Chapter 12: The Seven

Percy appeared inside Camp Jupiter alone. Artemis said the hunters would be behind him once the girls had gotten their things together. Percy looked around for Reyna and Lupa for a while before making his way to the senate house. While Lupa wasn't there, he did find Reyna, Nico, Hazel and Frank along with the senate. Percy appeared in a seat next to Nico in a subtle flash of flames. Only a few people noticed. Nico looked relieved at the sight of his best friend.

"What's going on?" Percy asked curiously as he noticed the scowls on everyone's faces.

Nico frowned, "Octavian's been ranting for more than thirty minutes about how they shouldn't trust the Greeks and how the Romans should fight without the Greeks in the war."

Percy narrowed his eyes at the scrawny blonde haired boy in a toga as he listened to him go on and on.

Percy looked toward a fountain in the back of the room and smirked.

As Octavian paced in front of the senate during his rant, he turned around only to get blasted in the face with water.

"I suggest you watch your words auger." Percy said standing up.

Octavian narrowed his eyes, "Who are you? You aren't from this camp. You must be a Greek coming to spy on our senate meetings. Seize this spy immediately." Octavian yelled.

Reyna stood up to say something but Percy shook his head. Reyna looked surprised but nodded.

When a couple of Octavian's lackeys reached Percy, they suddenly froze. Percy kept them rooted in their spots by controlling the water in their blood. Percy looked up at Octavian with a murderous glare.

"So auger, are you saying that a direct order from Lord Jupiter should be ignored? I know Reyna has informed everyone of the orders from the gods. I have been sent by Lord Jupiter personally to ensure peace is kept between the Greeks and the Romans. I suggest you sit down and shut up or I will be forced to make you." Percy growled.

"We have no way to know if you speak the truth. This is probably another lie from the deceitful Greeks." Octavian spat.

Percy calmly walked up to the suddenly nervous auger. He rolled up his sleeve, revealing his SPQR tattoo.

Octavian's eyes widened, "First cohort? That's impossible, I am the centurion of the first cohort and I've never met you."

Percy smirked and snapped his fingers. Octavian's eyes widened, "You're that Blake kid from years ago. You deserted the legion you coward!" Octavian sneered.

Percy's eyes caught fire and before Octavian could react, Percy sent a hard fist into Octavian's nose. Octavian fell to the ground clutching his nose as blood poured out. Percy leaned down to Octavian, his eyes glowing brown as he stared into the terrified legacy's eyes. Percy's face contorted into an angry scowl before he grabbed Octavian by the throat and tossed him across the room

Percy turned to the stunned senate, "Romans, I apologize for my rash actions but I am here under orders from the gods to ensure peace is kept between the Greeks and Romans. This pathetic auger is trying to use the situation to gain allies and power within camp. He hopes to replace Jason Grace as Praetor of Camp Jupiter. I am sorry but I was instructed by the Olympians to do what was necessary to keep things civil and this is not the time for petty attempts to gain power. We are at war with the Primordial Goddess of the Earth and her giant children. If any of us want to survive this war, we must work together to defeat our enemies."

The senators looked stunned before a girl stood up, "Who are you exactly?"

"My name is Perseus Jackson. I am the son of both Poseidon and Neptune as well as the adopted son of Juno/Hera. I am also the champion of Lady Vesta/Hestia." Percy explained.

The girl looked at him surprised, "How are you the son of both Neptune and Poseidon?"

Percy tensed a bit at the thought of his mother but collected himself, "When I was conceived, my mother saw my father as a combination of both Poseidon and Neptune. Later when my mother died, I was adopted by Juno/Hera. She sent me to Camp Jupiter where I spent a few months before returning to Olympus. Since then, I have been rescuing demigods I am sent after by my patron."

"How do we know you speak the truth?" Octavia sneered from his spot cowering behind the first row of the senate.

"You do not question orders from the gods, boy." A female voice hissed from the back of the senate house. Everyone turned around and gasped when they saw Diana with her hunters walking toward Percy. They all bowed to the goddess with the exception of Percy who just smirked.

