Hera waited patiently as Hercules charged her. When he was a few feet from taking her; she outstretched a hand and sat him down on his Gluteus Maximus.
"It look likes someone needs a timeout," said Hera and with the flick of her wrist she summoned chains from the ground that wrapped around the enraged hero.
Hercules screamed in wrath while struggling in his bonds. His veins popped out of his skin due to the strain of his clenching muscles upon the chains.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" His face was turning purple from screaming.
"Hush now child," Hera said. She snapped her fingers and a gag materialized that cover his mouth.
When she deemed he was under control; she diverted her attention away from the large man on the ground to the seven-hundred Argonauts. Hera expected them to be kneeling but instead she found them standing, staring at her expectingly-no, not to her-but to Achilles. They were awaiting his orders not hers. Achilles gestured remained expressionless signifying for them to remain as they were.
"This is how you greet an Olympian?" asked Hera.
No answer.
"Is this display of disobedience because I hat to put this one its place?" She pointed to the bound and gagged Hercules.
She was shot with defiant glares in return.
"Oh, I see what this is. These so called 'Heroes of Old' are spreading their beliefs upon you," she said with a sneer. "What did they tell you? Did they tell you Gods are evil and not be trusted, or did they say we don't care about heroes but only for ourselves?"
"They are simply not kneeling, 'Your Majesty,' because you attacked one of their fellow Argonauts," Achilles told her. "We Argonauts fight for each other and die for each other."
Hera howled with laughter. "Are you referring to Hercules? They actually respect and look up to that monster? Did anyone ever bother to mention how he killed is own family?"
"If I recall, you were the one who influenced him to commit the atrocity," Odysseus pointed out. "Was it because you were jealous of him? That could be the reason why he just tried to kill you, or I could be wrong. I don't know, it's just a theory of mine."
Hera shrugged her shoulders, "Fair enough, but what about what he did to Zoë Nightshade?"
"Who?" Leo asked.
The Hunters of Artemis eyebrows ears perked upon hearing the name of their former leader.
"Oh yes, Zoë Nightshade!" Hera cried sympathetically. "The poor girl that the Mighty Hercules manipulated. He would have never retrieved the Golden Apple if it wasn't for her. Did Hercules ever thank her? Did he even mention her? Did he save her from her tyrannical father? NO! He did nothing for her; even after she gave him one of the most powerful swords in history. If you don't believe anything I'm saying…just ask Percy Jackson He know all about it. He is the current owner of that very sword and it's burring a hole in that pocket or his."
All eyes honed in on Percy. Percy held his glare with Hera and shook his head in disgust. The Hunters looked at Hercules with a newly found hatred. They had just begun to trust men but that was all down the drain now due to the new incriminating evidence.
Hera smirked and continued to speak. "These Heroes of Old that you follow say that we Olympians are the manipulators; the ones who aim to take advantage of you. In reality THEY are the ones who seek to harm you."
The Argonauts continued to look at her with disbelieving eyes.
"Okay," Hera nodded. "Let me educate your infant minds."
"Let us being with Achilles, your top general. He has one of the greatest blood lusts of all time. During the Trojan War, he mercilessly slaughtered men by the thousands in order to fulfill his petty need for revenge. Next we have Bellerophon, the man that is so arrogant he thought he could live with Gods. He flew to Olympus demanding that we were to make him one of us. What a fool! Then we have Hercules, but we already know all about him."
The Hunters continued to stare daggers at the bound and gagged Hercules.
"That brings us to Jason. Not Grace but THE Jason. The Jason that promised to marry Medea but instead decided to appease to his greed and married a rich princess that he had only known for a day. Next we have Leonidas. Can't really complain about him. He's a perfect soldier who follows every order. If you are to look up to one of these men it would best be Leonidas. However, he has decided to start taking audience with his fellow Heroes of Old, and now he is just as defiant as them. Now we have Odysseus. Sure some of you can say that he is the epitome of family man. He was only trying to return to his wife and son; but if he really was the faithful husband, would he have had an affair with every female he met along the way?
"Onto Perseus. I used to like him. He was such a grateful and kind gentleman, even if he was a bastard creation of my arrogant husband. However, he is just like Leonidas. He has spoken with his fellow heroes and has become as scornful and forsaking as they are. Finally, we have Theseus. Theseus can be compared extremely close to the likes of Hercules. Like Hercules, he sought help from a female. This woman was Ariadne. Unlike poor Zoë Nightshade she received credit for he deeds. However, she was abandoned by Theseus. He left her stranded on island even after he promised to marry her! Everything is in the open now! Its time for to think for yourselves!"
