Prologue: Aftermath

Story summary:

Luke's attack on New Rome caught the Romans completely off guard, the Legion suffered greatly and is in no way ready for Gaea's imminent invasion. Percy, Zoë, and Hazel set for Alaska to free Thanatos, but he has no idea Gaea prepared a surprise for him and he is walking right into it. Meanwhile, Jason, Piper, and Leo are led on a wild chase across the continent of North America in a desperate bid to find Juno. Percy's dark past is catching up to him a lot sooner than he'd preferred, the Greeks have allied with Gaea and sooner or later, he'll have to face the people who betrayed him on battleground. The friendship between Percy and Zoë is blossoming into something more but with Percy on top of Gaea's hit list, and Zoë returning from the land of dead, a romance is hardly what they have attention to focus on. Sequel to Son of Vesta: Reborn From Ashes. Pairing is Percy x Zoë, Frank x Hazel, Leo x Calypso, Jason's pairing won't be revealed for now due to potential spoilers.

June 17th 2011 - 7 day before the Feast of Fortuna, 1400 hrs, The Bridge, Princess Andromeda II - San Francisco, United States - Luke Castellan

"So," An ancient, sleepy voice echoed in the bridge. The room was clear, minus one man, who kneeled on the floor, his body shaking slightly. His mistress was not on board his warship, but her presence was unmistakable, given the dark Primordial aura that had filled the confined space. He had long dirty blonde hair, his face was blank of expression, but his blue eyes gave away just the slightest hint of fear. The long scar running across the length of his left cheek that made him somewhat intimidating in combat did not make him anymore formidable this time. "You have failed me."

He did not dare to speak.

"Look at me, Luke Castellan," the voice, if possible, became even colder as dread crept its way into the young immortal's heart. Luke raised his head, doing his best to cover his horror at the source of Gaea's voice, "You were quite the lost cause when I found you. Defeated by mere demigods, you failed your time as one of the Gods' spawns, you were even more pathetic serving my imbecile for a son Kronos. They cast you into the bottom of the pit from the glories of their thrones, leaving you to rot. You spoke bitterly of a great injustice done to you. I rescued you that day, I gave you a new sense of purpose. Power, respect, wealth, everything you have asked for, Luke Castellan. I bestowed on you the great gift of immortality, I entrusted my most elite legion of demigods under your command, I honored you with the rank of general, I even brought you your bitch girlfriend because you desired her, how did you repay me Castellan?"

"I…" Luke started, his voice not wavering despite the wild emotions threatening to overwhelm him, "My lady, please allow me to explain. I was greatly honored when you entrusted me with the task of bringing you Jackson and the huntress, and I only ever bore the best of your interest in mind. Every action I have taken has been hoping to achieve this. The Romans were unprepared, their defenses were chaotic and the quests had their minds preoccupied. It was a golden opportunity to stage an attack on the city, and most likely, capture the pair during the chaos of battle."

"Those are, but your speculations," Gaea said harshly, there was a dangerous edge in her voice that Luke only knew too well, "You were reckless and foolish enough to launch an attack on New Rome on your own. Now the Romans are warned, and they have a week to prepare to defend their city until my armies are in position to attack. Moreover, you have cost me a battalion of soldiers who should be tearing the pathetic Roman legion apart on the Feast of Fortuna instead of being wasted meaninglessly, on a pursue of your own ambitions, am I correct? But none of that matters, I don't care if the Romans are preparing for war earlier than I have planned, or fifty demigods are dead. While Jackson and Nightshade were lured on your ship, you could have taken them directly to me, but instead, you wasted your opportunity on your childish chitchats, and led them to get away! Your arrogance has cost me heavily, and for that, you will be punished."

Luke opened his mouth to defend himself, but he found himself unable to. He choked a cry as his body was lifted mid-air, his limbs bound by an invisible spell. He struggled against the Primordial power, his body twitching violently as Luke tried to break free with all his might, but no avail. Gaea led out an amused laugh as tearing pain struck. Luke screamed.

