Chapter 21
Percy immediately knew he screwed up when both his mother and Annabeth said: "Neptune?!"
The older man in front of him raised a gray eyebrow pointedly. Even with his older appearance there was something otherworldly to him. Poseidon looked like a beach bum most of the time. Neptune took on the appearance of an old, tired fisherman, complete with hat, sweater, trench coat, boots… the works.
"You have no room to talk," Percy whispered to him. "You're the one who surprised me."
"Didn't you say you rolled with the punches?"
"I never said that," Percy said. "I said humans and mortals adapt. That doesn't mean I don't get surprised, or that I'm not allowed. If gods can, demigods can. And I know gods can be surprised."
The side of Neptune's mouth lifted into a smirk. "So I hear."
"So you… ugh," Percy facepalmed. "I knew that schism was bad but I didn't think it was that bad."
The god had the audacity to just shrug.
"What's going on?" Annabeth asked, anger creeping into her voice.
Percy took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, before stepping to the side. "Come on in and help me explain."
Neptune raised an eyebrow again. Great. He'd always been one to just kind of communicate with looks.
"You knew she was here. I'm not going to lie to her. Or to Mom."
"Fair enough," Neptune shrugged.
"Wait, is this the Roman thing you told me about?" Sally asked quietly, staring warily at the god as he stepped inside. Percy closed the door behind him.
"What Roman thing?" Annabeth asked, exasperated.
Percy sighed. "Have a seat and we'll explain everything. Just let me go get Tyson."
Annabeth groaned. Percy ignored her, stepping past her, making his way down the hall. He found his brother sleeping again. Must have fallen back asleep when he'd realized nothing was wrong. That was so like Tyson.
Smiling and shaking his head fondly, Percy shut the door and made his way back out to the living room, where everyone sat on the edge of their seat in awkward silence.
"He's asleep and I'm not waking him up for this."
Annabeth looked relieved, if a little guilty. His mom and Neptune just nodded in agreement.
"So," Percy said, taking a seat between his Mom and Neptune, fixing his gaze on Annabeth. "You know how a lot of people think the Roman and Greek gods are more or less the same?" She nodded, eyes narrowing. "Well, they're not. Well… not entirely."
Neptune snorted. Percy shot him a 'shut up' look before turning back to his friend. "Rome was known for conquering and absorbing cultures into their system. It was a way of integrating the cultures they conquered. And that's grossly oversimplified, but I'm sure you'll look it up later."
"Oh, I will," Annabeth said, sitting back in the armchair with her arms crossed.
"Anyway, the same thing happened when they finally conquered Greece. A lot of the gods from that culture were integrated into the Roman pantheon. But the problem was, they already had their own gods, and gods from other cultures. So people who worshiped different gods for the same or similar things… they ended up merging a lot of the time. Kind of like how the goddess of love was both born from Ouranos and later from Zeus."
"Like Epithets?" Annabeth asked.
"Yes," Percy said. "And… no."
It was her turn to raise an unimpressed eyebrow.
"Oh, I like her," Neptune said.
Both Percy and Annabeth shot him a glare before the former went on.
"Neptune, here, is the Roman god of both freshwater and the sea–depending on where and when you're looking at Ancient Roman culture. And he was integrated a bit late into the pantheon because Romans tend to focus more on land-based conquests than sea-based. They had a sea-based presence, but it just wasn't as big as over the land. At least not until much later, and even then. A lot of scholars think he's also based off of the Etruscan god Nethuns."
Another snort from Neptune but this one sounded bitter and annoyed.
Annabeth frowned. "Etruscan?"
"They lived in ancient Italy, before and during early Rome… I think?" He turned to Neptune. Who just shrugged. Percy rolled his eyes. This was why he preferred his father.
"Scholars think…" Annabeth said, obviously working something out in her mind. Then she turned to Neptune and addressed him specifically. "Is that true, then? Are you a combination of Poseidon and Nethuns?"
Neptune shrugged. "On some level, yes. Though it isn't that easy or simple."
"It never is," Percy muttered before going on.
"Anyway, either way, the Romans changed a lot when it came to the different gods."
"Like my mother. She isn't a war goddess in Rome," Annabeth said slowly. Percy beamed. He knew she'd catch on.
"Exactly. Minerva is a goddess of Victory in some areas—don't ask me how that works with Nike and Victoria, but our family is nothing if not complicated."
Everyone snorted or chuckled or hummed in agreement.
"But yeah," Percy went on. "There are a lot of gods and goddesses that don't cross over. Circe is Greek, and Quirinus is Roman."
Annabeth nodded, seeming to absorb that well. Then she leaned forward, gaze focused on Percy. He had to consciously make himself not shuffle under the intensity.
"So, you're saying that other pantheons and gods exist."
"Of course, girl," Neptune said tiredly. "Norse, Egyptian, Indian, East Asian, Americas, Polynesia, Africa. All their gods are just as real as I am."