When Hera finished speaking there was an unpleasant hush that fell over the crowd. Disapproving murmurs were traded between friends and there was a large number of disappointed head shakes.
"Does anyone know the reasons why these Heroes came back to life?" Hera asked but as expected, no one replied. "No one? Then I'll have to tell you. The reasons why we gods have brought them back is because they kill, destroy, harm, damage, decimate, and annihilate. That is what they do best and that is all they can ever do. That is why they are here. They only reason why they agreed to help in the first place is because they are receiving something in return. They didn't agree to this because they care about you, the success of the mission, or the existence of the world. They trained you because we told them to, not because they wanted to. They masquerade behind fake smiles but inside they are cursing you, everyone, and everything. I know you know this and I know you can see it; even behind their lies and their heroic not feel as if I am trying to turn you away from these men. I only want for you to understand that they are not here out of the goodness of their hearts. They only want something in return."
Hera cleared her throat signifying that her spieled was over. She then turned to Hercules, "If it makes you feel better, I'm sorry that I made you kill your family. But when this is over, when you do your job, when you hold your end of the deal, I promise that you can see them again."
The rage in Hercules seemed to simmer down a tad bit. "Are you going to remain calm?" she asked him. She couldn't have taken a more degrading tone. He nodded his head. "Good," she waved her hand and the chains and gag disappeared.
Hercules stood to his feet with his face burning. He was barley able to hold his composure. It looked like he was either going to crack from embarrassment or charge in anger again.
Hera looked back to the crowd. "Right, I'm tired of this talking. Thanatos, take it from here."
Thanatos materialized from the shadows.
"I'll be waiting in Cabin Number Two. After Thanatos is finished speaking he will bring these people to my cabin: Chiron, Lupa, Achilles, Annabeth Chase, Bellerophon, Frank Zhang, Hercules, Hazel Levesque, Hylla, Jason, Jason Grace, Leonidas, Leo Valdez, Piper McLean, Odysseus, Octavian, Percy Jackson, Perseus, Rachel Dare, Reyna, Thalia Grace, and Theseus."
When Hera was out of ear-shot or what appeared to be ear-shot because the Gods hear everything, Thanatos addressed the Argonauts.
"Last time I saw you I had to leave in order to gather information….And information I did gather. However I am unable to tell you any of it. Do not worry, you will eventually learn the truth but not from me. Also, last time I saw you, you were ill prepared to fight this war….But now you stand before me as Argonauts. I don't think you should be called Argonauts though….Well…. Not until you look like them."
Thanatos snapped his fingers. The armor on the Argonauts' bodies transformed and the weapons in their hands disappeared. All of their equipment was replaced with newer, shiner and better items. Their new armor was a hybrid design of Roman and Greek. It was a painted black and was then waxed over to give it a shiny glossy look. In the center of the chest-piece was a large image of a dragon's face. This dragon's face in particular was the head that rested on the mast of the Argo II. This dragon was Festus with his ruby red eyes gleaming and his razor teeth baring. On the right shoulder of their armor was a certain insignia depending from person to person. If the Argonaut originated from Camp Jupiter, then they had an eagle and if they were from Camp Half-Blood that person had a pine-tree. The new weapons they received ranged from xiphos, falcata, gladius, spatha, makhaira, spears, javelins, and bows. They had round greek shields or rectangular roman shields. Every shield was imprinted with the face of Festus. The helmets were also a cross between Roman and Greek makeup and they where either the color gold or bronze depending on the person's heritage.
After giving the Argonauts enough time to analyze their new equipment, Thanatos spoke again. "Now you look like Argonauts. As you can see, your new gear is a mix of Roman and Greek engineering. One size fits all. Your armor is forged from Imperial Gold and Celestial Bronze. This goes for your shields and weapons as well. Some of you may be wielding a Greek Xiphos or a Roman Gladius. Your weapons are given to you according to your preference. The Gods have studied how each one of you fights and what you like to fight with. Everything on your body is personalized. Do not think we don't have faith in your mission, we do. We just can't fully help you. The Olympian laws are really fuzzy in the whole interfering area. You can thank Hephaestus and Ares for your new gifts."
