"And that's the situation so far, Lord Chiron."
The old Centaur stared with blank, emotionless eyes at the Praetor of New Rome sitting across his desk. He had been surprised when she showed up at Camp Half-Blood, making an appearance through the portal the Gods had constructed to allow ease of movement between the two camps. It was an ingenious idea, allowing one to go across the continental U.S. in a matter of seconds, perfect for when Greeks and Romans needed to discuss things or simply travel to see friends. Now, however, the portal was going to be used for more than that if what Reyna Ramirez-Arellano said was true.
"And the Gods haven't come down to declare such an accusation. Mars, Mercury, or even Lady Lupa?" He asked to which the demigoddess shook her head.
"The only one I've seen is Jason Grace and even he didn't know about the upcoming war until I had told him. That was two weeks ago. He said the Gods had been silent and locked away in the throne room for a long time."
Chiron could feel his fist tighten into a ball yet did his best to remain calm. He should've known better than to expect anything different from the Olympians. Leaving them to deal with this until the very last minute. It seemed that would be the case again. He believed the Praetor's words, especially after their Augur's visions. He didn't try to look into and decipher what the visions could possibly mean, only taking it at face value that it meant war. Digging too deep into it only spelled disaster and stress on the mind. Plus, there were more important things to worry about than trying to understand visions. Things such as how his camp was going to survive the war.
"I see. You said the Senate passed the total war legislation. How has New Rome fared since?" He asked. The daughter of Bellona leaned back in her chair, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.
"It has been… different to say the least." She replied, trying to find the right word. The influx of both new and old troops was both a blessing and a curse, especially for the Centurions that had to train them. The main problem for them was getting the old veterans back into shape and the young recruits to understand the fundamentals of the legion. It was very taxing for the leaders to deal with both at the same time but so far they've managed. It was the same for the citizens. Every restaurant, factory, store, and household, contributed to the war effort in their own ways. Either growing crops, making clothes, or building weapons and armor, they all did something to help. A stark contrast to the life they had been living mere weeks before. "But it has been working out better than I expected."
"I wish we could do the same, Reyna, but Camp Half-Blood is too small to achieve such a thing. There are only two hundred or so surviving demigods. The rest perished from the last war." Chiron replied solemnly.
"Then come with us, Lord Chiron." She said, leaning forward. "Come to New Rome and help us win this war. The days of animosity between us cousins are over now. You'll be greeted happily."
Chiron smiled at the demigoddess, happy that she would offer such a thing but alas it was a smile that said no.
"Even though we have such small numbers, we cannot leave Camp Half-Blood. This is our home."
"You'll be destroyed, Chiron. We still don't know the enemy we face but whoever it is, they'll be more than prepared to burn both our homes to the ground. Please curb your pride and protect your demigods."
"This isn't about pride, Mrs Ramirez. This is about protecting our home, something that many demigods have died to protect in the last two years alone. We shall not just abandon it when times are dire. Surely you, a Roman who took an oath to protect New Rome, understand such a feeling."
Reyna opened her mouth but couldn't find the words. He had stumped her there. If she were in his situation, she'd do everything she could to protect New Rome, even fighting until her very last breath. Seeing her shoulders droop in defeat, Chiron wheeled himself over to the window, looking out at the snow-covered cabins that littered the land. It was always such a beautiful view, especially around Christmas time. The campers were joyful too about the snow blanketing the ground, enjoying snowball fights, sledding down Zeus's fist, drinking hot chocolate, and gifting presents to one another. It wasn't a holiday the Greeks officially had but it was still fun to celebrate. He hated that he would soon have to break the news that they would have to prepare for war once more.
"You might think it is an unattainable victory against this unknown foe. You are probably right but we must try to protect our home. If worse comes to worst, I'll send the campers through the portal into New Rome. Do I have your word that you'll harbor them and allow them into Camp Jupiter and New Rome?"
"You have my word." Reyna replied immediately. Chiron sighed in relief, his breath fogging the window slightly. He looked as if he had aged a thousand years by the time he and Reyna's conversation had ended. The stress of the upcoming war and the countless deaths already taking its toll. Leading the demigoddess to the portal on the Big House's top floor, he bid her farewell and thanked her for warning him of what was to come.
"Be safe, Lord Chiron. May the Gods protect Camp Half-Blood." Reyna said, looking back one last time before entering the swirling blue portal.
"You as well, Praetor Reyna. May the Gods protect New Rome." He replied, giving her a comforting smile as she disappeared back to the west coast.
Standing there in silence, he couldn't but feel the sadness permeate across his entire body. He knew what was to come and the fate of Camp Half-Blood. It was inevitable. They didn't have the strength or numbers to fend off an army. Countless demigods on both sides would soon lose their lives. Feeling tears streak across his face, he shakily sighed as he thought back to one of his favorite demigods whom he considered a son, wishing that he was still here.
"No…He deserves the rest. Let him be in peace." He whispered, strolling back down to his office as he prepared to make an announcement to the campers that'll haunt him till the end of his days.
