A/N-This chapter is 6k-there's a battle scene and preparations so yeah...you might need some extra time to read this. Remember when I said someone's not going to come back-well, I had Annabeth say that-but yeah that's going to come into effect.
3rd Person/Persia-
"I think that's more than enough, Gaea." Persia of Athens was hanging upside down, her veins cut open as her blood dripped into the two buckets below her. "You don't need to kill me to open the Doors."
Although she was in a completely white room, by herself, Persia could still hear Gaea's maniacal laughter. "Oh Persia, I do know that but I'd like to run a little experiment."
Experiment? Persia thought, her head spinning from losing so much blood.
The puzzled look on her face must've given it away because Gaea continued, "I know you're here to save Jackson. If you want to see him, you'll let me run a few trial tests on you."
This was too easy. "I don't trust you. What do you mean by 'experiments?'"
"I want to test the extent of your immortality."
Persia, although shaking with fear, managed to laugh. "What? I can only die in battle-there's no need for tests."
"You don't know that, do you?" Gaea questioned. "You're no longer a huntress-you've been brought back to life only to fulfill the prophecy-being part of the seven. Maybe your immortality is as lasting as the gods, for if that were the case-that would be very interesting to me."
"Are you kidding me?" Persia said. "You don't find me interesting at all-you're letting me bleed out to death. You don't care if I'm immortal or if I live."
Gaea laughed once more, chilling Persia to the core. "Tell me, girl-what do you notice about me?"
The former lieutenant frowned. "Nothing. You're...nothing."
"And why is that?"
"You don't have a body." Persia answered. Suddenly, Persia stiffened and her silver eyes grew wide, alarmed. Her mind immediately flashed back to her and Percy's conversation about his friend, Luke Castellan. The demigod was a host for Kronos and the titan nearly burned his body away. That, however, was a demigod. Persia was a demigod, yes, but she also was immortal-to some unknown extent at least. If she were immortal, her body wouldn't burn if Gaea inhabited it.
"NO. I won't do it-I'll fight you if you take over my body. I'll be in your mind constantly; you will never destroy the Olympians while in my body."
"As appealing as that sounds, I'm afraid I can't take no for answer." As Gaea finished her sentence, a giant-Porphyrion-walked into the white room, wheeling a cart covered by a table cloth. Persia looked at the giant fearfully, his white eyes burning into hers.
He cast away the cloth and Persia's entire body trembled as she stared at the table. They were torture weapons: knives, bludgeons, guns, axes, spears, swords-any weapon you could name-it was there. It was an Ares' kid's dream.
"Kill her." Gaea said simply. "And hopefully, she won't die." Although Gaea had no physical body-Persia felt her presence fade away. Great.
Persia gulped as two other monsters came in and took her buckets of blood. An upside-down Porphyrion stood in front of her, axe in hand, and smiled cruelly. He chopped off her chains and the girl fell to the floor, gasping for air.
Gaea had taken her weapon. No one knew where she was. There were no windows or other escape route apart from the door and she doubted she could get past the 50 foot giant. She had no energy left. She didn't even know if she would survive this. Things were looking quite dreary for Persia of Athens.
"Worst rescue mission ever," She murmured, writhing on the floor.
At this point, the giant began stroking his fingers over the weapons, cherishing each one as if it were a child.
"I don't suppose we could go back to the whole blood donation thing?" She asked, peering up at the monster.
Porphyrion held up a saw and Persia saw her reflection in the weapon.
"I'm going to assume that was a no," Persia backed into a corner, clutching her exposed wrists.
"Which body part should I saw off first?" The giant asked, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Preferably none." Persia trembled violently and could only hope Percy Jackson wasn't in the same position. "You know-let's say I am truly immortal, you wouldn't want your dear mother to have a body with missing limbs? I won't heal quickly. That would be a horrible body to take over Olympus with. Don't you agree?" Under her breath, she whispered desperately, "Please agree."
The giant thought for a minute then went back to the cart. He switched out his saw for a club.
He crept towards the girl, dragging the weapon across the floor. "I think we're on the same page now."
"Nope, we are not. Not one bit. We are not even in the same book. We aren't even in the same library." Persia flinched as the giant raised the club, preparing to swing. She shielded her face and prayed to all the gods she could think of. Yes, even the minor ones. She was that desperate.
"I'm about to make a home run." The giant stated.
Then, he swung his bat.
