Ch2

Magnus' head spun as he slowly woke up. "Magnus you awake?" Sadie asked her voice ringing in her head.

"Ugh I'm up," he muttered as his vision focused.

The night before he and Sadie had a frank talk and she agreed to arrange a meeting between him and some of her people, apparently it was very important that he meet them. Unfortunately he had to agree to be knocked out by magic. So as soon as they met up at the park she drew her weird wand thing and the next thing he knew he was out cold.

As his vision cleared he realized he was in a library of some kind. In front of him was Sadie along with her brother Carter and a tall man in an Egyptian outfit who he recognized as the same guy who interrupted his evening with Sadie a while go.

"Well Magnus this is my brother Carter and my uncle Amos," Sadie said. "We wanted to talk to you about some things."

"Uh sure." He scratched his head. "So you people aren't demigods right?"

Amos Kane's eyes flickered. "We aren't. The House of Life has long prided itself in keeping itself safe from the machinations of other gods."

Other gods. Looking into his eyes he could tell Amos was the type of man who knew a lot of things, more than his uncle even.

Carter nodded his gaze cautious as he looked him over. "This have been calm since our last big struggle but then my girlfriend Zia brought me this." He reached into a satchel and took a rolled up piece of papyrus. "Lord Ra has apparently requested we take action."

Carter unfolded the papyrus revealing a paragraph in hieroglyphs, Ancient Greek, and Norse. Scanning the document he read the parts he understood.

"The House of Life has always done its best to remain out of the wars between Asgard and Olympus," Amos said. "But the memory of Rome taking Egypt has long remained fresh in our minds."

"Magicians live a very long time," Sadie explained.

"So you are a demigod right?" Carter asked.

He nodded as the air tensed up. "Yeah. My father is a Norse god. But I grew up with Greek demigods."

"Wait there are multiple kinds of demigods?" Sadie asked as the air in the room tensed up.

He nodded. "Yup."

Amos Kane's brow furrowed. "Egypt has always faced many threats and challenges. The House of Life often had to deal with outside forces and magic." His words were cryptic and calculating as he looked him over examining him for any potential threat.

"But why would these gods try to get us involved?" Carter asked.

"A threat is coming," he said as they all turned to him. "Mainly for the Greco/Roman world but if things go south trouble will happen for other pantheons as well." He met Carter's gaze. "Even yours."

The Kane's looked amongst each other. "Rome conquered Egypt," Sadie muttered. "Cleopatra was unable to summon the gods."

"That is only a part of the story," Amos said grimly. "She along with Mark Antony tried to fend off the might of Rome. They were unsuccessful and Egypt lost its independence as a result." He then turned to him. "We will consider this offer cautiously. We cannot make a guarantee at the moment."

"I understand," he said. "Asgard will help the Greek side if you all can help cool if not it is what it is."

"We'll alert you if we need anything," Carter said. "Sadie see him out."

"Sorry about this Magnus," Sadie said as she took out her want.

In an instant his vision blurred, and he was knocked out. Not again. Though not too long after he felt the cold wind on his face as he slowly woke up.

"Magnus you ok?" Sadie asked.

He groaned as he sat back up on a park bench. "Well your family is interesting."

Sadie grinned. "You could say that again."

He nodded. "Hope you all can make the right choice for yourselves."

Sadie sighed. "Yeah the House of Life is a pain. Anyway we'll keep in touch!" With that she turned around and quickly walked away.

Well she is interesting that's for sure. His body ached as he got up and stretched. I don't know how to convince the Egyptians but I can understand their reasoning. He sighed as he headed back to his apartment. Mau diplomacy between pantheons is a pain. Shaking his head he looked up at the sky. But everyone else will be doing their part too. He'll do all he needed to in order to defend the camp.

Taking out the cellphone his aunt gave him his heart raced as he called his uncle. The phone beeped before he heard his uncle on the other side. "Magnus what's wrong?" His uncle asked.

Taking a deep breath he fought the tears. "Um uncle I know if Annabeth has told you but Percy is missing and I have my own quest to do."

Uncle Frederick paused before sighing. "Well trouble always seems to follow this family doesn't it?"

He chuckled. "It sure does."

"Be safe," his uncle said. "I'm always here if you need me."

"Thank you," he said. "Thank you for everything."

"We love you Magnus you are a part of this family," His uncle said.