"I rescued your cursed soul from the abyss, I re-built your form, I gave you your second life on Earth, I granted you immortality, and I can take them away just as easily." Gaea sneered, her voice icy-cold, "You will do well to remember that."

Luke was released in a thud, his body falling onto the floor painfully, but frankly he couldn't care. He was simply glad it was over, being tortured by a sadistic, insane, powerful Primordial deity was just as unappealing as it sounded.

"Do not fail me again, Luke Castellan. If you do, I will not show such leniency."

Luke could only manage a nod.

June 17th 2011 - 7 days before the Feast of Fortuna, 1200 hrs, Hill Across Camp Jupiter - San Francisco, United States - Percy Jackson

Percy took off running, with Zoë by his side and Hazel on their heels closely, away from the aftermath of the bloody battle in New Rome. Luke had taken them by surprise, despite how much Percy had been pushing the Senate to gear New Rome towards war mode, and how much defense infrastructure that have been installed in Camp Jupiter, almost driving the city into an economic recession.

The ship was impressive, invisible cloaking, energy barriers, and some serious fire power. As for attacking from within the city's borders where no weapon is permitted and when families were out for lunch, it was brilliant, despite how much of a low blow it had been.

Percy mentally shoved those thoughts aside. He will have more than enough time to worry about his old enemy joining forces with his new enemy. Right now, he needed to focus on the freeing Thanatos, for all he knew it was the only way to save New Rome.

"I hope walking all the way to Alaska isn't your master plan," Hazel said, panting as she caught up with the dual, "Because if that's the case then I think I'll resign."

"I thought service in the legion is mandatory?" Percy blinked at her in confusion.

Next to him, Zoë rolled her eyes, "You get her point." She said.

"Of course not." Percy gave his typical troublemaker grin, and Hazel shuddered.

"I'm starting to think that I'd prefer walking after all."

"Been there done that," Zoë shot her a sympathetic look, her mind wandering back to their quest to rescue Artemis as she addressed Percy dryly, "and I have to say I'm with Hazel on this one, your ability to come up with the most terrible plans always amaze me."

"Oh sure," Percy retorted sarcastically, "My terrible plans saved Olympus, must be because I'm awesome."

Zoë had to refrain herself from rolling her eyes, "Not that A-word," She growled loudly, "Just don't tell me we are riding those dam pegasi of yours again."

"Oh trust me," Percy grinned, "I've got something better than that."

Percy closed his eyes in concentration, willing his mind beyond the barrier of his body. Words formed inside his brain as they echoed silently into distance. Come to me.

Moments later, a loud roar came. Ground shook from the divine force as waves of raw power crashed into the demigods. Percy and Zoë held their ground firmly, but Hazel was not so lucky as she was caught completely off guard.

She staggered forward, being thrown off her balance, but quickly regained her footing as Zoë extended a hand, catching her arm just in time. Hazel muttered her thanks just as a massive shadow descended from above. It roared, orange flames erupted from its mouth, consuming everything in its pass, scorching the ground brown.

Zoë looked slightly surprised, and maybe a bit impressed as well while Hazel looked shaken, her face had visibly paled. Percy only grinned and stepped forward calmly. He extended an arm while the dragon declined its head, giving it a friendly pat.

"Zoë Nightshade, Hazel Levesque," Percy smiled friendly at them, "Meet Peleus."

Zoë took a small step at the dragon calmly, and bowed slightly, her eyes never leaving the burning yellow orbs. Hazel sucked in a breath, her eyes darting between Peleus and Zoë, wondering whether she should bolt or just pass out on the spot, though she was close to either.

After what felt like a century, but, in fact, was only a few seconds, Peleus declined its head and returned the bow at Zoë, letting loose a soft groan.

Percy grinned at her, "Well, come on," the son of Vesta said, taking Zoë's hand and pulling her forward, guiding her towards Peleus.

