A/N: I am really excited to write this new chapter and I wanted to post it quickly because my ideas were really flowing, and all of this positive feedback is really helping! By the way, as far as I'm concerned, this is the most fun I'll have in the story because it deals a lot with teamwork and espionage. Enjoy!

Third Person POV

The next day…

Percy ran to the Big House, in search of Chiron, with a backpack in tow. He had to complete this task quickly and efficiently if he wanted to prove himself to Ares. After this, he'd only be a step closer to getting his beloved Annabeth back.

Running as fast as he could, he swiftly barged in the door, surprising Chiron and Mr. D alike (Percy was usually never awake this early in the morning). He looked eager to leave camp, but the overall atmosphere he presented was a little unnerving to the centaur and his Camp Director.

"Chiron, I need to leave camp," Percy said simply. He looked a bit confident and somewhat determined; as if no was not an answer he'd be willing to accept. "NOW."

The centaur studied Perseus intently, disbelieving in his reason for early departure. He trotted lightly up to the boy. He looked terrible. His eyes were unusually darker than usual, and his skin paled. Chiron almost opted to ask if he was infected or sick.

"For what, boy? Have you…had a dream or vision?"

"No…I have to tell you something, Chiron. But no one can know but you and Mr. D."

Little did Percy know that darling Annabeth had woken up and followed him there. She sat quietly in front of the Big House entrance, hiding herself from the trio and eavesdropping.

Chiron backed up, stroking his small beard and listened. Mr. D. took another sip of Coke and leaned in, as if he were listening to a Ghost story.

"Ares visited me last night. He—asked me to do something. Something that neither of he or I are sure I can do. Tasks, if you will. He's going to teach me things my father can't, but I have to provide a service for him in return. You're looking…at the new Agent of Olympus."

Mr. D almost choked on his coke. He performed a spit take and eyed Percy with awe. "Percy…we haven't had one of those in…a long, long time. The last one was…"

Percy leaned in, prompting Dionysus to continue. He looked frightened, as if mentioning it would send him into Tartarus. He blurted, but in a hushed tone:

"Hercules."

Percy sat back into a chair, trying not to lose his "cool." Ares had placed him in to same exact position as Zeus' favorite son…the one he has always been compared to. In fact, it had seemed Perseus was heading down the same exact path.

All the while, Annabeth remained sitting outside the Big House, withholding a gasp from her loud enough for her to get caught. She of all people knew where this was heading. Percy would die like Hercules did, and immortality may not be an option for the son of Poseidon.

"So, where is it you must go?" Chiron asked, hoping he would not say Olympus. He was far from right.

"Olympus…I have to steal Aphrodite's Elixir," Percy reluctantly said. Looking up at Chiron's face, he knew that wasn't something the centaur wanted to hear. After all, the last time something was stolen from a God, they experienced a war.

"Percy…this is a very dangerous task the God of War has presented to you," he said, his voice breaking. Many people, including Percy, knew of Aphrodite's Elixir…and her wrath should it ever be taken away from her. Both the Centaur and the God feared for Percy's safety…even if the God of Wine, who had a notable distaste for heroes, seemed rather concerned.

"Dangerous or not, I have to get into Olympus tonight."

At the Airport…

Percy clutched his ticket in his hand. He had been scheduled for a mid-day flight to Greece…the only known entrance to Olympus that couldn't be closed off. Percy waited around in the airport until he boarded his flight, his pen in his pocket.

On the flight, Percy sat in his seat listening to music. Not once did he think of the mission at hand. He was more of an impulsive-type of adventurer.

Then, out of nowhere, a mist of rainbow "dust" appeared in front of him. An Iris message.

"O Iris, I accept this message," he whispered, trying not to wake the sleeping girl next to him. Note to self: get that girl's number before the flight ends.

Ares appeared in front of him. His expression was considerably less violent and angry than usual. "Perseus. Nice to see you've been seated well. First class, a blanket…oh, and that girl you're next to? You're welcome."

"You did this? You sat her here?"

"Yeah…something decent to look at while you wait. You can thank me later. Now listen: the entrance is in Greece, but it is NOT found through the mountain. It's actually located in Titania Hotel, on Panepistimiou Street, in Athens. Ask for Maria, and tell her: Ouranos. She'll know what you mean, and she will direct you to the entrance. Got it?"

"Got it. And once I'm inside?"

"Ignore the council. I'll be there in the meeting too, to buy you some time. Aphrodite will most likely be excused, and that's when you distract her to her room."

"Distract her how?"

"Use that charm of yours. But no physical contact…use that only as a last resort. She's still my girlfriend. And you better pray to every God on that council that it doesn't come to that."

"Ok, understood. Last resort…but use my charm."

"The Elixir is in her case of perfumes. It has a special, metallic pink box. The aroma will be very powerful, so try not to be affected by it. Oh, and Percy?"

"Yeah?"

"Try not to die on the first day, alright?"

Percy laughed quietly to himself. "Glad you care so much, bro."

"Don't call me that."