Blinking his eyes nodded. "Yeah um me too. Um I better get going. I'll try to get in touch when I can."

"Be safe," his uncle said. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye." When the call ended he put his phone away and cleaned the tears that were forming in his eyes. I'll be back I promise.

When he got home he was surprised to see his father sitting in a chair across from Blitz and Hearthstone. "Hey Magnus how did it go?" Blitz asked.

He sighed. "They're reluctant to help."

Frey sighed. "Yeah the Egyptians are a cautious pantheon; not that anyone can blame them. The humans to use their power are also very cautious but they also have a dislike of Rome."

"Would they be worth pursuing?" Hearthstone signed.

Blitz nodded. "There is a reason that the Egyptians have lasted as long as they did; they can fight and withstand anything. Besides they have major beef with the Romans."

He scratched his head. "Something about Cleopatra losing to the Romans and Egypt losing its independence."

Frey grimaced. "Yup. Both the gods of Egypt and the House of Life never forgot that, for them it was probably their biggest humiliation." His father sat up in his chair. "But the Greeks they didn't dislike as much. Despite past rivalry they preferred the Greeks over the Romans."

"Good to know. So what should we do now?"

His father stood up. "First I need to show you something in my realm."

Before he could respond his father gripped his shoulder and a bright light enveloped them. The next thing they knew they were in Alfheim, his father's realm. "What are we doing here?" He asked. They were in his father's main castle in a room that was made of fine wood.

"Come we have a guest," his father said.

He followed his father down a hall and down a dark stone staircase to a room that was guarded by two armored elves. The elves bowed as they opened a large wooden door. "Who is down here?" he asked as he followed his father into the room.

At the bottom of the staircase was a cell with wooden bars and a familiar person locked up. He had short brown hair and emerald green eyes that seethed into him. "Magnus Chase what a surprise," Alabaster Torrington said.

"What is he still doing here?" he asked. His blood boiled as he looked at the son of Hecate. Alabaster had helped capture Annabeth and in retaliation he unleashed Gram on him.

His father sighed. "He was captured by my forces and he hasn't wanted to join the camp."

Alabaster spat on the ground. "I'll never bow to those mobsters."

"Well that is why you are still here," His father said his gaze flickering with annoyance. "Your attempts at escape have been praiseworthy but now we have more serious matters to attend to."

Frey clapped his hands and one of the torches turned green. The flames grew larger as smoke filled the room till the shape of a woman with torches in her hands appeared. She had long black hair and wore a long Greek robe.

Alabaster's eyes widened. "Mother!"

Mother? It took a moment to realize who it was, he quickly bowed. "Lady Hecate."

Hecate nodded. "Lord Frey thank you for watching over my son."

Frey chuckled. "No problem. He's got talent, I'll give him that."

"Watching over? You imprisoned me!" Alabaster yelled.

A look from his mother shut him up. "Lord Frey here made contact with me after the war and promised to keep you here. Lord Zeus was not pleased with you insisting I fight, you'd have had no other place to go." Her words were sharp and precise like a mother punishing a child.

Alabaster looked to the ground dejected. "I just wanted the world to know your worth."

"Well you'll soon have an opportunity for that," Frey said as he folded his arms. "The second great prophecy is going to take affect soon, how would you like to be a part of it?"

Alabaster frowned. "What do you mean?"

His father patted his back. "My son Magnus here has his own quest to defend the camp and per the rules he can have to companions."

"Oh yeah." He forgot about that part.

"I've spoken with Lord Frey and Asgard will speak up so that you can live safely in the camp," Hecate said calmly.

"I don't want to go to their stupid camp," Alabaster muttered.

Hecate frowned. "Alabaster no child of mine has been on a quest. Would you be so callous in your devotion to me that you would refuse this offer?"

Alabaster froze. "What do you want me to do?"

"You'll train alongside Magnus and work to help defend the Greek camp," Frey said frankly. "I want you to also swear on the River Styx that you won't betray or sabotage Magnus."

The son of Hecate looked to the ground his brow furrowed as he thought of the proposal. Hecate stepped forward. "With you helping me here my name will be known across the pantheons."

Alabaster sighed. "Fine. I swear on the River Styx that I won't betray Magnus or sabotage him."

"Good. I swear on my troth that I'll do all I can to make sure the Greeks let you back inside their camp along with keeping you safe during this war," His father said firmly.