-Scene Change-
Percy didn't have any rest on the journey back to Polemus's palace. Countless monsters like Hellhounds, Cyclops, Empousai, and Orcs berated him the entire way, not allowing him a chance to even eat the last bit of rations in his backpack. He was battered, soaked in both his blood and monster dust, but he was still alive. None of those bastards could kill him, especially with his new power. He was amazed at how easy it came to him, barely sapping any energy out of him every time he used it. He didn't know why it didn't but he wasn't complaining. Maybe it was because since their bodies were made of water, his element, it was easy to control. Or maybe it was because his body had grown to ignore exhaustion due to his tenure down in Hell. Whatever it was, however, he made sure to capitalize on it.
He felt invincible for the first time since being down here. The monsters were scared of him every time they had the misfortune of coming across him. He could see the fear written in their eyes as they looked upon him covered in blood, sword in hand, and a mirthless smile on his face. It was as if he was the monster instead of them. The thought of that should've scared him but it didn't. He delighted in the fact that the monsters that have made him suffer for years, were scared of him. He was colder, his eyes holding no warmth or mercy to them. He killed indiscriminately, back-stabbed the few monsters that offered to help, and practiced his powers on them like they were puppets. He was becoming something that Annabeth wouldn't approve of, he knew that. There was a little piece of him though that didn't care what she thought. It was kill or be killed down here. What would she know about being alone in Tartarus with no one helping you? Who was she to disapprove of the way he survived down here?!
Splitting the head open of a cyclops that was begging to keep his life, he took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Slapping himself mentally, he shouldn't think about Annabeth like that. She only wanted the best for him. She didn't want him to turn into something he wasn't. That was all there was to it. Capping Riptide, he continued on his path toward the palace that should've been only a mile away now. Along the way, he continued to think about his girlfriend, excited at the prospect of soon seeing her again. He couldn't wait to see her, to feel her. He wondered what she had been up to since he was gone. Was she still at camp or had she moved out? Had she started to attend college or continued to help her mother with projects?
"Had she moved on?"
That had stopped him in his tracks. The mere thought of her leaving him almost made him have a panic attack. If that was the case then what was all this for? Why was he still trying to survive? Life wasn't worth living if Annabeth wasn't a part of it anymore.
"Stop! Don't listen to that voice, Jackson." He actually slapped himself this time, forcing himself to walk forward. Of course she was waiting for him! They were both loyal to one another. She wouldn't be with someone else. Repeating those words in his head to prevent a mental breakdown, he was so stuck in his thoughts that he didn't realize he arrived at the palace. Looking up at the grand entrance doors, he couldn't help but feel as if something was wrong. Everything had gone silent. It was only the sound of his heartbeat that could be heard.
Percy's eyes darted around for a sign of danger present but found none. Gripping Riptide tightly in his pocket, he pushed the doors forward. Walking inside, he noticed that even indoors, the air was still. There was not a sound in the magnificent white mansion. His steps echoed across the marble walls as he slowly made his way to the throne room. Something was definitely up. Hybris hadn't even greeted him at the front door. His instincts were on high alert, warning him to just run way. He knew he couldn't do that though. This was the only option to go back home.
"Polemus? Hybris?" He called out but to which no reply. Knocking on the throne room doors, he was surprised when they slightly opened. Hesitating slightly, he peeked through the crack only to find the room darkened and a harsh orange glow illuminated in the corner. On guard, he quietly walked inside, surprised at how cold it felt inside. A stark contrast to the last time he was here. Looking up at the two empty thrones, he wondered where the two Gods were. Were they just out or had something happened? Turning his attention to the orange glow at the back of the room, he carefully made his way over. Noticing that it was actually a window, he walked up to see what was behind it. His heart quickened, however, as he stood over a sight he couldn't believe was before him.
"What…" The son of Poseidon exclaimed as he looked out at the thousands of Orcs in a large, open cavern. The monsters littered every square inch of the place, all dressed in black armor. They looked as if they were preparing for battle, fixing up war machines and forging weapons. He even noticed bigger, taller monsters stacking huge boulders next to catapults. They weren't Cyclops, he could see that. They looked like Trolls much to his surprise. And in the back of the cavern, carved into the rock itself, was a large, grey portal the size of a three-story building. It was guarded by two large statues that looked awfully similar to Polemus and Hybris.
Percy gritted his teeth as he realized what this was. A trap. He had played right into their hands, something that he knew was going to happen. Anger bubbled in his chest as he turned around, looking at the demonic face of the God behind him. He looked somewhat different now, adorning black swirling antlers on his head. He still had pale skin, red eyes, and the emboldened aura that filled the throne room. It was powerful enough to put pressure on Percy's shoulders but he made no show of it.
"Let me guess. This is the part where you reveal your evil plan." The demigod said, uncapping Riptide. "Frankly, I could give two shits about it."
The red-eyed God didn't reply, only cocking his head slightly as if giving some sort of signal. It was too late for Percy to realize that somebody was behind him before he felt a needle inject itself into his neck. Immediately it felt as if his body had seized up, dropping to the ground like a swatted fly. He was still conscious but he wished that he wasn't. Whatever it was he was injected with felt like poison burning its way through his veins.
