Disclaimer: As always, I don't own anything created by Mr. Riordan. I'm mainly putting this here to also say that I do not own the song used in this chapter and use it for entertainment only. That goes for any future song I use unless it's my own.

"Among Legends"

-00-

10 years prior

Percy stealthily slipped inside the house, riptide gripped tightly. He could hear the empousa chatting in high pitched voices from the kitchen, excitedly going on about their meal plans.

Yeah, like that's going to happen. Silently thanking the Stoll brothers for that spray that was currently masking his scent from the small coven of empousa, Percy took a turn into a side hallway.

Looking down at the picture in his hands, Percy frowned. None of these doors looks like a cellar door to me. Slowly stalking across the tile as to not be heard, Percy opened what he thought was the right door. A broom crashed down into his face, sending the demi-god reeling back. Reflexes alert, he snatched the broom before it hit the ground, gently laying it on the hardwood floor. Gods that was close.

Looking up, Percy's face became ashen as his eyes met those of a small child. She was holding a doll by the arm, and a water bottle was in her mouth. "Angela? Where did you go?" A woman's voice resonated through the hall as she came looking for the girl. Percy rapidly backpedaled into the closet, gently closing it just as the adult empousa came around the corner. "Angela! What did I tell you about running off like that?"

"Momma!"

Percy pressed his ear to the door, listening intently as his heart raced. Please don't smell me, please don't smell me. Please don't smell me.

Good news: She didn't smell him.

Bad News: Percy hated kids.

"Momma, who is the man?" Percy's blood ran cold as adrenaline pumped through his body, heart racing. He could tell the mom stiffened, and her voice was strained. "What man, honey?"

"The man who smelled like fish!"

Fucking of course. Damnit Travis.

He heard a sudden hissing and then the soft patter of footsteps as the mom likely ran away. The sound of chairs screeching against tile reached his ears before an eerie silence overtook the house. Closing his eyes, Percy concentrated his hearing, and stretched his senses. 1…2….3…4.

1…2….3…..4.

Hand closing around the hilt of Riptide, he slowly brought it up, inching back in the dark closet. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes. Two sea-green orbs lit up the closet, pulsing with power. 1…..2….3….4!

Percy thrust his sword through the door, and was met with the scream of pain of an empousa. "He's in the closet!"

Sensing the plumbing under the floor, he concentrated and was granted with a whoosh! As water exploded forth. Kicking the door open, he caught an empousa in the head. She crumbled to the ground as the rest slipped in the surge of water. Percy's body almost sang in glee as he was doused, energy electrifying his veins.

Slamming a hand through the water, jets of it shot up, trapping the band of empousa to the ceiling.

"Where is he?" Percy shouted, the tug in his gut slowly getting worse as the seconds ticked by. The monstrous women snarled and growled at him, none of the monsters giving in. "I said where. Is. He?" Water crawled up the faces of the monsters, dousing their flaming hair and forcing their mouths open. More water poured in, waterboarding the monsters as they hung from the ceiling.

As he concentrated, Percy failed to notice as another empousa pounced on him from behind, claws raking across his back. "Aw!" Concentration lost, the rest of the monsters fell to the ground, landing with various slpoosh!'s. Anger and pain fueling him, Percy twirled on his toes and sliced with Riptide. The woman behind him ducked under it, before lunging for his neck.

Struggling to hold her back, he got struck in the back again.

DAMNIT

The water flooding the house was healing his wounds, and while it gave him an energy boost as well he was still tiring out from the constant use of his powers. I need more practice.

Growling in anger, the water around Percy exploded, striking the monsters around him violently. Clenching his fists, he hardened the water into ice and executed the three nearest empousa.

That still left another trio, and these three were definitely the stronger ones.

Needing to end the fight, Percy yanked the empousa forward with a watery fist, gutting the first one to fall towards him. The second snarled in fury and jumped forward, nothing but a blur. Swiping his hand, a watery spear impaled her to the wall, before it froze, pinning her.

As she slowly died, Percy was left facing the last empousa, whose eyes were flames. "I'll destroy you!" She tried to charge him too, but the water slowed her down. Terror filled her face as the demi-god before her reared back, and then sent a crushing blow to the skull. She slammed into the wall with a smash!

The supply of water slowed, before it came to a full halt. Percy sent it all back to the pipes without a thought, snapping his fingers to seal it in with ice.

