"The Word of fire burns today On the lips of our prophets in an evil age."

~Margaret Walker

Persephone and the Avengers sans Thor stood poised to fight on the drop of the pen. Suddenly, Persephone smirk and relaxed, lowering her weapon and leaning on the cane. "What is the saying?" she asked, her face adopting a façade of innocence. "The tension being so thick that you could take a knife to it? Well, the tension here would require something a lot more powerful. Like a nuke. Lots and lots of nukes."

It was the Captain who was able to respond first, "Are you-"

"Off track? Insane? Well yes, that happens you see. ADHD, torture, sleep deprivation, and general mental instability can cause that in a woman," she said, cutting him off. Her harmless visage morphed into a fierce glare leveled at them all. "Don't judge."

"Now before you ask anymore questions," she stated quickly, giving a hard look to the Avengers who were readying themselves to speak. "Can you all please lower your weapons? I kicked your asses last time, and I don't feel like dirtying my new shoes. I'm not gonna attack y'all right now, we've got things that need talkin' 'bout."

Stark opened his mouth to retort, but Persephone flicked her wrist and the remaining wine in Thor's glass flew into his mouth causing him to choke. "No talking," she said simply. "Now, I'm gonna take you all back to when this started. I was twelve." A small shadowy figure of a girl appeared with vague details. "I was on a field trip with my school at the time, some museum that I don't care to remember. Now, at first there wasn't anything special about the trip. We looked at exhibits, and ate lunch. I got in trouble, and our teacher at the time, Mrs. Dodds called me inside."

"It was then that everything went straight to hell and back," she recited. The atmosphere from the Avengers had changed from superiorly hostile to curious and attentive. A second, taller woman had appeared next to the shadow Persephone. "Before my eyes, my teacher who I believed to be a demon, turned into that very thing. A creature who knows but one master, Hades, Alecto the Fury, sent to hunt down a thief who stole her master's most prized possession."

The shadow teacher transformed into a demonic bat person. Looks of confusion passed over the faces of most present. The spies remained generally stoic, while the others had furrowed brows and creased lips. "My other teacher at the time showed up, tossing me my first weapon, Riptide, the wave which catches one unaware." A sword appeared in the shadow Persephone's hand, and the creature dived at her. "I killed the Kindly One, and from there my great 'adventure' began."

The daughter of Poseidon continued her story, telling the Avengers of her encounter with the Fates, the minotaur, the loss of her mother, and waking up at Camp Half-Blood. The mention of the camp is what Fury found very interesting. Too interesting for Persephone's taste. She described that battle during capture the flag, and then being attacked by the hellhound. All this was mimicked by her shadow self and led up to her big reveal.

"It was at this river that I discovered who I truly was, standing in the shallow water, I watched as the claw marks were healed almost instantly. Strength returned to me and a glowing trident appeared above me and I truly understood what Camp Half-Blood was for," the Mantle of Nyx paused allowing for a little bit of dramatic affect. "The trident was a symbol sent by my father, Poseidon, the Greek god of the Seas, the Earthshaker and Stormbringer, and second eldest son of Kronos."

Persephone waited, watching as the information was processed in their minds. Fury's eye open so wide he almost looked like a cyclops, Steve dropped his shield and his jaw with a heavy thud, Stark was frozen in place, Clint's arrows clattered on the ground as he moved his jaw in an up and down motion, and Natasha reminded Persephone of a puffer fish with her cheeks puffing out in a spectacular shade of red.

Persephone herself tried to maintain straight face, but failed miserably. After a few failed attempts of suppressing her laughter, she gave in and fell into a slightly hysterical fit. Leaning over her disguised weapon, she wiped away the few happy tears that had built up in her eyes. With an exaggerated sigh, she thanked the Avengers, "I haven't laughed that hard in years, thank you all. Truly, thank you."

Natasha was the first to recover and responded, "So you're just pulling our leg? Really, how'd you get your powers?"