The Airport in Greece…

When Percy landed, after getting that girl's number, he looked out the window to see what was considered his home front: Athens. It was gorgeous. The buildings were tall and the atmosphere was friendly. He loved everything he saw, and the people he saw boarding planes stared at him, as if they sensed he was one of them. He was especially popular with Greek women.

Then he saw it. It was large, high, and above all beautiful. Titania Hotel. The only thing left to do was find a way there. How would he do it New York? Taxi, of course.

The taxi ride was undeniably long, scary, fast, and life-threatening. The driver, at one point, ran over a hot dog stand and sent smoking wieners in every direction. Percy was holding his chest, desperately trying to regulate his heartbeat. Think happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts. Hmm…I smell cooked pork. Oh, that's right…

Luckily, Percy had reached the hotel in one piece (a feat he had previously thought was impossible). Getting in was the hard part: there were so many people walking up and down the sidewalks. It had taken him a good five minutes before he had reached the front doors. Then, finding Maria was a problem as well. There were multiple secretaries tending to handfuls of people, and they all looked similar. Percy deciphered the name tags on the women's name-tags, and they all read something different such as "Lisa", "Susan", "Carley" and "Jennifer." But there was no Maria to be found.

But fortunately, finding the portal to Olympus wasn't hard either. Not long after searching for Maria, Percy eyed a golden and silver door at the end of the hallway, sporting a Ω symbol in its center. If that isn't the door to Olympus, then my name isn't Jacob Bobowitz. And it's not.

Soon enough, Percy made his way down the long, winding hallway. The door illuminated the area with bright golden and white twinkles of light. Standing in front of the portal made Percy feel…powerful.

Slowly, carefully, he placed his hands on the doorknob, trying to make sure no one knew he was breaking the rules. But after all, he was now working for a man who broke the rules constantly. Surely he had some tricks of his own…up his own sleeves.

Opening the door made Percy lurch forward. He was nervous, after all…demigods weren't allowed in Olympus because of what he did. If Zeus spotted him, he'd be disintegrated on the spot.

But that wasn't his concern. He needed to get Aphrodite's Elixir and fast. Get in, get out. But first he had to get to the home of the Gods. Feeling weak from his lack of sleep, Percy found his way to a nectar and ambrosia stand, called Epikinonia's. Percy's hard-wired brain picked this up immediately. Epikinonia means "communication" in Greek, Percy thought. Communication…commune…HERMES!

Immediately, the caretaker of the stand morphed, wearing a white toga and winged helmet, holding a caduceus.

"Percy!" Hermes said joyously. "How'd you know it was me?"

"Lucky guess?"

"You know you shouldn't be here. Zeus has forbidden it."

"I'm looking for something. Something…pink."

"You of all people should know what happened the last time a handsome, well-liked demigod stole from the Gods, Mr. Jackson."

Percy looked up to Hermes, whose face had just been ambushed by a flurry of unhappiness. Of course the God would still be grieving over the loss of his favorite son, Luke Castellan.

"Hermes…please. It's for a better cause than you even care to realize. What is the quickest way into Aphrodite's bedroom?"

"Heh…her, I believe," Hermes joked.

"Seriously."

"There's a hallway right outside of the throne room. Her room is halfway down…pink door. Be careful, please."

And with that, Percy shoved off to the throne room, using stealth and his entire prowess as he eluded the sight of many Gods, nymphs, and other creatures. After making his way to the outside of the throne room, he managed to stay silent as the Gods communed. He looked over to Ares' throne, where the God of War sat, staring back at his apprentice. He winked at Percy, and placed his finger in front of his mouth, signaling him to keep quiet as he bought him some time.

Percy sat, watching as the Gods seemed to get closer and closer to arguing once more over the war.

"It seems as soon as we get some rest, another enemy threatens us," Hades said. Though he still did not own a throne on the council, the Gods had still opted to include his insight on the situation.

"I am aware, brother," Poseidon replied, grimly. "But the question we all face is, how can we defeat an enemy as powerful as Gaea? She's the very Earth our children walk on."

Zeus sat in silence, contemplating the situation. "WE would need demigods. Maybe just one. A strong, powerful one, who could go places other demigods couldn't."

Athena's eyebrows rose. "And by powerful, you mean one of the children of the Big Three?"

All of the Gods' heads turned slightly. They all knew what Zeus and his brothers were thinking…who they were thinking about.

"He denied us once. What makes you think he'll say yes this time?" Apollo inquired.

Zeus sighed. "Maybe being a God isn't the answer. But maybe…just maybe…he could take his place."

All of the Gods' heads now turned down completely. For Perseus Jackson to replace Hercules as the Agent of Olympus was a great responsibility that not one of them believed the Son of Poseidon could handle.

Athena sat up. "What will he tell the camp? The Agent of Olympus is a story that no one knows about…even my own children."

"Chiron knows," Hermes said. Percy was surprised at how fast he popped into the throne room. "Surely he will grant Perseus permission to fulfill out missions, should he accept."

Now it was Ares turn. He cleared his throat, and Aphrodite turned in his direction and leaned. The other Gods then followed suit.

