The Lost Hero

A fight breaks out. Jason tames and rides a storm spirit while Leo heats up the Wolf House with his fiery aura, weakening Khione. Piper begins to talk to Hera’s cage/Gaea, in order to put it back to sleep, while Leo seeks to open it. However, as they work, Porphyrion emerges from the spire. Jason seeks to distract him to give his friends more time. They begin with boasts, and Porphyrion states that he was “created to be Zeus’s replacement,” and hopes to marry Hera (509). Suddenly, Jason remembers his own boast: “I’m a child of Rome, consul to demigods, praetor of the First Legion […] I slew the Trojan sea monster, I topple the black throne of Kronos, and destroyed the Titan Krios with my own hands” (510). He battles the giant, and is close to receiving a deathblow when his friends free Hera. She shouts at the demigods to cover their eyes, but Jason’s stay open.

Piper tries to reawaken Jason, who has been unconscious for two minutes. Hera tells her that there’s no hope: she revealed herself in her true form to unleash her energy and save them all, and no mortal can withstand the sight. However, Piper puts all her willpower into her words, and is able to wake Jason up. With everyone healed, the group discusses a path forward. Hera tells the demigods they will have to work together, because Porphyrion was not killed; instead, he ran away. Furthermore, she explains that she hid Jason’s past for a good reason. Like all Roman demigods, he grew up unaware of the existence of Greek demigods. Hera tells him that it’s his task to “reunite two great powers” (518). Hera then transports the demigods back to Camp Half-Blood.

Back at Camp Half-Blood, Piper gets a good night’s sleep at the Aphrodite Cabin. Upon awakening, she challenges Drew to a duel, telling her, “‘Aphrodite is about love and beauty. Being loving. Spreading beauty’” (523). Drew steps down, and Piper warns her never to look at or pursue Jason. She videoconferences with Coach Hedge, who assures her that her father is fine. He has hired Mellie the aura as his new assistant. She speaks to her father, who affirms his love and tells her, “’you’re the most powerful voice in our family’” (529). She speaks with Jason as the Aphrodite children look on, hoping they will kiss. She assures him she would follow him anywhere (but they don’t kiss).