Percy Jackson and the Incarnate- 1: The beginning

CHAPTER 4 POV: Pranjal

I had a normal morning. After breakfast, I went to the infirmary to look after a legionnaire who had sustained a lot of injuries while trying to leave the camp in ungodly hours. While He was getting cured, I saw a small commotion outside. I saw Annabeth Chase; Lavinia Asimov and another legionnaire carry an injured demigod. As they lay him on the bed, I saw the face. I can guarantee that he is an Indian or South Asian. Being of that ethnicity, I could Identify him easily.

He had a big wound on his stomach. When Annabeth said about the minotaur, I paled considerably. I tore off his tee-shirt and vest. I was taken aback. He wore the sacred thread. The Yajnyopaveetam. This meant something. He truly believed in the Hindu Gods. Another Pantheon. Though I was of Indian descent, my mother was a Jain. She did not believe in the Hindu Pantheon, though we know their stories, so there was no problem. But if he is believing in the Hindu Pantheon, then it will clash with his beliefs on the Greco-Roman pantheon.

As I cleaned and patched up his wound, I had a lot of questions. Is he a Greek? How is it possible? I need to ask an auger about it. But the auger is still not appointed, nor the Pontifex Maximus. If possible, I should ask a god. But who to ask? After I cleaned the wound, I was skeptical of giving him the ambrosia or nectar but gave him nonetheless. After answering Annabeth's questions, I went out of the infirmary to my grandfather Apollo's shrine. After sacrificing on the altar, I prayed for his presence. After a bright flash of light, Apollo came in full glory.

Apollo became closer to both the camps after his mortal adventures, so it was easy to call him. Radiating a golden aura with a golden bow in his hand, with the 'perfect' body he used to whine about when he was a mortal with flab, he shone with his blindingly bright smile.

"So, grandson, what made you call this hot god?", Apollo asked grinning widely.

"Grandpa, today, I saw a demigod injured.", I started and recalled everything about the demigod. Apollo's eyes widened and then looked deep in thought. I finished my monologue with the questions, "Is he Greek or Roman? How is it possible that we get a demigod who openly believes in another pantheon? Will it affect his powers in the Greco-Roman domain? And lastly, is there any chance that this event that happened is related to any newer prophecies that may be spoken in the future?", in one breath.

"Your questions are valid. I have no idea. First, we need to find his godly parent. Or the mother in this case. I remember in ancient times where such problems aroused. There were the Egyptian, Persian, and even Chinese Demigods who believed in their ethnic pantheons. That was the reason why we had an unspoken agreement to not fall for mortals who had beliefs in other pantheons. There was the case of loyalty to a particular pantheon. Mortals believing in Christianity and other religions are a different matter. They do not affect our pantheon and power, but mortals who believe in other pantheons can!", Apollo explained in a worried tone.

"Then how is there no problem in Frank or other demigods of Asian descent? That includes me!", I asked.

"Frank and others of Asian descent do not believe in their pantheons. They just remember their culture. China and Japan already lost their pantheons to Buddhism centuries ago. Their names are just cultural identifications. Their culture changed to incorporate Buddhism and their pantheon roots are near forgotten. As for you, to be frank, I was worried. I had a run-in with Aesculapius when you came to the camp. It took a lot of convincing the gods. Jupiter was furious. When we finally accepted that you were not believing the Hindu Pantheon, we were careful not to fall for Indian Mortals. I think you are the only Demigod of Indian descent for many centuries.", Apollo explained in a serious tone, which was unlike himself.

"Before Hari came. I am sure he believes in the pantheon. The sacred thread. And I think he believes in Lord Vishnu, for he had a red line on his forehead.", I pointed out.

"Sure. We have to be careful of him. We need to keep an eye on him. Our relationship with the Indian gods is rocky, to say the least. We do not want to piss them off.", Apollo said in an alarming tone.

"So, should I keep an eye on him?", I raised an eyebrow.

"Sure. You can. I think Percy is his roommate. He is the best person for it too. He can see where his loyalties lie. But be cautious. Act normal. On a personal note, I learned one thing.", Apollo dropped his voice and signaled me to come nearer.

He started to whisper in my ear, "Whenever there is a challenge to power, Jupiter gets paranoid and tries to kill the person off. But it had backfired many times. I suggest differently. Minerva and I had come to the conclusion that if we make such people as strong allies and friends, it would help us. So, I recommend you genuinely become a friend.", he advised.

"Thank you, Apollo. I was conflicted. Now, I can interact with him in peace. Do we have to report to Olympus?", I asked.

"Yes. We have to. I shall tell the council and try to find the god. I shall also inform Chiron, but for now, it will be a secret. Don't tell to anyone, including the praetors. We shall watch his every move before confronting in his matter. This matter is more sensitive and the Hindu gods are a different ball game altogether. On a happier note, you interact with him like you normally do. Befriend him, genuinely. Friendship can be our cushion if he decides to turn against us.", Apollo said and vanished.

With a lot of things going through my head, I return to check Hari when I found Percy and Annabeth coming off the infirmary.

"Percy. What happened?", I asked in an edgy voice.

"Cool down Pranjal, I just had a talk with my roommate.", Percy said casually.

"First impressions?"

"A bit sarcastic like Percy, A bit sensitive. I think he is a bit irritative but I don't know whether it is natural for him or it was his injury.", Annabeth replies.

"Why? Do you have any problem?", Percy asked with concern on his face.

"There is something you two need to know.", I said and took them to my room and then explained my talk with Apollo. Percy was quite surprised and Annabeth was shocked at what I said.

"I didn't know that Apollo could be this smart, let alone agree with my mother.", Annabeth said in surprise.

"Annabeth, cut that god some slack. He just returned to immortal.", I defended.

"Of all the info dump about inter-pantheon relations, you're just shocked that Apollo is smart?!", Percy asked sarcastically and Annabeth blushed.

"Guys! Just don't tell this to anyone. Not even the Praetors. We shall act normally with him. Just this precaution. Try to be normal.", I reiterated.

"Don't worry Pranjal. We will take care.", Percy said.

"Ok. I think you two need to go back to your dorms. You have a college to attend tomorrow.", I said.

"What about him?", Percy asked.

"Frank has taken care of the matter. He shall join as soon as he is cured.", I say affirmatively.

"Fine. Come on Wise Girl. We need some good sleep.", Percy said and yawned deeply. Annabeth punched his arm and whispered something. The duo then went with their arms over each other toward their dorm rooms while I went to the infirmary to check on Hari.