Thunder rumbled in the distance. Well here we go. His heart raced in his chest as the wooden gate opened and Alabaster exited the cell. The two stared at each other, the son of Hecate's gaze was cool as he extended a hand.

He shook it. "I'm looking forward to working with you."

Alabaster nodded. "Likewise." He then turned to his mother. "What will I be doing?"

"You'll train in the Norse ways," Hecate said calmly. "I expect you to do all you can to learn from them."

Alabaster nodded. "Yes mother; I'll make you proud."

His father snapped his fingers and a deck of cards and a note book appeared in his hands. "These are yours, you'll need I assume."

Alabaster nodded. "Where will we train at."

Frey smiled. "Up north kid."

Hecate nodded. "Be safe both of you."

With that his father gripped them both on the shoulders and in a flash a blinding light enveloped them.

The next thing he knew he found himself in a wooded area covered in mist. The morning sun rose over the trees as the smell of fresh dew hit his senses. The place gave off a calm vibe, it was as if he were surrounded by the very essence of nature itself. Man mom would love it here.

Alabaster shivered. "Where are we? It's so cold here."

"Welcome to Newfoundland or as we use to call it Vinland," Frey said. "Come on lets go say hi to everyone."

The snow on the grass crumpled beneath their feet as they walked through the area. Looking around he saw that they were in a cleared area while up ahead were a series of large wooden structures.

"Magnus!"

Looking up ahead he noticed a familiar girl in a hijab. "Sam!" She ran up to him and the two high fived. "You're here too?"

Samirah nodded. "On Lord Odin's orders. Is he with you?" She asked pointing to Alabaster.

"Oh this is Alabaster. He'll be working with us," he said.

Alabaster nodded. "My pleasure."

Behind her he could see Blitz and Hearthstone along with another person. He was a man in his early thirties who had dark hair and wore chainmail armor.

"Magnus this is Arminius," his father said. "Son of Tyr and the bane of Rome."

"N-Nice to meet you," he said.

Arminius smiled. "The pleasure is mine son of Frey." The man looked over at Alabaster. "A Greek child, it has been a while since I've seen one of you."

Alabaster looked the man over cautiously. "Alabaster Torrington son of Hecate."

"Well I met many Greeks in my life." Arminius laughed. "They are much easier to work with than the Romans."

His father nodded. "Well Arminius teach these three well. They'll need it for this coming summer."

Arminius bowed. "Yes Lord Frey."

Frey smiled. "Good luck kids." With that he disappeared in a flash of light leaving them alone with Arminius.

"Uh so what kind of training will we be doing?" He asked.

Arminius looked at all of them. "You'll be trained in the ways of our people, it shouldn't take more than a month." He turned around. "Come you must learn of the history between our pantheons."

They followed Arminius towards the back where a large stone firepit lay. The fire gave off a warm glow that permeated throughout the area. Blitz and Hearthstone stepped forward and raised their hands causing the flames to grow larger.

Stepping back he noticed the smoke take the shape of people. "Long ago the Romans oppressed our land," Arminius said as figures of Roman soldiers chasing villagers appeared in the smoke. "We long had to endure their oppression and pay them tribute and serve in their legion."

Arminius grimaced. "I was one of them." The image of a young boy following a Roman soldier appeared in the smoke. "I worked with them and learned the Roman ways. I had a good time for a while," he admitted.

"But what happened?" Sam asked. "I've heard stories of the enmity between Asgard and the Romans."

"I chose my people," Arminius said calmly. "I couldn't bear to see them under Roman oppression. So I revolted."

The smoke flickered and the images of Roman soldiers being chased down by soldiers appeared. He watched the images with a mixture of shock and awe.

"Asgard and Olympus have long had a troublesome history," Blitz explained. "Before the Battle of Teutoburg Forest Asgard was seen as just a small pantheon. But this battle was just the beginning."

Arminius nodded. "As the Roman Empire fell Asgard took its opportunity to become stronger. Resulting in many battles for the influence of Western Civilization."

The images of Viking ships raiding European cities appeared. He winced at the sight of people getting hacked down by Vikings. Yikes what a bloody time in history.

