Hey Guys! Since I'm facing writers block on my other stories, I've decided to write a new one that will never ever have me in a fix about what to do and what not to do. What is it? The characters read Anaklusmos14's "Intertwined Destinies" of course. This takes place when Olympus is closed and Zoe is wondering where Percy is. The story starts with Percy being kidnapped.
-PAIRING : PercyXZoe
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN PERCY JACKSON OR HARRY POTTER. NOR DO I OWN KOOL-AID OR SUPERMAN.
MY THIRD FAN FICTION. PLEASE GO EASY ON THE REVIEWS. NO FLAMES PLEASE. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS OKAY.
CREDIT DUE: TO ANAKLUSMOS14 FOR HIS AMAZING STORY.
Percy JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS : READING ANAKLUSMOS14'S "INTERTWINED DESTINIES"
'Chapter 5', read Zoe.
Before she could read any further however, she was interrupted by Hermes walking in the door. He was covered from head to toe in little nicks and scratches but other than that, he was fine. Everyone looked at him but he averted their gazes embarrassed as he sat on his throne. 'Read Zoe', he said making a deliberate effort to not look at Athena who was smirking at him.
Percy raised an eyebrow but quickly caught up to Reyna who was walking briskly out of New Rome and back towards the barrack area of Camp Jupiter. They walked in silence until they reached the Principia where Reyna opened the door for Percy before she followed him in locking the door behind her.
Apollo whistled, then shrank under Percy's, Zoe's, Hades' and Artemis' glares. Dionysius coughed but the word "pussy" was clearly heard by everybody.
When he heard the lock click on the door, his instincts took over and he reached into his pocket where he grabbed ahold of his pen.
This time it was Hermes who whistled...then winced as an arrow lodged into his shoulder.
Reyna noticed his tension and smirked, "I am not going to attack you Perseus, I simply wish to discuss a few things with you."
'She's giving you the "talk", gasped Aphrodite. Everyone looked at her weirdly and inched away from her.
Percy nodded and relaxed as Reyna made her way over to her desk and sat down before gesturing to the seat in front of her desk for Percy to sit in.
Reyna sat back in to her chair as her eyes lingered on Percy who waited patiently for her to speak.
"Where have you been before you came to this camp Perseus?" Reyna asked casually.
'Camp Half-Blood', said Percy casually like it was no big deal. Zoe slapped his head. 'She doesn't know that idiot'. 'But I do', smiled Percy. She groaned.
Percy raised an eyebrow at her question, "Lady Diana already explained where I have been praetor, why the sudden interest?"
Aphrodite smirked but didn't comment.
Reyna eyed him closely for a minute before sighing, "Perseus, this camp is in trouble. Ever since my counterpart went missing, there has been a power struggle among the centurions to fill his role. None of them have what it takes to lead the legion as it should be led but I believe you may be the answer I have been looking for. But if I were to work with you, then I would need to trust you and while I believe what Lady Diana told me, I also know there is far more to your story."
'She wants him to become praetor?', said Athena incredulously. 'He just got there!'.
Percy's eyes widened at her words, "You want me to become praetor? I just got here today." He asked incredulously.
'Great minds think alike', grinned Percy.
Reyna nodded with a determined look, "I know a warrior and a leader when I see one and I know that you are what this camp needs."
'More like what SHE needs', winked Aphrodite. Everyone ignored her but Zoe was looking more and more pissed every minute while Hermes and Apollo were struggling to hold in their laughter.
Percy nodded slowly, "I don't think I would be the best choice for praetor but I will tell you what I know as long as you do me one favor."
Aphrodite tried not to react.
Reyna nodded for him to continue.
"Please call me Percy; I don't like to be called Perseus." He said seriously.
'Thats it?', pouted Aphrodite.
Reyna looked at him strangely before smiling and nodding, "Very well, you have a deal Percy."
Percy smiled before turning more serious, "I also need your word on the River Styx that anything I tell you will remain between us as well."
She now whistled under her breath.
"I swear on the River Styx that this conversation will stay between us." Reyna replied.
Thunder rumbled overhead sealing the oath.
Percy looked at Reyna serious before beginning, "I was not born a son of Pluto."
'I wish I was', sighed Percy. Poseidon looked hurt while Hades was on cloud nine. 'Never say that Percy for you will always be my son', he said. 'Just cause you had the misfortune to be the son of my dear brother, doesn't mean I don't love you'. Percy sighed heavily. 'Thanks dad'.
Reyna's eyes widened in shock, "But then how do you have the powers of one and then some?'
'He's adopted', grinned Nico. 'I have the liberty of truthfully saying that we're not related'. 'Thanks Captain Dipshit', grumbled Percy.
Percy sighed, "I was born a son of Neptune. He abandoned my mother and me to a life of torture and pain." He explained bitterly.
'I didn't even know you were alive Percy', sighed Poseidon. Hera looked furious. 'You mean after you knocked her up, you never bothered to check back with her?', she screeched. 'Thank you', yelled Percy throwing up his hands. 'I said the exact same thing!'. Poseidon shrunk under their glares.
"When I was ten, my stepfather killed my mother and almost killed me but I managed to escape. I spent the next few days on the run, hiding from monsters all over the city of New York. One night when I was running from a Hellhound through Central Park, I saw two people standing over a fire.
'Me and Hades', smiled Hestia. 'What were you both doing there?', asked Athena curiously. They didn't reply. 'Well?', asked Zeus dangerously. In response, Hestia childishly stuck out her tongue at him.
I was on my last bit of strength so I ran to them hoping they would help. It turned out to be Pluto and Vesta and after looking through my memories, Vesta convinced my father to raise me with her as my patron. My father had me trained by the greatest heroes to ever live such as Achilles and Theseus.
'Athena's boyfriend-owww', yelped Apollo as an owl bit him. Athena leaned back in her throne with a satisfied look on her face.
When I met Proserpina, she became fond of me as well and adopted me as her son. So since I was ten, I have been a son of both Pluto and Proserpina growing up in the Underworld. When I was twelve my father crowned me Prince of the Underworld and his heir, not that he will ever need one, but it gave me command over all of the dead as well as many minor gods who work for my father." He finished before looking and Reyna who was gaping at him in shock.
