculous dumbass one moment and then say something all mysterious and smart the next."

"Mom would say it's 'cause I'm special." Percy gave her best innocent grin which made Luke snort.

"Oh you're special alright." he grumbled the words and shook his head, but a fond smile flicked across his lips. "Just- be careful. Please." his gaze shifted to Rachel, "Please stop our dumbass self sacrificing sister from getting herself killed."

"Once is enough for our tastes." Nico added, "I love you Percy but I never, ever want to have to feel that again okay?"

"You guys-" Percy shook her head, "I-" don't plan on lying- except she could feel Will's eyes on her and- he was pretty good at telling when people were lying. And- while she didn't want to die, she knew that if it came down to it she'd be there, she'd die to make sure that Leo lived. "Please. You shouldn't worry about me."

"We'll always worry." Luke moved forward- and Rachel slipped to the side so that Luke could wrap his arms around her tightly, and Percy pressed her face into his shoulder, feeling a wave of guilt. If the worst came to the worst then it would hurt everyone. But she was selfish, it was her fatal flaw, she couldn't lose someone she loved. It would kill her just as surely as whatever was to come would.

And then Percy pulled back, because Annabeth, Leo, Frank and Hazel had returned.

Percy straightened her back, taking a deep breath. Well. It looked like it was time to go.

And fuck if Percy didn't have a horrible twisting feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The end was coming, for good or for bad.