Percy bowed his head a bit, "Thank you Lady Diana."

Diana smiled before turning to glare at Octavian, "Perseus has been sent by my father Lord Jupiter to keep peace between the camps during the war. Lord Jupiter has given Perseus permission to kill anyone who tries to oppose my father's orders. If you value your life boy then you will not open your mouth again unless asked to." Diana sneered.

Octavian's eyes widened before he bowed deeply to the goddess.

Diana rolled her eyes at the pathetic boy before turning to the Senate. The Romans watched in shocked silence as a number of Diana's hunters smiled at Percy, a few of the younger ones even hugging him. Their eyes nearly bugged out of their heads when one of the youngest hunters climbed on Percy's shoulders giggling as she whispered something into his ear.

Diana smirked at the stunned faces of the Romans, "Perseus is the most favored demigod in the history of the gods. As you can see, he is even welcome within my hunter's ranks where he will fight during the war. He is also the only male in history to receive my blessing."

A few gasps were heard from the Romans and the hunters. The Romans were utterly confused while the hunters smiled after they got over their surprise.

"While Perseus may not be a god, I recommend treating him with just as much respect if you value your life. He has already achieved more than any demigod to ever live; including getting the return of the thrones of Vesta and Pluto. There is no god who will stand for disrespect toward Perseus, so I suggest you choose your next move carefully Romans. Lord Jupiter has sent my huntresses and I to help Perseus keep the peace." Diana explained to the senate.

The senate turned to look at Percy warily, to their surprise he smiled, "Relax, I have no wish to have anyone get hurt. While I have spent most of my life among Greeks, I consider myself just as much a Roman as a Greek. The ship carrying the three demigods from the prophecy will arrive in a couple hours. Please use that time to inform your cohorts of the situation. All legionnaires need to be on the Field of Mars by noon to welcome the two Greek demigods as well as welcome back your Praetor Jason Grace."

"Who are the remaining members of the prophecy?" A senator asked.

"The remaining four are Nico Di Angelo, son of Hades, Hazel Levesque daughter of Pluto, Frank Zhang, son of Mars," Percy announced before turning to look at Reyna, "and your other Praetor, Reyna Milan, daughter of Bellona."

Reyna eyes widened but Percy gave her an encouraging nod.

"This meeting of the senate is over. Return to your homes or your cohorts to prepare for the ship's arrival. Only the other three members of the prophecy are to remain behind." Reyna ordered.

The senators all nodded before filing out of the senate house. Reyna turned to Percy, "I'm a member of the prophecy?"

Percy smiled at her and nodded. Reyna blushed when Percy smiled at her.

"Yes, last night in the council, they discussed which of us should be the seventh member. I told them you would be the best choice and I would be better used elsewhere." Percy explained.

Reyna eyes widened before she pulled Percy into a tight embrace. When Reyna pulled back her face was red again.

"You should inform Lupa that you'll be leaving with the war ship. She will need to know that she will be without either Praetor for the war." Percy said.

Reyna nodded. She walked up and kissed Percy softly on the cheek before sprinting out of the senate house.

Percy stared at her retreating form in shock. Nico walked up and shoved Percy playfully, "Damn Perce, looks like you've got a new admirer."

Percy paled, he looked at Diana whose face was emotionless but he could see some anger in her eyes.

"Shut up Nico. You know damn well I don't have any interest in any woman." Percy said glaring at his friend.

Nico was about to reply when Hazel crushed Percy in a hug, "Why didn't you tell me it was you that got my father his throne back?"

Percy chuckled, "It's not important who asked for his throne to be returned, all that matters is that he has it, like he deserves."

Hazel smiled, "Well thank you Percy. Being a daughter of Pluto is easier now that my father is back on the council."

Percy smiled and nodded, "You three need to go pack your stuff. The ship will be here soon. You must start your journey as soon as possible."

The three demigods nodded and left to pack their things, leaving Percy with the hunters.