'I think you just broke her', smirked Demeter.
Reyna shook her in disbelief, "That is quite a story Percy; I can see why you require I keep this to myself. It would not be wise to let the other Romans know about Neptune as he is not well liked in New Rome."
Poseidon huffed in annoyance while Athena empathized with him. She hated those blasted Romans. Zeus and Hades looked smugly at their brother.
Percy nodded, "Good, I hate him as well. If I ever see him, I'll try to kill him myself." He spat bitterly.
Poseidon stared at him. 'We have long since made our peace Percy', he said. Percy shrugged in response.
Reyna eyed Percy warily, "And that is where you have been since you were ten?"
Percy shook his head, "I do not know where I have been since I was fourteen. I woke up in the wolf house a few days ago where Diana explained my memories for the past three years were taken by Juno.
Percy and Zoe glared at her and Artemis bitterly...again...
She told me I was fighting for Olympus but that she could not tell me where I was exactly. She claims I will find my memories here in New Rome."
"You don't remember anything from the past three years?" Reyna asked.
"I remember one person, Zoe." He explained wistfully.
Zoe smiled and cuddled up further into him. He stroked her hair gently. Aphrodite looked like Christmas had come early.
"I can't remember much else other than her name and her face though but Diana said I would see her again if I became a member of the legion and fought for Rome."
Reyna looked at bit disappointed but hid it well, "A girlfriend?"
Zoe scowled while Aphrodite smirked. 'She has a crush on you', she snickered while Zoe and Percy glowered at her. Bianca looked sympathetically at her brother while Nico looked jealous that girls kept falling head-over-heels for him.
Percy closed his eyes and tried to think but came up blank, "I don't know. Maybe. Diana wasn't clear what we were but said she was important to me." He said dejectedly.
...and again.
Reyna nodded, "A personal escort to camp from an Olympian, Diana no less, is a first. It seems the gods have given you to us to deal with the growing threat to camp."
'Hera and Artemis did. Not the Gods', scowled Zeus. 'Crybaby', muttered Poseidon. 'Nagger', corrected Hades.
Percy nodded, "Monsters reform almost instantly. Juno and Diana sent me here because Jupiter has closed Olympus off hoping to ignore the problem but they say they have their own plan and I am part of it apparently."
Zeus glared at them. 'Come on!', yelled Hera throwing up her hands. 'This was necessary. Don't you guys get that? Enough with the glaring', she ranted, with Artemis nodding in agreement to her words looking like a bobble-head doll.
Reyna clasped her hands together in front of her as she thought about the information Percy gave her before nodding slowly, "It would seem that is true. If they sent you here to help us, then perhaps their plan was for you to become my counterpart anyway."
'More like "life-partner" counterpart', winked Hermes.
Percy shrugged, "Honestly I don't know if I'm the best person for the position but I am here to help Rome in any way I can. If this is what you want, you are my praetor and I will not question your decisions."
'This sounds more like a mistress-slave relationship', muttered Apollo.
Reyna looked at him a bit surprised by his willingness to do what she asked. Then she looked at him suspiciously, "Percy, why did you let our fight end in a draw?"
"What do you mean?" He said trying to sound innocent.
'You suck at acting', said Zoe. Percy pouted, then grinned. 'Well maybe Zeus can give me a few pointers'. He looked at Zeus. 'Well what about it Oh-great-God-of-Theater-and-Drama? Will you teach me to act?', he asked sweetly. Everyone snickered while Zeus looked furious.
Reyna glared at him until he put up his hands in surrender.
Percy sighed, "There was nothing to gain from me winning the fight. The only thing that would happen is you would lose respect from your legionnaires." He explained seriously.
Reyna continued to glare at him, "The fight wasn't over when you let me disarm you."
Percy chuckled, "You couldn't have won unless you got lucky and killed me, I'm quite invulnerable."
'She gonna think you are arrogant', chuckled Athena.
"Arrogant much?" Reyna asked a little miffed by his comment.
Athena smirked smugly. 'I was right'. Apollo groaned. 'No-one disagreed with you'.
Percy chuckled again, "You misunderstand me praetor, do you have a dagger I can use?"
'Suicidal', sang Hermes.
Reyna looked at him strangely but opened a drawer in her desk and handed him a dagger. Percy smirked at her as he laid his arm out on the desk and stabbed himself violently with the dagger making Reyna jump up in shock.
'Told you', said Hermes. 'Fuck you', said Dionysius irritated.
"Why did you do…." Reyna began before her eyes widened when Percy slid the broken dagger across her desk and held up his uninjured arm. "How?" She asked in disbelief.
'Styx', said Percy. Bianca looked at him strangely. 'Bless you'. Now it was his turn to look at her strangely. She blushed.
"Apparently I took a swim in the River Styx sometime in the past three years. Diana said I did it to help fight in the war with Saturn and the Titans but I have no memory of doing it which presents me with a serious problem." Percy explained.
'What problem?', asked Hera, wondering what she had done wrong.
"What problem?" Reyna asked still stunned.
'Exactly what I want to know', said Hera.
"I have no idea where my one vulnerable spot is. Like Achilles had his heel, to gain the curse of Achilles you must choose a spot on your body to stay vulnerable and I can't remember for the life of me where it is." Percy said frustrated.
'Oops', said Hera sheepishly in response to the disbelieving glares directed towards her.
Reyna just stared at Percy for a minute before she regained her composure and glared at him, "So it wasn't a fair fight?"
'Nope', grinned Percy.
Percy rolled his eyes, "It was and you are by far the most skilled fighter in camp, you were the only person to land a blow on me but Diana told me that she and I have fought a number of different times and I am the only mortal who gives her a good fight so apparently my abilities are quite good."
'Ego much?', asked Artemis amused.
Reyna's eyes widened, "How is it that you and Diana are close anyway? She is known for her hatred of men."
'He's not a man', smirked Artemis. 'Yeah he's a boy', agreed Zoe smiling at her mistress. Percy huffed. Hermes coughed but the word "whipped" was clearly heard by everyone.
Percy smirked, "Apparently I'm special….