Persephone rolled her eyes. She pulled over an armchair with the shadows, plopping down onto it and crossing her legs. Her cane moved in slow circles before as she rotated her wrists in slow, deliberate circles, her devious smirk never fading. "I ain't lying darlin', you just refuse to see the truth I have laid before you," she commented, her emerald eyes reflecting back to her, a roiling, frothing ocean reflecting back towards the assassin. "You stand in the presence of two divine beings. It has been millennia since the last true interaction between the Asgardians and the Olympians upon the mortal plane. If you doubt my claims, Thor here will back me up."

With that final claim, Persephone gestured to the wielder of Mjolnir with her cane. Thor's voice was as cold and unwavering as a Scandinavian winter, "She speaks the truth, and I would recommend against aggravating her. She was a formidable warrior prior to her disappearance, and her skills and power seem to have only grown."

Persephone made a waving motion with her hand and smirking devilishly, "Oh stop it, you'll make me blush."

"Her stories also speak of her loyalty, and the unbridled fury she can unleash upon those who betray her. She is considered as dangerous as many of the gods in her own right, for she inherited her abilities from her immortal family, but gained the adaptive and cunning mind gained through experiencing mortality," said Thor, giving her an appraising once-over. "After witnessing her fight against us, and winning quite effortlessly, any attempt to parlay and ally would be to our benefit. Especially as she did not use her most notorious weapon, Anaklusmos."

Well, that's unexpected, Persephone thought in regards to the praise she was receiving. Thor's pronunciation of the Greek name of her sword was slightly painful, but she could forgive him of that. He was vouching for her, encouraging the Avengers to at least consider brokering some sort of deal with her.

"Okay…" said Steve slowly, as he finally regained control of his jaw. "I believe you, but I have one question. Why come to us? You could've escaped easily from what I witnessed, evading us and quite possibly losing us completely. So what made you return?"

Persephone leaned back in the chair, the playful visage disappearing. Her sea-green eyes sharpening into hard cut emeralds as she stared down Steve with a calculating gaze. She smiled, and it was a painful smile, filled with hidden exhaustion and haunting promises. Steve knew that smile, for he had seen it countless times on the front lines during the war.

"It's because my world is not quieting. Despite the defeat of some of the most ancient enemies to the gods and mortals, the activity from my pantheon has only increased. Primordials long thought faded are stirring from eons of slumber, and they are not pleased with what has become of the world they helped shape," Persephone warned, her voice soft, but with that hard edge of anger. "Fortunately, the Fates and Ancient Laws are binding them, rendering them unable to directly interfere with our world. However, they have found a loophole. They have chosen mortals, somehow devout to them, and blessed them with their power. They represent the raw powers of nature, and are likely to be quite proficient in combat."

The demigoddess was quiet, contemplative, before continuing, "The potential destruction one of these mantles can cause simply by willing it is unprecedented, yet they will not attack."

"How do you know this?" questioned Clint with only traces of hostility in his voice. Curiosity was winning out, as was apprehension. All of them were regarding her with a more cautious look, as if understanding better the threat lay before them.

Good, Persephone thought forlornly. They need to understand what's coming. At least a little.

"Because I am one of them," Persephone voice became hard as steel. She stood, the very darkness around her snapping with energy. Many of their eyes widened. "I am the Mantle of Night, chosen of Nyx, and with but a wisp of a thought could send half the continent into an eternal night."

Okay, bit of an exaggeration, she thought. It would take a crap ton of energy, probably like two-hundred pizzas worth, and I'd probably not be able to do anything while I maintained it.

"I am the first of the Mantles, just as Nyx was the first born from Chaos," she stated. "And I am not only Mantle, but a demigoddess to boot. The domains of Poseidon answer to my call, and my control has only improved with the gaining of new power. Nyx does not wish the reversion of the world, as she has witnessed its proceedings for millennia. Same with her husband Erebus, the embodiment of darkness. Gaia was just recently defeated, so she is most likely out of the way. However, I can almost guarantee that Tartarus is scheming."

The very room seemed to freeze and burn simultaneously, causing many of the Avengers to shiver and look around the room. "J.A.R.V.I.S., what the hell was that?" asked the inventor.

"I cannot deduce the cause of such unique temperature fluctuations sir," came the disembodied voice. Persephone grimaced, knowing the implications of such an occurrence.

