AN
Jake: Hey guys! It's me Jake! Apparently Roy is a little busy with a deadline so he sort of left us for this chapter!
Twista: Seems a bit rude but he is in a bit of a…dilemma so to speak.
Jake: By finding a date while he gets sent on a trip to the UK then yeah, a dilemma. Anyway let's focus on the story!
Twista: Here's the chapter where shit hits the fan for our heroes and we would like to begin by replying to our darling reviewers!
Replies:
xRinneandSharinx: Lol, we didn't mean it that way but I never know with Roy. I'm not sure if he's perverted or too honest.
Khaotic KrystalFire5: Yes we are! Glad to see you review as well Khaos!
Leftover Meal: Here you go! Enjoy!
AgitatedDog9288: Yes we know it was short but it feels that way since last two or three chapters of every book is long as fuck.
Moonwolf77: No problem! It is us who should be saying sorry!
MarissaTodd: So many assumptions in the reviews but only one is correct my friend haha. In actuality, it's God with a three letter name in Greek and six letter name in Roman. Think trees.
Iheartpickles: Me too! *squeals*
Jake: That's all for now folks! If you liked this chapter don't forget to leave a follow, favorite and review below! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: PJO and HOO are not ours!
Enjoy!
Percy 3rd Person POV
Among all the things happening at once, Percy found himself solely focused on one thing and that one thing was Zoe. He didn't want to sound like some lovesick teenager but he truly missed her.
The former huntress was silently eating and listening as Reyna explained what happened in yesterday's battle. Both of Percy's ears were tuned in to the exchanging story of Reyna but his eyes were firmly fixed on Zoe.
She was looking at Reyna intently as her calculative face gathered in the information she spoke and Percy could only smirk a bit as she heard that little bit about him and the others turning the battle's tide.
For a moment, his head ached as he remembered the surge of power he felt against Polybotes and how he reduced the massive God-slaying Giant into a messy burnt smear on the wall. It felt good to use that power but he himself knew what the hell it was.
It was like a drug, and whatever Gaea did to him back at Alaska that amped up his powers really made him reluctant to use it. Every time he did, he felt like a God that could smite down anything that stood in his way but with that power came some really messed up thoughts that could take one as being insane.
Shaking his head as Reyna said "Is that correct Percy?"
He blinked and said "I apologize but what?"
Talon who was on the other side of the large table smirked and said "You should really focus and not stare at Zoe. I know you miss her and all but you can ogle her all you want later."
Percy and Zoe flushed at this as Percy said in an irritated tone "Not funny Talon, again I'm sorry Reyna what was that?"
She nodded and repeated" You led your two siblings against the Chimera and executed it with what you called a Prometheus Cannon?"
"Alpha Prometheus Cannon," corrected Percy,
"It's a collaboration technique that requires three people who can execute the Prometheus Cannon" said Talon with a nod, "a technique taught to us by our father and mentor Prometheus."
Fecilia gracefully spoke, "It's already dangerous alone but this once takes the cooperation of three people who need to sync thoughts and stabilize the attack into one condensed blast."
"The trio needs to trust each other into performing the attack otherwise it could result in their own destruction." Said Talon,
Fecilia sharply dropped her fork on her plate with a clang as the temperature dropped significantly and she said "Well if said trio trusted each other then maybe one of them should have lied."
Talon scowled as the two met eyes and one could feel the harsh tension between the two as Talon stood and said "I'm sorry but I'll be outside."
Fecilia scoffed as Talon walked out with the entire table's eyes on him and then Hylla gave a whistle and said "What's got him all worked up? A man like him looks like he could use a woman."
Fecilia growled s Hylla held her hands up as she said "I was kidding, Gods!"
The snow user proceeded to calmly eat her food as Percy sighed and said "Don't take that seriously, we're just having a little bit of a relational problem."
Reyna nodded and said "As long as none of my soldiers get involved it will be fine by me."
Octavian was silently swallowed his food as he eyed the strangers in on the table and said "Doesn't it bother you that there is a weapon capable of destroying our city in mere minutes?"
Leo looked at Octavian and said "Calm down man, no one is on the ship that can destroy your city. Besides we're here on friendly terms."
"Well there's Hedge," said Bianca putting some food in her mouth,
"Who?" asked Reyna,
"No one," said Annabeth, "Don't worry too much about the ship, it won't act out on its own."
Octavian stood and said "I'd like to see this ship then. I'd like to personally see if it could be a danger to Rome."
A moment of silence passed as Percy nodded and Annabeth saw it and said "Leo, take Octavian to the ship and show him around later."
"Got it Annabeth," said Leo as he nodded and said "Come on scarecrow; let me show you my baby!"
The Roman Campers were busy eating as Jason explained is side of the journey where he helped stop Porphyrion's rise months back and what happened during the quest.
