Now, now I know the chapter is a bit short but it's kinda necessary for everything to converge soon. In a perfect world I'd have expertly cut thus chapter into two creating an excellent combination of word building and character building. Sadly this is no perfect world and I've spent days staring at this chapter wondering how in the world I can fix this. It's Cesar or Tempest here by the way. I hope you all enjoy the chapter anyways.
Jaxson P.O.V
"The Gods honor us again." Lepidus had arrived behind me. As Hercules had just left. "I do not care for your past, Aurelianus. However, you must complete this task Lord Hercules has given you. It will be a momentous occasion for new Rome." I most definitely have to do my best now. God, how am I supposed to not fuck this up?
"Anyhow it's time to visit everyone's favorite Pontifex Maximus!" Trajan said sarcastically. To say the Pontifex Maximus was on Trajan's shit list is an understatement. Apparently old grudges. He's alright. I've only met him a few times and talked once.
"I'll be in and out, don't worry," I told them. "Me and Hazel will be off then," I said beckoning her to follow.
Crassus held up his hand. "One moment. Aurelianus would you mind if we talk privately for a moment." I nodded.
"Sure." He began to walk away as I followed.
"Aurelianus. I need you to recount every word The Sybil tells you. Tragedies have befallen those who missed but one word. In addition, do not hold back at all. The others may not tell but I can see power emanating from you. Tap into it and ensure you succeed." He can see how strong I am? Who's his godly parent?
"Don't worry, Crassus, I will succeed." I could see the creases of a smile from behind his mask.
"I'm sure you will." I walked back to my car where Hazel was waiting.
"What'd he say?" She asked me taking the aux from me.
"Just the usual, do your best, you have to succeed. Nothing special. Also, he said to pay attention to the Sibyls." She nodded and put on Boyfriend by Ariana Grande. "We need to go do Karaoke someday."
We ditched the car outside the old city and entered the temple of Apollo. The temple was much like a church. The Sibyls work alongside the Pontifex Maximus to give the word of Sol and his many aspects. Though in recent times they haven't been doing much. Especially the Pontifex Maximus from what people say on the street. The Sibyls still attend to their prayers and seek guidance from Apollo.
Inside the temple, it smelt like lavender. It was extremely dark no light from outside broke into the temple. Instead, the temple was lit by candles scattered around.
"Augustus Aurelianus, what brings you to the temple of Apollo." The Pontifex Maximus asked me. He was an older man. His hair had just started greying but he still wore his signature smile.
"I could ask you the same Pontifex Maximus. After all, it is a bright day for all of Rome."
"Which is why I'm here. I'd like to see Sol's message to you and your companion." He looked over to Hazel. "Don't let me stop you go and ask for the guidance of Sol. The Sibyls are waiting in the room just ahead."
I walked over into the candle-lit room where the Sibyls sat on the floor blindfolded. I took a seat in front of them as the door closed behind me. "Welcome, Augustus. Sol made us aware of your arrival." They pushed a plate full of bones. "Please choose between the sheep."
The door opened once again as masked handlers brought in four sheep. One black sheep, one baby sheep, one fur-covered sheep, and one normal-looking sheep. Their mouths were muzzled, keeping the room quiet. I pointed over to the normal-looking sheep. The other sheep were pulled away as the Sibyls each grabbed a knife. The handler laid the sheep on its back, binding its legs. "May Sol be praised." A Sibyl sliced the throat of the sheep as it gurgled, struggling to breathe while the others surgically cut open the sheep. As the sheep slowly died from the blood loss and suffocation the Sibyls pulled apart the sheep's liver, lungs, and kidney.
They laid out the organs on a straw mat in a nest fashion. Or as neat as one could have with the blood all over the floor. They each began inspecting the organs. They converged together discussing their findings in whispers as I sat watching the handler drag the sheep's corpse away. "Sol has spoken! Apollo grants us his vision! Rome will grow into a new city born in the sands of necessity. Only the strong will survive. Walls will be erected. Soldiers with hearts of gold will be born. As long as Sol's path is followed. Rome will return to strength. We shall return to our birthplace."
I was expecting a horrible prophecy. But this isn't bad at all. "And you Augustus Aurelianus. You are being watched by all manners of powers. Beware of the deeds you commit. Beware of the love you were given. Beware of the flame in your heart. That flame will ignite your entire being. You may either rise from the ashes as the mythical phoenix or be ashes taken away by the wind." That is the kind of negativity I was expecting.