"I know what happened," she stated. All attention was returned to her, as the assembled waited attentively. "The Pit has sensed his mention, and his senses have turned upon us. It is all the proof I need to that he is orchestrating something, for he is unhappy with myself personally, as well as with the Olympians."

She moved towards the windows, turning her back to the super heroes. "Today was my warning to you all, for you have the power to protect so many. It will be years for Tartarus to gather his strength, as he was set back with the defeat of Gaia," she stated, the energetic and playful Persephone was completely gone now. Now stood the leader, the woman who was forced to bear the burden of responsibility once again. "I will be thinning his numbers the best I can throughout the world, and gathering as much information as I can. You should do your best to prepare, I don't know how, but try. I will come and see you all when things are escalating once again."

With those words, she left a stunned batch of Avengers watching her as she seemed to walk through the window, her form dissolving into darkness until she was completely gone. Tony was the first to recover, saying, "I need a drink, anyone else want a drink? Because I am having a drink. Probably five."

(')(')

Reyna could sense that something was off, she had for months. And it was reinforced when she got wind from the Greeks that Persephone had returned. Reyna never understood what had happened, all she knew was that Will Solace was dead, and that Anaklusmos seemed… corrupted. Apparently, things on the East Coast were more exciting than the West, but Reyna wouldn't complain. Their problems are their own.

Right now, Camp Jupiter was functioning with relative peace. She an Frank worked well together, Frank being the more patient and sympathetic half of the Praetorship while Reyna was the disciplinarian. Things were well, with no war at the moment and their eagle, all should be well. But that feeling in her gut never left Reyna, and she would trust it unconditionally.

She was sitting in the Praetors office in the Principia, going over some paperwork for the Legion, a pointless formality in her opinion, but sadly necessary. After the war with Gaia those years ago, things had calmed severely. However, neither Frank nor herself were inclined to lessen everyone's training. The casualties of the war were proof that they were unprepared for high levels of combat, even with the assistance of their eagle.

The sound of the door opening made her look up, seeing her co-praetor walking towards his desk that was adjacent to hers. He seemed particularly disgruntled, and that was typically reserved for the daughter of Bellona.

"Everything okay Zhang?" Reyna asked, a slight tone of concern in her voice. Very rarely did he show any negative emotion, having been one of the Seven and in a steady and happy relationship with Miss Levesque.

"Things have been better," he said grumpily. "Hazel is out with Arion at the moment, and I received a notice from the Temple of Jupiter."

Temple of Jupiter? Reyna thought. No one was summoned there unless the augur had received a vision regarding them, or in case of a praetor, if the Legion was at risk. After the "unfortunate" death of Octavian, it had taken almost a year for the new augur. The new augur was a girl of about twelve years old. She was a daughter of Apollo, with bright blonde hair and blue eyes that had a depth that conveyed her ability of foresight. She had helped welcome a few new members, but otherwise had not declared anything negative for the Legion.

"Was it Callie?" Reyna asked, setting her pen down for the moment, referring to the young augur.

Frank's eyes were turbulent when he nodded in affirmation. "She said she saw something big, bigger than she'd ever witnessed," his voice was solemn, a graveness set down on Reyna's shoulders as he continued. The words were distorted and mostly it was just image, but four lines were pretty distinct."

"Children born of mortal and immortal, bearers of the mantle primordial, Night and Day come out to play, at the whims of Fate's protogé…" Frank quoted, allowing the words to sink in before continuing. "She said she saw the world drowned in abyssal darkness, while the other half burned in a luminescent fire. She saw five figures, two in the darkness and two in the light."

"The two in the light was a boy and a girl. The girl was small, possibly young, with eyes of vermillion fire and wings of light from her back. Callie said she wielded a bow that was unlike any other, bladed and fierce, with arrows of scorching light," Frank recited. "The boy was older, and wielded a massive, golden greatsword. His hair was blonde as well, and eyes the burned azure."