Percy's eyes met Zoe as he said "Hey I was having this idea,"
"I'm listening" said Zoe with a raised brow,
"Maybe you'd like to have a tour of New Rome? With me?" asked Percy grinning,
Zoe chuckled as she said "I'd be glad to Perseus,"
Frank elbowed Percy as he said "Smooth move Percy"
He gave a small laugh as Jason finished and said to Percy "Thanks for helping the Camp for me dude."
"It's mutual my friend," said Percy nodding with a smile, "As for being Praetor, I can step down for Jason, it's no big deal."
"Being Praetor is no big deal?" asked Hazel,
"Not unless I was one for a day," said Percy shrugging, "I can't believe you're Thalia's brother, you look nothing alike."
Ara nodded and said "I know right? I mean, we have the same dad but at least we have some similar features."
"Maybe it was because dad was Roman when I was born?" asked Jason,
"I guess you're right," said Annabeth, "but truly we must focus on the matter at hand."
Everyone went dead serious as Percy said "We all know why we're here. The time has now come for the Prophecy of the Seven to be fulfilled."
Hylla raised a brow and said "Prophecy of the Seven? What is this about Reyna?"
The female Praetor nodded at Octavian and said "Recite the prophecy Octavian."
The Augur gave a solemn nod and began to recite in Latin no less which resulted in Jason rolling his eyes and saying "In English you dingus, not everyone speaks Latin here."
Octavian grumbled under his breath as he sighed and began to say:
Seven Half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall,
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes ear arms to the Doors of Death.
The Augur then sat down as Percy said "Lady Hera spoke of this. She made plans and steps into ensuring this plan goes into action. "
"This quest is said to be massive," said Annabeth, "Even grander and more dangerous than the original Argo crew's voyage."
Frank then said "You're a daughter of Minerva right? I'm sorry if you say this will be a dangerous trip then I don't think someone like you should be on the quest."
"Excuse me?!" said Annabeth angrily
Frank stepped down and said" Whoa! Sorry! I mean, aren't children of Minerva supposed to be advisors or something?"
The blonde teen growled as Percy shook his head at Frank and said "Frank, Annabeth is a daughter of Athena, not Minerva, she's capable of taking care of herself. Take my word for it; she can throw down against almost anyone from our Camp."
She smiled appreciatively at Percy as Frank said "Sorry, I guess I was wrong."
Reyna cleared her throat and said "Anyway, the prophecy is becoming clearer. We should untie together as forces against Gaea and her army and close the Doors of Death."
Hazel then spoke up "My brother, Talon and Riley went looking for the doors. We know something happened to them, if Talon was here he'd explain."
She stood and said "Give me a minute and-"
"Wait" said Percy, "Don't bother, Talon told me everything. He told me that down in the Underworld where they were looking, the area was one big mess. They tried looking for the doors but they ran into some trouble."
"Trouble?" asked Fecilia sharply,
Percy nodded as everyone looked at him and he said "Yeah sis, they were confronted by Kraxus and some other woman who Talon described as a wielder of light itself."
Zoe raised a brow as her head ached a bit and Percy said "They were utterly defeated. Talon, Nico and Riley were captured and yeah we found Talon but Nico and Riley's locations are still unknown."
"Oh Gods Nico," said Ara covering her mouth, "We need to find them!"
"We will," said Percy, "Remember Riley and Nico are in danger but they won't get rid of them yet. I'm sure they'll use them as bait and we'll wait for that opportunity and smite down Gaea's plans and save our friends in the process."
He gave a serious stare and said "We just need to follow the Quest and close the Doors of Death as Thanatos said."
"Thanatos told you this?" said Jason, "The Death God"
"Yeah," said Percy, "Doest sound good but it's a smart idea since we need to stop monsters form coming back immediately and only then can we have a chance since no army can triumph against one that never dies."
"The expedition will take you to Greece yes?" asked Octavian, "You do know that the ancient lands and the Mare Nostrum are very dangerous places."
"Mare Nostrum?" asked Piper,
"Our sea," said Jason, "Us Romans gave the Mediterranean that name."
"It is the ancestral home of the Gods," said Fecilia, "Also I heard that it's the home for some ancient and very dangerous monsters unseen for millennia."
"Sounds fun," said Leo, "but the Argo 2 can handle it. She's built to take down any monster we face."
"I hope it does," said Bianca, "considering what we faced in the battle was just a mere descendant of the original Chimera, I fear how powerful the real one truly is."
"Our goal is simple," said Percy, "Once there, we need to stop the giants from fully awakening Gaea."
"Easier said than done Percy," said Zoe, "it said there are seven half-bloods to answer the call. Lady Hera said Jason, Piper, Leo and Annabeth and Percy are five."
"And Hazel and a Frank make seven," said Percy with a nod,
"Are you all mad?!" yelled Octavian as he slammed his hands on the table and stood, "How was this decided? We need a senate vote! A proper process! Not some biased riffraff pick!"
"Lady Hera herself selected us," said Percy with his eyes flashing dangerously towards Octavian, "Unless you have quarrels with the Queen of Olympus herself then be my guest."
