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Overview
The crew reunites with Leo in Malta, noticing his subdued, heartsick demeanor and hints of a stay with Calypso. Piper reveals she reactivated Festus, restoring key ship functions. Black lightning on the horizon signals the Doors of Death opening. Recognizing Gaea’s final push, Jason rallies the team to depart immediately.
Summary
Jason, Piper, Hazel, Frank, Nico, and Coach Hedge find Leo at a café atop Malta’s fortifications. Leo’s clothes match his earliest days at camp, yet his stillness and sadness betray a heavy experience. The group shares news of Khione’s defeat, though Coach Hedge exaggerates. Piper corrects him and explains she charmspoke Festus back to life.
Leo, intrigued and wary, tests the idea that Festus may now respond to voice commands but dodges questions about a “crystal.” He avoids discussing where he’s been, growing evasive when Frank’s brochure mentions Calypso once lived on a nearby island. Leo abruptly pushes to focus on repairs and the mission.
As they prepare to leave, a streak of black lightning tears the northeastern horizon. Only Jason and Nico perceive it at first. Nico identifies it as the House of Hades and the Doors of Death opening. Hazel confirms Gaea’s forces are pouring into the mortal world.
Nico fears they will arrive too late and be outnumbered. Jason counters with resolve, trusting Leo’s return to give them speed. Leo, buoyed by the vote of confidence, rallies the team to launch, determined to get them airborne and moving toward Greece.
Who Appears
- Leo ValdezReunites with the crew in Malta, subdued and heartsick; hints at a Calypso ordeal; ready to repair and speed the Argo II.
- Jason GraceNotices Leo’s sadness, steadies the group, and commits to a rapid push to Greece despite rising threats.
- Piper McLeanReveals she reactivated Festus with charmspeak, enabling crucial ship functions; supports Leo during the reunion.
- Hazel LevesqueFinishes recounting recent events; recognizes the black lightning as Gaea’s forces entering through the Doors.
- Nico di AngeloPerceives the underworld surge; identifies the House of Hades and fears they’ll be outnumbered.
- Frank ZhangFinds a brochure noting Calypso’s island near Malta, unintentionally triggering Leo’s reaction.
- Coach HedgeBoasts about Piper’s fight with Khione; eager to battle any mythic foe; provides comic bluster.