REYNA p.o.v
"We're setting down in that park," Leo announced, pointing to a wide green space dotted with palm trees. "Let's hope the Mist Makes us look like a large pigeon or something." Percy says.
The Argo II set down in the grassy field and the oars retracted. The noise of traffic was all around us, but the park itself was peaceful and deserted. To the north, about a mile away through the folds of the city, the top of the Colosseum rose above the rooftops, looking just like it did in travel photos. I'm actually here. I'm in the heart of the old Roman Empire, this is where it all started, In a way this place has shaped his life as much as Camp Jupiter.
"Plans?" Hazel asked. "Nico has until sunset—at best. And This entire city is supposedly getting destroyed today." Piper nodded.
"You're right. Annabeth...did you zero in on that spot from your bronze map?" Her gray eyes turned extra thunderstorm dark. ."Yes," she says carefully. "It's on the Tiber River, I should be able to get there in a few hours."
"Hazel, now that we're in Rome, do you think you can pinpoint Nico's location?" Hazel blinked, as if coming out of a trance. "Um...hopefully, if I get close enough. I'll have to walk around the city. Frank, would you come with me?" Frank beamed. "Absolutely."
"And, uh...Leo," Hazel added. "It might be a good idea if you came along too. The fish-centaurs said we'd need your help with something mechanical."
"Yeah," Leo says. "no problem." I drew my dagger and set it on the rail. "Percy and I can watch the ship for now. But Hazel, if you guys get a fix on Nico's location, don't go inthere by yourselves. Come back and get us. It'll take all of us to fight the giants."
"Good idea," Percy says. "How about we plan to meet back here at...what?"
"Three this afternoon?" Jason suggested. "That's probably the latest we could rendezvous and still hope to fight the giants and save Nico. If something happens to change the plan, try to send an Iris-message." The others nodded in agreement.
"We'll be back soon," Frank says. He looks around at his everyone, as if trying not to feel like this was the last time we'd ever be together. "Good luck, everyone." And with that Leo lowered the gangplank and we parted ways.
ANNABETH p.o.v
The chamber groaned. The Athena Parthenos tilted to one side. Its head caught on one of Arachne's support cables, butthe marble foundation under the pedestal was crumbling.Nausea swelled in my chest. If the statue fell into the chasm, all that work would be for nothing. The quest would fail.
"Secure it!" I cried. My friends understood immediately. "Zhang!" Leo cried. "Get me and Annabeth to the helm, quick! The coach is up there alone." Frank transformed into a giant eagle, and the two of us soared toward the ship.
PERCY p.o.v
Jason wrapped his arm around Piper. He turned to me and Reyna. "Back for you guys in a sec." He summoned the wind and shot into the air.
"This floor won't last!" Hazel warned. "The rest of us should get to the ladder." Hazel lunged for the bottom of the rope ladder and gestured for Nico to follow, but Nico was in no condition to sprint. I gripped Reyna's hand tighter. "It'll be fine," I muttered.
Suddenly the floor started to shake and I almost lost my grip on Reyna, luckily I caught her in time.
"What's going on?" I hear her shout. As if to answer the question an evil laugh resonated threw the room.
" Well, well, well, look at who we have here. If it isn't the 'hero' of olympus and his little girlfriend!" A voice I know all too well shouted.
"Gaia." I growled. "What do you want!?" She laughed again.
"Give up Perseus, give up and you will save yourself what is going to happen." She says.
What is she talking about? She could be bluffing but I know better. Something bad is about to happen.
"You should know this by now dirt face, I never give up on family." I shout back at her. The shaking stops and for a second I thought she was gone, oh how wrong I was. A big part of the floor gives way and goes tumbling down, and Reyna along with it.
I jump forward, my instincts taking over, and grab her wrist. I could hear yelling in the background but I couldn't bring myself to care. All I could register was the body of the girl I had grown to love, dangling over the dark pit. She had tears in her eyes but I could tell she was trying to put on a brave face. Even on the brink of death she's still Roman to the core.
"Percy, let me go," she croaked. "You can't pull me up." I knew it was hopeless, but I wasn't going to let her go.
"Never," I say. I look up at Nico. "The Other side, Nico! We'll see you there. Understand?" Nico's looked shocked, it would have been funny if not for the situation. "But—"
"Lead them there!" I shout. "Promise me!"
"I—I will." Below us, the voice laughed in the darkness. "Sacrifices. Beautiful sacrifices to wake the goddess." I look down at Reyna.
"We're staying together," Her eyes widen at what I'm saying. "You're not getting away from me." Then I let go of the ledge, and together, holding hands, me and Reyna fall into the endless darkness.