"Di Immortales," Annabeth muttered.
"Yeah," Percy said. "Though there usually isn't any interaction outside of one's pantheon." He shot a deadpan look at Neptune.
"I have reasons for being here," he defended.
"And they are?" Percy asked.
"Wait!" Annabeth said before Neptune could answer. She looked back at Percy suspiciously. "You said something about a schism." Oh, he'd hoped she hadn't heard that. But of course she did. "And why would you focus on them not being the same unless…"
"Yup," Neptune said, popping the p. "Sometimes I'm Neptune, sometimes I'm Poseidon." His form flickered for just a moment, but he ultimately stayed in his Roman form.
"Dad," Percy said tiredly, then kicked himself. Neptune really wasn't his father.
"So my mother…"
"Is sometimes Athena, and sometimes Minerva."
"Whatever happened to not speaking names aloud?" Sally piped up for the first time.
"Well, one god is here, and the other has a daughter here," Neptune pointed out.
"Those aren't the only names you've mentioned," Sally returned. "Maybe we should be a bit more careful?"
Neptune shrugged but seemed to acquiesce. "I see why my counterpart liked you," was all he said, shooting Sally an appreciative look.
Percy turned to Neptune, eyes wide and mouth open. Had he just…? "No! Don't even think about it." He did not need a Thalia and Jason situation in his own family. Not that he wouldn't care for a hypothetical Roman brother or sister, and would protect them with everything he had, but that would just be something else on his plate that he really didn't need.
Neptune shrugged again.
"Wait… if there are Roman gods, and Greek demigods…" Annabeth whispered, eyes widening in realization.
"This one's definitely a keeper," Neptune whispered to Percy, who dropped his head into his hands. He really didn't want to explain why that was such a bad idea to suggest and tease him about.
"But, why isn't there just another Roman part of Camp? Where to the Roman demigods go?"
"Camp Jupiter," Neptune said. "In San Francisco."
"What?! But San Francisco is dangerous for demigods! That's why I'm worried about going there now!"
"I… wait," Percy said, frowning. "I thought your father didn't move there until next year."
She let out a frustrated breath. "He would have stayed in Virginia if I'd come to live with them this summer, but because I didn't, they went out west early. They just moved there last month."
"Huh," Percy muttered. Well, that made sense.
"But that's not all, is it," Annabeth said, tone almost accusing.
"What's not all?"
"Why is San Francisco dangerous? Truthfully?"
Percy sighed, suddenly tired. "It's dangerous for Greek demigods."
More blinks from Annabeth. "What?"
"Rome overthrew Greece," Percy explained. "Adapted a lot of their pantheon and put down some pretty strict rules. That doesn't even get into the whole Troy vs Greece thing. Troy wasn't Roman, but many Romans did consider Troy as their 'Mother City'. I'm sure you've read The Aeneid. A lot of Romans think they came in and perfected the Greek ideals." Percy rolled his eyes. "There's a lot of animosity there." Despite the fact that many Ancient Romans seemed to be obsessed with Greece to a point of almost trying to become them…. But that tended to be a bad thing to bring up around either camp, especially at this point
"So maybe don't go spreading this around at your camp?" Neptune said offhandedly, but with the slightest edge to it. "Last thing we need is another civil war."
Annabeth blinked, looking both offended and overwhelmed. Of course, she still thought through it.
"Civil… as in the American Civil War? but World War II was basically started and fought between the children of the Big Three! In Europe!"
"You think movin' from one country and culture to another is that easy?" Neptune asked pointedly. "Or fast?"
"But…" Annabeth started.
Percy just held up a hand. "The Civil War was fought by Greeks and Romans who had made their way over here. Or, well, that's what started it. But the Greeks and Romans already over here almost wiped each other out, Annabeth. If we start talking about Roman demigods to Greeks, or Greek demigods to Romans, it could start another war—one in which the gods can't help because of their schism."
"A right headache, those are. Debilitating when both sides are praying to a different part of you for help and victory."
"I can't believe this," Annabeth muttered, sitting back.
"It's a lot to take in," Percy said, sympathetic, before turning back to Neptune. "But that begs the question: Why are you here? I'm Greek." Mostly.
"You've got a spark of me in there too," Neptune said.
His mother sighed, and he made a mental note to speak with her later.
"Okay, I can see it, but why come here? Why now?"
At that, Neptune sighed and sat forward, steepling his fingers together. "I'm here on behalf of my pantheon."
"As in the Roman side," Percy said slowly. "That doesn't answer any questions. What would Jupiter want with me?"
"More Juno."
Percy winced. "That's even less appealing."
Neptune snorted and smirked. "Knew I liked ya."
In all honesty, Percy had never quite known what to think of Neptune's attention. Sure, he liked all facets of his father liking him, but at the same time, they really were different enough to easily separate in his mind. He'd never really considered Neptune his father for that reason.