"Man, that was too easy. You knew this was a trap yet still ended up like this." Hybris's voice tisked mockingly from behind as he felt her hands reach into his belt loop. "He has it, my love!"
Polemus walked over to Percy's body, examining the stone in front of him. His eyes gleamed with insanity as he inspected the red runes etched on it. A sinister smile made its way on his face as he realized this was actually it. The stone he had been searching for millennia. Looking down at the demigod who was giving him a glare that could turn even Medusa into stone, he gave a hearty laugh.
"You have no idea what you've brought me, Perseus. I must thank you because, without you, none of what I'm about to do would be possible." Polemus said as he picked Percy up and chained him to a chair in front of the window. Percy held in his screams as he felt the poison rush into his lungs. The pain was immense, feeling as if his organs were turning into mush. He stayed conscious, however. The God wanted him to see what was about to happen. Swiping his hand across the window, making it disappear, the Orcs all looked up as they witnessed their master above them.
"It is finally time, my children!" He announced loudly, holding up the stone for all to see. The monsters cheered loudly, their horrific guttural screams reverberating throughout the cavern. "Yes! Yes! The age of men is over! The time of the Orc has come!"
Once again the monsters cheered, spouting out Polemus's name like a king leading his army to victory. The God smirked as he looked back at the son of Poseidon who was staring wide-eyed at the hoards.
"I suppose I'll tell you what this stone actually does since I'm sure you went through a tremendous amount of pain to get it, Perseus." He said, using the sharp end of it to drag along the demigod's cheek, drawing blood.
Percy showed no sign of pain, continuing to glare daggers at the evil God standing over him.
"I didn't lie to you. It is a way of escaping out of here. Do you see that portal down there? I built that millennia ago when Zeus first cast me down here. I spent years building it but as I was close to finishing it, I realized it needed something else. A power source. Something powerful enough to escape Tartarus's pull."
"Zeus put him down here?" Percy thought to himself, wondering why he had never heard the story before.
"It'll take too long to flesh out the story as I'm about to leave you and kill your entire family but to put it simply, Zeus didn't like Hybris and I casting war on the world constantly so he went to war against us. He beat us, crossed our names out of the history books, and sent us to the pit where we've been ever since." Polemus said, reading his expressions.
"That's about to change though. When we get back to the surface, we'll kill all who have wronged us. We'll kill all you demigods before we set our sights on Olympus. We want the Gods to watch their children suffer before we send them down to Tartarus. A fitting revenge story, Perseus. Don't you agree?" Hybris said, whispering in his ear. The demigod wished he had enough mobility to bite her throat out.
"This stone you've delivered us is the last piece we needed." He finished, watching the object in his hand act like a magnet toward the portal. "It yearns to be let go. It yearns to go home just as we do. Shall we let it?"
Percy could only helplessly watch the God unclasp his hand, letting the stone go flying across the air toward the portal. Everyone held their breaths as they witnessed the piece flying into the rock at breakneck speeds, inserting itself into a small opening that had similar red runes circling around it. Once it was in place, a shockwave was sent into the air, causing everyone to fly backward from the sheer force it brought.
"I-It worked…" Polemus whispered, getting back to his feet. Looking upon his creation that now was a swirling red portal that led somewhere up on the surface, he laughed with crazed joy. "It worked! It actually worked. Hybris look, my love, it's our escape! It's finally here!"
The Goddess walked up to the edge, staring at the red portal akin to how a mother would look at her child. "It's really finished, Polemus. We can go back…We-We can rule the world once again."
"Yes, we can, and it's all thanks to you, Perseus. Due to your actions, the world you know will no longer be the same. I'll destroy all of it then rebuild it anew in my image. So thank you, little demigod, thank you." The god said, turning back to Percy who was desperately trying to escape his bindings but to no avail. The son of Poseidon had veins coming out of his neck, the sheer rage he was feeling being enough to overcome the poison in his body.
"Y-You can't d-do this!" Percy gritted out, finding enough mobility to utter those words.
"And why can't I, demigod? Why can't I take revenge on the king of the Gods who cast me down here, killed my children, and pushed me to the brink of insanity? How am I any different from you?!"
"F-Fuck you!" The son of Poseidon replied, blood coming out of his mouth. The God laughed in his face, happy to elicit such a reaction. Turning around, addressed his children once more who looked eager to walk through the portal and lay waste to the mortal world.
"My children! Do what you do best. Do what you've been bred for! Make your Gods proud and kill every last remnant of Olympus. Only then shall the world be ours!"
The Orcs clashed their weapons against their shields, the drums of war soon following. They all got into formation, prepared to go through the portal and destroy the camps. Percy's heart tore as he watched the thousands of them, all bloodthirsty for demigod blood. There was no way the camps could fend off this many. They'd be destroyed instantly. And it was all his fault! He was the reason they'd be destroyed. He helped Polemus accomplish this.
"Thank you, Perseus. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a city to burn." The spirit of war said, giving one last sinister smile as he walked down the steps toward the portal. The Orcs made a narrow passageway for their king as he walked, all kneeling before him with their heads bowed. Looking up at the towering red portal, he sighed happily before turning around to his children.
"Let's go to war!"