3rd Person/Percy
Gaea watched as the son of Poseidon began to stir from his slumber. The mortal psychologist-bribed to aid Gaea-immediately stood up, aware of her presence.
"Madam?" He asked, his heart racing.-
"Has Morpheus done what I have asked?" The mother of earth inquired.
"Yes, m'am." The dark haired mortal said hastily. "Several images of the second titan war-specifically those of Jackson's comrades who died in the war were inserted into his coma-state. It glorified the titans and made gods look like the evil ones-just as you requested."
If Gaea could smile, she certainly would be. You see, she didn't believe that Jackson truly wanted to fight the Olympians alongside her. She knew he was lying through his teeth so that she'd send him off to battle and he would somehow escape to the gods' sanctuary. Gaea was always one step ahead. While the demigod was asleep, she inserted images of all the wrongdoing the gods had done in Percy's life-Poseidon never seeing him when he was a baby, Sally being taken by Hades for leverage, Hephaestus' monster taking Bianca di Angelo away from her brother, and she even included Artemis killing Persia. Just for kicks.
She redirected her attention to the quivering mortal. "You know what to do, correct?"
"Yes, m'am. Ask questions inquiring about Jackson's loyalties and make sure he is on the titans' side."
"Good. Make sure to throw yourself out the window or down a flight of stairs when this is over. I can't have you babbling everything to the mortal world."
"Of course." The mortal answered, feeling Gaea's presence fade.
Nearly half an hour passed before Percy Jackson came to.
The boy bolted upright, trying to identify his surroundings.
The dark haired man stood by his bedside, a clipboard in hand. "Good Afternoon, Percy. How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Percy answered warily. He twisted around, cracking his back. He felt a rush of energy soar through him-it was unlike anything he'd felt before. He felt rejuvenated, like he could battle an entire army and still have plenty of energy left. "I feel great, actually."
"Was that the water treatment Gaea had me under?" He asked, swinging his legs off the bed. The mortal stood up, watching the boy walk around, adjusting to his new found strength.
"Yes, it works wonders for you-a son of Poseidon." The man confirmed.
At the mention of the god's name, Percy's head snapped up. "Don't remind me of that excuse for a father."
The psychologist took a step back, stunned. Perhaps Morpheus' spell worked a little too well. "Please, Percy-sit down. We need to talk about a few things."
The boy nodded, calming himself down. He returned to the hospital bed, sat down and waited for the mortal continue.
"Thank you," The mortal clicked his pen, jotting down a few notes. "I'm a psychologist-I just have to run a quick assessment. You don't seem too fond of your father, tell me why."
Percy's jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring. "Poseidon, like all of the gods, left my mother shortly before I was born. She raised me, on her own, and then she married an abusive man just so his stench would repel monsters. My mom sacrificed everything for me. Poseidon threw me into this world just so I could get a stupid bolt and clear his name. I hate him."
"Percy-you continued to return to Camp Half-Blood after your first quest, why do that if you hate the gods?"
"I was misguided. I thought I was on the right side-the good side. I played right into their hands and it worked, the Olympians won the second titan war." Percy's hands were in fists. "I thought after the war, I was going to live a normal life but no, Hera wiped my memories, sent me across the country and I could barely remember my own name. Now, I'm being thrown back into the ring. But this time, there is a difference."
"Oh?" The mortal questioned.
"Yes," Percy's striking sea green eyes bore into his; a sadistic look upon his face. "This time-I'm on the right side."
1st Person/Persia-
When I finally came to, I saw a pair of sea green eyes looking at me. My whole body ached; bruise marks trailed across my body, and my throat felt dry.
"Percy?" I croaked, my voice raspy.
"Easy," My friend said, dribbling a gold liquid into my mouth.
It was warm and incredibly sweet-Nectar. I wiped my mouth with a weak hand before staring up at him. Percy's face looked youthful-his sea green eyes vibrant and didn't appear to be harmed.
"You've been screaming alot." He explained, examining my swollen hand.
"I came to r-rescue you. We've got to get out of here."
Percy looked puzzled. "Persia, haven't you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"I've joined Gaea." He stated, his eyes void of emotion. I searched for any sign that he was joking or that he'd been forced.
"Percy," I whispered. "If Gaea is making you say this, I understand. I came to rescue you-we'll get out of here. Together."
"Persia, I'm not being forced to do anything. I am here of my own free will." He said this slowly and I knew he was being serious.