"Um, the kid is more then ready, Zeus," Ares said. "But he'll need a teacher."

Suddenly a roar of conversation erupted in the throne room. Every single God suggested themselves as the most fit to teach Percy what he needed to know. Finally Ares yelled over them.

"PEOPLE! RELAX!" he bellowed. "I will teach him."

Hephaestus laughed aloud, and smirked at his brother. "Try again, idiot. The boy hates you."

"And everyone else hates you, Hephie. You look like you came out of mom and hit the wall."

Hephaestus shot a nasty insult in Greek, and soon Ares followed and the two began cursing each other in an ancient language. Percy gathered that this must've been Ares' distraction, so he darted down the hall while the rest's eyes were focused on the bickering brothers.

It wasn't hard to spot. Aphrodite's room, of course, had to have the prettiest and pinkest door. Percy lightly twisted the doorknob, and immediately succumbed to the aroma in her room….Lilac, Roses, Chanel No. 5…they all erupted in his nostrils.

Jackson…Remember what I told you! Ignore the smells! They'll charm you!

Percy tried his hardest to resist, but the perfumes smelled so…intoxicating.

Percy! Stop! The perfumes are treated as her room's security! If someone intrudes while she's gone, they get stronger and stronger until you get knocked out! HOLD YOUR NOSE!

Percy lifted his hand and plugged his nose, just as he was told to do. Immediately, the smells went away and Percy was able to function once more.

Percy patted himself on the back, mentally, and made his way to Aphrodite's perfume shelf. Pink metal case, pink metal case… he thought. Once he got his hands on it, he could leave and get back to camp, safe and sound.

Then he spotted it. Pink, metallic, and downright beautiful…even for a stupid box. Percy snatched it and took the vial out of the case, then placed the case back on the shelf as a temporary decoy. For some reason, he felt compelled to read the vial. On the side, it said:

WARNING: Anyone man or woman who consumes this liquid will experience intense lust for the one they most desire. Handle with caution.

Definitely sounds like Aphrodite, he thought. His thoughts, unfortunately, were interrupted by a particularly seductive-looking Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty.

"Percy Jackson," she cooed. "I honestly didn't expect you to be waiting for me when I got back."

"Save your breath, Aph. I'm not here for that."

"Cute nickname. Mind if I keep it?"

Percy tried his hardest to slip the vial into his pocket without being noticed. After all, he knew Aphrodite would be staring in that direction…

"So what does bring you to my bedroom, Mr. Jackson?"

"I wanted to…invite you somewhere."

"Ooh, a date?"

"Not on your life."

"No need to be rude. An invite to what, dare I ask?"

"Olympian…Ball. They're having one next week," Percy lied not-so-smoothly. After all, there was a certain forced innocence on Aphrodite's face that made it nearly impossible for him to lie to her.

"So…like a date?"

"If I say 'date', will you stop hitting on me?"

She flashed Percy her signature smile. "No promises, cutie."

Nice save, kid. There's hope for you yet. Ares voice echoed in Percy's head. Now, keep using that charm to get your ass outta there.

"So, Aphrodite," Percy said flirtatiously (or at least as best as he could manage). "You know there is something you could do for me."

Aphrodite's eyes lit up. She loved this game…mostly because it was hers. He may have been hot to her, but she wasn't about to let Percy Jackson make her nervous.

"Mhmm…and what would that be?"

"What do you say, you get me out of Olympus without ol' Lightning Lad knowing?"

Her eyebrows rose slightly. "What's in it for me?"

Percy gathered all his confidence and strode up to her. Luckily, he had grown recently, and was an inch or two above her. He now had her up against her own wall.

"I'd make it worth your while after that dance next week."

Aphrodite felt her chest thump. Not many mortals or demigods are this forward with her.

Good, Punk. Keep pushing. But remember! MINE.

"I…I can send you back to camp. O-Ok?"

"Perfect…kinda like you."

At the next moment, Percy found himself in the Big House in front of a very confused Chiron and Mr. D. The two camp leaders stared at a grinning Percy, who was standing in the middle of the room.

"How was it?" Dionysus asked him. "Any luck?"

Percy took out the small, pink vial from his pocket, and Chiron studied it with a blank expression. He then smiled at the boy.

"Congratulations, Perseus. You did well."

"And you have mail." Dionysus said, handing Percy a package with his name on the tag. Percy opened it carefully, and in it he found a silver pen, which sported a small note.

Dear Percy,

Not bad for your first day. I'll have you know that I'm rather impressed…you even got Aphrodite to stutter her words. So I got you this pen. Just know that if anything happens to Riptide, you can use this. But ONLY use it if something happens to your sword. It was built…without permission. You're welcome.

Ares.

Percy smiled to himself. Apparently, he was a formidable apprentice. But something else was at the bottom of the box. After digging for a few seconds, Percy found a small stone and a picture of two birds. He understood the symbolism almost immediately.

Two birds with one stone. And something told him that his next mission would require just that.

A/N: Wow! Sorry about the long period between this and the last update! I was on vacation. But now the next one is up, and the next one should be coming up VERY soon. Read and Review!

- Chris