IMPORTANT NOTICE

Okay, I realized that I made a rather big mistake when it came to the PJO timeline. The first chapter was set after the Second Giant War. However, the rest of my story is set before the Second Giant War. So, please go back to chapter one and read the changes that I've made. It will help clear the rest of the confusion. ; )

Thanks for your patience!

Ink…

Chapter 3

Camp Olympia

Molly sighed and shook her head. She reclined at her desk and groaned. "Are you telling me that we don't have enough funds? Again?! And that there isn't a camp for the Romans?!"

Hermes sighed. "We're an outlet here. Camp Half Blood is the biggest camp for the Greeks. Camp Jupiter is the biggest for the Romans. This is a backwater camp for those who can't afford to travel to the States. It's a halfway house." He frowned. "And no, there is no camp in Europe for Romans. Camp Olympia is the only demigod camp in this hemisphere."

Molly groaned again. "Terrific, a war is brewing, and we're standing alone. Any rich demigods who can donate money for our defense systems? Why aren't the gods providing for us anymore?!"

Hermes frowned, looking decidedly uncomfortable. "Well…"

Molly's phone rang. It was Jim. She sighed. "I have to take this." Smiling slightly, even though the man couldn't see her, Molly answered. "Hey Jim! Sorry about breaking the date."

"Honey, that's fine. I was just wondering what you might want to do when you got back from your trip."

Molly frowned. "I don't know when- wait…how did you know I was on a trip?"

He chuckled. "Mike told me. I was calling up because you weren't answering your phone."

Molly sighed and shook her head. "Sorry for not giving you a heads up, Jim. I'll probably get back Monday, late. We could go out to the Songbird, if you want. Friday?"

"Six?"

Molly smiled. "Date. Bye, Jim."

"See ya, Molly!"

She smiled and hung up. Hermes was frowning. "Do you know this guy's last name?"

Molly frowned and nodded. "Moriarty. Jim Moriarty. He's from Ireland and works at St. Bart's in IT. Why?"

Hermes' frown deepened. "Molly…you might need to know something about this guy."

London, Unknown Flat

Jim smiled slightly. "Seb? Give the orders to make that phone now. It's time to get this party started." He chuckled and twirled around in his desk chair.

Camp Olympia

Molly stepped out of the Big House and walked across the grounds. She smiled at the kids. There was a large range, from five year olds to eighteen year olds. They all knew her as Missim. Originally, she had been known as Miss Molly, then it changed to Miss M, and then it finally changed to Missim. She didn't mind. She rather liked being a steady item in these children's lives.

"Missim! Missim!"

Molly laughed and scooped up Telia, daughter of Hermes. "'Ello Telia!"

She smiled and showed off her the space where her second front tooth use to be. Molly smiled and kissed the girl's forehead. "Go on, it's almost time for diner."

"Are we going to play capture the flag later?"

Molly smiled. That was right, it was Saturday. Molly grinned. "Yes, dear. Capture the Flag, just like all Saturdays."

The little girl cheered and raced off with her siblings. Molly smiled and shook her head. She walked slowly to where she always went for peace and quiet.

The Cemetery.

Molly took off her shoes and walked barefoot on the ground. The sun was waning. The light was fading, and yet, Molly felt more at home among the dead than the living.

She sighed and lightly caressed the headstone of Miss Savannah Price, daughter of Ares. 1743 to 1765 who died in the Battle of Freedom.

Molly moved on to the next headstone, and the next, and the next. Finally, Hermes found her, sitting beside her brother's headstone.

Alexander Skiratus, son of Thanatos. 1502 to 1519 who died on a Quest of the Curse.

Molly was leaning against the stone, crying. Hermes coughed.

Raising her head, Molly looked at him. "Why did Hades do it?"

Hermes shrugged, looking miserable. "I don't know, Molly. I don't know why he cursed your father's offspring. I don't know. There are rumors that he did it to prevent Thanatos from overthrowing him, but…" Hermes shrugged. "It doesn't make sense."

Molly sniffed. "So…what you've told me about Jim Moriarty…what do I do now?"

Hermes smiled. "Play it by ear. You might learn something of value. He grew up in America, Molly. Plus, he has…money."

Molly blinked rapidly and then gasped. "Hermes! He's psychopath!"

Hermes shrugged. "So? Ares enjoys killing. He craves bloodshed. Zeus has killed far more humans than Moriarty will ever dream of. To be completely honest, I have too."

Molly sighed and nodded. "I guess…" She nodded again. "Okay. I'll play it by ear."

Hermes smiled. "Good."

Molly looked at Hermes. He seemed distracted and sullen. After working with him for nearly three years, she was getting to know his emotions and expressions. "What's wrong?"

He sighed. "I know you're feeling stressed about facing Gaea and more organized monster attacks, but…I've got to obey my father."

Molly's heart sank. "What's he ordered you to do?"

Hermes sat beside her and groaned. "I don't agree with it. Most of the younger gods, and Poseidon, of course, disagree with Zeus' decree. But…" He took a breath. "Molly, I have to return to Olympus. I've…Zeus has ordered a complete lockdown on Olympus. You're going to have to direct camp without me."

Molly's eyes widened. "No…" Her mind flashed to her work, her social life, her friends who were non-Greek. "When do you need to leave?"

"Next week, at the very latest."

She gave a small moan and started crying in Hermes' arms.

Hermes frowned and held her. "I'm so sorry, Molly."