invisible string | f. zhang

ii. breaking a heel & declaring war

Everyone scrambles as a huge soldier stepped out of the explosion. Maribelle steps closer to Frank who was staring right at the soldier, eyes wide. The soldier was ten feet tall, dressed in Canadian Forces desert camouflage. His black hair was cut in a flat-topped wedge that reminded Maribelle of Frank's. His face was angular and brutal, marked with old knife scars, and his eyes were covered with infrared goggles that glowed from inside. He wore a utility belt with a sidearm, a knife holster, and several grenades. He was an intimidating kind of attraction.

Maribelle tries to grab Frank's arm as he takes a step forward. Frank looks at her for a split-second, subtly shaking his head. Maribelle frowns and Frank sinks to one knee in front of the soldier.

Maribelle quickly follows his example.

"That's good," The soldier speaks, "Kneeling is good. It's been a long time since I've visited Camp Jupiter."

Maribelle peaks around at the other campers, her knee was starting to hurt. She sees that Percy Jackson, sword still in hand, was glaring at the giant soldier and not kneeling before him.

"You're Ares," Percy says, "What do you want?"

Maribelle gasps along with the two hundred campers and an elephant.

"You've got spunk, demigod. Ares is my Greek form. But to these followers, to the children of Rome, I am Mars — patron of the empire, divine father of Romulus and Remus," Mars introduces.

"We've met," Percy continues, "We . . . we had a fight . . ."

The god scratches his chin, as if trying to recall, "I fight a lot of people. But I assure you — you've never fought me as Mars. If you had, you'd be dead. Now, kneel, as befits a child of Rome, before you try my patience."

Around Mars's feet, the ground boils in a circle of flame.

"Percy," Frank begs, "Please."

Percy knelt before Mars.

"Romans, lend me your ears!" He laughs, "I've always wanted to say that. I come from Olympus with a message. Jupiter doesn't like us communicating directly with mortals, especially nowadays, but he has allowed this exception, as you Romans have always been my special people. I'm only permitted to speak for a few minutes, so listen up." He points at Gwen, "This one should be dead, yet she's not. The monsters you fight no longer return to Tartarus when they are slain. Some mortals who died long ago are now walking the earth again."

Thanatos has been chained," Mars announces, "The Doors of Death have been forced open, and no one is policing them — at least, not impartially. Gaea allows our enemies to pour forth into the world of mortals. Her sons the giants are mustering armies against you — armies that you will not be able to kill. Unless Death is unleashed to return to his duties, you will be overrun. You must find Thanatos and free him from the giants. Only he can reverse the tide."

Mars looks around, "Oh, you can get up now. Any questions?"

Maribelle quickly rose and dusted off her skirt and knees.

Reyna approaches the god, followed by Octavian.

"Lord Mars," Reyna says, "We are honored."

"Beyond honored. So far beyond honored — "

"Well?" Mars snaps.