"Thank you great Sybil's of Rome. As Augustus, I will ensure Sol's wishes are fulfilled." I took a bow of respect before leaving the room. "Hazel let's go." Hazel was still talking to the Pontifex Maximus. She seemed relieved I came back despite me smelling like sheep guts. She quickly came to my side as we got into the car. "You enjoy your time with the Pontifex Maximus?"
"He talks too much. And it doesn't help that he only talks about himself." Hazel answered. Sounds about right
Two Days Later
I was given command over the 4th cohort. Meaning I was reunited with Ricky and his Contubernium. I also recruited the Tessarius to join me. In his words, it was an excuse to view the migration of monsters from the homeland.
The Senate has agreed to pay for the journey into the Sea of Monsters where we will be embarking from the gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas. We will be supplied with two small Ocean liners each modified to brave the storms and monsters of the sea. A gift from Triton to one of his daughters. His daughter then gave the ships to Rome when she passed.
Disregarding the quest I was given. Hazel has shown improvements in her manipulation of metal. Her godly parenthood is still not public knowledge. I don't know how she is supposed to even be alive. I suspect Trajan, Lepidus, Crassus, and Majorian know. Her manipulation of the mist is being stifled. She is missing a personal connection with the mist.
I haven't received any dreams lately. I haven't been pulled back into the void. Nor have I heard the words of my mother nor the King. My memory is still fragmented. I recall making an oath of loyalty but to who I have no clue. There's a large gap in my memory. I can't pinpoint where it starts. The memories all just blend together.
I just don't want to feel lost in my own head anymore.
I shut my journal leaving it in my drawer. I had a spare notebook to write with for this quest. I don't want to lose my journal and lose everything I've written. Anyhow it's time to pick up Hazel.
I drove down to Hazel's apartment and we went down to the military base where we were sent off. We had a convoy of SUVs and RVs. It was a long drive from California to our dock in Texas.
When we arrived I split off the leadership between the two ships. I took command of the Sunchaser and Tessarius Glaucus the Trident. It's a day's trip to reach the edge of the Sea of Monsters if Neptune is on our side. Luckily we won't be doing much till we get to the entrance.
I wasn't wrong. It was smooth sailing and the legionaries were enjoying themselves. "This is way too easy. It's going to be hellish as soon as we get in the Sea." I told Hazel.
"We should be approaching the edge soon. Since we're right next to the Bermuda triangle." I nodded. From the myths, I'm going to have to choose between Charybdis and Scylla. I could probably send out illusions to distract Scylla as we pass by her. That's probably going to be what we will end up doing.
"Send the eagles ahead, check how many hours we are from the passage." After we get through I'll have us go around the Dominican Republic when we return to Rome.
A legionary entered the room. "My Augustus the eagles returned as soon as they took off. Our legionary on the crow's nest says we are only twenty minutes away from making contact. Should we start moving below deck sir?" I nodded in reply. Well, I guess it's time for me to do this.
"Make sure to send word to the Trident to start moving below deck." The legionaries saluted and left the room. I walked out to the deck and the ocean methodically rocked the boat. The wind blew in large gusts that could knock an unprepared sailor overboard. The fog hid what lay upon us. But as the boat went up a wave I could see the outline of a massive island touching the sky. A cave lay in the center with tentacles reaching out into the water.
I went down below the deck with the rest of the crew. All the cargo was on another floor below us. The beds and furniture on this floor were all pushed to the side to leave enough space for everyone. In the center of the floor were a radio and headset so we could communicate with the Trident. "This is the Sunchaser, is everyone below deck over?"
"This is the Trident everyone is here and accounted for over." I could feel butterflies in my stomach. Everyone's lives depend on whether or not I can successfully draw Scylla's attention. Concentrate. Concentrate. When I create clones my vision becomes a mix of sights. My body increasingly gets weaker and the pain of the clones transfers back to me. Luckily the wounds don't.
The distance between the clones is another factor that makes this increasingly more difficult. "We should start sailing past now," Hazel informed me. Hopefully, the autopilot doesn't ruin everything. Outside I could hear a large screech as one of my clones looked up to see a tentacle grab him by the torso. The tightening grip broke his ribs before he was pulled back into the monster's lair. I stopped focusing on the clone disintegrating it.
"How long till we get out of range?" I grunted holding the sides of my stomach.