Even the Heroes of Old had their armor was repainted black imprinted with the Festus emblem. Hercules's Nemean lion coat was repainted black along with Perseus's shield and the others' weapons and armor as well.
Their were a few, "Thank you's" muttered but everyone was too caught up with inspecting their new gear admiration. The Argonauts swung experimental swings, tested the weight of their blades, and fired test shots.
"Now the names Lady Hera mentioned, come with me," announced Thanatos.
Chiron, Lupa, Achilles, Annabeth Chase, Bellerophon, Frank Zhang, Hercules, Hazel Levesque, Hylla, Jason, Jason Grace, Leonidas, Leo Valdez, Piper McLean, Odysseus, Octavian, Percy Jackson, Perseus, Rachel Dare, Reyna, Thalia Grace, Theseus, Hera, and Thanatos were inside Hera's cabin. They were discussing their upcoming mission. The Heroes of Old remained silent either from the embarrassment they suffered earlier or probably because they didn't talk much. Hera remained silent as she sat in a throne like char and everyone else chattered away. They were currently discussing acquisition of the keys to Death's Doors. They would need the keys to lock Thanatos's doors so they couldn't be opened again.
"So it is in Rome then?" Percy asked for confirmation.
"Yes, and no. The keys to the doors are in the modern city Rome but the location of my doors are in a place where the Roman Empire once was. Vatican City-that's where you're going-isn't necessarily part of Rome or Italy either. Technically it is its own country," Thanatos informed them.
"Then what is the true location of your Doors?" Jason questioned.
"You will find out once you get the keys."
"...That are located in the obelisk in the center of St. Peter's Square," asked Annabeth perplexed. "Of all places, why a Catholic Basilica?"
"You said it yourself, the keys aren't in the Basilica, they're in the obelisk; and it's not keys plural, just A key, singular. Obelisks are Egyptian architecture, you of all people should know this Chase."
"Then why Egyptian?" Piper asked.
"Because Egypt was once a part of the Roman Empire, obviously."
"I understand the Egyptian concept but why can't you just get the keys-I mean key-yourself?" Frank asked.
"I can't because Gods can't do these sorts of things. There's a reason why we need heroes."
Everyone looked to the Heroes of Old to say something along the lines of, "The Gods are using us again," but they held their peace.
"Why can't you just tell us where your Doors are again? It would save us a lot of time?" Leo asked.
"You need to get the keys first so you will be able to lock the Doors. I have to make sure you have the key first or else I won't think you're ready to fight Gaea's armies. If you can't even fetch some keys then what good are you?"
"Speaking of Gaea's army, do you know the exact numbers they have, who's fighting for them, how many are protecting your doors? You know, the important stuff?" Hylla interrogated.
"I didn't get their exact number but it's a great many. I'm talking in the range of thousands of monsters fighting in her name but there's something else you need to know. Gaea has recruited Echidna into her ranks and together they have found a way to reproduce more monsters."
"Ew," Leo blurted.
If anyone had x-ray vision they would have seen Thanatos roll his eyes within his hood. "The way it's being done is besides the point. What I'm trying to tell you is that they have been making clones of monsters. We're talking multiple Minotaurs, Chimaeras, Hydras, and I have heard talks about an Anti-Cerberus. Not only that, Gaea has brought back more from the dead," Thanatos informed them.
"More from the dead, like who?" Hazel asked. She had a certain curiosity of the resurrected. Probably because she was once dead her self or maybe it could led them to Nico. Percy thought the same as well.
Thanatos put a hand to his chin recollecting his memories. "I overheard some monsters throwing out names but what I can confirm with my own two eyes is King Minos-"
Theseus perked his ears and raised his eyebrows.
"I hate that guy," Percy mumbled while putting his face in his hands. The thoughts of King Minos brought back bad memories and also brought back the thought of the missing Nico.
"-And Paris of Troy."
"No," Achilles said finally speaking up while at the same time he touched his heel gingerly.
"Yes," Thanatos nodded.
"I knew Paris was a coward but I didn't think he would go so low as to join the likes of Giants and monster," Achilles mused.
Thanatos shrugged not knowing what to say. "There could be more than those two but they're the only two I can guarantee. I wouldn't worry about those two because they're not really military experts but it's a sign that we need to hurry up and close my doors so we can put a stop to this."
"Is there any Giants guarding your doors as well."
"Most likely, don't know which ones, but probably."
"Did you just say, 'ones,' as in plural?" Octavian asked in disbelief.