My jaw nearly dropped. After all, this was the same guy who had went through so much to defeat the titans and help the gods and now, here he was, pledging his allegiance to the enemy.
"I've had some time to reflect on the gods and their ways," Percy continued. "They've done horrible things to their children and mortals. I understand that the gods may seem the better option compared to Gaea and her giants but at least Gaea is honest. She doesn't play games with me or use me. She wants to take the down the Olympians then take over the world. I'm not quite sold on that second bit, but I want the gods out of power. I want them all to die."
"How could you say something like that? They're our family, Percy." I knew something was wrong-Gaea had done something to him. "You want Apollo to die? Hestia?"
"You're blinded by your feelings for Apollo," He gently touched my bruised cheek and I pulled back. "I know he and Hestia aren't the worst Olympians but they too, must die. It's not personal-call it 'collateral damage.'"
I mustered all the strength I could and shook him. "This isn't you, Percy. I know this is not you. You're extremely loyal to the gods-you've made it past difficult obstacles like this before; you need to snap out of this. I know you can."
For a moment, I saw a flicker in his eyes but it was quickly replaced by a mask. "I know you took a risk coming over here to save me, but I don't need saving. I hoped to talk some sense into you but I think you just need a little more time."
With that, the son of Poseidon stood up and took the ambrosia and nectar with him. Percy made his way over to the door and had a hand on the door knob, ready to leave. In a last ditch effort, I recalled one of the first conversations we had together.
"Forgiveness." I croaked. "You told me that forgiving Artemis would help me move on. You said 'when you think you can never forgive someone, you're just making it harder to forgive that person.' You're angry at the gods so you're holding a grudge. You need to forgive them before this turns into a bigger mess."
Percy surprised me. He chuckled, saying, "I was a completely different person when I said that. This isn't a grudge, Persia. The gods need to be held accountable for everything that they've done."
I winched, pain spreading through my body.
"Two more weeks of experiments." He said, noticing my pain. "If you're still alive, of course."
"Two weeks till what?" I asked.
3rd Person-
"Battle." Jason started. "We've got roughly two weeks before the Doors open."
Nico, Piper, Hazel, Leo, and Frank drank in the friend's words slowly. They had just landed in California, meeting Jason in San Francisco. They were on Alcatraz island, listening as Jason debriefed them.
"Gaea and her giants need more time-they're weak." Jason explained.
"Should we storm in there and get Persia? Maybe Gaea hasn't gotten her blood yet." Frank said.
Jason thought for a moment then shook his head. "I'm sure she has her blood already-maybe Gaea will keep her as a prisoner while she attacks us in two weeks. If so, then we can go rescue her. We have to walk to away this time and get both camps ready."
"Why don't we attack now?" Nico asked. "The giants are weak-it's perfect."
Piper shook her head. "Demigods and gods have to work together to kill a giant. They're all busy."
The group sighed collectively. They had come so far only to turn back around without their friends. Everything was going so wrong.
"That's not all," Jason began pacing around. "I had a dream."
The demigods looked up at their friend; he looked afraid.
"Well, Martin Luther-do tell." Leo implored.
Jason inhaled deeply before starting, "I've managed to decipher my dreams because at first, they came to me in bits and pieces. Basically, I've come to a conclusion that may be the solution to this impending battle. It won't prevent the Giant war or any other battles, but it would buy us some time. I just hope we won't have to use it."
The demigods leaned in, intrigued.
Jason squeezed his eyes shut, a look of mortification graced his face. "To close the Doors temporarily, one of the seven whose blood was not used to open the Doors, has to die."
Hazel's eyes grew wide. "Temporarily? How long would that be?"
"I don't know. Months? Days? Hours?" Jason swallowed. "It could be minutes for all we know. It only works once though."
"I think we all need to agree we won't go offing ourselves-we've lost enough of our friends to Gaea. It'll be pointless, no matter how long the temporary close is. Gaea would also get more time to regain strength and she'd be back. Hands in the middle guys-none of us are doing this." The daughter of Pluto stuck her hand out, looking at her friends.
"Well I'm not part of the seven but..." Nico placed a hand on top of his sister's. "I won't intentionally try to kill myself."
"We're better off if we stick together." Piper agreed, placing a hand in.
"Yeah, I'd rather not die." Frank joined them.
The four of them looked at the two remaining boys expectantly. Jason stood deep in thought, occasionally looking to Leo. The son of Hephaestus shifted his weight, weighing his decision.
