-Jason Grace-

We decided to split up. Two groups, one traveling towards Mount Olympus, the other to secure the city. However, splitting was far more difficult than it used to be with the Egyptians added on. Walt and Sadie helped figure out the kinks in any of the workings of each of the teams.

The team to Olympus happened to be a simple build on common strengths. We need brutal force and combat skills above the average demigod. Percy, Walt, Felix, Hazel, Frank, Piper, and I headed towards Mount Olympus. Leaving the other seven in Thessaly.

This group contained Percy and I as leaders, recently feeling somewhat tense towards each other to prove we are the top. Nevertheless, I quickly realized that Walt had equal footing in this situation, just not a vocal as the water boy and I. Moreover, more aware of the party as a unit rather than individuals as he aided everyone to keep up with us.

It didn't shine through until we stopped to the first sight of giant footprints heading towards Olympus. "Keep a careful eye out," Percy called out swiftly as we took it in, "they might be watching for us."

"Yes, and surprise tactics are all we have to take them down for a few seconds at least," I confirmed.

Walt eyed us both for a second before pulling his wand out and speaking gibberish. In reply, thick grey smoke dispelled from his wand and surrounded us. "Now we just have to worry about silence," he whispered, which Felix, his fellow magician in this group, nodded in excitement.

"What did you do?" I asked as I took in that I could see through the smoke if I focused enough.

"Dispelled an invisibility spell," Felix explained quickly. "Makes it harder for people to see, but there is the occasional few that can depending on who made the spell."

"Yeah, learned that one the hard way didn't we?" Walt grinned to a sudden memory being exchanged between them.

Percy gave the kid a weird look. "Penguin got it's foot stuck in a container of gorilla glue and we tried to hide it from Amos," Walt informed.

"Penguin?" I asked.

Walt hesitated. "Despite what you think, they actually are decent in combat magic," he continued hastily. "Now, let's continue on."

No more discussion between us as Percy and I silently led the other five closer to Mount Olympus. Still only footprints, no actual giant has made themselves apparent. "Hold on," Walt suddenly spoke up.

Percy and I turned to face him as he approached, anxiety getting the best of him. "What's up?" Percy asked.

"We're being watched," Walt spoke softly. "This may sound weird, but the pair of eyes I sense are from the ground itself."

"Yeah, Gaia will be focused here along with her children," I explained. "Overthrowing Olympus is a big deal to them."

"I get that," Walt rolled his eyes. "I'm saying they see us," he clarified.

Not quite taking in what was the concern, Felix suddenly shivered to the thought. "What's going on?" Hazel piped up now.

"You think she can see through it?" Percy asked, adrenalin rushed through his words.

Walt opened his mouth to answer, but quickly stopped himself. "Quiet," he whispered instantly as he quickly slipped his staff out.

"There is no need, Stone," the familiar female voice spoke through the cloud of smoke circulating around us. "I am Mother Earth; you cannot hide yourself from me."

"Well, looks like we've been compromised," I muttered under my breath, my sword ready as everyone else pulled their weapons out.

"You came early, demigods," she continued. "They are heading here as we speak. But don't fret, I will still hand you your deaths."

In reply, a swarm of twig figures launched at us. They were easy to handle, but they happen to be in an overwhelming number. Through the magic smoke, I could see a mud figure running around, throwing a few choice strikes. Odd, I've never heard of Gaia doing such a thing, using a mud figure to represent herself.

"Look out for mud!" Percy announced before I could. "Stab it if you can."

The fighting continued, the tree imps falling by the hundreds. I blocked three attacks she tried to get at me during this, but she kept at a far distance. "Wait, there's something wrong," Walt spoke up suddenly.

"Yeah, we're surrounded in smoke and are fighting a million tree imps and a mound of mud," Frank snapped.

"No, I mean with the mud figure," Walt continued.

Almost on cue, she went for a punch to my face, which I slammed my sword into the middle of her chest. A second of praise crossed me before a painful groan settled in my thoughts. I pulled my sword out to see the mud melt to the ground, my sword now covered in blood. "Carter!" Felix screamed once I took in who it was that fell to my feet.