'Yeah. Specially dumb', said Nico grinning. His grin faltered when everyone just stared at him as though to say-'Are you fucked or what?'. Which was "no" cause he was still a virgin...right? Nico was shaken from his thoughts when Zoe started to read again.
Just kidding, I honestly don't know but she said we are friends so I must have done something to win her favor in the past few years because that was news to me when she found me on my way to camp."
Reyna shook her head at him before she became serious again, "It is not well known but Gwen is leaving the legion. She is attending university here in New Rome. This opens up a centurion position within your cohort Percy. I would like to make you centurion."
Everyone looked impressed. Bianca spoke up. 'I take it from everyone's expressions that thats good right?'. Athena nodded. 'Very'.
Percy raised an eyebrow, "Won't people be a little upset the new guy is made a centurion on his first day?"
'Point taken', sighed Artemis deflated.
"Perhaps but I am praetor and Diana said you fought in the war against the Titans. As far as I am concerned that qualifies as an act of valor which is the requirement without a year of service." She said seriously.
Percy nodded, "Okay Reyna. Whatever you think you should do, you have my support."
Reyna smiled, "You are very loyal Percy. I like that."
'It could get you killed', warned Athena. 'Yeah and it could also destroy the world but, who's counting?', said Percy.
"I am loyal to people I respect and like. You care about your legionnaires and I respect that. If you lose my respect, I can be quite difficult to deal with." He explained seriously.
'Tell me about it', grumbled Dionysius. Percy smirked. 'Hows the head Mr. D', he asked mischievously. Everyone snickered.
"Well I appreciate your loyalty but this is just the beginning Percy. The Feast of Fortuna in less than a week away and Octavian has been pushing for elections for the vacant praetor position. I plan to have you win that election. I will not lead Rome with a slimy little weasel like Octavian in a position of power." She growled.
'Apollo's an ass. Octavian's his legacy and he's a slimy weasel, Darwin was right. Evolution has no boundaries', declared Athena snickering slightly. Everyone looked at her blankly. 'I did not understand', said Percy. She huffed and muttered something about "height of stupidity" and "dumbasses".
Percy nodded but looked confused, "What about Piper? She seems like a good legionnaire; why not push for her as praetor?"
'A daughter of Aphrodite as praetor?', asked Artemis shocked. 'Yes, do you have a problem with that', asked Aphrodite miffed.
Reyna sighed, "I would as she would make a great praetor but traditionally we have had one male and one female praetor. She also used to date our last praetor which may not be best situation if he were to return sometime in the future."
'Thats confusing', scowled Hermes. 'Not confusing', disagreed Apollo. 'Just awkward'. Artemis looked at her brother in amazement. 'You actually said something smart!', she exclaimed. Apollo grinned. 'I'm awesome like that'. He made a stop-everything gesture. 'Wait! I feel a haiku coming on!'. *Cue groans from everybody* Apollo cleared his throat.
'I am Apollo,
Artemis says I'm smart,
I am so awesome!'.
He grinned. 'Well?', he asked. Nobody trusted themselves enough to open their mouth. He pouted and motioned to Zoe to continue reading.
Percy nodded, "Alright, just tell me what you need me to do and I'll do it."
Aphrodite squealed. 'Tell him to fuck you so hard that-' 'Okay', yelled Percy over the sound of Apollo and Hermes' laughter. 'Enough! Time-out', Then his eyes widened. 'Whoa Zoe stop!', he yelled as Zoe rushed towards Aphrodite and slapped her so hard that it left a mark. Aphrodite spat out ichor. 'How dare you!', she screeched. 'I'll-', she didn't get any further because Artemis had leveled her bow at her. 'You'll what?', asked Artemis evenly. Aphrodite gulped. 'I'll...never mess with her love-life again?', she squeaked. Artemis nodded. 'That will do for now'. She put the bow away. Zoe began reading again her voice trembling in anger. Percy was too shocked to speak while everyone else was laughing themselves silly.
Reyna smiled, "In two hours come to the Senate House. There you will be made a centurion of the fifth cohort."
Percy smiled, "Your wish is my command my lady,"
Apollo opened his mouth but shrunk back under Zoe's and Artemis' glares.
he said with a mock bow making Reyna chuckle a bit before she sent him to the barracks to meet his new cohort.
'He's in the fifth cohort', mused Ares. He suddenly turned into Mars and grinned. 'Well he's a loser, so its only fitting he should become the leader of a bunch of losers. He's also Greek. What would they say there? Oh yeah Greeks and Geeks', he snickered. Everyone ignored him.
LINE BREAK
Zoe looked up the staircase and her eyes narrowed. At the top stood a girl in a white silk dress; her skin was unnaturally pale, the color of snow, but her hair was a lush mane of black, and her eyes were coffee brown.
'Khione', growled Zoe. Nico and Bianca looked confused. Percy looked at her. 'The goddess of snow?', he asked. She nodded. He raised an eyebrow.
She focused on Leo with no expression, no smile, no friendliness. Zoe looked at Leo and rolled her eyes, he looked like a love struck schoolgirl.
'Boys', sneered Artemis, Zoe nodding in agreement.
"Father will want to see the one called Jason," the girl said.
"Then it is him?" Zethes asked excitedly.
"We'll see," the girl said. "Zethes, bring our guests."
Zoe glared at the girl who didn't seem to have notice her yet, "Long time no see Khione."
'Very long time', she sneered distastefully.
Khione's eyes quickly snapped in Zoe's direction before they narrowed, "Zoe Nightshade," she growled. "I heard you no longer follow your little mistress anymore. One of the heroes of Olympus they say. But I don't see the famous Percy Jackson, a falling out with your little boyfriend?"
'Not gonna happen, so wish all you want', scoffed Percy.
Zoe's eyes flashed with anger, "Not that is any of your concern but no, he is simply busy with his own mission." She growled.
Khione smiled, "Busy? Perhaps I will have to find where it is that has him so busy. I hear he is quite the handsome young man."
'Why thank you', he smiled sarcastically. 'But paws off bitch', he snarled making Zoe jump.
Zoe let out a growl at the arrogant goddess in front of her but knew now was not the time to start a fight with Boreas' daughter, "Bring us to your father." She said through gritted teeth.