"So Percy, that Reyna a friend of yours?" Thalia asked mischievously.

Percy scowled at her, "I guess. She vouched for me when I first came to Camp Jupiter. But I hadn't seen her since I left Camp Jupiter until yesterday."

Thalia rolled her eyes but nodded.

"Come on girls, we need to get ready for the arrival of the ship." Diana said sternly.

The hunters nodded and began walking out of the senate house. Percy and Diana trailed behind. Percy looked at her and smiled. She couldn't help but smile back. She knew that Percy would get a lot of woman's attention. She just didn't know it would bother her. Regardless, it wasn't his fault and she knew Percy would not betray her. He knew what it felt like to be betrayed more than anyone so she knew she could trust him. It didn't mean she had to like it though.

Line Break

The Romans were lined up on the Field of Mars awaiting the arrival of the Greek warship. The hunters along with Percy, Diana, Lupa, and Reyna stood in front as the ship appeared in the sky. Percy could feel the apprehension rolling off the Romans. He understood their nervousness but it was only three demigods, and one of them was Roman. What were they so worried about? He guessed maybe they thought he was lying and the Greeks were coming to attack; but seriously, did they think Diana was planning the attack on them with him.

Percy was brought out of his musings as the ship descended onto the Field of Mars. He had to admit, the ship was impressive and armed to the teeth. As the ship landed, he heard a voice that made his blood boil.

"Look the Greeks have come armed; they will attack us as soon as we let our guard down." Octavian yelled.

Percy scowled; he looked at Lupa who nodded. Percy grinned.

"Prepare yourselves Ro…Ahhhhh…" Octavian screamed as Percy grabbed the auger by his toga. Percy dragged him in front of Lupa and Diana where he tossed him on the ground roughly.

"How stupid can you possibly be?" Percy asked incredulously.

"I am simply warning my people to be ready." Octavian sneered.

Percy rolled his eyes before turning to the hunters, "You girls think you can keep his mouth shut the rest of the afternoon?"

The hunters' faces cracked in evil grins.

"Leave him to us Jackson. We'll make sure he stays quiet." Phoebe said excitedly.

Percy smiled, "Good luck Octavian. I've been on Phoebe's bad side. It's not somewhere I ever want to be again." He said before he grabbed the now terrified auger by his toga and threw him to the hunters.

Phoebe beamed at Percy before pulling out her hunting knife and looking at Octavian with a smile that sent a shiver down Percy's back.

Percy looked at Lupa to see what he could only guess was a wolf's version of a smirk. Diana chuckled and smiled at Percy.

A plank dropped down from the warship. The first off the ship was Jason Grace, smiling happily as the Romans cheered at the sight of their missing Praetor.

Right behind him, holding his hand nervously was a dirty blonde haired girl. She was pretty but looked like she tried not to be. Percy knew this was Piper, a daughter of Aphrodite.

Lastly was a little Latino boy who Percy recognized from the wolf house as Leo, a son of Hephaestus. Percy walked up to the three along with Reyna, Frank, Nico, and Hazel.

After everyone was introduced to everyone else, they were led to the dining area at Camp Jupiter.

The plan was for the members of the prophecy to eat at Camp Jupiter before the seven would set sail for Rome. The rest of Camp Jupiter would wait until the gods sent down a way to transport them to Camp Half Blood where the two camps would unite before heading for Greece where the real war would begin. Of course that would be if everything went as planned.

Everyone was currently eating in the dining building. The seven plus Percy, Diana and Thalia were eating at the head table while everyone else sat with their cohorts. Except Octavian; he was sitting at the hunter's table. He wasn't eating but from his bruised and battered face, it was no surprise he didn't have an appetite.

Percy was eating between Thalia and Nico when a huge explosion was heard outside the building. People jumped from their seats and ran outside to find the building next to the dining building on fire with a huge crater in the side of it.

Percy's eyes widened as he looked at the warship that had brought the demigods to Camp Jupiter. One of the guns on the side of the ship was smoking from being fired.