Hazel asked another crew member before she replied. "You just need to hold on for two minutes. Just two more minutes." That's two minutes too long. Scylla's roar of anger rocked the ship as she began to catch on to what was occurring.
"I need ambrosia." I struggled out.
"You heard him get me some ambrosia!" Hazel ordered. She brought a hefty chunk over and forced it down my throat. I could feel the warmth slowly homogenize with my body.
I could see Scylla pull back one of her tentacles and before I could yell brace she breached through the hull. Water stormed through the gap as I lost concentration severing my connection with the remaining clones. Everyone got into a scramble to stop the water meanwhile I was dragged up the stairs of the ship away from the water. Even with the ambrosia I didn't have the energy to move. The crew managed to nail a sheet of metal to the hull as they began collecting the water.
"We should be out of range now." The captain informed us. Slowly we all went up the deck, wary we may still be in range. It seemed like the storm circled Scylla and Charybdis as it was nothing but clear skies ahead.
"Take me to the captain please," I asked the two legionaries holding me up. They gave me a nod as they helped me. "Captain, how bad's the damage?"
"Doesn't seem horrible but we should dock to get proper repairs done." Seems like the eagles got more work to do.
"You have the eagles under your command captain."
"Thank you, Augustus. May Sol guide our sails." I had the legionaries take me to my quarters before I dismissed and thanked them.
Hazel joined me soon after they left. I sat on my bedside as she leaned back on my chair. "How's the rest of the 4th?" I asked.
"They got off easier than us. No damage and no casualties." Well, that's some good news. "We got a couple light injuries from the initial breach in the hull. Speaking of which, when do you think you'll be up and moving again?"
"Soon I hope I doubt there are any safe places to dock our ship. I'm going to rest, wake me up when we get close to land." I laid down on the bed.
Hazel got up off the bed. "Sweet dreams." Doubt that'll happen here.
Sleep definitely doesn't come easy even without the risk of nightmares. Wonder if I'll get some wacky dreams here.
I might've gotten a cool 5 hours of sleep before being woken up. "Land 10 minutes away a ship is already docked." How fun. I got up off my bed using only my arms and attempted to walk. It was like I ran two marathons straight. I waddled my way to the bridge like a penguin.
"My Augustus, who will disembark the ship first?" The captain asked me.
"Me, Hazel, Tessarius Glaucus and ask for Ricky's Contubernium. Don't dock the ships immediately; however, we should keep them in the water. We'll use the rafts." I need some people I know to come with me.
"As you wish. We'll dock on your order." Back to the stairs. Before we left me and Hazel put on our armor. I wore my copper chest plates, greaves, and leg pieces. I threw on my wolf cloak and my grass crown.
We got into the raft and began rowing. Hazel looked a bit nervous. She wore the standard legionary armor however her armor had jewels embedded. "You ready for this?"
"Yeah what's the worst they can throw at us?" She responded.
"Well there could be cyclopes, a horde of monsters, sirens, or maybe this is some kind of military base."
"Real encouraging." Mission accomplished, sarcastic Hazel returned.
"Anytime." The ship that was docked looked like a run-down version of Captain Hook's pirate ship. Definitely hasn't moved in forever the hull was covered with barnacles. It'd be a miracle if this thing was sea-worthy.
The beach was absolutely stunning and I'm not that big of a fan of sandy beaches. Definitely, something you'd seen on a postcard. We pushed the raft up the beach as Ricky and the others arrived. "Nice to see you, Rick."
"The pleasure is all mine. So do we get to storm this place or not?" The Tessarius moved up past him.
"Nice to see you in good health Augustus."
"You too Tessarius. I will need you to accompany me and Hazel. Along with Romeo, Jamie, and Hank. The rest of you stay here and watch the rafts." The disappointment in Rick's eyes was immeasurable.
"Seriously no action, just guard duty?" Vic complained.
"I could have you row your way back instead." That got them to quiet down.
"You're just like Leila now," Courtney told me.
I chose to ignore her and we walked up the polished steps. The wolf pelt was not a good choice in the heat. If I had to I'll change into the black suit of armor I used against Jason. As we reached the end of the steps we were welcomed by a sign. C.C's Spa and Resort. This might not be so bad. "Stay on guard, looks are often deceiving." The Tessarius said.
We continued to the door which opened automatically. Which was nice. Inside was indeed a Spa and Resort. In front of us was the front desk with a lone receptionist. "Welcome to C.C's Spa and Resort, how can I help you?"