Khione's smile grew as she spun around and gestured for the group to follow.
Before Leo could take a step, Khione froze him with a look. Not literally froze, but she might as well have.
'She could have', muttered Poseidon.
"Not you, Leo Valdez" she said.
In the back of his mind, Leo wondered how she knew his name; but mostly he was just concentrating on how crushed he felt.
The females rolled their eyes and snorted...
"Why not?" He said sounding like a whiny kindergartner, but he couldn't help it.
...now they all snorted.
"You cannot be in the presence of my father," Khione said. "Fire and ice—it would not be wise."
"We're going together," Jason insisted, putting his hand on Leo's shoulder, "or not at all."
'Gay alert', yelled Apollo and Hermes together.
Khione tilted her head, like she wasn't used to people refusing her orders which brought a satisfied smirk to Zoe's face.
As it did now.
"He will not be harmed, Jason Grace, unless you make trouble. Calais, keep Leo Valdez here. Guard him, but do not kill him."
'You better not', growled Hephaestus.
Cal pouted. "Just a little?"
'No', hissed Hephaestus. Hera looked annoyed. 'Shut up, already', she complained. 'I personally don't care if he dies. So I don't see why you should'. Hephaestus glared at her with hatred as did everyone in the room with demi-god kids. 'He's my son', he growled.
"No," Khione hissed.
Zoe, Annabeth and Jason followed the goddess for a few minutes until they reached the throne room which was somehow even colder than the entry hall had been. Zoe walked behind Khione, glaring daggers into the back of her head. This was not her first meeting with the Goddess of Snow and she was no fan of the coldhearted bitch. She took a deep breath to remain calm but the thought of the little snow wench going anywhere near Percy made her blood boil. Annabeth seemed to sense her anger and nudged her with her shoulder, her eyes conveying the message to keep it under control until they got out of there. Zoe nodded and looked over at Jason who looked rather uncomfortable in the frigid conditions.
Mist hung in the air making Jason shiver and his breath steam. Along the walls, purple tapestries showed scenes of snowy forests, barren mountains, and glaciers. High above, ribbons of colored light—the aurora borealis—pulsed along the ceiling. A layer of snow covered the floor, so they had to step carefully. All around the room stood life-size ice sculpture warriors—some in Greek armor, some medieval, some in modern camouflage—all frozen in various attack positions, swords raised, guns locked and loaded.
Zeus scoffed. 'Sculptures my balls', he muttered but everyone heard him. Hades smirked. 'Which you don't have, I might add', he snickered.
At least they thought they were sculptures.
Then Jason tried to step between two Greek spearmen, and they moved with surprising speed, their joints cracking and spraying ice crystals as they crossed their javelins to block Jason's path.
From the far end of the hall, a man's voice rang out in a language that sounded like French. The room was so long and misty, they couldn't see the other end; but whatever the man said, the ice guards uncrossed their javelins.
"It's fine," Khione said. "My father has ordered them not to kill you just yet."
'Well isn't that just great', sighed Hera sarcastically.
"Super," Jason said sarcastically.
Zethes prodded him in the back with his sword, "Keep moving, Jason Junior."
Everyone snorted.
"Please don't call me that," Jason complained.
"My father is not a patient man," Zethes warned.
They kept walking as the mist parted to reveal a man on an ice throne. He was sturdily built, dressed in a stylish white suit that seemed woven from snow, with dark purple wings that spread out to either side. His long hair and shaggy beard were encrusted with icicles, so they couldn't tell if his hair was gray or just white with frost. His arched eyebrows made him look angry, but his eyes twinkled more warmly than his daughter's—as if he might have a sense of humor buried somewhere under that permafrost.
"Bienvenu," the king said. ―Je suis Boreas le Roi. Et vous?"
'Huh?', asked Nico. 'Translation please'. Percy sighed but complied. 'Welcome. I am the king Boreas. And you?'. Nico nodded his thanks.
Khione the snow goddess was about to speak, but Zoe stepped forward and bowed.
"Votre Majesté," she said, "voici est Jason, fils de Zeus et Annabeth, fille d'Athéna."
'Your Majesty, this is Jason, son of Zeus and Annabeth, daughter of Athena', said Percy. (To Anaklusmos14, there is no such word as "thisi". Not trying to give you a french lesson here, but just saying).
The king smiled with pleasant surprise. "Vous parlez français? Très bien!"
'You speak french? Very good!', said Zoe before Percy could.
The king laughed and clapped his hands, obviously delighted. He said a few more sentences then swept his hand toward his daughter as if shooing her away.
Khione looked miffed. "The king says…"
"He says that Khione won't be needed to translate anymore since I can speak French myself." Zoe said smirking at Khione's furious expression.
They all snickered at the thought of her being embarrassed in her own home by her own father.
The king sized up Jason, and Jason decided it would be a good idea to bow so Annabeth followed suit, "Your Majesty, I'm Jason Grace. Thank you for, um, not killing us. May I ask … why does a Greek god speak French?"
Zoe had another exchange with the king.
"He speaks the language of his host country," Zoe translated. "He says all gods do this. Most Greek gods speak English, as they now reside in the United States, but Boreas was never welcomed in their realm. His domain was always far to the north. These days he likes Quebec, so he speaks French."
The king said something else, and Zoe turned pale.
"The king says …" She faltered. "He says…"
"Oh, allow me," Khione said. "My father says he has orders to kill you. Did I not mention that earlier?"
Percy tensed. 'You know perfectly well that you didn't you fucking no good, traitorous bitch', he growled.
Jason tensed. The king was still smiling amiably, like he'd just delivered great news.
"Kill us?" Jason said. "Why?"
"Because," the king said, in heavily accented English, "my lord Aeolus has commanded it."
'Excuse me?', growled Zeus. 'I am going to be having words with that guy', he snarled.
Boreas rose. He stepped down from his throne and furled his wings against his back. As he approached, Khione and Zethes bowed. Jason, Annabeth and Zoe followed their example.
"I shall deign to speak your language," Boreas said, "as Miss Nightshade has honored me in mine. As for you, Jason Grace, my master Aeolus would not expect me to kill a son of Lord Zeus … without first hearing you out."
