Capture the Flag. Percy Jackson loved many things, but this game was arguably his favorites.

"Percy, left!" Annabeth's voice brought him out of his daydream as he narrowly blocked a sword strike to his side. He blunt ended the poor kid, sending him sprawling. He flashed a quick smirk to Annabeth.

"Thanks, Wise Girl." Annabeth smiled a little at the comment, though she tried her best not to show it.

"Eyes on the prize, Seaweed Brain." she mock scolded as they fought their way through to their flag. The 2 were a well-oiled machine; having fought side-by-side since they were 12, both knew what the other was going to do before they did it, swinging and blocking and spinning in perfect unison. When they finally reached the flag, they both grabbed it at the same time, Annabeth raising an eyebrow at him.

"No way, Jackson. I get to take the flag this time." She insisted, Percy groaning.

"Oh, come on! I protected last time!" He complained, Annabeth smiling at him smugly

"I don't recall asking. Come on, let's get moving." She commanded, Percy sighing and charging ahead, fighting back the masses as they ran back to their home base, cheers erupting as they arrived. A horn sounded, and Chiron galloped up the hill, a look of pride on his face as Percy and Annabeth stuck the flag into the ground triumphantly. All the other campers gathered around as Chiron announced the winners. A new camper stepped up and patted Percy's shoulder. The boy looked to be about 15 years old, and had a tall lengthy runners build. His blonde hair hung over one of his blue eyes. He looked like he belonged on the cover of the Vogue, not at Camp Half-Blood.

"Team Percabeth wins again, huh?" the boy chuckled, Percy smiling at the comment as he turned to face him.

"Can't remember a time we didn't. What did you say your name was?" Percy questioned. The boy seemed to just realize he hadn't yet introduced himself, sticking out his hand.

"Theo, Son of Aphrodite."

"Percy, Son of..."

"Everybody knows you Percy. You're a legend!" Just then Chiron announced it was time to go down to the campfire.

"Nice talking Percy! Hey, if you ever get the time, I would love to hear about the time you conquered the Labyrinth!" Theo called as he took off to catch up to his brothers and sisters. Percy just sighed contently as he looked up at the night sky. There were so many times in his life where Percy just wished he could be anyone else; when he found out he was a demigod, when he was informed of the prophecy, when he had to fight Kronos. But right then, it was amazing to be Percy Jackson. Percy could feel the joy in the air as they all gathered around the fire, singing and laughing and carrying on. It had been exactly one year since the 7 of prophecy had done the impossible once again, defeating Gaea and her forces. The Greeks and Romans were finally at peace with one another, even starting an exchange program between the 2 camps so they could each learn from the other's culture. Almost all of the campers finally felt as though they could relax a little bit and enjoy themselves. First with the Titans, then Mother Earth, Percy wanted nothing more than to just kick back and take a little vacation. He and Annabeth had agreed to spend their summer vacation away from the Roman college, and to come back to Camp Half-Blood for the summer. They had been there for 1 uneventful month so far, which was fine by Percy. Even still, the two seemed hesitant to relax completely. Good things never lasted for demigods. Once sing-a-long was over, they all got free time, Percy wading through the crowd to find Annabeth so they could hang out. But just as the were walking away from the campfire, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Hey Jackson! Long time no seem!" Rachel Dare called as she jogged over to the two. Percy smiled brightly when he saw his old friend, the Oracle.

"Rachel, hey. What brings you back to camp?" Percy asked. Rachel playfully scoffed at his comment smirking.

"What, am I banned from joining the fun just 'cause I'm not a demigod?" she taunted. The 3 shared a good laugh, and man did it feel good to laugh. As the 3 walked the beach, Percy hand-in-hand with Annabeth, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the world being slowly pried from his shoulders.

'Man, life sure is good right now,' Percy thought as they all enjoyed the stars. They talked about college, and their friends, but mostly about their plans for the future. Everything seemed normal, at least demigod-normal. He was at Camp, arm around his beautiful girlfriend, enjoying life. So why did he feel so... uneasy?

"Everything OK, Percy?" Annabeth questioned, a concerned look plastered across her face

"Yeah, dude, you look a bit... off." Rachel affirmed, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"Yeah, I'm fine, why?" Percy asked. Annabeth shrugged, looking back up at the sky.

"Just checking." she stated. Just then, Chiron blew the horn, signaling time to prepare for bed.

"Better get to our cabins." Annabeth sighed, then suddenly stepped towards Percy and briskly kissed him.

"Goodnight Seaweed Brain."

"Yeah... night." Percy muttered in surprise.

"Night Rachel."

"See you in the morning, Jackson" she chuckled. After regaining his senses, Percy took off running towards his cabin.

'I'm probably just being paranoid' he decided as he got ready for bed. Rachel made her way to the cave that she called her summertime home. Though the location made her accommodations seem less than ideal, the inside of the cave was actually beautifully furnished and very comfortable; she even got her own shower and bathroom, though she would never share that information with the rest of the campers. After she was ready for bed, Rachel sat down and opened an old-looking empty scroll she had gotten from the gift shop. She had recently begun making drawings that she would sell to campers, using these scrolls because it added an ancient vibe to her artwork. She looked out the entrance of the cave, quill in hand. As she racked her brain for something to draw, she didn't even notice her hand beginning to write all by itself, scrawling rapidly onto the crinkled parchment. When Rachel looked back down, she saw the message she had written, her heart jumping to her throat.

'Oh no.' she thought as the scroll seemed to roll itself up all at once, Rachel jumping out of her chair in shock.