Heroes of Olympus: The Aftermath of War

FRANK

*Rick Riordan owns all of the characters*

FRANK WILLED HIMSELF NOT TO facepalm when Apollo grinned and waved enthusiastically at a very blank Rachel Dare, who was currently puzzled and taken aback by the said action, her eyebrows raised and her head tilted in curiousity. Frank couldn't blame her for being a little weirdened out. You don't get to have teenage boys behave like that everyday.

The pegasus, which carried her, whinnied and moved away from the not-so-threatening deity, which he took as a sign of distrust and [absolutely] explainable annoyance. Tyson and Ella were already talking with Percy and the others, telling the demigods of their 'unexpected stop over' trip to New York. I mean, was something suddenly more important than restoring the Oracle of Delphi? Maybe the god of prophecies would be the answer, after all.

"What about Reyna?" Hazel asked. "Does she know of your...visit?"

"Of course, and the preator has also been very kind," Tyson replied momentarily. "But Ella has been having trouble to recite prophecies from the Sibylline Books ever since...well, just today, actually. She hasn't said a single word. With Reyna's permission, we immediately came to seek help from my brother and his friends. Surely, all of you can help, hmm?"

"We can, but it's just---impossible." Annabeth shook her head. "Ella has memorized every single line of those."

"Wipe-outs. Memory block. Mind block." the harpy explained sadly. "'Fredrichter's Guide to a Healthy Mind', page 109-211, section C."

"Well actually, this applies to the prophecy books only." Rachel supplied, starting to walk away from Apollo. "Ella seems to have no problems with any other book in particular. She still knows them."

"True." Ella nodded in agreement. "'The Difference Between Truth and Opinion', coverage of over topics and 305 pages, more about the author on said website below."

The demigods turned towards the deity, who was apparently rolling his eyes at someone eating Oreos.

"I think this has something to do with you." Percy said, staring at the teenage boy with a dark expression.

"What more," Annabeth added, "When a god shows up like that."

"Vanity! It's Zeus's fault!" the teen moaned dramatically. "Flabs and acne and---"

"W-wait." Rachel paused, finally managing to bring the pieces altogether. "My, it can't be...you're---"

"The great and very fabulous Apollo, yes," the god responded, crossing his arms. "Goodness, perhaps you are losing your touch, Rachel Elizabeth Dare. And no, Annabeth Chase and Perseus Jackson, I am not involved in whatever this is. At least that's what I know."

"But you appeared today," Frank pointed out. "Ella experienced mental blocks today as well. How can you be so sure that this isn't connected?"

"I don't know." Apollo shrugged. "That's what my gut tells me."

"The god of prophecies trusts his 'gut' on something as important as this." Piper murmured. "What a guy."

"H-hey! I---" he began.

STOMP.

The ground shook.

Several flocks of raven black birds zoomed in from the horizon, their sharp talons and wings enough to slice a hundred enemies down. Weren't those similar to Ares's blessed ones located in Amazon? The mortals ignored this, somehow remaining miraculously clueless. Three beasts the size of the infamous Minotaur appeared out of nowhere, hooves and horns literally burning with furiousness. Apollo ran for shelter behind the annoyed Mrs. O'Leary and pegasus, acting like a totally frightened kid. The demigods sighed, looked at each other, then faced the expected monsters.

Here we go again, Frank thought, starting to morph himself.

"Damasen and I weren't kidding when we said 'intruders', you know," Bob said, turning his stylistic, especially disguised wooden cane into a peculiarly huge mop. The 'now-teenage' Giant and Calypso did the same, though theirs weren't exactly similar weapons.

"Ready, guys?" Jason asked, holding his gladius with a grin. Ah, good old days. (Months, really.)

"Ready as we'll ever be." Piper replied, tossing her extra dagger towards Annabeth. "Let's protect Your Highness over here, shall we?"

"Things will get messy." Leo noted, smirking mischievously. "But yeah, whatever."

"I hate this business." Percy commented, gripping Anaklusmos tight.

All of them charged.