Zeus smirked smugly forgetting that his son was in danger of being killed. Everyone else glared at him except Ares and Dionysius who were totally indifferent. One wanted to sleep, the other wanted war.
Jason's gold coin seemed to grow heavy in his pocket. If he were forced to fight, he didn't like his chances. Two seconds at least to summon his blade. Then he'd be facing a god, two of his children, and an army of freeze-dried warriors.
'Freeze dried warriors', snickered Percy.
"Aeolus is the master of the winds, right?" Jason asked. "Why would he want us dead?"
"You are demigods," Boreas said, as if this explained everything. "Aeolus's job is to contain the winds, and demigods have always caused him many headaches. They ask him for favors. They unleash winds and cause chaos. But the final insult was the battle with Typhon last summer…"
The Gods groaned.
Boreas waved his hand, and a sheet of ice like a flat-screen TV appeared in the air. Images of a battle flickered across the surface—a giant wrapped in storm clouds, wading across a river toward the Manhattan skyline. Tiny, glowing figures—the gods, Jason guessed—swarmed around him like angry wasps, pounding the monster with lightning and fire. Finally the river erupted in a massive whirlpool, and the smoky form sank beneath the waves and disappeared.
Poseidon smirked. Zeus looked like his pants had been peed on, dunked in the filthy waters of the Hudson and stuffed up his ass.
"The storm giant, Typhon," Boreas explained. "The first time the gods defeated him, eons ago, he did not die quietly. His death released a host of storm spirits—wild winds that answered to no one. It was Aeolus's job to track them all down and imprison them in his fortress. The other gods—they did not help. They did not even apologize for the inconvenience. It took Aeolus centuries to track down all the storm spirits, and naturally this irritated him. Then, last summer, Typhon was defeated again…"
"And his death released another wave of venti," Jason guessed. "Which made Aeolus even angrier."
'Temperamental', grumbled Hera. Everyone looked at her as if to say-'So are you!'.
"C'est vrai," Boreas agreed.
'Thats correct', translated Percy.
"But why punish demigods?" Annabeth asked incredulously.
'Why not?', shot back Hera.
The king shrugged, "Aeolus cannot take out his anger on the gods. They are his bosses, and very powerful. So he gets even with the demigods who helped them in the war. He issued orders to us: demigods who come to us for aid are no longer to be tolerated. We are to crush your little mortal faces."
'I'll crush your manliness. Then lets see you crush my "little mortal face', sneered Zoe.
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"That sounds … extreme," Jason ventured. "But you're not going to crush our faces yet, right? You're going to listen to us first, 'cause once you hear about our quest…"
"Yes, yes," the king agreed. "You see, Aeolus also said that a son of Zeus might seek my aid, and if this happened, I should listen to you before destroying you, as you might—how did he put it?—make all our lives very interesting. I am only obligated to listen, however. After that, I am free to pass judgment as I see fit. But I will listen first. Khione wishes this also. It may be that we will not kill you."
Jason felt like he could almost breathe again. "Great. Thanks."
Khione purred and stroked his neck. Jason didn't plan it, but electricity sparked along his skin. There was loud pop, and Khione flew backward, skidding across the floor.
Zoe laughed in delight.
Zethes laughed. "That is good! I'm glad you did that, even though I have to kill you now."
For a moment, Khione was too stunned to react. Then the air around her began to swirl with a micro-blizzard. "You dare…"
"Stop," Jason ordered, with as much force as he could muster. "You're not going to kill us. And you're not going to keep us. We're on a quest for the queen of the gods herself, so unless you want Hera busting down your doors, you're going to let us go."
They all snickered. 'He makes Hera sound so brave and protective', smirked Percy. 'Especially of him', agreed Zoe. 'But we all know thats wishful thinking as, 1) She's trapped-', said Nico. '-And 2) She hates demi-gods', continued Bianca. Hera huffed.
He sounded a lot more confident than he felt, but it got their attention. Khione's blizzard swirled to a stop. Zethes lowered his sword. They both looked uncertainly at their father.
"Hmm," Boreas said. His eyes twinkled, but Jason couldn't tell if it was with anger or amusement. "A son of Zeus who is favored by Hera? This is definitely a first. Tell us your story."
Jason paled. He hadn't been expecting to get the chance to talk, and now that he could, his voice abandoned him. What was he going to say, remembers nothing since the Grand Canyon a few days ago?
'Whoopsie daisy', sang Nico childishly.
Zoe saved him as she stepped up and bowed formally to the God of the North Wind again. She told Boreas the whole story, from the Grand Canyon to the prophecy.
"All we ask for is guidance," Zoe concluded. "These storm spirits attacked us and they certainly were not working for Lord Aeolus. If we find them, maybe we can find Hera."
The king stroked the icicles in his beard. Out the windows, night had fallen, and the only light came from the aurora borealis overhead, washing everything in red and blue.
'That must be beautiful', sighed Bianca. 'It is', confirmed Athena.
Boreas looked at Zoe curiously, "It would not do well for me to kill you Miss Nightshade.
'No it wouldn't', growled Percy and Artemis together.
You may no longer be one of her handmaidens but I know Artemis would not be pleased with your death. She is one of the few Olympians who does not treat the minor gods like mere mortals and it would not be good for me or any of the other gods to make an enemy of her." He said before glancing at Jason and Annabeth, "The others though, well I have not such feelings of gratitude towards their parents."
Athena bowed her head. Because of a stupid dispute between her and Boreas centuries ago, her daughter might be killed. Zeus was being...Zeus expecting Boreas to let Jason go as he was his son. He was after all the King of the Gods.
"Hera's in trouble," Jason said. "She has been captured and according the prophecy she is going to be… I don't know, be consumed… destroyed… something by some kind of giant. We need to find her before that happens."
'Please do', said Hera. 'Please don't', sneered Percy.
"Yes," Boreas agreed. "Many horrible things are waking. Even my children do not tell me all the news they should." He said with a glare at Khione. "The great stirring of monsters that began with Kronos—your father Zeus foolishly believed it would end when the Titans were defeated. But just as it was before, so it is now. The final battle is yet to come, and the one who will wake is more terrible than any Titan. Storm spirits—these are only beginning. The earth has many more horrors to yield up. When monsters no longer stay in Tartarus, and souls are no longer confined to Hades … Olympus has good reason to fear."