Shouting and arguments began to break out; most of the Romans throwing accusations at the Greeks demigods.

"Where is the little Mexican boy? He disappeared during dinner." A legionnaire shouted.

Percy's eyes scanned the now surrounded six other members of the prophecy. Reyna, Jason, Frank and Hazel were now being called traitors as they tried to defend the Greeks demigods. Percy scowled when he couldn't find Leo anywhere.

"We must kill the Greeks! They've obviously come to destroy us!" Octavian yelled loudly. Cheers of agreement were heard from the majority of the Romans. People began to throw things at the members of the prophecy. Thankfully no one had any weapons as they were banned within the city of New Rome.

Percy watched a rock hit Jason in the back of the head as he tried to shield Piper from the things being thrown. Another explosion hit the city, this time in the dining area. Percy cursed. He needed to get the rest of the quest members to the ship before he could knock out that stupid son of Hephaestus and try to figure out what the Hades he was thinking.

Percy looked at the aqueduct behind him as an idea formed in his head. He focused on the water in it until the aqueduct shook before breaking. Water poured onto the street before Percy focused on it again and sent a wave of water into mob of Romans. The majority of the mob was swept away in the wave. The ones who remained lost their nerve without a mob behind them.

Percy sprinted toward the members of the prophecy, "You need to get to the ship right now and leave." He shouted.

"But what about New Rome? They will think we really are traitors." Reyna argued.

Percy shook his head, "It doesn't matter right now. If you guys don't get to the original Rome then there won't be a Rome here or there. We can figure this out later but you guys need to start your journey or nothing will matter."

Reyna looked conflicted but nodded. She, Frank, and Hazel started running toward the ship.

Percy turned to Nico, "Is he alright?" He asked gesturing to Jason.

Nico looked pale, "I don't know he's bleeding pretty bad."

Percy knelt next to Jason to examine his head. He had a deep gash that was bleeding badly.

Percy turned back to Nico, "Take Piper to the ship. Take off; I will bring Jason once I heal his head."

Nico nodded but Piper shook her head, "We can't leave them alone. The Romans will be back any minute." She argued.

Nico shook his head, "Percy will be fine. He will protect Jason."

Piper was about to argue again but Nico pulled her a few feet away. When Piper looked back, she couldn't see Jason or Percy. All she could see was a huge wall of fire circling where the two had been a moment ago.

"Percy will protect him. They will catch up. But we need to leave right now." Nico said seriously.

Piper looked worried but nodded. Nico grabbed her hand and pulled her into a shadow. They came out on the ship where Frank and Reyna were trying to interrogate a confused Leo while Hazel tried to keep things civil. Nico knew he had to take control of the situation.

"It doesn't matter right now. We can discuss it later. Right now, we need to get in the air before the Romans destroy this ship." Nico yelled, effectively silencing the arguments.

"What about Jason?" Hazel asked.

"Percy said to take off and they would catch up. So we need to get this ship moving right now." Nico urged.

People ran off to prepare the ship for take-off. Leo ran to the controls, Nico right behind him.

Leo turned to Nico with a look of gratitude, "Thanks man."

Nico's eyes flashed with anger, "The only reason I'm didn't join them is because we need to get into the air. That and the fact that you're going to have to explain yourself to Percy when he and Jason get here."

Leo paled but returned to the controls nervously.

Percy put a wall of fire around himself and Jason when Nico started dragging Piper away. Percy used the water in the street to begin healing Jason's wound. It took a minute but Percy managed to close the wound. Jason was still unconscious but he would be fine after some rest. Percy let the wall of fire disappear. When he did, he found a group of angry Romans being held back by the hunters; more specifically, the presence of a furious Diana. Percy noticed a few small rabbit like animals with antlers on their heads and couldn't help but chuckle.

Thalia ran up to Percy the minute she noticed the wall of fire gone.

"What happened to him?" She asked angrily.