Thanatos nodded and everyone else gave an exasperated sigh and groans of protest.
"You need to find out exact numbers and logistics my lord," Theseus commanded the death god. "It's of vast importance."
Thanatos nodded. "You don't think I know that? Trust me I will, but there is some good news. As far as I know, Gaea doesn't know that I brought you the Heroes of Old back to life which gives us the element of surprise."
No one had anything else to add which marked the nearing of the end of the meeting
"Does everyone understand the plan?" Thanatos asked making sure. "Go to Vatican City, get the key, and then wait for further instructions."
"Rachel or Octavian does this new information tell you anything about the prophecy?" Annabeth asked.
Rachel was about to open her mouth and Octavian pulled out a Beanie Baby and a knife. However, Hera cut them off by speaking for the very first time since they meeting began. "You will find the seventh along the way. That's all you will need to know."
Achilles was about to say something but Hera stopped him with a glare. "Do not search for this person. Let things play out the way they are supposed to. That's what we Gods do and you will do the same. Would anyone else like to add anything?"
Everyone shook their heads in defeat.
"I think we're done here. The Argonauts will depart on the Argo II tomorrow morning."
Everyone nodded their heads in understanding.
"Lord Thanatos, you said that Gaea's forces are large?" Chiron asked.
Thanatos nodded his head glumly, "And getting larger."
"Then I will not be accompanying the Argonauts. I will try to gather my centaur brethren so they might aid us in the fight."
"I don't know Chiron, a lot of them are fighting for Gaea," Thanatos said doubtfully.
"I will try." Chiron said determined.
"My wolves and I will not be joining either," said Lupa. "I will try to gather forces from Pan's domain to aid us."
"Unfortunately, the Hunters of Artemis won't be joining at all," Thalia said gloomily. She looked to Hercules but quickly looked away. "I will be joining the Argo II but the rest of my sisters will not be coming. A new matter has been brought to our attention."
Everyone knew that the "matter" she was talking about was Nightshade and Hercules but no one mentioned it.
"Good luck then," said Percy.
"Plans are settled, now everyone except for Frank and Jason Grace, leave and prepare for tomorrow's journey," Hera ordered them.
When exited the room, Hera got up out of her chair, and approached the remaining Frank and Jason who sat patiently in their seats. "Unlike your fellow Half-Bloods who are part of the Prophecy of Seven, you do not have special items personal to you. Percy has Riptide, Piper has Katoptris, Leo owns that utility belt, and Hazel her horse plus spatha. That is why I have gifts for you."
Hera flipped a gold coin to Jason. When he reached to catch it, instead of grabbing a coin, he held the hilt of an Imperial Gold gladius. Jason grinned as he tossed the sword in the air, flipping it, and then catching it as a javelin.
"Does it still shoot lightning-bolts?" he asked.
Hera nodded unable to contain her own grin.
"Thank you My lady."
"And for you Frank Zhang, I present this." From Hera's dress she pulled out a pale white bow recurve bow.
Frank gently took it from her hands while drooling over it's beautiful design.
"Its name is Oriens. Its latin for-"
"-Rising Sun," Frank finished for her. He was unable to contain the awe in his voice as he studied the beautiful weapon.
"It's one of many bows Apollo no longer uses. He insisted you have it. It's made of Unicorn horn and laced with Celestial Bronze and Imperial Gold. Go ahead, draw the string. The string is a made of sphinx feathers and Pegasus tail hair."
Frank drew on the thin but smooth twine. He couldn't believe how easy it was to pull it back. It took little to no effort. That wasn't half of it though. Out of thin air appeared a glowing, pale blue arrow that notched itself onto the bow string. The arrow was made of pure energy and the whole bow hummed as he continued to pull on the draw string.
"It uses the rays of the sun to create arrows. You will never need a quiver again. Just don't show Odysseus, he'll try to steal it from you."
"Thanks," the two Roman heros said with grins.
"Frank, your father also want's me to ask you if you've been reading The Art of War?"
Frank nodded, "A page a night My lady."
"Good, you'll need it. Now if you excuse me, I have other matters to attend to on Mt. Olympus. Much debating about this Gaea situation. Close your eyes." The both closed their eyes as she turned into her true form. They opened them and she was gone.
The next day the Argonauts boarded the the Argo II. They loaded their weapons, war machines, war animals, and supplies. Before they boarded the ship they said their goodbyes. The Hunter hugged the females and scowled at the males. The nymphs gave every hero a kiss on the cheek and the satyrs that were too old or fat to go, played their pan flutes in farewell.
