https://youtu.be/wH8RJF_QVnM

For those of you have complained about Nero's design in this series, this video can pretty much explain that it was just the animation style that made Nero really different in appearance from Arturia. 

Nero stared at the Senate with a mixture of confusion and somewhat fear. Never before had so many people appeared to her, and not just that, but people of such importance. 

The room they stood in was Nero's room of course.. one of the most comfortable ones in the palace. But it was also the most out of the way. 

A roaring fireplace.. a mantle adorned with various roman swords and shields, and a carpet made of lion's fur, along with plush comfortable furniture. Truly much of the luxuries befitting Roman Generals had been granted to the Bastard Daughter of Empire.. which Nero was grateful for. It was rare that Bastards got any such luxuries. 

Her brother considered the fact that Juno saw it fit to grant Nero any of these luxuries an insult to his power.. however, he couldn't argue against a goddess..

"Umu!" Nero muttered as members of the Roman Senate entered the room through her door. She wore only a bathrobe, which was quite open and almost slipping off her, not that she minded. An Artist was never afraid to show the artistic beauty of the human body after all. She was sitting at an easel in the middle of painting a beautiful rendition of the Greek Parthenon, brush in hand. 

"Should.. you put on some clothes first?" Asked one of the wizened senators. 

"Hmph, if you really wish to cover up beauty, then I would question your status as a Roman Citizen.." said Nero with a sigh, stroking her brush firmly against her canvas.. willing her creation to life. "Beauty and Art.. that is the human form, and Rome will not shy away from showing it to the world.."

"Er.. yes." said the Senator. "it is for this beauty and reverence for Rome's arts that we have come to you, Lady Nero.."

Lady? Since when had anybody referred to a Bastard by such affectionate titles?

Nero had been an orphan ever since she was 8. Her father was Gnaeus who was a close relative of the Emperor, her mother was slave from Britain that had been obtained after Emperor Claudius began conquering Rome in 43 AD. 

After the death of her parents. The Uncle of Emperor Nero Claudius adopted her. She had in reality been born Lucia Ahenobarbus.. after the death of Emperor Claudius, Lucia's half Brother, Nero Germinacanus , had taken over, and Lucia was given the name Nero Claudius.. the both of them taking the names of their predecessors in ancestry, though only Lucia was given the honor of the previous emperor's name. 

It was something that Nero Germinacanus still held sore to this day, that a bastard girl would be named Claudius over the legitimate heir, but Lucia had since believed that Germinacanus had gotten over it.. or at least she hoped. 

Emperor Nero had since seen it fit to keep Bastard Nero out of the spotlight, hidden in seclusion out of the way of him and his mother Agrippa so that they could be free of the shame of Claudius. 

Which was why Nero never expected several Senators to appear at her doorstep. 

It used to be that the Senate of Rome held real power, a position of democracy in the Roman Republic, but at the moment, they were merely a farce with nothing, as the title Emperor was what held the true power.. in spite of both facilities being equal on paper..

Key words there 'on paper'. 

Lucia never had interest in politics. Why would she? They got in the way of what really mattered. Art, theater, culture, opportunities to indulge and prosper in the greatest aspect of the human being, the mind!

Nero frowned as she poured some wine into a goblet from a nearby shelf, many of the senate trying not to stare at her barely clothed form. "So.. Mu... tell me to what do I owe the.. hrm.. pleasure.. of receiving the Senate into my humble abode?"

"Your Half Brother.. Nero.. or.. the other Nero.." said the senator, sitting across from Nero. "Lucia, your half brother has gone mad.. genocide against the Christians has sparked several revolts across 12 areas. Fed to dogs, crucifying the innocent. It's become a mad house.."

"Truly.." Nero sighed, sitting down on one of the armchairs present ."Surely you were all aware of his evil tendencies from the moment he was appointed? His line is that of the gods to be certain, but that does not make him all knowing and all perfect.. if anybody is flawed in history, the gods certainly are.. Umu.."

"Already, your friend Seneca, has become desperate to find a way to salvage the situation." said another senator. "We've come to the conclusion that the usual avenues of solutions are lost to us. We cannot declare Nero a Public Enemy, as he is one of the last of his line, which would lose our blessing from Jupiter.. And without an emperor to help us against Galba's revolt, we are uncertain as to how to solve this situation.  We need a proper ruler, and we need one put in without your half brother messing it up."