"Don't get me wrong-I'm all for staying alive. It's my favorite activity next to making jokes, but the prophecy is what worries me," Leo started. "Remember, an oath to keep a final breath? What if it this is the oath-us promising to not kill ourselves in order to temporarily close the door. What if by making this promise to stay alive is what will cause that line to become true?"
"Prophecies aren't straightforward Leo." Nico reminded.
"Guys," Piper looked at her two friends who had been with her since the beginning. She'd make sure neither of them sacrificed themselves to keep that crazy lunatic at bay. "We take risks all the time-it's part of being a half blood. If any one of us to do this, we're letting Gaea win. She'll have more time and we won't even when the temporary close ends. She would be able to get out and attack us at any time. If either of you intentionally do this then you're making everyone fighting Gaea worse off. For the last time, are you guys in?"
"I'm in." Leo confirmed.
"Jason-we need you to reunite the camps more than ever now that Percy's..." Hazel voice faltered. "Now that he's on Gaea's side. This is not the time to be the hero-we need you. Olympus needs all of us. The future of mankind rests on our shoulders. We can't let them down."
"I see your point but Hazel, the dream came to me. It must be some kind of foreshadow and should it turn out to be, I'm willing to accept my fate."
"Well I'm not," His ex dragged his hand into the circle. "Promise me you won't do this?"
Jason's blue eyes met Piper's kaleidoscope eyes, nodding. "I promise."
The demigods held their hands in that circle for a moment, all of them wondering whether in two weeks, their hearts would be beating as they were now.
"What team?" Leo asked, smiling.
All of them rolled their eyes, disentangled their hands, and responded, "Wildcats."
Nico looked over to Alcatraz, shaking his head. "We're going to give them hell for what they've done to Percy and Persia."
"I second that," Leo's jaw locked.
The next hour, the demigods agreed to go their separate ways in order to reunite the Greek and Roman camps. Piper, Leo, and Nico all agreed to go back to Camp Half-Blood while Jason, Frank, and Hazel would go back to Camp Jupiter. It was Monday so they all agreed that by Saturday, a portion of Camp Half-Blood would go to Camp Jupiter and train with the Romans for a week until the Doors were opened. The other portion of the New York camp would be grounded outside the Empire State Building, ready to defend Olympus should Gaea plan to strike there.
Don't be fooled, however, things were still very awkward between the group.
At large, Leo still ignored Hazel. Hazel had tried to speak to him but he avoided her. She started talking to Frank more often, having a feeling he knew why Leo was mad at her, but Frank said nothing and was there to comfort Hazel when she needed it.
Things were very tense between Jason and Piper. Piper knew that Jason was undoubtedly with Reyna but despite that, she wanted to remain friends. She just needed her distance for a while. Jason had indeed started dating the daughter of Bellona and also wanted space from his ex.
Nico had been in contact with Thalia through IM. Originally, he had only called to know of Annabeth's well-being but the two had begun talking more about what they enjoyed and as it turns out, they enjoyed the same things. The son of Hades wasn't sure where their relationship was heading but he definitely wouldn't mind if they turned out to be more than friends.
3rd Person-
"Well you're still alive." Gaea's voice appeared in Persia's room.
The girl was in chains, gasping for air. She looked terrible. Her jet black hair was matted with blood, the cuts and bruises had worsened into red gashes and purple dents. It was Saturday and Persia had been with Gaea for nearly a week. She was occasionally fed, but Gaea had her stay under 800 calories-barely enough for survival. She had about two broken bones, including a rib but Persia's heart never stopped beating. She would pass out from the beatings and starvation but her heart continued to beat. Now, Gaea decided that she had to go through one more test.
"As you can see," Persia pushed herself up, pressing against the wall for support. "I tire easily and don't heal. I'm immortal not invincible. Not the best body to take over the world with."
"I'm not quite ready to cross you off the list yet," Gaea purred, her voice chilling the girl. "In a week, I will open the Doors and attack camp Jupiter. And you, Persia, are going to fight for us."
The girl wanted to laugh. "Do I look like I'm in any state to be fighting? Besides, you know I won't actually fight my family-I'll just join them and fight you."
"I'll have a doctor come in and fix you right up," Gaea said. "Persia, if you decide to fight us then by all means do so. Just now my army is under command to kill any deserters. Die at your own risk for all I care. I'll find another body."
