I do not own Rick Riordan's work. Please enjoy this chapter!

Piper

As Piper had expected, the news wasn't serious. It was devastating.

Her mind filled with dread as Reyna described their situation.

"Nico can't shadow-travel all of us straight to Long Island due to some, ah..technical difficulties."Reyna stated grimly.

Piper knew all too well about the technical difficulties. A twenty-four foot statue of Athena was hardly the best choice for a light luggage.

"Nico has been transporting us slowly, a few miles at a time, but Gaia's minions seem to have other ideas,"Reyna continued, "they've been disrupting our journey since we left Greece."

There was an uncomfortable silence. Piper was sure that the Athena Parthenos was a crucial piece to the reunification of the gods' split personalities. It could even stop the impending carnage between Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-Blood. But Piper had suspected that Reyna's mission wasn't going to be a trip to the zoo. Of course Gaia was planning to throw everything at Reyna. Piper saw fear flickering in Reyna's obsidian eyes.

Piper took a deep breath. "Reyna,you are a praetor of Rome. If anyone can succeed, it's you. You NEED to bring the Athena Parthenos to camp. It's the only way to maintain peace."

"Yeah, you are pretty badass with that sword of yours." Leo offered.

Reyna regarded them uncertainly, as if unsure whether to thank them or skewer them.

"Gaia is more dangerous than ever. In my dream, there was an image that depicts a sorceress who practices magic." She warned. "Go to Gerolimenas. You'll find out the next step of your quest there."

Piper did not question Reyna's instructions. Over the last few days, she had learned to trust the Roman praetor.

Behind Reyna, battle raged. Nico slashed wildly at a group of telkhines. The sky immediately became dark as his sword sucked their essence and sent them into Tartarus. Coach Hedge leaped to and fro, insulting the Cyclope for its meagre IQ And its lack of appreciation for Chuck Norris movies. At the horizon, two Earthborns appeared. Reyna glanced back.

"That's my cue" she announced. "Good luck and goodbye, Piper McLean." she slashed through the image. Piper opened her mouth to wish Reyna luck, but the air shimmered, and the image faded.

"Hey! How about me? I'm here too!" Leo protested. Piper turned to him.

"Set course for Gerolimenas." She told him. " And wake the rest up. We have work to discuss."

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When Piper reached the dining hall, only Frank, Hazel, Leo and Jason were present. Jason smiled at her warmly. She suddenly felt dizzy in the head.

"Percy and Annabeth are still passed out." Jason informed her.

Piper nodded. After their ordeal in Tartarus, they must've been exhausted. In fact, exhausted was hardly the word for it.

Leo grunted. "Next time I can't sleep, drop me into Tartarus."

Hazel scowled at him "Don't be so insensitive. Percy and Annabeth deserve their rest."

Jason cleared his throat. " So! Piper. You got something to tell us?"

Piper told them about Reyna's iris-message, and her strange request. " She told me to go to Gerolimenas. Said we will find useful stuff there."

Frank twiddled his fingers. "Gerolimenas? Never heard of this place."

Piper shrugged. "Me too." She turned to Hazel. "Reyna mentioned something about sorceress and magic. Guess I'll need you to go with me."

Hazel nodded rigidly. Her expression was hard to decipher. Recently, Hazel found her ability to control the mist, and discovered her association with magic. Piper assumed that taking her might benefit the quest.

"Okay, so that's settled." Piper said. " We will get down as soon as we reach Gerolimenas."