Betrayal

7

With New Rome destroyed, everyone assumed Percy had gone rogue. Only those in the new base knew the truth. Even most of the Greeks had assumed that once word from New Rome had ceased, something had happened. When the few of the Seven that remained at Camp Half-Blood went to check and saw the ruins, they reported back their findings and they too assumed Percy's guilt. Only Annabeth knew the truth and she was sworn to secrecy on the Styx. The base made quite the progress over the next month, and soon it was capable of holding everyone Percy had intended and more. Annabeth, even with her and Percy's inability to speak to one-another, made some improvements and recommendations that helped progress things faster and included areas others hadn't thought of, such as nursing areas for future kids, and training area for the gods so they didn't let their power seep out and harm or warn others of their presence.

All in all, they were ahead of schedule with the added hands and Percy was quite pleased with the progress. He turned to Reyna as she walked in the room. "We need to talk." Percy looked at her and nodded. "You're going back to Tartarus? When were you going to tell me?"

"Simple. I wasn't. It's not like I'm going there by choice, but that I just know it'll happen. It happened the last time and you know it. It's happened every time. I just didn't tell you about any of the time traveling issues the last time."

Reyna gritted her teeth in frustration. "I know that. But did you think me dumb enough to not figure out that you were planning to do this alone?"

"I did it alone every other time. Granted I came back with people, but I still did it alone. This time will be different though. I'll give into the instincts instead of fighting them. As you can see, being with both you and Athena shows that I've already decided to stop fighting what could be our only chance," he replied.

Knowing he was right, Reyna nodded. "I'm not letting you go alone this time. I didn't know about it until afterwards last time. This time, I'm going with you. Don't argue, you won't win. We'll find the others down there, and together, we'll own the Pit. And when we come back topside, we'll free as many captured gods and come back here."

"You make it sound more simple than it is."

"It's because it is that simple, Percy. You're just used to overcomplicated plans. We Romans aren't like that. Simple battle plans are proven to be more efficient when utilizing large numbers of people," she stated.

Percy rolled his eyes at her, but let a small smirk show on his face. "Okay, get ready. I'm leaving early. I have this feeling that it's the right thing to do. And this is the perfect time, seeing as most of the Greeks think I'm a traitor. I won't be Percy when I come back. Not until I gain their trust back, and they mine."

"Right now?" she asked surprised.

Percy rolled his eyes. "Not yet. I said get ready. We'll leave next week. That'll give us time to actually prepare and get everything we need."

Reyna nodded and walked out, with Percy on her heels. As he strode through the halls, Romans hailed him as if he were still praetor, just without calling him praetor thankfully. He couldn't get upset with them. They were soldiers and soldiers respected strength. Even if he didn't want it, he knew he was strong. The strongest to ever live. That loser, Heracles, couldn't compare to him. And here he was about to prove it yet again.

-/-

The week passed quickly and soon it was time. "Percy, are you sure about this? They all look to you for leadership," Frank said.

"Frank, you got this. You'll be fine without us. We'll be gone for a year your time. The war will have pretty much concluded. I need you all to follow the plan I made to a 'T'. Don't deviate. People will die. It happens. Its a war. Do you understand that, Frank?"

Frank looked appalled. "But Perce," he started.

Percy held up a hand. "No Frank. You have to understand that people WILL die. People die. War kills. If there are demigods in their ranks, kill them. Do not hesitate. If your soldiers fall, they die. When I get back, things will change but during these first fights, you do NOT go back for anyone. Its a ploy. They will kill them and any troops sent back. They will out number you. It won't be like the last two wars. Please understand that.

"I know its hard man. Do you think I want to give the order to leave fallen comrades? Me? The one who nearly cost us the Titan War because of his friends? I say this because there is no other way. I want as many of our troops to survive as possible. Fight only when and where you have to. You have to get the Greeks back here. You have to make sure the list of gods I gave you make it here. Frank...this is your time to shine. You will be the only one they have to turn to. You are the son of Mars, decendant of Poseidon, and son of non-other than a proud Canadian Army mom. If you can't lead them, who can?"

At that, Frank gave in and nodded, his eyes going from a weak, defeated look to one of of hardened acceptance. "Alright Perce. But you do one thing for me in return." Percy nodded. "You come back alive. No matter what. I'll hold things together waiting for you, but I expect you to be back and lead us to victory. I may be praetor, but praetors don't win wars. Generals do."

Percy grinned and pulled Frank into a hug. "I don't care what anyone says, you're my brother Frank. I'll speak to Poseidon myself when I return. You'll have your rightful inheritance."