"Besides," Percy went on, "you've never been big on the rest of the Pantheon. Why did they choose you?"
"'Cause I get something out of it too."
Percy felt his expression dry out. "That's not exactly endearing."
Neptune shrugged. Percy had never noticed how much he liked to do that. Then again, he hadn't interacted with Neptune a lot.
"I want you to go to Camp Jupiter, as my representative. I want you to fix up that hovel they call a temple and make sure that they know I'm watching them."
"That's not going to help," Percy said, rubbing his temple. "They're already afraid of you. And any of your kids. That will include me if you're claiming me."
"If you're going as my representative, of course I'm claiming you."
"Is Poseidon okay with that?"
"He can't do much about it. Besides, you were claimed by both of us in that other life, weren't you? And you've prayed to me in this one."
"You have?" Annabeth asked.
"I was trying to get his attention," Percy explained quickly before focusing back on Neptune. His eyes were blue—deep ocean blue. It had always been a little disconcerting to see such a strange color on the man who was supposed to be his father.
"But why now? Why not wait until…." he paused, glancing at Annabeth again. She watched them carefully, taking down everything they said. "Until the next war," he finished.
"There will be another war?!" Annabeth practically screeched.
A loud pounding from below made everyone jump. Percy glanced at the clock. Almost three in the morning. They were obviously being too loud for their neighbors. Oops.
"Shhh!" he said, both to Neptune and Annabeth.
"We're not sure there will be another war," Neptune said. "The Earthborn are stirring."
Percy's mouth dropped open. "What?!" he hissed. "We can't face Giants and Titans at the same time! If they work together." Which was a big if, but not impossible.
"What?!" Annabeth asked, face so pale she was almost glowing in the darkness. Behind him, his mother let out a shuddering breath.
"We may not have a choice," Neptune said quietly. "And we need to start integration if we are to stand together."
Percy stood and began pacing. This… this couldn't be happening. He took a deep breath. "At least you all didn't erase my memories and shove me in the wolf house this time."
He paused. "Wait, do I have to go through Lupa?"
Neptune shook his head. "No. As my representative, you won't be joining the legion."
"Like Nico last time," he muttered.
At Neptune's questioning eyebrow, Percy shook his head. "Uncle H had a similar idea last time and had Nico go to Camp Jupiter as his liaison or representative or whatever."
"Hmm. Hades and Pluto always did have less problems with the schism than most of the rest of us."
"Except Ap—"
"Percy," his mother said, warning. Right. Names.
"Sorry," he muttered, but focused back on the god. "So you want me to go to Camp Jupiter and fix up your temple. Fine. You also want me to help them get ready to fight?"
"Yes."
"Because Earthborn are rising."
"Yes."
He sighed. "I'll bet that means Eidolons aren't far behind and then the Giants." Neptune nodded.
"What about the Earth Mother?" Percy asked. Annabeth gasped.
Neptune shook his head. "No sign of her yet. But that doesn't mean much.
"Now, if you want to save our pathetic camp, you may want to get going. I want you there—"
"Wait," Percy interrupted. Neptune scowled, but didn't say anything. "What do you mean, 'save them'? You make it sound like they're in trouble now."
Neptune blinked, surprised. "What? Didn't I say?"
"Say what?" Percy asked, ready to throw his hands in the air.
"Oh. Well that's why I'm here. We need you to save Camp Jupiter. They're currently under siege."
Percy just stared at him. So did everyone else.
Then, "WHAT?!"
xXx
Bit of a shorter chapter this time. Hope it was worth the wait anyway.
Titans are capitalized in the books while giants are not. I've been doing that for these books too, but for this? SCREW IT. Giants from Gaea like Ploybotez are capitalized from here on out. *Throws hands in the air* Other giants are lower cased.
I'd ask why, but I really don't want to know. That's just how it's going to be from now on. FYI
So, will hopefully be starting work on the house soon so hubby can come home. He's still going to be severely disabled for a while yet, so our 100 year old house now has to be ADA updated. ^^; Eh, I needed an excuse to deep clean anyway.
Also, you got this after a weekend of being sick and a day before hubby's eye surgery (so his drooping eye can hopefully close and actually heal) so feel loved.
Thanks to my beta readers and my tier 3 and 4 pa*trons: Srinikha, Snow, Asterius Daemon, Shadow Slayer, Starlight3, The Chromancer, Fiah, Pan_theytic_idiot, aaron E., Rayanne E., Splashbear, Shelby A., Rodger44777, and Quathis for their help on this!
Check out my discord for a link (#announcements or #Obis-podfics-and-youtube) to my youtube and my original book on Amazon! I'm open to suggestions as to where else besides Amazon it would be good to sell. Any thoughts?
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OH! One last thing. My messages don't seem to be working very well. I've tried to reply to people here, but keep getting 'invalid message' responses. So if I haven't responded to you, I'm sorry. But I REALLY appreciate your comments. Thank you so much!