As a Roman (Prequel to The Lost Hero)

9: War is Approaching...

Sophia looked at Chiron. "Well?"

"Never mind that," he snapped. "We have more important things on our hands. A war against the Titans."

Sophia stared. "What do you mean?"

"Percy Jackson is turning sixteen. He's the boy of the Great Prophecy. And he's leading Camp Half-Blood to war."

Sophia looked at Chiron. "Well then we must prepare."

"Yes. But may I ask you, who's side are you on? Will you fight with the Romans, or the Greeks?"

That question hit Sophia hard. She realized she wasn't sure which side she was on. She'd been practically raised by the Greeks, but Camp Jupiter and New Rome had become her family as well...

Either way, she'd be against the Titans. That was what mattered. So, who needed the help more?

"I'm with you," she said. "May I be excused? I have things to attend to right now."

Chiron nodded, satisfied.

Sophia left, in search of Nico di Angelo.

***

"Hey, you're back!" he said. The twelve-year-old son of Hades was a sullen, unfriendly boy, but Sophia liked him. They were both unwanted children, in some ways.

"I need your help," she said. "I need you to take me to another camp. Camp Jupiter."

"Why?" he asked.

"Don't ask questions," she warned. "Can you take me?"

"I guess," he said.

"Great. I just need to be there for a few minutes. I'll explain later." She spoke quickly. She didn't have time to waste.

Nico nodded. He grabbed her wrist and Sophia felt a strange sensation...

And then, there they were, in New Rome.

"Stay right here," she ordered him. "I'll be back in like twenty minutes."

Nico nodded, and she speed-walked away.

She remembered that she was supposed to be away, so she kept hidden. She thought she was doing well when she bumped into someone.

Shit, she thought, and looked up. But it was only Cato.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him for a moment, not moving. He held her close to him once he realized who it was.

Sophia looked up, not moving from their embrace. "We're going into war. Not against you, but against the Titans. I'm going to fight alongside the Greeks, and I don't know when I'll see you again, but just remember me. Okay?"

He kissed her forehead. "Always. And don't forget me, either."

She shook her head. "I have to go now. Good luck. And stay alive."

"You too, sweetheart." He laughed at the pet name.

Then Sophia extracted herself from his arms, smiling sadly, and went back to Nico.

***

"What is that place?" he asked her when they'd gotten back.

"It's where the children of the gods in their Roman form live," she explained. "Hey, maybe you've got a brother or sister there!"

Nico looked at her, almost in amazement. Then he left, muttering a goodbye.

Sophia realized she might've just enticed him to go back there... and that may not be such a good thing.

***a/n***

So you've probably guessed by now. This is now taking place during The Last Olympian. It should end at the start of the Titan war.

And did you notice what I did with Nico? ;P

Hope you're enjoying this!!