Chapter 5

"My lord the deed has been done. Zeus suspects nothing. Your half-blood played his part well. Zeus's anger has grown over the past few months and has accused his older brother of the theft. Olympus is in disarray, the gods splitting in between sides. Most have backed the lord of the seas, however, should the bolt not be found by the Solstice, chaos will break,"

"And what of the Romans?"

"Jupiter has his suspicions. Or at least he suspects your involvement. He wishes to hold back till his Greek counterpart has made his decision. We have other news my lord,"

"Speak!"

"There has been discovery of a new half-blood. A child of Neptune, blessed by Salacia. Rumoured to be powerful and dangerous for his age. His mind as though forged by the steel. Whispers come that he has been raised by Lupa since the age of 4. Name is Perseus Jackson. He is one of Rome's strongest asset,"

"Interesting. My child's roman children have shown tremendous strength and power, yet incredible loyalty. Do not approach him. Let me infiltrate his mind over time. Now leave me be in peace. Inform the son of Hermes to begin the next phase."

Percy knew his day was about to get more interesting when he was one of Lupa's wolves. He had been sparring with Michael, the guard who had assisted him a couple of weeks ago. Turns out he was from the First Cohort and secondary to Centurion Heaney. Michael was good but Percy expected that from a soldier of the First Cohort, being one of the few people to challenge Percy except from Jason, Reyna and surprisingly Julia. She wasted to assess his skills first hand and it ended in a stalemate. Julia was surprised at his skill but expected nothing less after witnessing his spar against Jason a few days ago. While Percy was good, he knew Julia had more experience and knew he could learn a few things from her.

Percy had also begun learning how to fight in battle formation. It was a new style of fighting for him as for the majority of his life, he had been the lone wolf, always attacking based on his environment and his skill alone, but Percy knew Rome was all about unity and he needed to adapt.

A few people looked in surprise as they saw a large grey wolf appear in the training area and a some even readied their weapons but Percy recognised the wolf immediately as one of Lupa's pack that he had trained with before. He motioned to Centurion Heaney to dismiss her weapon and she repeated the order.

"Lupa wishes to speak to you in the Praetorium with the son of Jupiter. He is already on his way," the wolf symbolled. One of the very first things Lupa had taught him was the language of wolves when he joined her. They spoke with gestures and symbols and the magical ones could communicate with thought.

"I'm not in trouble, am I?" he asked and a few people raised their eyebrow in confusion to how Percy was randomly talking to a wolf whereas some understood.

"No, she wishes to speak to you about an urgent matter with Legionary Jason," he replied before running off. Percy turned to Gina who looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Mother Lupa wants to speak to me in the Praetorium with Jason," Percy explained and Gina nodded in understanding before motioning for him to leave.

Percy jogged over to the Praetorium, his mind slightly wandering off off on the way. He saw Jason waiting for him at the door and they both entered the house together.
The Praetorium was a small office house for the Praetors where they had their separate rooms and a room joined in the middle for meetings. Percy entered to see Mother Lupa in her human form sitting on a chair and Cassandra sitting on a sofa. Praetor Davidson Katters wasn't there. Cassie smiled at both of them and motioned for them to sit on the sofa opposite them while Lupa looked at both demigods gravely.

"What I am about to say does not leave this room with the exception of your Centurion, am I understood?" Cassie instructed to which both half bloods nodded; Jason frowning to what was so important.

"Chaos has struck Olympus. Some sort of betrayal has occurred and and dark magic has been traced behind the ordeal. The gods have their suspicion but unless there is actual evidence brought to light, there will be consequences and not good ones. Olympus may break out and it may have disastrous consequences on the world around us unless you two do something about it," Lupa explained to them. Jason nodded, his mind on full high alert as he listened to what was being told. Meanwhile Percy just kept a stoic face. Jason had a suspicion that Percy knew of this, or at least had his own slight suspicion which surprised him.

"Both of your fathers have personally mandated for you two to carry out tasks of utmost importance. Neither of you two are to say anything to anyone outside of this room till I say so. Jason, your father has asked of you to help Aeolus. While the chaos broke loose, someone had cleverly plotted to release a few of his storm spirits and they are now wreaking havoc on the mortal world and concealing the aura of the true dark spirits that are rising. And who better to capture storm spirits than the child of the lord who commands them," Lupa told Jason. He didn't answer for a minute before looking at Lupa in understanding.