Persia's eyes began to droop and blackness was crowding her vision. "What'd you do to Percy?" She asked.
"I just showed him the true nature of the gods. I emphasized what he had forgotten." Gaea said simply.
The demigod wanted to say more but exhausted swept over her and she crumpled to the floor.
Gaea presence faded and a team of medics swarmed into the room, tending to the injured girl.
"I think we need a change of plans," Percy stated. He sat in a conference room, there were several seats but only three were occupied. The son of Poseidon sat at the head of the table, dressed in bronze armor. To his left sat Phorpyrion, listening intently. To his right, Antaeus glanced at the demigod warily. He didn't trust Percy one bit. Gaea's voice also filled the room, assessing Percy's every move.
All eyes were on him and Percy felt the pressure. "We'll have to draw the Greeks and Romans out to us. I propose we wait a few days and see if they'll come to us. If we attack Camp Jupiter, they have home advantage not to mention an arsenal of weapons. We're on Alcatraz Island-surrounded by water. If we dismember their boats, they'll be no way to escape. The gods and demigods will be trapped."
"Jackson has a point," Gaea's son agreed. "My giant brethren are gaining their strength and 50 foot tall giants charging toward the camp will give the demigods even more time to prepare a mass attack. I say we draw them out here but the majority of army will be in New York, ready to strike Olympus which will give an element of surprise."
Percy shook his head. "I know the Greeks-they'll have Olympus covered."
"Mother?" Phorpyrion asked. "What do you think?"
There was a brief moment of silence before Gaea responded. "Jackson knows their tactics better than any of us. I trust his input-we should prepare to have the battle here. We'll have home advantage and Jackson could easily take out all their ships."
"Very well." Antaeus lips were in tight line. "What's the strategy to take them out?"
"Go for the demigods first-they're the weakest." Percy suggested. "Without the demigods, the gods won't be able to fight the Gigantes. Each giant finds their corresponding god and kills them."
"Jackson," Antaeus stared at the boy, an evil smirk upon his face. "I don't doubt your hatred for the gods but your friends-you believe there are misguided. If they get in the way-and those pesky brats will-you must be able to kill them. No second thoughts."
"It's collateral damage, nothing personal. I understand." Percy said solemnly.
"Jackson, I need you to do one more thing to prove your loyalty."
"Anything, Gaea. I'll do it."
"I want you to kill a god. Anyone-you pick."
Percy thought for a second.
"Poseidon?" Antaeus and Phorpyrion offered. "You do despise him."
"That's true but once Polybotes reforms he'll give Poseidon the hell he deserves." The boy turned around in his chair for a minute or two.
When he had made his decision, the son of Poseidon smiled. It was a twisted, sadistic grin the complete opposite of his typical lopsided grin.
"This goddess has blood on her hands. When I was fourteen, I risked my life to save her because she was stupid enough to get captured by the titans. She killed Orion and Persia out of jealously. I used to think that she was one of the nicest gods, willing to stand up for me. Now, I know better. She's a monster and I want to see the blood drain from her face as I kill her."
The giants nodded at Percy, approving of his choice.
Gaea also accepted Percy's choice. "It's lights out for Lady Artemis then."
The Aphrodite, Ares, Hephaestus, and a portion of the Hermes cabins had been training with the Romans for over a week and a few days. Things had been tense at first but the Greeks and Romans realized that their cooperation was necessary for both of the groups' survival. Currently, Reyna had called a meeting with five members of the prophecy, Nico, Thalia, Annabeth, and Clarisse.
The chairs seated the nine demigods and they turned their attention to the daughter of Bellona. Jason looked up at his girlfriend, his eyes meeting hers. Reyna gave a small smile and started, "As you all know, it's been two weeks and four days and Gaea and her Gigantes still haven't attacked. Our inside source-a mortal psychologist gifted with the Sight- has been killed so we have no idea what the enemies plans are."
"We're blind, sitting ducks." Annabeth sighed. She looked better for someone whose boyfriend wanted to destroy her and everyone she loved. Her blonde hair had revived and the life returned to her gray eyes. She knew she would soon see Percy but she had decided to deal with that when the time came. Now, it was time to focus on the battle.
"Yes," Reyna confirmed. "We need another plan. We can't assume that they're too weak or that there was a bump in plans. We should make the first move-they won't see us coming."
"I agree." Clarisse nodded. "We've got the element of surprise on our side now."