Percy scowled, "Someone hit him in the back of head with a rock. I closed the wound but he is still out cold. I'm sure he's got a pretty bad concussion."

Thalia's eyes flashed with rage. The sky darkened as she turned back to the Romans. Diana turned around and looked at Thalia with worry. Percy gave her a wink before he grabbed Jason and put a hand on Thalia's shoulder and flashed them onto the ship.

"Damn it Percy." Thalia yelled angrily.

"Sorry Thals but we've had enough trouble for today." Percy said apologetically.

Thalia glared at him but didn't argue as she knew he was right.

"Take your brother down below. Put him to bed, he needs to rest." Percy said.

Thalia nodded and went to her brother's unconscious body. Piper ran to him at the same time and she and Thalia carried him down below to the sleeping quarters.

Percy made his way to the controls of the ship where he found Nico and Frank glaring at a pale Leo.

"What the Hades were you thinking?" Percy yelled.

Leo paled even further as Percy approached him.

"I… I… d.. don't exactly know. I remember firing on the city but I swear it wasn't me. It was like my body was on autopilot. I couldn't stop it, I could only watch." Leo explained nervously.

Percy narrowed his eyes before they began to glow with a brown light. Leo stumbled back when he saw Percy's eyes light up. Nico grabbed him and held him. Leo's body caught fire causing Nico to drop him as his arms got burned.

Percy grabbed Leo since he couldn't get burned, "Leo relax. I'm not going to hurt you. I believe you. I am going to look into your memories to see what happened but I need you to let me. You're too powerful for me to do it against your will."

Leo looked at Percy warily before nodding. Percy's eyes glowed as he searched through Leo's memories on the events at Camp Jupiter. After a minute, Percy's eyes dimmed and he scowled.

"It wasn't Leo. I can't tell what it was but I do know that there was something controlling him." Percy explained to the three.

Nico was glaring at Leo as he tried to treat the burns on his arms. Percy put a hand on each of Nico's arms where they glowed an orange like brown color. Nico watched with wide eyes as his burns healed until Percy removed his hands.

"What was that?" Nico asked stunned.

Percy smirked, "The power of the hearth has the ability to hurt and to heal."

Nico's eyes widened before he smirked, "Great. Just what you need, more powers."

Percy chuckled at the jealous edge in Nico's voice.

"Alright, I need to grab Thalia and head back to Camp Jupiter to meet up with Artemis and the hunters. IM me if something happens or you need help." Percy said.

Nico nodded and held out his hand and Percy grasped his forearm, "Alright Perce. Take care of yourself."

"You too bro." Percy replied with a smile.

Percy and Thalia arrived back in the senate house in New Rome to find the room empty besides Lupa in her human form and Diana as they talked about the events of the day. When they noticed the duo's arrival they beckoned them over.

"Any idea what happened?" Diana asked.

Percy nodded, "I looked through that Leo kid's memories. He attacked the camp but it wasn't him. I couldn't tell from his memories what it was but something was controlling his body. He could only watch himself as he attacked the camp."

Diana and Lupa's eyes widened. "The camp is in an uproar. They want to march on the Greek camp in retaliation." Lupa said warily.

Percy scowled, "Where is Octavian? And how did he get away from the hunters?"

"He is hiding. He knocked out Chloe and slipped away from the girls when they tried to help her." Diana spat angrily.

Percy's eyes caught fire, "He will pay for that. I don't care if I have to go through every legionnaire in Camp Jupiter, he will die painfully."

Lupa paled a bit but Diana smiled, "Relax Percy. We will find him and my hunters will be more than happy to help you deliver the proper punishment."

Percy's eyes narrowed but he relaxed a bit, "Where are the hunters?"

"Inside my home in New Rome. No one can get to them there. They also have their weapons which no one else inside New Rome has, so they are safe." Lupa said.

Percy nodded and turned back to Diana, "So what now?"

"You and I will return to Olympus to report what happened today. The hunters will stay with Lupa until we return." She answered.

Percy nodded, "When do we leave?"

