Percy growled in frustration.
"Where the Hades is he?"
They had arrived just outside camp Jupiter only a few hours before, but Nico was nowhere to be found. Artemis had dispatched a couple of hunters to search around the camp; without any luck.
"Men," muttered Artemis. "Completely and utterly useless." Percy turned and glared at her.
"You're not helping, Artemis."
She smiled innocently at him.
"You need to calm down, Percy. Your eyes are glowing."
Percy stopped and rubbed his eyes, sitting down onto the grass beside Artemis.
"I'm anxious, that's all. I haven't been in Rome in centuries. They might try and execute me for treason for leaving the Legion." Percy paused for a moment. "Which would be interesting, considering I started the Legion."
Artemis's eyes widened at that tidbit of history.
"You started the Legion?"
Percy nodded. "Aye. I was its first leader. I served Rome for centuries as many different Praetors and Senators." A rustling beside them caused Percy to leap to his feet, Isorropia drawn. Artemis drew her bow and notched an arrow.
"Who goes there?" she called out.
"It-It's me, Nico," came a timid voice. Percy sighed in exasperation.
"Finally! What the Hades took you so long?" Percy lowered his sword, but Artemis kept her bow drawn.
"I was speaking with my father. He had important things for me to say to the Senate," said Nico, stepping out from the trees, obviously freaked out by the goddess of the hunt. He wore a long, black robe that reached his feet.
"What things?" asked Artemis, harshly.
"Things I cannot speak out loud, except to the Senate."
Artemis glared at him but said nothing. Percy put a hand on her bow and lowered it.
"Fine, you can tell them in just a minute. We need to go now," Percy said. He turned to Artemis. "Take your hunters and watch the entrances and exits to the Camp. Things might go sour if they don't believe me. Might need to make a hasty exit."
Artemis nodded and put her bow away and put the arrow back into a quiver. She turned and left, not before giving Nico one last glare. Percy shook his head, amused, and patted Nico on the back.
"Don't worry, Nico. She's always like that."
Nico nodded, but continued to shiver from the look. Percy led them out of the woods around the camp and walked towards Camp Jupiter's main entrance. The camp had two large golden gates embedded into a stone wall that surrounded the area. Above the gates was a watch tower that seemed to be empty. Percy reached the gates and was about to knock, when a voice came from above them.
"Halt!" said the voice. It was obviously male. "State your name and cohort!" Percy turned and looked at Nico, expectantly. Percy made to talk, but Nico put a hand on his arm to stop him. He strode up to the gate and pushed his robe to the side, showing the sigil of Hades. The guard stared at the sigil for a moment before nodding and barking behind him in Latin. Percy watched, amazed with his nephew, as the gates opened up for them. Nico's demeanor changed. He was no longer the timid child that Percy had seen earlier; he was the cold heir to the Throne of the Underworld.
The guard from the tower came out to greet them. He stood before Nico and gave a Roman bow.
"I apologize, your grace. We did not expect you to arrive."
Nico glanced down and nodded.
"It is all right. I have an urgent matter to discuss with the Senate," he said. The guard stood back up. "This is my companion. He is under my protection. He is not to be touched while we are here." The guard glanced at Percy.
"I apologize, your grace, but only Romans and ambassadors may meet before the senate. Your companion must be admitted into the Legion if he wishes to present his matter," he said. Nico scowled.
"That is absurd, we bear important information directly from Olympus!"
The guard paled but made no move to let them through.
"I am sorry, but that is the law here. The gods themselves helped create these laws, they must know that even they must obey them."
"Tell that to Zeus," grumbled Percy under his breath. The guard narrowed his eyes at him.
"What was that?" he demanded. Percy shook his head.
"If I must prove myself to be able to speak then so be it. Lead the way… what's your name, centurion?" The guard puffed out his chest ever so slightly at being called a centurion.
"Mathan Foley."
Percy cracked a grin.
"Pleasure, Foley. Lead the way."
Mathan turned on the spot and led Percy and Nico away from the gates to a small building. The building was made of the same stone as the camp walls, and had a guard posted just outside its only door. There were no windows looking in, but Percy could just make out some candlelight coming from the crack under the door.
"What is this place?" asked Percy.
"This is where the praetors develop strategies and perform their duties. Before you can be admitted into the Legion, you must meet with them."
Percy nodded and followed Mathan. When they reached the door, Mathan waved a hand at the guard, who promptly opened the door for them. Nico stopped from going any further.
"This is where I must leave you, Perce. I have some business to take care of with the senate," he said. Percy frowned but nodded.
"That's alright. I'll see you soon." Nico gave a small smile and left for the senate building. Percy turned back to Mathan and followed him into the building. The inside was just as dark and gloomy as Percy imagined it. He loved it. A few lanterns lit the walls which had swords and shields mounted. A large, purple banner lay draped from one wall to another reading Twelfth Legion Fulminata. Percy snorted at that. In the center of the room was a small, oak table lit with candles and covered in maps and small figurines of legionnaires and monsters. A girl and a boy stood hunched over the table, occasionally pointing at the maps.