"I've got blueprints of Alcatraz-Gaea's army is situated underground-where the Doors are. We've already assigned leaders for each group-you all." Reyna gestured to her audience. "Now we have to memorize it so it won't be unfamiliar territory. It'll be a national holiday so no mortals will be visiting. According to the mortal newscast, there's a hurricane and a thunderstorm approaching. Lord Neptune and Lord Jupiter are the last to arrive-they'll meet us on the island."
(A/N-I haven't read HoH or BoO. I assume Rick separated the Greek and Romans gods to have different personalities and manners but I'm just going to have a god there and if a Greek sees him he'll be like oh, that's Zeus and Roman will call him Jupiter. Got it? Get it? Good. Back to story.)
"Sounds good to me, Reyna." Reyna's boyfriend backed her one hundred percent.
"We're down." Annabeth, Thalia, and Nico all agreed.
The rest of the demigods concurred, on board with the change of plans. Little did they know, but they had played into Gaea's hands just as Percy predicted.
The leaders debriefed their groups and reformed a few flanks before gathering boats to travel to Alcatraz Island. Annabeth had checked in with Camp Half blood and confirmed with the leaders that a group of demigods were defending Olympus as well as the Greek camp. They had all their bases covered and the nine demigods, along with their groups, headed toward the island, under the blanket of the night.
The gods had flashed in, waiting on the shore. The boats had barely made it to the shore before things starting going south.
The prison yard lights lit up and revealed four figures, two of them giants.
"Hello gods and demigods! Welcome to my crib." Percy Jackson's voice bellowed and he flicked his left wrist, capsizing one of their boats. He did it on purpose-there were no people on it-it was full of arsenal and was controlled by Poseidon.
Annabeth's eyes widened, her jaw nearly dropping. She cringed, dreading to arrive on shore.
"Is it too late to turn around?" Leo asked.
No one replied but instead they landed on shore, the gods flanking in front of them. Now, the Greeks and Romans could clearly see the figures standing feet away from them.
Apart from Percy, Antaeus and Phorpyrion stood, holding Persia of Athens who struggled to get out of their grasp. The doctors had healed her and she wore silver armor, her black hair glistening in the moonlight. The girl's eyes and the sun god's locked and they both yearned for each other.
The group stood in front of the Alcatraz entrance which had begun sizzling. The gods and their children noticed that it was covered in blood but before they react, Anateus slammed a fist into the ground, uprooting all of their boats. The ground began to shake and walls of complete dirt surrounded the island.
"Gaea." Hazel hissed.
"It's a trap!" Zeus roared, clutching his bolt.
"I guess you could call it a trap house." Percy smiled. Suddenly, the entrance's 60 foot tall gates exploded and revealed a slew of monsters-giants, dracanaes, and others.
"Attack, my children." Gaea's voice boomed. "Attack!"
"Don't have to tell me twice, mom." Percy murmured sarcastically, yelling a cry of rage. Both sides attacked, clashing weapons.
In the midst of all the chaos, Thalia and Nico stood back to back. They were surrounded by a horde of dracanea.
"We're surrounded!" She yelled.
"Good-that means we attack from any side."
Thalia gave a small smile and static coated her finger tips. Nico pulled out his sword and together, they kicked some serious monster podex.
Meanwhile, Piper and a few Aphrodite members charged a group of telekhines. Occasionally, she used charmspeak to make them confused and unable to use their weapons.
The gods and their children had paired together but no giant had been killed yet. Both sides hadn't lost a person nor a giant but it had only been about thirty minutes. The Greeks and Romans were holding them off pretty well but more monsters were pouring out of the Doors, the gods and their children were trapped and soon, monsters would overrun the island.
Despite this impending danger, Persia managed to slip away from Anateus and Phorphyrion, searching for the sun god. "Apollo!" She shouted, straining her eyes to look for him.
"I'm here!" The god yelled, running over to her. The girl met him halfway, leaping into his arms. They clutched each other for dear life and in that moment, Persia felt safe despite the wreckage surrounding her.
Percy was on a mission. Artemis and her hunters were edging closer to the doors, attempting to hold off the monsters coming out. Percy was halfway across the battlefield, using his sword to fend off halfbloods. He never killed them, he only knocked them out or gave them a cut or two. He'd presumed they were under orders to not kill him either because he'd only received a nick a two underneath all the armor. Percy eventually made his way over to the goddess who had his back turned to him.