"I will not stand for this praetor!" growled Octavian,
Percy gently put down the fork and stood slowly as his killing intent rose to the point where a lot of the campers looked at their praetor who glared at Octavian straight in the eye and said "I'm getting sick of your little voice and insolence Augur."
The ground slowly began to shake as Percy said "I am your superior and praetor, I am above you and therefore you must obey me. So now be a good soldier of Rome and sit down and shut your mouth. Got that?"
Octavian slowly and shakily nodded as he sat and the ground halted its movement as Percy sat down and gave a friendly smile and said "Good"
Zoe smirked at Percy and shook her head as Tyson approached with Ella on his shoulder. Tyson waved at Percy and said "Brother! Ella is scared, she said she will not go on the ship."
The Harpy shook her head and said "No boats, Ella no like bots. Pax, Titanic, Argo. Bad news."
"Did she just call my boat the Titanic?" asked Leo,
She then pointed at Annabeth and said "She the one! Wisdom's daughter walks alone, the Mark of Athena burns through Rome."
"What in the Gods' names-"said Octavian,
"Twins snuff out angel's breath, who holds the key to endless death. Giant's bane stall tall and pale, won through pain form a woven jail."
Everyone went silent as Octavian stuttered "T-That was a prophecy!"
No one replied as Percy said "Ella, Tyson it seems like Ella could use some air, take her out please."
"Hold it!" said Octavian, "It was a prophecy!"
Percy glanced at Zoe as she nodded and rose from her seat and said "I don't think so, I was told the harpy enjoys reading and its probably just something she picked up. I suppose you use harpies for your line of work augur?"
Snickers were passed around as Octavian grumbled and sat down as Tyson left with Ella and Reyna said "Octavian is right though, we'll need a Senate Vote for the motion but I'm sure we'll agree."
"I still don't trust that warship," said Octavian,
Zoe nudged her head and said "Leo take him to the ship, give him a tour."
Leo nodded and said "Follow me scarecrow!"
Octavian scowled and followed Leo not before Percy pulled Leo by the arm and whispered into his ear and the Latino promptly nodded at Percy and walked off. Reyna's face froze as Jason turned and said "Reyna you don't mind if I show Piper around New Rome right? She's never seen he place yet and I want t show her my home."
Percy and Zoe winced as Reyna's face flashed with a bit of hurt and she regained her composure quickly. Percy felt sorry for her but Percy knew Jason's heart was with Piper and it would be a difficult and awkward situation between the two."
"Then you won't mind me showing Annabeth around then?" asked Reyna as she looked at the blonde, "I need so share a word with her, alone."
Fecilia nodded as she said "Ara, Bianca let's go. I need your help with something."
The two girls nodded as they followed the elder woman and left Zoe with Percy who grinned at her and said "Well Perseus, I guess it's just you and me."
Percy held out his arm to her in a gentlemanly manner as she chuckled and lacer her arm with his as he said "Leave this to me Zoe."
She nodded as Percy guided her along the city area of New Rome.
For the next fifteen minutes, Zoe could do nothing but appreciate the ambience and the area of the Romans as it was now only architecturally amazing, it was also gorgeous and beautiful in her own point of view.
They came to a stop near a garden where the Argo 2 was seen floating at the distance and the sun illuminated the area and the light made Zoe's eyes as bright glitter. Percy smiled at her as she raised a brow.
"You know Zoe," said Percy running a hand through his hair, "I really missed you, with all the things that's been happening, the thought of seeing you again kept me sane."
She smiled at him as he continued"With all my memoires gone, I was horrified but you were the only one who wouldn't left my mind. You were one stubborn memory just like in real life."
Zoe then frowned and said "Excuse me?"
"I'm kidding," laughed Percy, "but really, I'm glad you never left me even when I lost everything. I may not have the Mark of Achilles anymore but you're still what kept me grounded on earth and with all that happened, it's safe to say that I'm scared."
"Why would you be scared?" asked Zoe,
She was one to talk. She was being plagued by unknown memories and she was terrified on what she saw. She was scared on what she might discover and what was going to be encountered in the future yet she kept her tough girl act and refused to speak of her fear.
"It's a long story but back in Alaska-"
Percy's eyes went wide as a blur shot in the air above them and yelled "Look out!"
A large explosion ensued and a smoke cloud settled in the air as Talon crashed in the garden near them. Zoe and Percy ran towards the half dragon and saw that his clothes were singed and smoking while Percy yelled"Talon! What the hell was that?!"
He quickly rose as he held his lance and said "Crap! The ship!"
A loud clang came from the Argo as two projectiles flew from the boat and smashed through the senate house causing what remained of the structure to collapse. Percy's eyes blazed with power as another shot came flying through the air and it destroyed the apartment near them.
Talon could only growl as Zoe looked in shock as a pair of ballistae bullets came flying in their direction. Something had happened.
They had opened fire on Rome.
AN
Jake: Excellent! Done for now! We'll meet a new character in the next chapter!
Twista: We'll see you guys soon! Boring chapter I know but please review! Each review helps! We sort off live off those things hahahaha!
This is Twista Etervo…signing off!