"Praetors Reyna and Jason, this man wishes to speak to you," said Mathan from the doorway. Reyna and Jason looked up and frowned at Percy.
"Who are you? You're not part of the Legion," said Reyna, arms crossed. Percy shook his head and stepped forward.
"My name is Percy Jackson. I have an important message for the senate, but was told that I must join the Legion before doing so." Reyna shook her head.
"I'm afraid you're right. Only Romans may speak before the senate. However," she said. "If you tell me your message, I can deliver it for you."
Percy narrowed his eyes. "I will tell you, but only if I join you in the senate building. This message is of the utmost importance, coming from Ze-Jupiter himself."
Jason's eyes widened.
"You've spoken with Jupiter?" he asked. Percy turned to look at him, his eyes flashing gold for a split moment, seeing deep into Jason's mind. Ah, Jupiter's son. And Thalia's brother no less. Interesting. Percy nodded.
"Yes I have. I am an… ambassador of Olympus, you could say." Reyna did not look appeased.
"Where are your papers of recommendation?" she asked in a harsh tone. Percy smirked inwardly, and pulled out a signed document from his pocket. He handed it to Jason, who immediately unfolded it and began reading. His expression went from confusion, to shock so quickly that Reyna became increasingly interested.
"What is it?" asked Reyna. "Who recommended him?"
Jason wordlessly handed it to Reyna and looked at Percy in wonder. Mathan stood curiously at the door, wanting to know what was on the paper, but not wanting to overstep his bounds. Reyna perused the document before looking up and fixing Percy with a fierce scowl.
"This paper is forged," she announced. "There is no possible way you could have had him recommend you." Percy just flashed a wide smile and shook his head.
"You are right, of course," he said. "He didn't recommend me." Reyna cocked her head confused, as did Jason. "You see, I am him." Reyna and Jason blanched but composed themselves quickly and made to draw their swords. Mathan stared at them confused.
"Who does he claim to be?" he asked. Percy turned to him with a smirk, as his features changed ever so slightly. His hair grew slightly longer, reaching his shoulders, a full beard appeared on his face, and his Nemean leather jacket morphed into a hybrid Greco-Roman armor chest plate.
"Lucius Mummius Achaicus, sacker of Corinth, and Praetor of the Second Legion Fulminata."
[LINEBREAK]
Kronos marched his way into the meeting chamber, shoving the guards at the door to the side. His damned, new body was still weak and stiff, making his life miserable, but it was no matter to him. His spies had delivered a precious bit of news; news he was eager to share with his master.
The inner sanctum of the meeting room was quite bare. A table sat in the center, with a single skylight in the ceiling casting moonlight down upon it. Each corner of the room had a candelabrum holding Greek fire candles. It was an eerie sight. Kronos loved it. Upon the table was a large map of the United States. Several wooden figures lay positioned in random parts, representing the Titan and Olympian armies. A large shadow stood beside the table. Kronos glowered but he bowed.
"Kronos," rasped out the voice. "You've returned."
"Yes, master. Our forces are growing by the hour. Soon we will be able to take Olympus."
The room grew colder.
"The gods have sent an ambassador to New Rome. They must be stopped. Greece and Rome must not join together, or else we face defeat."
Kronos scowled. This was new news.
"I will send an assassin to stop this ambassador. What is his name?"
The shadow moved towards the darkest part of the room.
"Nico DiAngelo."
[LINEBREAK]
"Put your swords away," commanded Percy. Reyna and Jason did not budge. They glared at Percy, their swords pointed at his neck.
"To impersonate a legionnaire is punishable by death," growled Reyna. Mathan watched in confusion, still not drawing his gladius.
"Everyone calm down! What is going on? Who is Lucius Mummy Archy whatever?" asked Mathan, utterly confused. Reyna did not lower her sword.
"Lucius Mummius Achaicus was one of the greatest heroes of Rome. He defeated the Archaeans at Corinth," stated Reyna. "But that was over 2,000 years ago. There's no possible way, this man here is Lucius."
Mathan nodded and pulled out his gladius, but did not raise it.
"Then it is up to the senate to punish him," he said. Reyna and Jason scowled but knew that Mathan was right.
"Fine. Take him to the senate," said Jason. Mathan nodded and walked up to Percy, an apologetic look on his face. He stuck the point of his sword on Percy's back and his left hand on his shoulder.
"I apologize about this, but the law is the law."
Percy just smiled and let them lead him out of the building. As they walked out, several Roman legionnaires and centurions watched in confusion as a mysterious man in strange armor was led to the senate building as a prisoner. When they neared the senate building, the guards stepped to the sides immediately, not willing to anger an already enraged Reyna.
The senate building was massive. Built entirely out of marble and limestone, it stood four stories tall with a massive glass dome. Percy was very impressed. The last Roman senate building he had been in was nowhere near as grand. The hallways were lined with marble statues of Roman heroes and gods. Percy stifled a laugh when he saw a statue of Lucius Mummius Achaicus.