All the Gods, Percy and Zoe paled at this. 'Death has been captured', said Percy horror-struck.
Jason wasn't sure what all this meant, but he didn't like the way Khione was smiling—like this was her definition of fun.
"So you'll help us?" Jason asked the god of the north wind.
'He better', growled Athena and Hephaestus together.
Boreas considered this but his expression did not give Jason a lot of confidence. On instinct, Jason slipped his hand in his pocket and got ready to bring out the gold coin. If things went wrong, he'd have to move fast.
The movement caught Boreas's eye. "What is that on your forearm, demigod?"
Jason hadn't realized his coat sleeve had gotten pushed up, revealing the edge of his tattoo. Reluctantly, he showed Boreas his marks.
The god's eyes widened. Khione actually hissed and stepped away.
'Whats so great about it?' asked Bianca. Percy looked uneasy. 'Its the motto of Rome. "SPQR. Senatus Populusque Romanus".'Basically, "The Senate and the People of Rome". The marks are supposed to have a magical power infused in them. Power from the Gods in fact. Well, your godly parent actually as you carry their mark. But thats only legend and if its true, the Gods refuse to say, which according to me, is guilty as charged'.
Then Boreas did something unexpected. He laughed so loudly, an icicle cracked from the ceiling and crashed next to his throne. The god's form began to flicker. His beard disappeared. He grew taller and thinner, and his clothes changed into a Roman toga, lined with purple. His head was crowned with a frosty laurel wreath, and a gladius—a Roman sword like Jason's—hung at his side.
'Aquilon', said Athena.
"Aquilon," Jason said, though where he got the god's Roman name from, he had no idea.
The god inclined his head. "You recognize me better in this form, yes? And yet you said you came from Camp Half-Blood?"
Jason shifted his feet. "Uh … yes Lord Boreas."
"And Hera sent you there…" The God of the North Wind's eyes were full of mirth. "I understand now. Oh, she plays a dangerous game. Bold, but dangerous! No wonder Olympus is closed. They must be trembling at the gamble she has taken."
'Well no. Zeus is trembling at the gamble they have taken as well as trembling at the mere thought of Gaea, like the coward he is', sneered Percy. Zeus had had enough. 'You better bow down to me boy. I am the King of the Gods, and you will respect me!', he roared. Percy rolled his eyes. 'I am so scared. Please save me from the big bad wolf...I mean big bad uncle', he snickered. Zeus hand twitched towards his master-bolt, but stopped knowing there was no point really as he was invincible.
"Jason," Annabeth said nervously, "why did Boreas change shape? The toga, the wreath. What's going on?"
"It's his Roman form," Jason said. "But what's going on—I don't know."
The god laughed, "No, I'm sure you don't. This should be very interesting to watch." He said before his eyes flickered to Zoe who was a bit pale, "You keep many secrets from your friends my dear Miss Nightshade but I cannot say that I blame you. I see you have become a pawn in Hera's game as well."
'I am not a pawn', she growled at Hera. 'If you think otherwise, you are sorely mistaken'.
Jason and Annabeth looked at Zoe in shock but she refused to look in their direction, instead looking at Boreas imploringly.
"Does that mean you'll let us go?" Zoe asked hopefully.
"My dear," Boreas said, "there is no reason for me to kill you. If Hera's plan fails, which I think it will, you will tear each other apart. I am sure you cannot hold out much hope for Hera's plan either and when it fails, Aeolus will never have to worry about demigods again."
The Gods paled further. Hades was looking paler than was healthy.
Jason felt as if Khione's cold fingers were on his neck again, but it wasn't her—it was just the feeling that Boreas was right. That sense of wrongness which had bothered Jason since he got to Camp Half-Blood. He hadn't voiced it but something about it had just felt… wrong.
"I don't suppose you could explain?" Jason asked.
"Oh, perish the thought! It is not for me to interfere in Hera's plan. No wonder she took your memory." Boreas chuckled, apparently still having a great time imagining demigods tearing each other apart. "You know, I have a reputation as a helpful wind god. Unlike my brethren, I've been known to fall in love with mortals. Why, my sons Zethes and Calais started as demigods…"
'Which explains why they are idiots', growled Zoe.
"Which explains why they are idiots," Khione growled.
"Stop it!" Zethes snapped back. "Just because you were born a full goddess…"
"Both of you, freeze," Boreas ordered.
'Brrrr', shivered Apollo.
Apparently, that word carried a lot of weight in the household, because the two siblings went absolutely still. "Now, as I was saying, I have a good reputation, but it is rare that Boreas plays an important role in the affairs of gods. I sit here in my palace, at the edge of civilization, and so rarely have amusements. Why, even that fool Notus, the South Wind, gets spring break in Cancún. What do I get? A winter festival with naked Québécois rolling around in the snow!"
Apollo and Hermes grinned. 'We have got to go there sometime', they exclaimed.
"I like the winter festival," Zethes muttered.
"My point," Boreas snapped, "is that I now have a chance to be the center. Oh, yes, I will let you go on this quest. You will find your storm spirits in the windy city, of course. Chicago…"
"Father!" Khione protested.
Boreas ignored his daughter. "If you can capture the winds, you may be able to gain safe entrance to the court of Aeolus. If by some miracle you succeed, be sure to tell him you captured the winds on my orders."
"Okay, sure," Jason said. "So Chicago is where we'll find this lady who's controlling the winds? She's the one who's trapped Hera?"
"Ah." Boreas grinned. "Those are two different questions, son of Jupiter."
'So, there are two bitches waiting to be spanked?', asked Apollo. Everyone stared at him. 'You want to spank Gaea', asked Athena incredulously. He shrugged. 'Poseidon's done it. Why can't I'?'. Everyone groaned. 'He's an idiot. You're...-Okay wait. He's stupid, and you're an idiot and now you want to earn the title of stupid as well'.
Jupiter, Jason noticed. Before, he called me son of Zeus.