Frank moved over to his desk and sat on top of it. Reyna hadn't seen him this shaken since they trekked through the Mare Nostrum. He continued, "Callie described the two figures in the night. One was a man, face void of all features, as if it was the abyss given human form. On his hands were claws of scarlet and ebony flame. The second figure wielded a staff of pure midnight, and a sword that glowed in a verdant blaze. Her hair was darker than pitch, and eyes an emerald inferno."

"Lastly, she said she saw a figure shrouded in fog, standing at the axis of night and day.

Reyna was both impressed and perturbed by Callie's description. It seemed very Apollo in nature, with the artistic description of each person. It was also clear that this was more than just reading entrails. Apollo had granted her a glimpse into the future, a seer was a rare thing for Camp Jupiter, but it was a blessing of few equals to Reyna.

"Tell Callie I would like to speak with her, and up the training for all Cohorts. Recall all the retired Legionnaires, and announce that there will be an emergency Senate meeting tomorrow at noon," Reyna ordered, and Frank nodded. He met her eyes briefly, and Reyna saw no joy in them. The prospect of yet another war, one of primeval powers, did not sit comfortably with either of them. Especially not after the close call with Gaia.

Frank left with urgency in his steps, Reyna sighed before slamming her fist onto her desk in rage. Another gods damn war, she thought.

Then it hit her. That one description of one of the nighttime beings. The girl fought with a staff, and a sword. She knew someone who had glowing green eyes, and fought with shadows and staff. The bigger question to Reyna, was whether or not Persephone Jackson was friend or foe?

(')(')

Jason Grace lay unconscious in the big house, still recovering from the brutal defeat he received at the hands of the daughter of Poseidon. While he looked peaceful but damaged to his girlfriend Piper who sat next to his bead, his dreams were not so simple.

He was standing amidst clouds and stars, a swirling vortex descending below him towards a place he clearly recognized. The ruins of Mount Othrys were mere specks beneath his feet, and Mount Tamalpais lay before the San Francisco skyline. Jason scowled and was confused, he had to be miles above the ground for everything to seem so small. He didn't ever fly this high because the air became more wild and untamable. So how did he get up here?

"Calm yourself, young hero," a voice commanded, and a man stood next to Jason, standing at nearly eight feet tall and radiating a level of power that he had never felt before. He was bald, strikingly so, but his eyes are what silence Jason's scathing retort. "I am here to offer you something that I believe you will accept."

Jason was wary, beings that felt like this never did anything freely. He voiced his concern, "Why would I accept anything from a stranger in a dream?"

The being chuckled, "Because I can give you an edge on Persephone Jackson. Put you on equal footing so to speak."

Jason stared at him critically, seeing if he could derive the beings purpose from him. "What is the cost?"

The being grinned, and his teeth were as white as the pearliest clouds. "Why it is simple, you must kill Persephone Jackson."

Jason looked temporarily stunned, before a matching grin adorned his face. "Deal," he said, sticking out his hand to the being.

"Wonderful," said the bald man, clasping Jason's hand and giving it a firm shake. Power began to flood through the son of Jupiter. "Absolutely wonderful."

A/N: Here is the next chapter, and Reyna has great questions don't you think? Who are the other figures? Hmmm, I don't know myself. That's a lie of course, I always know. And you all are smart and can definitely figure out one more too. If you've got your own questions, feel free to review, PM, or just contemplate silently. Your choice.

In other news, this story has broken 100 reviews! Woot! And we have almost 600 followers too. I'm super shocked honestly, didn't think that many people would like it. But hey, I won't complain!

And if any of you all like Imagine Dragons, who has any idea if they're coming out with a new album? I love Believer and Thunder, and hope they're making more like them.

Review responses:

ViperTimeline: Hope you haven't been hospitalized by your mom.

Plasmadon: Dude, I'm trying to keep my weight down, I don't need that many cookies.

: Thanks, I love her too. She's a good creation.

2NE1ANGEL: That's the song! And the sticky notes were pretty fun to write.

Lunasky99: But is she a bad guy?

Auspicious Orangutan: First of all, love the name. Second, I would love writing bigger chapters, but I'm so inconsistent with my motivation that a year long wait would be short for each chapter.

Divine Protector of Skyrim: Are you the Dovahkiin? And there you go, your metaphorical picture of their faces!