At the far end of the hallway was the door to the senate chambers. The symbol of Camp Jupiter was emblazoned in purple and gold. Mathan opened the door as Reyna and Jason led Percy into the chamber. Mathan stayed behind to guard the door. Centurions were not allowed in the chamber. The senators were already seated inside, chatting amongst themselves. Percy noticed Nico in the back watching everyone else. Nico caught his eye and gasped in surprise. The other senators took a moment to realize they had an audience.
"What is this?" asked a young girl in the front, as the senators turned to look at them.
"This man here is guilty of impersonating a Roman legionnaire," called out Jason. The senators eyed Percy in his Greco-Roman armor.
"What is your name?" asked the girl to Percy.
"My name is Percy Jackson. But you may know me as Lucius Mummius Achaicus," he said, proudly. The senators' eyes widened and they glared at Percy.
"You realize that to impersonate a legionnaire is punishable by death, don't you?" asked the girl, her voice carrying her anger. Percy nodded.
"I realize that, but I can assure you I am not impersonating anybody. I truly am Lucius. I swear on the River Styx."
Thunder boomed in the distance, and everyone watched Percy with bated breath. When nothing happen they stared at him confused.
"How is this possible?" asked Reyna. The others nodded, wondering the same thing. Percy pulled away from Jason's grip and moved to the center of the room, his armor morphing back into his leather jacket.
"You see, in truth, I am not just Percy or Lucius. My true name is Gabriel. I am the first Olympian," he said, watching them all. He was highly amused to watch their faces go from confused to terrified. As if the Olympian gods would come down and smite all of them for his blasphemy.
"You lie," hissed out a male senator next to Nico.
"No, I do not lie. I am the eldest child of Saturn. I am the god of balance, and spent much of history setting the course of fate," he explained. "I helped found Rome and helped Rome defeat Greece, despite the fact that Greece was my first home." The senators stared at him, unsure if they believed him.
"He speaks the truth," came a voice from behind everyone. Everyone's eyes turned to see how had spoken. Percy's eyes widened in surprise, before a smile lit up his face.
"Lupa," he whispered. The wolf goddess eyed him, but did not say anything to him.
"This man is who he says he is," she continued. The senators began shouting questions rapidly. "Quiet!" growled Lupa. The senators flinched and sat themselves back down.
"He is truly the god of balance, and the eldest child of Saturn. He was there at Rome's birth, but I have not seen him since then," she said. Percy walked up to her.
"Lupa, I-," he started, but was cut off by her hand.
"What are you doing here? Why have you returned?"
Percy flinched at anger in her voice.
"I am here because Olympus is in danger. The Titan army is marching towards Manhattan, but there are not enough demigods there to defend it."
"Rome does not have any demigods in New York," stated Reyna, confused.
"You're correct," Percy said, nodding. "But there are demigods there nonetheless. They have been picked by the gods to defend Olympus at all costs. Unfortunately, the Titan army has proved much too large for them. They need reinforcements. Rome must send forces to New York to help Olympus."
The senators eyed him.
"I am sorry, balance god," said the girl. "But we have no troops available. We are planning on attacking a Titan stronghold at Mount Othrys."
Reyna and Jason glared at the girl for revealing their military plans.
"You do not understand," implored Percy. "Olympus must be defended. If Olympus falls the world will end."
The girl rose her hand to stop him from continuing.
"I am sorry, Gabriel-Percy-Lucius, but we cannot spare any Romans. The Battle of Mount Othrys will be difficult as it is even with the full Twelfth Legion."
Percy growled in frustration and turned to Lupa.
"Lupa, you must understand what is happening. We need help!" his voice was urgent and his eyes were glowing gold. Lupa glared at him.
"No. You did not come to Rome's aid when King Alaric and the Visigoths sacked Rome. Rome will not come to your aid now," she growled out. Percy's eyes widened in shock, and he made no move to stop Lupa, Reyna, and Jason from leaving the chamber. The senators watched Percy with a strange look of hostility in their eyes, as they too cleared the chamber. Nico sat in his seat sadly, as Percy finally ran to Lupa.
"Lupa, please," he begged. "I couldn't help then. It wasn't right. I had to let fate run its course!"
Lupa turned to him with a look that could melt stone.
"You may leave New Rome this time with your life, but you are hereby exiled from Rome."
Percy felt tears running down his cheek. He put a hand on her shoulder to keep her from walking away. Lupa grabbed at his hand and angrily threw it to the side.
"Do not touch me," she hissed at him. "You are no longer my father." With that she stormed out of the chamber, leaving Percy and Nico alone.
A/N: I am SO sorry everyone for taking so long to get this chapter out. I can give you guys a bunch of excuses but let's just say that life was unnecessarily busy the last month. I know this isn't the best chapter I've written but it's a necessary filler for the ending of the story. Thank you all for sticking with me this long and for your favorites, follows, and reviews! You are all the best! I promise next chapter will be much longer.
On a side note, there will be a poll on my page as to whether or not you want this story to have a sequel or end it with just the Balancing Act.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you guys think! Constructive criticism and compliments are always welcome!
Chapter 22 will hopefully be out next week at some point in time.