"And you come to me.. a woman no less, a bastard child." said Nero, frowning. "And one who cannot claim the throne without killing my half brother.. "

"Your brother and you both share a love of the arts.." said the senator. "I understand you both constructed plans for Domus Aurea to be built.. a magnificent Theater no doubt.. under the blessing of Apollo.  But only YOU have been noted fit to wield that.."

The senator pointed at the long red sword sitting over the mantlepiece. "The Last of the Imperial Gold weapons.. Aestus Estus. The First Flame saw YOU worthy.. YOU.. the Bastard.. not him."

"And how do you plan on wresting power from my brother?" Nero muttered. "You do know the nickname he was given yes? Umu... The Beast.. they call him the Beast for good reason... Saint Peter that poor man.. I admired his faith in God before my brother took him and turned him into a dead example.. "

"We don't plan on wresting power.. rather we plan on wresting knowledge.." said the Senator. "The Mist.. we have found a way to use it.. with it, we can fool the people into thinking that YOU are Nero.. the Nero that is their Emperor.. "

Nero blinked with confusion. "Umu! Seriously? You claim control over the Mist!? The primordial Force that comes from the World and the Throne itself!? Haha! Such an interesting claim! And who told you of this control? A crackpot sorcerer desperate for gold?"

"Is it so impossible?" said a voice. "Can it really not be done?"

Nero felt shock course through her very veins as she suddenly stooped low to one leg and bowed. "Y.. You!"

A woman had just entered. She was dressed in regal clothing, with a cloak made from goat's skin.  

Juno smiled down at Nero. "You will take this throne my dear.. and you will let it's taste take you.."

Nero awoke with a start. Her cheek was pressed against the base of Festus's warm neck, and clouds were sweeping past them like a hurricane. The air was freezing now. Though it didn't bother Nero's Servant body  much. 

But as the clouds cleared, Nero could see buildings starting to emerge from the freezing fog. 

"Welcome to Quebec everyone." said Leo. "Look, not that I'm not a good navigator or anything, but any idea where we should land?"

Nero closed her eyes. "Due left.. that large tower over there."

"How do you know?" Piper asked. 

"Mana.." said Nero. "I can feel it collecting over there, massive power. Either another servant or a god, that is the only explanation."

Festus roared and flew through the snowy icy clouds till they came to what looked like a large towering building floating in the sky.. it was like an arena in shape.. with it's dark surface and magnificent appearance.. 

"Whoa.." Leo said. "Who told Lando to let the architects go crazy on Cloud City?"

Nero rubbed her head and Piper looked at her with concern. "You okay?"

"Umu.. strange dream.. I'll be fine." Nero said. "Where should we land?"

"Your call boss!" said Leo. "You're leading us."

Nero looked around the floating palace for a moment, debating. It was a most impressive fortress indeed, but she felt it's lack of outward color sort of made it lack a little in artistic flair. It looked more like a Fortress than a Work of Art. 

Suddenly, Festus halted in mid air, roaring with irritation as a magical pentagram, purple in color appeared before them.. morphing into the magical projected image of a beautiful black haired woman, dressed in dark colored robes, carrying a staff, with demonic yellow eyes and long pointed ears. 

"This is Assassin Class Servant Semiramis." said the woman apathetically as she surveyed them through the hologram. "This airspace belongs to Boreas of the North Wind. State your business Saber, Berserker, and Demigods.. "

"Uuuuu!" Fran waved. 

"Oh.. dear, if it isn't Berserker of the Red Faction.. tsk.. didn't expect it to be THAT one.." Muttered Semiramis. "And.. YOU!!!"

Semiramis's voice almost shook everyone out of the sky as it boomed with anger upon her noticing Nero. 

"MUUU!??" Nero was nearly blown off the neck of the dragon as Piper screamed and fell over, prompting Leo to grab her shoulder to prevent her from flying off. 

"ACCURSED RED KNIGHT! So you've come back you-.. wait.." Semiramis peered closely at Nero. "No.. you aren't her.. apologies.. you looked like-, never mind. What is your business in my lord's air space?"

"We have business with your contractor!" said Nero. "Umu, we've come to request help from the North Wind, if you would be so kind."