"Percy, you have been requested to infiltrate the ranks of our old enemies. You know of whom I am talking about?" Lupa questioned and Percy nodded his head in understanding. "You are to go in alone and gather intel and see if you can cover any plans of what are enemies are doing and identify them. Remember to maintain caution and not to draw too much attention to yourself," Lupa continued

Percy sighed before giving his approval. But he was watching Mother Lupa, she had a look of worry that he hadn't seen since the first time he met Juno.

"Jason go on ahead. I'll catch up with you," Jason smiled at his cousin before exiting the Praetorium, his mind going through everything he had just been told.

"There's more isn't there?" Percy said, looking at Lupa directly. Lupa met her pup's stare before sighing. She would've been more surprised if he didn't catch her out.

"Before I say anything, both of you are forbidden to say anything to anyone with the exception of your counterpart, " she addressed Cassie who replied her consent.

"Your father and uncle have a suspect in who they believe is behind this. Saturn's energy trails have been traced on the mortal world by Jupiter. He believes that Saturn has some sort of plan to begin chaos on the mortal world," Lupa told them as she watched Percy's face. His face grimaced, his eyes hardening but he didn't look to be surprised.

"You suspected this?" Lupa asked Percy
"I had a feeling that there was some sort of disturbance going on. The fauns have been informing me of tremors that they had noticed but, I didn't see the arrival of Saturn being one of the suspicions," Percy replied

"Fauns?" Cassie asked

"Yup. You know they are very useful. Treat them with kindness and they can be good friends and allies. They are nature spirits so they are more in tune with the godly world than us," Percy said with a slight smirk on his face.

"Regardless, it's a lot more worrying that Saturn is rising. Guess the fates really do hate me," he grumbled the last part. Lupa looked at him for a moment before speaking

"Don't expect any sympathy pup. Life in unfair, get used to it. I taught you to always be ready and this comes under that category. Stop complaining and start preparing yourself," Lupa snapped at him

Percy met Lupa's eyes, his own eyes hardening like steel. He remembered the first thing he had learnt when joining the pack. Life is unfair. You won't get any sympathy for it. You either adapt and survive, or you're dinner. He nodded to Lupa before walking out.

Reyna walked towards the common area, looking for Percy. She hadn't seen him since training in the morning when he abruptly left. She walked past the bathhouses and saw him wondering around near the river, his eyes lost in thought. She jogged up to him but he didn't notice her till she tapped him on the shoulders, startling him slightly.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly as he waved it off, his eyes focusing back.
"What's up with you. You seem worried and I haven't seen you since morning?" She asked the son of Neptune

Percy didn't speak for a few moments before sighing.

"I am not allowed to say much but me and Jason have been given a quest by the gods themselves. We leave in 3 days time," Percy told her as Reyna nodded in understanding.
"Ok, I get that, But that's not what is worrying you?" Reyna replied
"I'm afraid I'll fail. What if I mess up and do something wrong. Then I'll fail Rome. I'll fail Lupa," Percy said in a soft voice as they walked

Reyna looked at Percy for a moment before replying.
"Percy, you were basically raised for these kinds of tasks. You were trained by Lupa and Salacia and you are one of the most skilled warriors I know. And most of all you are not alone. This is Rome. Should you need help, all you have to do is ask and you will have an entire army ready to march to your aid. Remember that," Reyna told Percy. Percy didn't speak for a moment before a small smile came on his face.

"Thanks Reyna," he said, his eyes lighting up as she laughed.
"Anytime, see you at dinner" she replied before jogging off to her barracks.

War games was unfortunately cancelled for the time being due the senators having to gather up to discuss the quest. (Author's Note for explanation). They would begin next week and Percy hoped he would be able to participate. He had been called over for the emergency senate meeting due to him being the person going on the quest with Jason as they had a quick discussion on what their plan of action was in response to the threat and how likely was it that they would succeed. The senators weren't briefed on the actual quest itself as it was the will of Lupa and there were a few disagreements but no one dared the challenge the orders of the gods.

As everyone started to leave, Percy heard his name being called out by the least likely person, Praetor Katters. He motioned towards a corner and Percy followed the Praetor. David looked at the son of Neptune, slight worry in his eyes before sighing.

"Cassandra informed me of the conversation you had earlier on. I must say, out of all the things that ran through my mind, Saturn didn't come up," David started.

"It was a surprise for me as well. But I did have my suspicions that something powerful was behind it. The fauns confirmed my suspicions," Percy replied

"Fauns. Such useful allies, yet no one pays them much attention," David muttered to which Percy raised his eyebrows, not expecting to hear that. David looked at him, a slight smirk on his face.