"But it wasn't always bad," Arminius admitted. "We got along with the Greek children, they were always less militant than their Roman counterparts. We even defended them against various threats and in time the relationship between Asgard and Olympus became better. They may be the strongest western pantheon but we still can pull our own weight."

Blitz turned to them. "We know you both have a history of working with the Greeks. Magnus you lived among them and learned their ways. Now we will help them again against Gaea and the Romans."

"But what you are getting out of it?" Alabaster asked. "I doubt gods do anything out of their own good will."

He's got a point.

Arminius nodded. "Asgard has decided it wants its own influence along with a camp for its own living children."

He stared at Arminius in shock. "A camp?"

"Like the Greeks have?" Sam asked.

"Exactly," Arminius said firmly. "Usually we cannot interfere with the dealings of other pantheons. But there is precedent for us helping the Greeks, the Romans have always outnumbered them so they've long called on outside help."

Outnumbered. A pit formed in his stomach, he didn't know how many Romans there would be but if things went south then they would have to potentially fight off a much larger army.

"How can we help the Greeks if the Romans outnumber them?" Sam asked.

Blitz smiled widely. "Don't worry all of Asgard will work with the Greeks."

He did a double take. "Wait all of Asgard?"

Sam's eyes widened. "You mean the Einherjar will mobilize?"

Arminius nodded. "They'll work to defend the Greek camp. Lady Hera has agreed to it and everything." The Einherjar turned around. "We've helped them in the past many times, this time will be no different. If the Romans want war it'll be costly." He turned to face him. "What do you say Magnus? Do you wish to defend them?"

He nodded his blood boiling with determination. "I will. I won't let them hurt the camp." Taking a deep breath he met Arminius' gaze. "I know I'm Norse but I grew up with the Greeks. Camp Half Blood is my home and the people there are basically family to me."

Arminius smiled. "Good. Our people have long fought for our homes and family, this time will be no different." He then drew the long sword from his back. "Come lets us begin training."

Gripping the pendant around his neck he activated Sigurd's armor and drew Gram. "Hey kid," Gram said in his head. "We really aren't in New York anymore."

"Come on we have to get stronger for this coming summer." Out of the corner of his eyes Samirah drew her axe while Alabaster summoned a golden long sword from a card.

Alabaster muttered something in Latin and send a ball of fire at Arminius who easily blocked the attack and charged at them.

Damn he's quick. He barely had enough time to raise Gram as Arminius brought his sword down on him.

"Kid we'll have to think on our feet," Gram warned as he tried to keep up with Arminius.

I know but he's stronger than I thought. He dodged a strike that was aimed at his arm just as Samirah came to support him with her axe. Alabaster fired another ball of fire at Arminius but the man easily just jumped back.

"When dealing with stronger opponents you must coordinate your attacks," Arminius said as he swung his blade in the air. "Come try to bring me down."

Alabaster charged first with his golden blade in his hand. Arminius blocked the attack and easily disarmed him before kicking him to the ground. "Nice try child of Hecate but your skills are too rudimentary."

Alabaster swore as he got up and muttered a spell in Latin sending a ball of green fire at Arminius who easily sliced through it.

"Sam come lets attack him together," he said.

Samirah nodded and they both charged at Arminius. Swinging Gram Arminius blocked his attack while Samirah tried to go for his head. Arminius jumped back just as Alabaster had charged at him with his golden sword. The son of Tyr blocked Alabaster's golden sword and after a few blows disarmed him and kicked him to the ground.

Arminius then blocked Samirah and knocked her to the ground before coming. Damn it. He barely had time to counter before Arminius stabbed him in the side and knocked him to the ground.

"Not bad," Arminius said as he sheathed his sword. "But you all need to work as a team. The Romans are not some unorganized force. Their legion will steamroll over you if you aren't careful."

He got up and rubbed his side. "How many of these guys are there?"

"A lot," Arminius said. "The Greeks were always small but just because Asgard will doesn't mean we should just throw whatever forces we have at them. Every member of the team is valuable and every member will have their own goal." He turned around and looked off into the distance. "Rome is not an enemy you wish to underestimate and neither is Gaea."

A pit formed in his stomach. Great more enemies. His gaze drifted towards Alabaster and Samirah. I'll find a way to work with both of them.

AN: Fun fact but a lot of the Germanic tribes that historically raided the Roman Empire worshipped early versions of the Norse gods so that is where I got his idea of having the Romans dislike the Norse.