Semiramis frowned. "Hmph.. fine.. there's a landing platform out back.. I'll notify Boreas and he shall send somebody to meet you.."

The image clicked off like a television. 

"Semiramis, where have I heard that name before?" Piper muttered. 

"Uuu uuu!" Fran exclaimed. 

"Think she's a servant?" said Leo. "Really?"

"Uuu uuuu uraahh.."

"You knew each other?" said Leo. "And Mordred? Another Grail War?"

"Uuu.."

"How the heck do you understand her?" asked Piper. "I mean, you can't say it's something as simple as just 'figuring it out' right?"

"It's hard to explain. Fran's artificial, like part machine, so it's like I just know what she's saying.. probably all that Vulcan stuff in me." said Leo with a shrug. "Cool huh? Not like dad ever really-.. er.."

Nero frowned. She could see how talking about either Piper or Leo's godly parent would be awkward at this point. She thought back to her dream from before. Her parentage was much more complicated than she thought too.

And.. 

A brother?

There were two Neros, but then whatever happened to that Nero, and whatever happened to herself?

As Festus flew towards a large courtyard behind the floating fortress, Nero spoke up. "Piper.. Leo.. if I might ask, how did the Nero from common knowledge end? Did he die of old age? What happened?"

"Committed suicide." said Piper. "Records say that he strolled back and forth muttering to himself 'What a tragedy that such an artist would die'.. eventually he got his attendant to do the deed for him.. and when he died and roman soldiers tried to stop him, he said 'too late, this is fidelity.'"

Nero went silent. 

"You know.. scary as it is to say.. that does sound a lot like you." said Piper with a frown. "I mean it sounds a little arrogant when put that way, thinking that by killing yourself you are depriving the world of an artist or something, but it also proves that you're not killing yourself because you want to.. but.. maybe just for the love of your people? I really don't fully understand it.."

"Please.. I would rather not think of it.." Nero mumbled. 

As soon as Festus landed, Semiramis was waiting for them in her dark flowing robes, smiling with slight amusement. "Oh.. well the Empress of Roses graces us with her presence.. what an honor.."

"You know me?" Nero asked. 

"Not personally, but I'd be quite a sad master of intelligence for my Master if I didn't make it my business to know.."

"And who is your master?" asked Piper. 

"Zeus of course."  said Semiramis. "Ever since the Titan War, Zeus decided to make it his business to use servants properly as employees to the gods rather than fearing them.. I suppose Arturia is to thank for that.. even if she DID father that bastard knight who-.. eh.. forgive me, I went off on a tangent. Yes.. Zeus has summoned servants in the past months to assist in the running of Olympus staff and management. I can be considered the Overseer of Boreas the North Wind..  my authority over him is minimal however, as is his authority over me.. I gather Boreas's reports to Zeus and provide Boreas with his fortress via my Noble Phantasm, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. "

"Who manages the other Winds?" asked Leo.

Semiramis smiled a little broader. "Oh.. me.. of course.."

"y.. you.. wait what!?" said Leo. 

"Impressed? There are 4 Hanging Gardens of Babylon total that I have constructed in service to the Four Winds and Zeus." said Semiramis. "Constructing them takes time.. materials, and some rather sacred specific things.. but it can be done.. especially if I am assisted by the Olympian Gods.. Hermes himself helped oversee each Hanging Garden's construction. They act as perfect defense fortresses and surveillance to alert Zeus from the 4 corners of the country.. " 

"Next thing you know, Zeus will be summoning Gordon Ramsey to cook for him." Leo muttered. 

"Umu! It is VERY impressive." said Nero with perfect honesty. "These fortresses, in spite of the taste being not quite to my liking, are still filled with their own dark beauty, and your care in the design can be seen... "

Semiramis smiled again. "Well they told me you were an artist, it appears they were right... I sincerely hope Boreas doesn't obliterate you so we can talk shop."

"Obliterate us?" said Leo. "Wait.. is Boreas gonna just fry us off the bat?"

"That depends on my father's will.." said a new voice. 

Everyone turned to see a beautiful, gorgeous girl with long black hair, pale skin, and a white Greek Dress, walking down the stairs leading into one of the palace entrances.

Her feet were bare, and with every step she took.. ice formed at the soles of her feet, leaving a trail of icy footprints. 