"W-What?" Zoë stuttered in surprise, losing her signature cool for a moment at Percy's touch. She had a funny feeling at her stomach that she couldn't quite name, though she was positive that her cheek had turned pink and she was probably blushing. Thank Artemis Percy was looking at the dragon, maybe Hazel was watching… Guess she'll just have to either bribe or threaten her into silence. Zoë was very confident of her ability when it came to that department, had plenty of experience with boys over two millennium…

Zoë looked at Peleus with uncertainty, before gazing back at Percy, who'd only smiled at her encouragingly.

"Go on then," He said, and she patted the dragon's head experimentally. Peleus led out a small yelp and rubbed its head against her palm gently.

"He likes you." Percy grinned, and Zoë found herself wanting to grin at him back.

Shrugging it off, Zoë simply muttered, "I doubt it." It annoyed her slightly that his grin seemed only to grow even further.

"He's your pet dragon?" Hazel asked. Until then, Zoë had completely forgotten the existence of the daughter of Pluto. She cursed herself inwardly for getting carried away.

Peleus roared loudly as if in protest, Percy had to step in and comfort the upset creature while shooting a warning look at Hazel, "Peleus is no pet," He said, "He is a creature of freedom and wisdom and an old friend of mine."

Hazel nodded, apparently feeling reassured by Percy's words. She approached the dragon and muttered a few words to it. Peleus seemed relaxed and allowed Hazel to touch it as well. The daughter of Pluto laughed lightly as the dragon licked her palm affectionately.

Zoë was amazed by how Hazel was natural with animals, especially magical ones. The ex-huntress herself had rarely found herself in the company of those except for the pack of wolves with the hunt. She saw Percy leaning in and whispering something into Hazel's ear, who then grinned at him and swung herself onto the back of Peleus.

Percy hopped up behind her and waved at Zoë.

Riding a dragon across North America? Dam, way to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

June 17th 2011 - 7 days before the Feast of Fortuna, 1200 hrs, New Rome - San Francisco, United States - Jason Grace

Jason glanced down at himself, an Imperial Gold chest plate was thrown onto him loosely, his trustworthy Imperial Gold Gladius, Ivlivs, already fully transformed into its blade form, was held in his right hand. He looked as a slender feminine figure approached him hurriedly. Jason could make out a backpack being swung onto her shoulder without much caution, a gleaming bronze dagger strapped onto her right thigh, Celestial Bronze, she had called the metal, which had become her signature weapon.

She hadn't bothered to put on any battle armor whatsoever like he managed in a hurry, they were separated since the café, their favorite place for lunch. Glass shattered as shells rained down the city, panicked crowds screamed and soon flooded the city, while demigods made a wild dash to the armory for their weapons and armors, since Terminus was a huge fan of the rule No weapon in the city even when they were literally at war.

The few legionaries on guard then rushed at the Pomerian line, struggling to cross into the city where dozens of troops dropped from the ship as the machine of war opened fire at everything within its range. Unfortunately, they were being shoved back by panicked crowds.

Chaos erupted.

Some citizens had enough sense to let the legionaries through, they quickly took the fight on enemy demigods, but they were overrun. It was a slaughter, archers set up perimeter around the Pomerian line and led loose rains of arrows, but they hardly did any good. Terminus was being his usual insufferable self until Jason had finally lost it and blasted the statue to bits with an angry bolt of lightning. Perhaps he ought to apologize the next time he sees him…

Jason was lucky enough to find a light chest plate and quickly strapped it onto himself, though Piper was separated from him when chaos broke out. The fight was going very ugly for the Romans until reinforcement arrived and poured into battlefield, the streets were finally cleared of fleeing crowds for heavy artillery fire to claim their vengeance.

The battle was won but at a great cost. More than 50 people were killed during the attack, active legionnaire and civilian vice, twice as much landed in the infirmary. The second cohort, which was first on scene was almost wiped out, Jason was among few other demigods who survived the fighting.

Jason swore Terra would pay.

He saw Reyna sprinting at him, in her full battle armor, which wasn't a surprise since he could count the times he saw her in anything other than that. He led out a breath in relief at the sight of her best friend, her chest plate was shattered, and her purple Camp Jupiter T-shirt was covered in blood, both her own and enemy demigods'. She was not unscratched, far from it judging from the cuts on her body, having cut down her fair share of demigods, but she was alive, and it was more than often a luxury for demigods like themselves.