"We were hoping to use the dock for our ships. Just need to stretch our legs before we continue." I told her. She thought for a moment I looked at her name tag. Hylla. Interesting name.
"I'd have to talk to the owner. If you excuse me I'll call her right over." She got up off her chair and walked out of sight.
"So what do you guys think?" I looked at them behind me. They seemed relaxed, the Tessarius was writing something on his notepad.
"Seems good enough so far might have to see if they offer massages." Jamie pondered. With that Hylla returned with a tall woman with long black hair and green eyes similar to my own real look. Her eyes were immediately fixed upon me and I saw a slight look of disgust before it switched to a pearly white smile.
"Welcome to C.C.'s spa and resort. I'm C.C. and I heard you would like to dock your ships in the port."
"Yeah, we just need our crew to stretch their legs." I looked closer at her and noticed mist emitting from her hands. Interesting, she can control the mist too or she is being manipulated by something.
"How many exactly are on your ships?" I looked back at the Tessarius. He walked up to me and whispered in my ear.
"Two hundred and twenty counting the sailors." I nodded and looked back at C.C.
"About a hundred." She smiled.
She pursed her lips and said again. "How many are on the ships?" The charmspeak rolled off her tongue.
Two can play that game. "Silence." I stopped the others from saying anything.
"Haven't seen charmspeak used like that in a long time. Leave me and him alone I'd like to speak with him privately." Hylla nodded and walked away.
"You are all dismissed except Hazel." With my order still intact they could not object to my decision. Three chairs appeared in the lobby and we each took a seat.
"So what are you? A son of Aphrodite? C.C. asked curiously.
I discarded my "Roman" look and returned back to my black hair and green eyes. "Son of Hecate."
She gave me another smile this time I think it was a genuine one. "Well well, this has certainly made my day. A brother of mind in full Roman armor."
"You're a Daughter of Hecate?"
"I am The Daughter of Hecate. Circe the sorceress." The name rings a big bell Odysseus I think.
"I'm not sure what to say but it's been a long time since I've met a sibling of mine."
"Me too little brother. Mother told me you may arrive at the island. But you've taken me by surprise. Are you not from Camp Half-blood?" What did mother tell her? Wonder how much she knows.
"I am. But I was sent to New Rome for a reason I cannot remember. I cannot unlock my memories either." She nodded in silence. "I'm sorry but I am Jaxson Morrigan. Or Remus Gaius Aurelianus."
"Well Jaxson I know why you were sent to New Rome and I'll tell you as soon as your companion leaves the room. Is she your disciple?"
"She is, I've been teaching her how to manipulate the mist." Hazel nodded in agreement. My command should wear off soon.
"She too has memories of being manipulated and repressed." This is going to be a mind fuck soon.
"Can you remove the mist then?" Circe stared at us for a moment.
"I cannot. It's mother's work she is the only one that could create a boundary such as this." Fabulous. "Eventually you'll both receive your memories, the mist will fade away in due time."
"Well, then Hazel if you don't mind I'm going to talk to C.C. here."
"Sure but you owe me an explanation."
"Obviously don't worry I'll explain everything I remember." She gave me a quick nod and walked out of the lobby. "So what's up?"
"I'm assuming you do not remember your oath?"
"The only oath I've taken is the Sacramentum."
"You made an oath to Kronos, king of the Titans and lord of time. An oath on the river Styx to be correct." Ok cool, I guess. Judging by her face she could tell I didn't care for what she just said. " Our mother sent you to New Rome to infiltrate and sway some of New Rome to Kronos' cause."
"Is his cause just?"
"That is not my place to say. No change of power will be free of sin. I simply serve mother. I have no connection to the Lord of Gold." Fabulous. I suppose this clears up a bit of fog.
I got up off the chair. "Well thank you for letting me know. I'll have to rejoin the others."
"Farewell brother. If you ever wish to seek asylum away from the coming war my island is open to you."
"Thank you, sister."
If any of you were interested in how Hazel is already in New Rome and what that may entail don't you worry I got y'all. Anyhow I really enjoy Circe's intro and just the little moment before they know who they're talking too.
Next chapter I'm expecting another Jaxson chapter however as you've might have noticed I'm quite indecisive. I also got to finish up the side story of Jaxson learning how to cook for his dream date night. In hindsight I should've released that one on Valentine's day but oh well.
Cesar or Tempest out.