There was a softness and a harshness to her that Nero couldn't quite tell apart. It was as if one moment she could be as gentle as soft flurry, but then as vengeful as a terrible blizzard.. and as cold as the deepest frost. 

"Who are you?" Piper asked. 

Leo on the other hand, instead of asking a similar question, was staring at Khione with a speechless jaw open look.. as if he were immediately taken by her beauty.

Nero watched as Leo then began adjusting his shirt and smoothing his hair out with a hand. 

Nero immediately felt a sudden burst of anger at Leo, and a large sense of hatred for whoever this icy woman was. 

"Hmph, indeed!" Nero said haughtily, hands on her hips. "Who are you to address us with such a lack of decorum? Do not think I haven't heard your detest lady of ice.. umu!"

"Uh.. Nero.. maybe we try and be nice to-?" Leo began

"HMPH! Hold your tongue you senseless mule!" Nero snapped, folding her arms and turning her back to Leo.

"Wait.. are you pissed at me?" Leo muttered. 

Piper rolled her eyes. "Gods you're dense Leo."

"Uuu.." Fran nodded in agreement. 

"In answer to your question." said the woman. "I am Khione, Goddess of Snow. I have been sent by Boreas to bring his.. 'guests' to the throne room.. if you would follow me.."

Khione led the group into the large fancy halls of the Garden of Babylon.. past multiple areas and halls, and brilliantly architecturally sound rooms. 

They finally made it into a large room which was filled to the brim with cold ice.. 

"This is the entrance hall to Boreas's throne.." said Semiramis. "Of course it is not the MAIN throne of the fortress.. only I can control The Garden from there.  "But I've granted Boreas his own suitable controls from this area..  He can move the fortress to wherever he wishes and activate it's remote defense measures... it even has a the fastest calling service to Zeus and Hermes Mail Airways.. "

"Wind gods are fast though.." Nero said, without knowing how she knew this. "Do they truly need anything like this when they can do it themselves faster?"

"Well no.. but if there's one thing I learned about gods.. it's that they're lazy as hell." Semiramis muttered. "Take it from a fellow demigod such as myself.. once you get so much power, you don't feel inclined to use it much anymore because everyone's too beneath you to use it on them.." 

"Who was your god parent?" asked Leo. 

"A Syrian Fish Goddess I believe.." Khione said. "Derketo yes? I always found her to be annoying.."

Semiramis's eye twitched a little, but she seemed to keep her cool as she continued to follow the group from behind. 

"Wait.. Syrian god?" said Leo. "Syrian gods exist too?"

"It is a large world out there Leo Valdez.." said Khione coldly, and without kindness. "You would do well to open your puny mortal eyes to it.. lest the few gods that have remained past the Age of Mystery and Magic take advantage.."

Khione smirked. "Oh I do hope they do.. with Ishtar and Ereshkigal awoken from their slumbers.. who knows what kind of chaos they can whip up.. oh.. and have you seen our guests?"

Khione gestured to the frozen icy statues of various people cowering in fear. 

"Some of my Father's old guests.." said Khione. "I hope they can show you how accommodating your stay will be.. "

Nero was starting to like this woman less and less. To glorify in destruction, that was the very opposite of Art's will to create and direct.. such decadence could only lead to something bad. 

And then there was Leo.. who was still gawking at this cold icy fool like an idiot who didn't know what TRUE Roma Awesome looked like!

Wait.. Roma Awesome!? Just what was THAT word from?

So in-eloquent a word!! Why did it pop into her mind!?

"MUMUMUMU!!" Nero beat her head angrily with her balled up fists. 

"What is it strange Servant?" said Khione. "Such a skinny girl like yourself need not bother feeling jealousy over my form.. though without any meat on your bones, I doubt you were a very imposing person in life.. hmph.. a weakling like you couldn't lift a needle.."

"UUUUUU!?" Nero felt steam gush from her ears as they began walking through the icy room. Who did this woman think she was!? 

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Nero roared, pointing at Khione. "I won't let that stand.. calling me weak aren't you!? Well fine.. I challenge you.. to a WRESTLING MATCH! UMU!!"

Khione stared at Nero as everyone else halted. 

"Uhhh.. Nero.. we're in the middle of going to see the god of the north wind.. probably isn't a good time to.. "

"AHAHAHA! A wrestling match!? I would welcome it!!"