"The one who controls the winds," Boreas continued, "yes, you will find her in Chicago. But she is only a servant—a servant who is very likely to destroy you. If you succeed against her and take the winds, then you may go to Aeolus. Only he has knowledge of all the winds on the earth. All secrets come to his fortress eventually. If anyone can tell you where Hera is imprisoned, it is Aeolus. As for who you will meet when you finally find Hera's cage—truly, if I told you that, you would beg me to freeze you."
'Please don't', muttered Percy.
"Father," Khione protested, "you can't simply let them…"
"I can do what I like," he said, his voice hardening. "I am still master here, am I not?"
The way Boreas glared at his daughter, it was obvious they had some ongoing argument. Khione's eyes flashed with anger, but she clenched her teeth. "As you wish, Father."
"Now go, demigods," Boreas said, "before I change my mind. Zethes, escort them out safely."
They all bowed, and the god of the North Wind dissolved into mist.
At the bottom step, Khione turned to Zoe, "You have fooled my father, hunter but you have not fooled me. We are not done. And you, Jason Grace, I will see you as a statue in the throne room soon enough."
'Keep wishing', growled Zeus.
Zoe glared at the Goddess of Snow, "Don't think I can't see through your lies minor goddess. You will pay for betraying Olympus and are a fool for thinking she would treat you any better than the Olympians have."
Khione's eyes flashed with anger, "You and your little pet Jackson will suffer painfully at my mistress' hands." She growled before she spun around and vanished into a mini snow storm.
Leo came running up to his friends, "What'd you make her mad for?" He whined. "She was my future wife."
'Ass-hole', growled Zoe.
Zoe stepped forward until she was inches from Leo's face, "I don't have times for your stupid little games boy. If you're on this quest to find a girlfriend, then you should start walking home now. She is the enemy and I will not let your stupidity get in the way of finishing this mission."
Leo paled at nodded quickly before Zoe pushed past him as she made her way towards the Pegasus at the end of the room. Before she got there, a hand grabbed her arm and spun her around where she met the piercing grey eyes of Annabeth looking at her angrily.
'Hey', protested Percy. 'Let her go'.
"You want to explain what Boreas was talking about back there? You've been lying to us the whole time?" Annabeth hissed with betrayal evident in her stormy grey eyes.
'Excuse me?', asked Zoe dangerously. 'You passed information to the Titans did you not?', she scowled. 'Thinking about the well-being of a father who hates you instead of the world', she sneered. 'Two words traitor-Fuck yourself', she growled. Athena looked furious.
Line Break
Percy walked beside Gwen towards the Senate House. She was the only person who knew why Reyna had called the Senate for an impromptu meeting.
"Are you sure you're cool with this Gwen?" Percy asked for the fifth time.
'Stop irritating the poor girl', grumbled Artemis.
Gwen rolled her eyes, "Yes Percy. While it certainly isn't what I expected, it's clear after what I saw in the coliseum today that you will make a good centurion. Besides, nothing can make the fifth look any worse at this point."
Percy raised an eyebrow.
Percy raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
Gwen shrugged, "Ever since Michael Varus led a quest in the 1980's and lost the eagle standard, the fifth has been the laughing stock on the legion. He read a prophecy wrong as took a quest up to Alaska and things were disastrous. Only a couple legionnaires made it back alive but they were never the same. They couldn't even explain what happened up there, just muttering about giants and goddesses, or at least that's how the story goes."
'They were stirring since the 80's?', asked everyone incredulously.
Percy's eyes widened but he decided not to ask about it. Instead he smiled at Gwen, "Well no one will be laughing at the fifth once those war games start tomorrow. We're going to kick the crap out of whatever cohort stands in our way."
Gwen laughed, "Good luck with that Percy, the fifth hasn't won a single game since I joined the legion but who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and win one on my last game as a member of the legion."
Percy looked at her seriously, "We will win Gwen, I guarantee it."
Gwen stared at Percy in a bit of shock before nodding, feeling like he wasn't one to make empty promises.
'You got that right', he nodded.
"We're here. Just follow me and wait until Reyna calls you up. I'm looking forward to Octavian and some of the other senators' reaction to this." She said with a mischievous smirk.
Hermes grinned. 'I like her'.
Percy silently followed Gwen into the Senate House but they soon became the object of most people in attendances' attention, all eyeing the new demigod carefully as word of his performance in the arena had spread quickly throughout New Rome.
'And you're a celebrity there too', said Nico jealousy.
Percy ignored their looks as he followed Gwen until one of the Lares in attendance floated over to them and scowl on his face.
"Centurion Gwen, how dare you bring a Graecas into the Senate House?" The Lar demanded of Gwen who was looking at him in shock.
Before Gwen could respond, Percy stepped forward with an angry scowl on his face, "Me audes appellare coepit? Ego et filii Pluto rex Larvae! Sequitur cura sis sapiens eligere!" He snarled at the Lar who looked at him in shock.
'What?', asked Bianca. Percy looked confused too. 'That doesn't make sense. Whoever wrote this was just making it up', he exclaimed.(A/N-No offense, but I looked it up on Google Translate and it seriously doesn't make sense).
The Lar recovered from his shock and looked at Percy disbelievingly, "I am Viltellius, one of the original members of the legion and fifth cohort! Just because you can speak a little Latin doesn't mean you can fool me. You look like a Greek to me boy; you're even named after one, Perseus." Vitellius spat back angrily.
Percy narrowed his eyes and reached forward and grabbed the Lar by the throat shocking both Vitellius and the entire Senate, "Silentium vobis Spiritum intolerabili!
'That doesn't make sense either', grumbled Athena.
You would be wise to watch your words Lar lest you wish spend a few centuries learning how to respect my father's heir in the Fields of Punishment!" He growled as he held Vitellius by the throat. Percy stomped his foot on the ground as a crack opened up in the Senate House floor as he pulled Vitellius a little closer.
"Do not question me again. My father Pluto has no patience for those who dare defy his favored son." Percy growled.
Nico looked offended. 'Favorite son?', he asked 'What about me?'. Percy shrugged.
The Lar's ghostly form seemed to go even paler as Percy glared into his eyes, "P… P… Please my lord, I was mistaken." Vitellius stuttered out.
