Remember That You Will Die [Heroes of Olympus] | ON HOLD

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The children of Rome were rarely visited by the gods. The children of Rome rarely knelt before someone. Yet at this moment, after events wished to be untold by the reigning victors, the legion was kneeling before Mars Ultor.

The boy who stood by the shadows was no son of Pluto. Yet he was accustomed to being at dark places, most especially when messages were labeled secret. And as much as he tried to make his return as quiet as possible, it never happened and this day was no exception. Even if unreasonable he blamed their augur who demanded a prophecy in records to grant what the god had demanded. "Anyone got a pen?"

No one moved, and this annoyed the god. They were Romans after all, expected to be prepared and equipped for what is asked. But before the god could be further disappointed in them, Alek decided to take a step forward. "Here, my lord." At his words, his presence magnified and allowed people to part for him as he handed the deity a simple pen and scroll. If only he was ordinary, it would be taken as an act of respect and duty. Nothing more and nothing less. But he was always set apart, and like any deity, the god took his actions as checkboxes for approval. "Of course, an ever dutiful Roman, Aleksander Benedictus." One check. The general's stare told more than his words. The gods monitor the last living legacy of a family of heroes, and so far, he hasn't failed in holding the standard to their interest. And while things commenced, with instructions from the deity, Percy wasn't able to focus on the god's words. Perhaps, this is why no more acts of astonishment were made by him, because he was distracted by the presence of the legacy.

Percy knew the boy who stepped out. The boy who conversed with Lupa at a pace his ear couldn't catch the tune to. And he might've not seen his face up this close before, but the stance and poise was a barcode he memorized. If only Mars Ultor was not before them, Percy would have kneeled to the boy who radiated a crowned power. A boy whose features weren't of an engraved statue because it was far more graceful than sculpted stone. His light skin of Asian descent paired with blonde locks basked anyone in his presence, and the son of the sea wondered if he was a god. Yet before he could ask his two companions about the boy, the legion called out to the god's proclaimed son. "Ave, Frank Zhang, son of Mars." Ave, indeed, another quest, even though he doesn't remember the rest.