The doors to the throne room swung open.. 

A chilling cold wind seemed to invite everyone inside as they stepped into a gloriously cold blue hall filled with stone covered in a strange otherworldly chill.. 

A massive stone throne showed a man in a white tuxedo and dress pants, with a large white beard, and large black raven's wings.  He seemed amused as he looked down at everyone.

"Half Bloods.. from the camp.. and one Heroic Spirit I don't feel familiar with, but reminds me of the upstart King Arthur somewhat in her appearance.. hahahahaha!  I planned on freezing you solid as soon as you stepped in.. but.. perhaps a wrestling match IS in order.."

Khione scowled. "Father.. I am a goddess.. it wouldn't even be fair."

"Daughter.." said the man, obviously being Boreas. "Do not underestimate Servants. Arturia Pendragon has defeated Ares outright.."

"And let us not forget that the same stupid war god lost his mightiest weapon to an alien mortal upstart who called herself a 'hun'.. " said Khione. "Sorry father, but I doubt Ares was ever the best example of adeptness."

Boreas laughed. "True.. somewhat.."

"Are they talking about Attila The Hun?" Leo muttered. "Wait.. he was an alien?"

"Fact is stranger than fiction so it seems." Murmured Piper. 

"I am Boreas.. God of the North Wind.." Boreas said, holding a hand out. "I welcome you three to my halls.. I ask.. why have you come to me.. ? I understand that a Quest has been given to search for Hera.. yes? Don't be too surprised that I know.. I have.. many sources. "

"Well.. we came to ask you out of the others cause.. Annabeth said you were the nicest yes?" said Piper. 

Boreas laughed. "perhaps least aggressive.. is more accurate."

Boreas spoke in French to his daughter, Nero knew it was French as her Servant abilities allowed her to understand all languages. 

"They are quite strange creatures are they not? Mortals.."

"But hopefully not too strange that we can't come to a deal." Piper said in French right back. 

Boreas stared at Piper, then smiled. "Ahhh.. a daughter of Aphrodite yes?"

"When did you learn French!?" said Leo. 

"I.. I don't know, it just came out.." Piper said. 

"French is naturally the language of love.." said Nero. "Of course the daughter of the Goddess of Love would speak it.. and of course, you Boreas, in this place, Quebec, where French is frequent, choose to speak it as you have taken up residency here.. Umu.. it is only natural."

"You seem quite knowledgeable... just what kind of Heroic Spirit are you..?" Boreas murmured, peering quietly at Nero. "What is your-..?"

Boreas's eyes widened. "That spirit origin.. it's.. GIRL.. bring out your blade.. now.."

Nero summoned her sword in a burst of flames and rose petals..

"Aestus Estus.." Boreas whispered, before laughing loudly again..

Suddenly Boreas changed form... his suit disappeared and turned into Roman robes.. He held a gladius at his side, wore very frosty laurels.. and his beard was gone, revealing a more war-like militaristic face.. His wings remained.

"Do you know who I am Empress?" whispered Boreas, his voice now far more disciplined and sly.

"Aquilon.. " said Nero quietly. "The God of the North Wind.. Aquilon.. the Roman version of Boreas.."

"HAHAHA!" Aquilon laughed. "Now I see what Hera is doing.. she thinks she can bring you two together!? How very interesting.. that explains Arturia Pendragon's disappearance.. No.. I won't kill you.. I find this all too amusing.. when the both of you kill each other.. it will be glorious.."

"Umu.. I.. I don't-.." Nero frowned, trying to make sense of all this confusion that was tearing her brain apart.. "

"Tell you what.. girl.." said Aquilon. "I will allow grant you aid.. to find Aeolus, the lord of the winds.. that is what you seek yes?"

"Father.." said Khione, looking reproachful. 

But Aquilon raised a hand glaring at Khione, and she fell silent. "I will provide aid.. on the condition that you make good on your challenge girl.. to challenge my daughter to wrestling.. win.. and I shall direct you to your destination.."

"Very well!" said Nero, hands on her hips again. Finally.. a chance to wreck that stupid jerk who dared to-.. wait a minute.. SINCE WHEN COULD SHE WRESTLE!!?