He pulled her into a quick hug.

"Gather your crew," Said the daughter of Bellona urgently, her voice firm, "Percy has already left. Pack your things and leave for your quest as quickly as possible, we don't have time to waste. Juno needs to be released, then rush back here, Terra's attack is imminent."

Jason nodded grimly, knowing full well Reyna was right, "Take care of things here, Terra was merely testing our defense, and we nearly collapsed. When she does strike, we will need to be ready."

"I will start evacuation immediately," Reyna replied with determination in her tone, the daughter of Bellona's usual hard mask slipping back on, her eyes gleaming coldly, "The legion will be ready, we will hold the camp until you get back or die trying."

Jason regarded her sorrowfully, life was cruel, reality was harsh, they were all forced to face dangers no one at their age should, but they didn't have a choice. And that's what Jason admired Reyna about, it wasn't just her beauty or skills, rather, it was her heart, compassionate, determined, dutiful and strong, a true Roman.

Reyna's eyes softened for the briefest moment, then she leaned in and did one thing he never expected her to do.

On June 17th 2011, Jason Grace received his first kiss.

Then she was gone.

The last thing Jason remembered, as he set for his quest, was the sadness and guilt in Reyna's eyes.

June 17th 2011 - 7 days before the Feast of Fortuna, 1200 hrs, New Rome - San Francisco, United States - Piper McLean

Piper looked at Jason carefully as she approached, Leo tailing behind her closely. He seemed to be lost in thoughts, something she 'd rarely seen him do ever since they met.

Jason did have his moments, though he always appeared carefree and confident, a trait she found both adoring and irritating. It was conflicted, she knew, because that's exactly how she felt. Jason Grace made her feel conflicted.

As a daughter of Venus, she never had any worries in the department of beauty, her gift made sure of it. Sometimes she thought it was a curse until she arrive at Camp Jupiter. It was the best thing ever happened to her. She made real friends there, who were never jealous of her looks, or her natural attraction that ensured she'd never have shortage of pursuers.

Leo Valdez, the wicked Latin boy who always made her laugh, and Jason Grace, who made her smile. She could be herself, instead of what people expected her to be, just Piper McLean, the girl who was not perfect.

Piper shoved these thoughts aside. She was Piper McLean, the proud senior centurion of First Cohort, and she worked her butt off to earn that position, and even more importantly, people's respect, and she wasn't about to lose it. Her undying love for Jason Grace was the least of her worries, it was the last thing either of them needed right now, with the threat of Terra looming over New Rome.

She did hear distinctively about a bet going on…

And funny names along the lines of Jayna and Jasper…

It was probably Dakota…

Yeah, when was the last time that kid was sober…

Maybe never…

Just wait till she gets his hands on him…

She was a lot more like her mother than she led on.

And she was also a lot less like her mother than Venus tended to believe.

Jason gave her and Leo a simple nod and took off without another word while Leo was grinning like a madman.

Terra had a warship, so did he, let Argo II sail, the downfall of Terra, shall be the glory of her voyage.

Juno must be freed, Porphyrion must not rise, and New Rome must not fall.

Let the quest begin.

A dark figure spoke, its entire form was cover by the darkness of shadows, yet the immense power rolling off from him was not to be mistaken. His voice was taunting, accompanied by a sneer, his eyes were icy cold, and fixed on the scene in front of him. "Are you ready demigods? Mother Earth is rising, and she shall be more powerful than ever. The Olympians are weak, and they stand no chance against the might of the Giants. Your heroes are divided, your savior will fall, your cities will crumble, who will save you now?"

Piper McLean stared at Katoptris in shock.

Hello again my dear readers! As most of you already figured out, this is a sequel to my story Perseus Son of Vesta: Reborn From Ashes. The prologue picks up where the last chapter left off and real actions start the next chapter. Not exactly sure how I want to swing this yet, but I'll figure it out in no time, and I promise only the best from me.

See you next time and hopefully soon!