"I'm not as mean as I look Perseus. I have to keep a neutral face as the Praetor. Being the Praetor means always being fair and just and to show responsibility. Otherwise, it ends up looking like I'm playing favourites." Katters sighed, his face showing his weariness.

Percy was slightly surprised. For whatever reason, he always felt like Katters was a bit distant and cold towards him, but in truth, he was just trying to show that he wasn't playing favourites but still keeping everyone at fair length.

"I'll be honest. When you first came, I was slightly wary of you, due to your parentage. I'm sorry I don't mean to offend but the rumours of your father's powers along with Shen Lun, I wasn't sure what to think of you,"

"It's alright sir. I kind of expected some back lash based on my father" Percy said.

"Perhaps. But it's not right and I'll find a way to rectify it. No one should be judged on anything except their own merits," David replied, his eyes looking distant for a few seconds before clearing his throat.

"The reason I called you was to tell you something. While the gods only suspect it may be Saturn, usually they are right. And while I don't like the idea of you going alone, Cassie informed me of Lupa's assessment on you. Julia confirms this. You work differently. People are starting to notice that. If anyone is meant for this type of task, it's you. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. If Saturn us indeed rising, you need to go with caution. He won't hesitate to try and use you as his tool, given your parentage. Should you think that things are getting out of hand, abandon the mission. Your life isn't worth the risk for some intel. Just remember to be on alert at all times," Katters explained

Percy looked into the Praetor's eyes, seeing the sincerity that was displayed before nodding.
"Don't worry sir. I'll make sure I am as safe as can be," Percy replied
Katters studied the son of Neptune for a moment before nodding.

"Dismissed. Good luck and may Fortune favour you."

Percy had just left the meeting and decided to go for a little walk near the river to clear his head. He needed to be prepared for what his task was and he needed to have a clear plan. He knew that his mission was near to the bay of San Francisco and that's where a lot of enemies would gather up. He could infiltrate from there and see what he could find out. If the monsters were this organised, then there had to be some deity that was controlling them, which meant that he could follow the lead and see what he could find.

Percy walked on for a few moments before abruptly stopping. He looked towards the river, almost as though it was calling to him, drawing him towards it. It didn't seem to be hostile, only indicating for him to come in. He took a deep breath before jumping in.

The water was slightly cold, but it didn't bother him. Instead it slightly rejuvenated him, like a cool layering around him. Percy could see a sea green light up ahead and willed the water to push him towards it. Within 2 minutes, he neared the light and could see a human like being in the middle of it.

"Salacia," Percy bowed, "I assume you are here to talk to me about my quest?"

Salacia nodded, "As always, correct. Your father informed me of the task given for you and the journey that lies ahead for you. I must admit, I do not wish for you to do this, but I do see the reasoning behind my lord's wishes,"

"And what of the rumour. That Saturn is rising?" Percy asked, smiling internally at Salacia's expression.

"You know of it?"

"I had my thoughts. Mother Lupa confirmed them,"

"You have a plan?"

"Jupiter has asked that I infiltrate the enemies near the bay. I assume that some deity is behind this and if I follow the lead, I should get some answers,"

Salacia nodded at his plan, her eyes still slightly distant.

"There's something else isn't there?" Percy asked

"I'm afraid you'll have to find out for yourself Percy," Salacia replied apologetically to which he gritted his teeth in annoyance.

"Why are you gods always speaking in riddles. Can I not have a straight answer for once? You all say you are trying to help us but you just leave us without all the information," Percy spoke, annoyance laced in his voice. Salacia looked at her champion with some sympathy.

"Percy, whether you believe it or not, we speak in riddles for a reason. The fates forbid us from interfering too much yet we try to help where possible. It is as hard for us to watch as it is for you to carry out our work, yet we do what we can within our restrictions to help without interfering," Salacia explained. Suddenly the water picked up slightly and Salacia narrowed her eyes before speaking.

"Fine! Tell Jupiter I am sorry for trying to help out my champion!" She shouted at the water before sighing.

"Percy, the gods have their reasons for not telling demigods too much. Should we give you the answers already, they will just make things invalid for you. In order for you to understand, you have to forge down that path yourself," Salacia spoke. Percy sighed but nodded in understanding.