He tapped her on the shoulder gently which caused the goddess to whip around wildly. She was taken aback; her face a mixture of sadness and defense. Immediately, her group of huntresses shielded Artemis from Percy, ready to fight for their Lady.
"Oh how cute," Percy grinned, twirling Riptide in its pen form. "Your little girl scouts are going to fight me."
He bent down, looking at the group of girls. "Hey do you guys any thin mints-they're my fav."
They responded by flashing their weapons. "More like the girl scouts from hell," Percy muttered.
"Not him, girls." Artemis commanded, her silver eyes darting from Percy to the girls. "I've got him."
Their jaws were locked but they began to slowly retreat. One of the girls however, flew at Percy attempting to attack him with a spear. He sidestepped and butted her with the hilt of his sword.
"Naomi!" One of the girls shouted, running over to their fallen comrade.
Artemis and Percy locked gazes and the boy had a murderous glint in his eyes. Before the two could duel, Antaeus snuck up behind them and slammed Percy upside the head.
"Percy!" The goddess cried, staring at the giant.
The giant threw the unconscious demigod over his shoulder and trudged toward the Alcatraz prison, opening one of the gates with a pair of keys. He slipped inside, slamming the door behind him. He got out a pair of cuffs and locked the son of Poseidon in a cell.
Yep, he was going to get a hefty reward from Zeus.
Finally, the Greeks and Romans had managed to make a dent. Hades, Nico, and Hazel defeated Alcyoneus and many more monsters were killed. They had lost a few demigods-both Greek and Roman but the casualties were low.
Aphrodite, Piper, and Drew were attacking Periobola-Bane of the love goddess. She was the princess of the giants and they knew eliminating her would be a serious blow to the Giants. The love goddess floated above, sprinkling rose petals into the Giant's eyes.
Piper and Drew attacked from below, using their weapons to wound the giant. The giant howled and she blindly kicked one of the demigods across the field.
"Piper!" Aphrodite and Drew yelled. Periobola shrieked and swatted both of them away, knocking out Drew and wounding Aphrodite. Piper landed hard on her back and blood began to seep through her armor. She had landed on a broken spear.
"Just my luck." She groaned, her breath shuddering.
"Pipes!" Leo yelled, running over to her. It wasn't too long before Jason, Hazel, Frank, and Persia surrounded their dying friend.
"No, no, no." Jason clutched the girl, taking off her armor. Her clothes were soaked with blood and her eyes wheeled around wildly.
"Apollo!" Persia yelled-the god and the girl had separated, Apollo went to look for his twin. "Apollo!"
The sun god heard her cry and was making his way over, shooting monsters as he went. He wasn't going to make it in time and Piper knew that.
"Stay with us, Piper." Hazel encouraged, grasping her hand.
The girl's kaleidoscope eyes began to become hazy and her heart rate slowed down. "I-I made a promise to myself that I'd save someone no matter what."
"The oath to keep a final breath." Frank concluded, tears in his eyes.
Apollo had reached them and placed his hands over Piper's body. His hands glowed but nothing changed.
"Piper-you've got to let me heal you. You're rejecting my power."
"The Doors," She croaked. "They need to close."
"The hell they don't," Leo aggressively shook his head. "We can handle it-let Apollo heal you."
"We're trapped-soon all the giants and monsters will come through the Doors and the Greeks and Romans will be overrun by them. I'm already dying-it's part of the prophecy. It'll close the doors."
"Not on my watch," Leo said wiping a stray tear from Piper's face.
"Everyone in this life wants to save someone, sometimes that person is yourself." The demigod took one last breath, looking the sky. She had taken one last stand for Olympus and saved everyone that fateful day.
The Doors began closing and Gaea started to panic-this was not how things were supposed to go down.
"Inside, my children!" Her voice cried out. "Hurry-before the Doors close!"
The monsters and Giants headed her cry, running towards the doors.
"You will pay for this, Olympians!" The mother of earth cried, vowing revenge.
The Greeks and Roman stood tall, knowing they'd see Gaea and her Giants again.
A/N-So you may or may not hate me. I would say sorry but I was stuck between her or Frank (If you've read Let's start a Revolution-they are clearly my favorite people from Heroes of Olympus. Sarcasm intended.) then I just flipped a coin and Piper got the short of the stick. No, that was not a reference to Frank's stick of death. So ya...see you guys next week!