Nero felt panic set in.. she didn't even have a clue as to why it was wrestling she suggested in the first place! Maybe in the heat of the moment when Khione was making fun of her physique!? Could that be it!? 

Khione smiled coldly, and Nero felt both a literal and metaphorical chill. "What style of wrestling father? I do hope you choose something I am familiar with?"

"Roman-Greco style.. I like the Olympics." said Aquilon with an amused chuckle. 

"N.. Nero.. maybe we should pick another contest.. something less.. er.. weirdly discouraging to whether we can win?" said Piper. 

"Yeah.. Rock Paper Scissors instead?" said Leo. "Plus.. well.. I mean we wouldn't want to disrespect Khione or anything-.."

"uuu.." Fran slapped a hand to her forehead.

"WHAT!?" said Leo, looking at Fran. 

"FINE! LET US DO THIS!" Nero roared furiously, Leo's determination not to disrespect Khione now lighting inexplicable fire in her heart.. the type of fire that burned up common sense..

"That.." Piper muttered, glaring at Leo. 

Khione held up a hand.. and chilling ice swirled around her palm and swept around her and Nero until a fence of icy spires surrounded the two of them. She removed her robe to reveal a shorter hemmed dress more meant for athletic  sporting events.. "Well.. are you ready? Mortal?"

https://youtu.be/KtKaivKt_kM

Trying to ignore the goggling eyes Leo was now making at Khione, a image suddenly flashed through Nero's mind.

A fully packed stadium filled with spectators, cheering as rose petals fell from the sky.. and in the center of the arena..  Nero herself.. wearing red clothing, and a large cloak easily discarded from her shoulders.. a gladius in her right hand as she beamed at her adoring fans.. 

Nero shook herself as she felt the image ingrain in her visual memory. Had she.. done something like this before...?  Immediately she somehow knew she should just let her natural instinct take over.. 

Nero thrust a hand to her side and immediately discarded her clothing in a flash of red light.. now standing completely naked with only a red sash remaining draped over her body.

"WHAAAT THE !?" Piper yelled. "NERO NOT AG-.. I mean.. oh wow these fake memories are accurate."

"Guuuuuhh" Leo's jaw dropped as Fran put a hand over his eyes. 

"J.. JUST WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Khione stammered furiously, sounding scandalized. 

"Doing? This is a sport!!" Nero yelled for the world to hear. "Umu... the styled in the Olympic Sense no less! It is well known knowledge that the TRUE games were held in the NUDE! displaying the PURE holiness of the athletic body! The Human Body, the glorious work of art.. for all to see!"

"F.. Father!" Khione stammered.

"Suck it up Khione.." muttered Aquilon. "You LIVED during that time period.. from when the Olympics first started.. you should be used to it.."

"Tsk.. mortals are disgusting.." Khione growled. "You merely stripped so that you could make it harder for me to grab you!"

"UUUMUUU! TOTAL ROMA SUPLEX!!" before Khione could say anymore, Nero suddenly grabbed Khione by the waist and suplexed her.. Nero's feet remained firmly planted on the ground as her flexible back bent like an arch.. and Khione's head hit the ground suddenly. 

"KAAAAAAABOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!

Khione's jaw dropped, her eyes bulging as her head ruptured the stone.. creating a huge crater as ichor splattered onto her forehead.. and the entirety of the Garden of Babylon shook with Nero's incalculable wrestling prowess. 

https://youtu.be/-jQYZLkgyYM

Piper and Leo both looked like they had momentarily forgotten Nero had just stripped naked to wrestle, and were now transfixed by how Nero had just One Hit KO'ed an actual goddess. 

"As expected from the woman who pulled the same move on a full grown alpha lion just to prove she could do something Hercules did!" laughed Aquilon. "Glorious!"

"U.. uh.. did she also shout Total Roma Suplex like a total anime character?" Leo asked weakly, rasing a hand.

"Of COURSE!" yelled Aquilon, laughing again. "GO! Mortals.. you have my blessing.. you will find Aeolus in Chicago, the Windy City this time of year... I hope before long to see you all destroy yourselves on this quest.. but first, it was fun to see the famous Nero Suplex before my very eyes! HAHA!"

Nero smirked as she resummoned her clothing and poked the unconscious Khione with her foot. "A bit of advice.. mumu... stay away from Leo Valdez.."