"Now. I was waiting for you and Thalia to return. Lupa will bring Thalia to the girls." Diana answered.

Percy turned to Thalia, "If you find Octavian, you had better wait for me to kill him." He said seriously.

Thalia smirked, "Alright Kelp Head but we'll make sure to have some fun with him first."

Percy chuckled and nodded. Diana put a hand on Percy's shoulder and they vanished in a flash of silver light. They reappeared inside Artemis' palace. She was back in her Greek form as she sat down on a couch.

"I thought we needed to speak to the council?" Percy asked confused.

Artemis shrugged, "We do but we can tell them in a couple hours when they are having a council meeting."

Percy smiled and sat down next to her, "Well that was a rather eventful day." Percy said tiredly.

Artemis nodded, "Yes, not as smooth as we had hoped. That Reyna girl seems nice." She said as she eyed Percy.

Percy chuckled and grabbed her hand, "Yes she is nice. She was good to me when she vouched for me in camp all those years ago."

Artemis' eyes narrowed a bit but she didn't say anything. Percy noticed her look and smirked.

"You're not jealous are you?" He asked teasingly.

Artemis elbowed him hard in the ribs in response, "Why would I be jealous?" She hissed.

Percy rolled his eyes, "I know she likes me Artemis. You don't have anything to worry about. I told you that you could depend on me and I meant it. I have no interest in her or any other woman besides you." He said as he put an arm around her.

Artemis softened and leaned into him. Percy smiled and kissed the top of her head.

"I'm serious though Artemis. I would never hurt you. You don't have to worry about her or anyone." Percy said seriously.

Artemis looked up at him before kissing him softly on the lips.

"I know that Percy." She said softly as she laid her head on his lap. He started playing with her soft auburn hair.

"This is going to be difficult bringing the two camps together." Artemis said after a minute.

Percy sighed, "I know. We need to find that little punk Octavian. He will only make things more difficult."

Artemis nodded, "We'll find him. Of course one of that idiot Apollo's descendants would make things more difficult."

Percy chuckled at her comment before a thought occurred to him.

"Your brother is going to try to kill me if he ever finds out about us." Percy said surprisingly calmly.

Artemis sat up and looked at Percy seriously, "Only if he wants to be killed. Half the council will kill him without a second thought but it won't matter because I will get to him first."

Percy's eyes widened, "I take it you're still mad about Orion?"

Artemis scowled and punched Percy in the chest, "I am glad Orion is dead. He was a lying deceitful bastard." She hissed.

Percy looked at her shocked as he rubbed his chest where she hit him, "What is the real story about that?"

Artemis' eyes narrowed before she sighed, "The myth is mostly true. Apollo did trick me into killing him. But I was not upset that he was dead. I was angry for being tricked."

"You weren't in love with Orion?" Percy asked.

Artemis scowled, "I was impressed by his archery and hunting abilities. There was never any romantic relationship between us. While I may have thought I liked him, I learned the truth about him before I did anything foolish."

Percy nodded, "He was a rapist." Percy said scowling.

Artemis looked surprised, "Yes but most people don't believe that."

Percy shrugged, "I know that the quickest way to gain your hatred is to hurt women. If you hate him as much as it sounds then I assume it's true."

Artemis nodded; a scowl still present on her face.

Percy grabbed her hand softly, "I'm sorry for asking about him."

Artemis' scowl vanished and she shook her head, "It's fine. I prefer that you know what really happened. He was your half-brother after all."

Percy shook his head, "He is no brother of mine. He may have been a son of Poseidon but I do not consider him any brother of mine."

Artemis gave him a small smile, "You're nothing like him. If you were, then I wouldn't be here right now."

Percy smiled and wrapped his arms around Artemis and pulled her onto his lap. She was surprised but smiled when he did.

"Then I am very grateful to be nothing like him." Percy said with a smile before kissing Artemis softly. She smiled into the kiss and deepened it a bit.

Just as the kiss started to heat up, someone cleared their throat, "I hope I'm not interrupting something."