Percy nodded his head as the crack in the floor closed itself up leaving no evidence of it having been there. He released his hand from the Lar's throat and smiled, "No harm Vitellius but I prefer not to have my heritage be questioned as I am sure you can understand. My mother was simply fond of the name Perseus much to the displeasure of my father who had a soft spot for her." He lied convincingly.
Hermes grinned.
Vitellius nodded his headed quickly, "Yes, my mistake my lord."
Percy shook his head, "None of that. I may be the King of Ghosts in the Underworld but here I am just another member of the legion, here to serve Rome in whatever capacity necessary."
Vitellius looked at Percy in shock before noticing the Senate looking at him before he cleared his throat, "Ahem, yes well I am happy we have cleared that misunderstanding up legionnaire. Take your seat with your centurion soldier." He said before floating back to the other Lares with his head held high.
Percy turned to Gwen who was looking at him with wide-eyes before she shook her head and grinned, gesturing to her and Percy's seat a few rows up. Once seated, Percy looked up at Reyna to find her struggling to suppress a smirk at his entrance. She regained her composure and stood up. After going over some minor affairs concerning the legion and New Rome, she looked at Gwen and Percy before speaking.
"Centurion Gwendolyn of the Fifth Cohort is retiring from the legion so that she may attend university here in the city of New Rome. She has served the legion with honor and loyalty and I would like to offer her my gratitude and thanks for her service." Reyna said as a number of senators applauded their agreement.
"That means we are in need of a new centurion to lead the fifth. Usually we would choose someone who has been serving for a number of years but as we all know, we face difficult times ahead, as our esteemed augur has mentioned in many of our recent meetings." Reyna said with a distasteful emphasis when she said the word esteemed. "Luckily for us, the gods have delivered us an experienced new recruit. Perseus Jackson was brought to me by Lady Diana herself and offered herself and that of the entire Olympian Council as a reference for his credentials. She said he fought to defend Olympus from Saturn and the Titan forces while we launched our attack on Mount Othrys. Taking Lady's Diana word into consideration, I believe his service to the Olympians qualifies as an act of valor and with Centurion Gwendolyn's recommendation, I have decided he shall take over for her as senior Centurion of the Fifth Cohort." She finished confidently.
'Senior Centurion?', yelped Athena.
The Senators all began to shout their own opinions on the matter as Reyna tried to regain control. Percy raised his hand as shadows flickered over the windows of the Senate House making it seem like someone was turning the lights on and off.
The Senators quieted down as Reyna sent a nod of gratitude at Percy.
"As praetor I have the power to replace officers within the legion as I see fit and with Centurion Gwendolyn's recommendation, my decision is final. Perseus, please come forward." Reyna said firmly.
Percy stood from his seat and walked up beside Reyna as her eyes snapped to Octavian with an expectant look. The augur opened his mouth to speak but the words caught in his throat when Percy sent a glare at him. Octavian grudgingly got up from his seat and walked over to Percy and Reyna.
'He's scareddd!', grinned Apollo.
"Hold out your arm." Octavian said bitterly.
Percy smirked at him and held out his arm. Octavian raised his hands to the heavens. "We accept Perseus Jackson, Son of Pluto, to the Twelfth Legion Fulminata for his first year of service. Do you pledge your life to the senate and people of Rome?"
"I do." Percy said confidently.
The senators shouted, "Senatus Populusque Romanus!"
Fire blazed on Percy's arm and Octavian watched Percy looking for him to react to the pain. Percy just stared into his eyes as Octavian's face shifted from satisfied to surprised and then finally to scared.
Everyone snickered.
Then the smoke and flame died, and new marks were seared onto Percy's skin: SPQR, an image of his father's helm, and a single stripe, representing the first year of service.
Percy then looked at Reyna who nodded to him, "You may return to your seat centurion." She said with a satisfied look on her face.
Percy made his way back to his seat next to Gwen who was smiling at him, "Not bad Jackson, not even a flinch, most people can't handle the pain without letting it show."
Percy shrugged, "I've been through worse, much worse."
Zoe snuggled further into him.
Gwen looked at him questioningly but Percy just shook his head, "You don't want to know." He said as he ran a finger down the scar that marred his face from his forehead to his chin.
Gwen nodded but couldn't help but wonder what he meant.
After another thirty minutes, the Senate was dismissed as Gwen and Percy made their way back to their cohort who Gwen called to attention. Once everyone was lined up, most looked at Percy confused why he didn't line up with the rest but instead stood beside Gwen and Dakota who was looking at Percy with a scowl.
"Today in the Senate, Percy here was made senior centurion by praetor Reyna. He has served the gods for many years and came with references from the entire Olympian council. I am retiring so that I may attend school in the city. Reyna and I decided Percy here was the best choice as my replacement. He is now your commanding officer and is to be treated with the same respect as I was." Gwen said in a commanding tone.
The legionnaires looked at Percy in shock before they all extended their arms in salute to Percy.
"Ave centurio cohortis Percy de Quinto, duodecimae legionis!" They shouted in unison.(A/N-I KINDA CORRECTED THIS. THE OTHER ONE I DIDN'T KNOW WHATEVER FUCKED UP THINGS HE WAS SAYING BUT HERE, I GOT THE GENERAL IDEA)
'That makes sense', said Percy. 'They're saying-"Hail Centurion Percy of the Fifth Cohort, Twelfth Legion!".
Hazel grinned at her brother as she saluted, pride shining through her golden eyes.
Percy nodded, "Thank you legionnaires. Now I hear we are not well respected within the legion. I have to say, I don't like that. We are going to need to change people's opinion of the Fifth Cohort. Since this is Centurion Gwen's final war games; I for one plan to send her out as a winner. Who is with me?"
'Me', yelled Nico.
The legionnaires looked at him a little stunned but soon snapped out of it and roared their approval making Percy grin.
As it did now.
A/N-NO EXCUSES, JUST THE TRUTH. SINCE MY LAST UPDATE FOR SON OF CHAOS, I WAS WORKING ON THIS BUT, THIS CHAPTER WAS FUCKING LONG! WELL THATS MY RANT FOR THE CHAPPIE. SAYONARA, AU REVOIR, VALE, CHEERIO, PHIR MILENGE, GOODBYE!