"It's just frustrating sometimes. I am sorry but my mind is just filled with so many different things going on. I know that Jason must be feeling the same and at times it feels like the gods aren't with us," Percy spoke while Salacia gave him a soft smile.

"May I ask you a question. Why did you chose for me to be your champion?"
Salacia didn't speak for a few moments before looking at him with…..dismay, slight annoyance and a bit of admiration.

"Percy, if you want the truth, I've always wanted a champion. Someone who I could guide and in return someone who could bring honour to me. Someone who could help me understand the mortal world better and in return I can help them bring peace to the godly world. As your father's wife, I do not stray away from that role, even if his affairs do not bother me, yet I have no one through which I can do my bidding and in turn help them on their journey. I think that that's why when I heard of your birth, I decided to take a role in it. Usually, I just follow my lord's wishes, but for once I got him to listen to my request. To put you in my service and in return I would do my absolute best to prepare you for what may come. I would be your link to your father, your link to the throne of the sea and ultimately, you Percy will bring peace to Olympus and I'll ensure you are the greatest of all heroes before you," Salacia told him as Percy took in what she said

"I wish I got to see my father," he said, his eyes slightly shifting downwards.

"You should know that your father is always watching over you. Even when you don't see it, he is always listening to you. He loves you very deeply yet that love comes at the price of his restrictions as I'm sure Lupa has told you. But that doesn't mean you'll never meet him. My lord will not stand by without getting to meet you in person," Salacia said

"One last thing Perseus. As I told you when we last spoke, I'll be taking over your training at your father's request. So, once you have completed your quest, we shall begin your training on certain days every week,"

Percy nodded in understanding and Salacia smiled. The water started to fasten around her and she disappeared into the lake leaving him alone. He stayed there for another 10 minutes before willing the water to shoot him upwards and then jogging off to bed.

Author's Note: Ok so before I begin, I want to apologise. There was a slight error in my Onedrive and I completely lost this entire chapter and the original version of this chapter was around 5000 words and it included an entire section on War Games and how Percy did on his first match and also a live duel between Jason and Reyna (trust me very exciting) and it took quite a lot of time to write but unfortunately I lost all of it. But I wanted to get out this chapter by today as I did say on my discord I would have it out yesterday but I lost my work and spent around 3 hours just rewriting this. Therefore I will try to get out another chapter by tomorrow hopefully and also War Games will be in 2 Chapters time and I'll rewrite the duel between Jason and Reyna and give you guys a demonstration of Percy earthshaker powers then.

So Percy and Jason have been given quests by Olympus. Jason will be going to Aeolus t capture storm spirits. I know this seems like a copy of Lost Hero but I do have a valid reasoning behind this and you'll see later on in the story. There will be a few things that will happen earlier in this story.

Once again thanks to AWESOME1356, DragonEmperor01, ThatCat413, ShadowThanatos, Blackhairedboy916, JoJo JesusB and ashblaze03

ShadowThanatos: Yes that was a mistake, I completely forgot about Reyna's time on Circe's Island and how that's during Percy's second year at Camp but I think I can turn this mistake into an opportunity. Not going to reveal too much but you'll see a reunion between Reyna and Hylla later on.

ashblaze03: I do have a plan for Hestia to influence Percy's life. I do like the idea of Hestia blessing Percy but I would need to make sure it's not overkill to make Percy insanely powerful. But I'll keep that in mind. Also I have had a lot of talks on pairings. Perlia seems to be taking a popular hit surprisingly. I still have my hopes out on a Percabeth but who knows. Preyna is also been asked a few times and while I don't mind it, it's just in every Roman Percy it's always been Preyna. But by the time I decide to do pairings and Preyna is the most asked then I'll do so.

Everyone keep putting your opinions of pairings, I am keeping score and after some time when it comes down to it, I'll make a decision and let you all know. But at the moment, just expect demigod action.

JoJo Jesus: Yes my current plan is to have Percy as one of the Seven. I don't know how I am going to implement it at the moment but yes, I'll be keeping Percy as one of the Seven

Thanks to all the rest for reviewing. Hope you enjoy the chapter. Sorry about the issue with losing my original chapter but I hope to make it up to you guys.
Read and Review. Leave any questions you have for me in the reviews or join my discord. A few people have joined it ad am glad to be able to talk on there, easier for me to answer questions and I have been posting previews of my chapters there before they come up as a sneek peak to the next chapter.

Discord Server Code: VUMM3Sb

That's all form me right now

See you in the next chapter

Thanks

SpiritsOfTheWorld