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Piper POV

Piper leans against Jason's chest. He let off warmth that made her feel safe and secure. While she was in his arms everything felt right. No monster could hurt her, the world won't end, and nothing will go wrong. Everything felt perfectly balanced. Rome got closer by the second. Within moments they would be on the cursed land that they dreaded since day one. Percy cleared his throat.

"When we get to Rome I need to go to underworld." Percy announced. Everyone turned with a shocked expression. "I need to save Nico, I feel like he is my responsibility."

"Then I'm going to." Hazel added. Percy shook his head.

"No, Hazel." Hazel eyes grew wide. They started to fill with tears and anger.

"Why?" She protested.

"If you go back down to the underworld they may not let you come back. You know that, Hazel." Percy replied calmly. She looked torn. She wanted to save her brother, but she knew what Percy said was true. She didn't reply; she couldn't. If she did she would just burst into tears. All she could do was managing a simple nod and close her eyes. She leaned against Frank and he put his arm around her.

"You can't go alone." Annabeth retorted.

"She's right." Piper said. "You need back-up." Percy looked a little distraught. It seemed he knew this day would come.

"You need all hands on deck to protect Rome." Percy said. His sea green eyes almost looked pained to say that.

"I'll go." Leo said sharply. Hazel squeaked quietly. Everyone starred at him while he continued driving the ship. "I don't have a weapon, and if Percy needs something I'm the guy to get it." Annabeth nodded.

"He has a good point, Percy. One thing is for sure, you won't go alone. And Leo may be your best bet." Annabeth encouraged. Percy starred at Annabeth than back at Leo and grinned.

"I guess you're right." Percy replied. Leo gave a relieved smile. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. Jason let Piper go.

"I need to go a prepare a bag for Rome." Jason said. He gave her a genuine smile and Piper nodded. Everyone went to do their own thing. Piper scanned the ship and noticed Percy on the rear with his head in his hands. Piper walked to him.

"Percy?" Piper asked concerned. He looked up with pain filled eyes. "Are you okay?" She walked to him and sat next to him. He nodded.

"I just am a little nervous about the quest that's all." Percy said. Piper examined him.

"Are you worried about the quest, or about Annabeth?" Piper asked. She already knew the answer. He turned and faced her. He looked surprised for a moment, then a bit worried.

"Both." He admitted. His dark hair hung carelessly in his face. Piper looked at it for a instant then saw something that interested her. A strand of grey hair was mixed into the threads of dark ones. She examined it for a moment and became very curious.

"What's that?" Piper asked. "There is a grey hair in your hair." Percy face went hard fast. His sea green eyes looked distracted and overwhelmed. "Percy?" Piper asked. He shook his head and blinked.

"Sorry, it's just…when I was younger, about fourteen, I went on a quest. On the way I lost two friends…and broke a promise. I never really forgave myself for that. But for the quest to be successful I had to hold up the sky. I didn't know for how long, but it had to be done. I took the burden from Artemis and it was the most painful moment of my life. It felt like I have been there for eternity. After my 'shift' was done I had several silver streaks in my hair. I thought they were completely gone, but I guess not." No one spoke. They both sat there silently. Piper wanted to ask him more, but she knew he was at his breaking point. She wanted to know who he lost, and what promise he broke. But she couldn't will herself to put him through any more pain.

"That was very brave." Piper said calmly. "I don't know if I would have the guts to do that. Honestly I don't think I do." Piper looked down.

"Don't say that. You are the one of the bravest Aphrodite girls I know." Percy said. "Without you, Ceres may have done a lot more harm than she did. Piper you're amazing." Piper's eyes began to fill with tears. She couldn't remember the last time someone called her amazing.

"Thank you." She managed. She didn't want to look emotionally unstable next to the guy who held the world. "I should go get a bag ready for Rome." Piper said while getting up and dusting off her clothes. Percy gave her a smile and she walked to her room. When she got in she saw a figure with long black hair. She was wearing a white silk dress and her hair was braided tightly with flowers. When she heard Piper she turned reveal the striking blue eyes that still haunt Piper. "Silena?" Piper asked in awe. "Oh my gods I'm going crazy. This isn't real. When I close my eyes you will be gone and everything will go back to normal." Piper blinked. When she opened her eyes the stunning figure still stood before her. Piper felt like she was going to faint. She noticed her door was open and she closed it quickly. She locked it. "How are you-what are you-huh?" Piper mumbled. "I need to sit down." She walked to her bunk and sat.

"Piper, you're not crazy." Silena reassured her.

"Good to know." Piper replied sarcastically. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to warn you. Not everyone is how they appear to be. Be careful who you trust. You must remember that our job is to protect the world at all costs. During this quest sacrifices will be made, and true colors shone."

"Why are you telling me this?" Piper retorted. She felt feint.

"Your fatal flaw, Piper. Everyone demigod has one, and yours is to be perfect. Your entire life you strived to make everyone happy, but you were forgetting yourself. While in Rome, decisions will be made, but they will not please everyone. You must follow your instincts. You are a very wise girl; remember that." Piper nodded. Then someone tried to twist the door handle, but realized it was locked. Piper looked at the door.

"Piper?" Jason asked through the door. Piper turned to look at Silena, but she was gone. She walked to the door, unlocked it, and swung it open. "The boat's about to land. Come on." Jason said. Piper nodded and walked into the narrow corridor. She was still dazed from seeing Silena again. While they were walking the ship Jerked sharply and they were both thrown against the wall. They exchanged a look and laughed. The boat had just parked. They really were at Rome. They ran out to the deck and saw the ladder of the ship down and everyone waiting for them. They all exchanged nervous looks and nodded.

"This is it." Frank said. Everyone was thinking the same thing. One by one we each climbed down the ladder. Piper was last and when she reached the bottom she was hesitant to reach the ground. She took a deep breath and put one foot on the ground. She half expected the world to end right then, but it didn't She lowered her other foot and joined the ground on the sandy beach.

"We should get going." Percy said. He gave Annabeth a halfhearted smile. They hugged. "Don't do anything stupid, seaweed brain…I love you so much." Annabeth said. They embraced tighter. Piper walked to Leo and gave him a hug.

"Stay safe, okay?" Piper asked. Leo smiled.

"You wish is my command, beauty queen." Piper pulled away and gave him a sharp look, the smiled. Leo had been the one person who, no matter what happened, always kept her smiling. When Annabeth let go or Percy, Leo and him walked away waving to everyone. Once they were out of site, Annabeth turned to the group.

"Let's go show Gaea what we're made of!"

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