"PERCY!" Tyson called.
The two walked up to each other and high-fived.
"Here," said Tyson handing Percy a watch.
"No way!" Percy said in excitement as he put the watch on his wrist and pushed a special button. He watched in wonderment as it transformed into a beautiful circular shield that had engravings of heroes fighting monster, the pictures being him and his friends.
"For protection," Tyson said with a huge grin and then crushed Percy in a bear hug. "Bye, brother."
"Wait, what? You're not coming?" Percy asked displeased.
"Not today brother. I'm going to daddy's palace. Get good Cyclops brothers to fight. Bring more weapons. Also, take Ella their for protection."
"I'll guess I'll see you around…brother," Percy said and this time he was the one who instigated the bear hug.
They separated when Mrs. O'Leary started barking at them. She licked Tyson on the face and then ran aboard Argo II.
"At least I'll have her with me," Percy said chuckling while he watched the massive dog knock fellow Argonauts over as she bounded onto the ships deck.
"And Annabeth!" Tyson grinned.
"Yeah, and Annabeth," Percy almost blushed, he didn't know why. Him and Annabeth had been dating for a while and this was Tyson he was talking, not his mom. He still couldn't prevent his cheeks going a little warm though.
Thalia was saying goodbye to her hunters. "Are you sure you don't want to go? It is what Lady Artemis wants."
Phoebe replied, "No. We will not fight alongside that monster and those who fight with him. We tolerated it but now that we have learned the truth..."
"Fine but when the world ends, I'll know who to blame." Thalia stormed off without another word and boarded the Argo II.
"Be careful child," Chiron said to Annabeth.
"Yeah, you two," she said while hugging her long-time teacher and friend.
Annabeth walked over to Percy and hand in hand they climbed aboard the Argo II. Chiron looked at them proudly. They were two of the greatest heroes he had ever trained. The Heroes he trained in the past were brutal and ruthless, this generation was much gentler and showed him that the world could be kind.
Theseus was found talking to Rachel. Over the past few days they had grown very close. When training was over they were usually found sitting in the strawberry fields reading, talking, and laughing together.
"You sure you can't come?" he asked her persuasively.
"I'm not much of a fighter," Rachel told him.
"What if we need the wisdom from the beautiful oracle?" he inquired.
Rachel giggled like a school girl and she cursed her self inwardly for doing so, "You'll have Octavian."
"Hitler Junior?" Theseus asked in disbelief with an almost whining tone.
She laughed again, "He's not that bad."
"Yeah, not as bad as me," he said softly, leaning closer toward her.
"Don't say that."
"Even after Hera told you the truth about me, you still befriend me?" Theseus asked wonderment. "You are truly a remarkable women."
"I'm just a mortal."
"An intelligent human being who can see the true nature of things and most importantly, people."
"I'm an oracle. When I look at people I see the past, present, and future. I learn from the past but I look more towards the future, people's futures." Rachel explained.
Theseus smiled and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Farewell Miss Dare," he said with a charming smile. He swung his shield over his shoulder and wore it like a back pack. He shouldered his cudgel and sheathed his sword.
"Kill some monster for me will you?" she encouraged him.
Slowly he turned away; looking back the whole entire he boarded the ship. He most tripped over himself.
Rachel giggled some more as Theseus recovered and pretend nothing had occurred. Rachel shook her head and waved him off as he finally ducked out of sight among the dozens of demigod warriors and weapons, then she sighed dreamily.
The Argonauts found themselves on the upper deck of Argo II. They were looking over the railing of the ship as they waited for take off. Leo finally got the ship in the air and the people on the ground waved goodbye. Chiron gave a smart salute and Lupa and her wolves howled their valediction. The ship climbed high into the sky, floated past Thalia's tree, past the beach, and over the Atlantic Ocean. They looked back towards the skyscrapers of New York City till they enormous structures shrunk to the size of ant hills.
"How does that saying go?" Percy asked Annabeth. "The one about Rome and roads."
"All roads lead to Rome?" she suggested.
"Yeah," Percy snapped his fingers, "that's the one."
"Why?" Annabeth inquired.
"Just wondering if we'll get there is all."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, you know, we're flying. We're not really on a road, we could get lost," he tired to conceal his grin.
"Shut up Seaweed Brain."
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