Walking downstairs, Percy's heart dropped. Strapped to a chair, and covered in blood, was Harley, ten-year old son of Hephaestus. Grief sprung up from inside, and Percy sank to his knees before the boy, crestfallen. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I was too late. I failed you." A few tears of shame prickled at Percy's eyes as he forced himself to look into the lifeless eyes of the young boy. His empty brown eyes stared back into Percy's sea green, as if mocking him. Too slow.

Storming back upstairs, Percy began to smash the house in anger, as his rage got the better of him.

He didn't know how long he went at it, until a quiet sniffling caught his attention.

Whirling around, Percy came to see Angela trying to hide behind a chair in the corner, crying softly. Taking a step towards her, she looked out from the chair. "Momma? Momma! What did you do to her!?"

Percy did not respond, as he came up to the chair and reached out, pulling it out. The girl fell down, fearfully looking up, "Please! No! Don't hurt me…..*sniff sniff*….I didn't do anything!...Please sir don't kill me too….."

"I won't hurt you."

"You promise? Mom always says to make people promise."

"I promise not to hurt you. But you must promise me something, little one."

"Wh-what?"

"Never hurt anyone else. Ever. Or else I'll come back for you too, and when you have daughters I won't spare them."

-00-

Bruce Banner preferred to be left alone. Fear of one day losing control of his other half and committing unthinkable crimes were always prevalent in his thinking.

So when Tony called him in for a 'purely research' project, Bruce felt excitement course through his veins. Tony wasn't keen on asking for help, meaning whatever it is must be good. Banner waited patiently in the elevator, taking note of the luminous buttons and highly expensive looking tech that had gone into the designs.

Tony has too much money to throw around.

The ride felt like several minutes as it climbed to the penthouse, bell chiming when it reached its destination. Bruce stepped out of the elevator, eyes combing over the changes made since Loki invaded Manhattan. At least he knows how to clean up. "Bruce! I'm glad you could make it." Bruce turned to see a giant of a man holding out his hand to him. Steve Rogers.

"Well when I heard that you guys wanted me instead of the other guy I decided 'what the hell'? I mean if it's as interesting as Tony implied I'll do what I can to help."

Speaking of the devil, Stark himself walked up the side staircase that leads to his workshop, sweat drenching his forehead as he failed to cool himself off with a towel. "Bruce, good to see you. Jarvis, can you pull up the recordings for him?" Bruce heard a slight whirring as Jarvis collected something, and then the autonomous voice. "Bringing it up on your data pad, sir."

"Thank you Jarvis."

"My pleasure." Handing Bruce the data pad, Tony and Steve waited for the scientists shocked reaction to the scenes playing out. Bruce intriguingly watched the clip, frowning when he saw something weird. Replaying it, Bruce saw it yet again. "I'm sorry guys, I must be tired. I keep seeing this weird monster-"

"That looks like a lizard? You're not hallucinating doctor. Jarvis, you got the other footage?"

"Yes."

"Put it on the big screen now."

The trio of Avengers watched silently as new scenes from CCTV footage popped up on Tony's ridiculously large screen. The same monsters as before were shimmering in and out of sight, sometimes being replaced by thugs with bats- but the more Bruce focused on the monsters the clearer the image became.

Suddenly, they began to turn tail and run, terror evident on their horrid faces. Water shot through walls, the force of it ripping monsters limb from limb. Bruce analyzed the trajectory of the limbs with a morbid curiosity, noting the force required.

He adjusted his glasses as a man in what looked like a black hoodie stormed from the shadows. The monsters tried to run again, but with a wave of his hand a giant watery fist collected them up, bringing them to him. The man then proceeded to execute the monsters one by one, sometimes stopping to talk. "We assume that this is when he tries to collect information. You see how he leaves those two alive until the end?"

The man had spared those who seemed to grant him knowledge, however the hopeful expressions the evil creatures had were replaced with horror when he brutally ripped the head off one. "I've seen enough."

Jeez, I think may get sick.

Tony silently shut off the video, turning his inquisitive dark eyes to the other Brainiac. Steve crossed his arms, stony expression on his face and for a second it looked like the two were about to interrogate him.

"What do you think?"

"I think that the movie trailer you showed me should be rated R, for gore." Tony giggled slightly, while Steve raised an eyebrow. "Pardon me doctor, but that's not what I was asking. What we showed you was real security camera footage- the monsters and the warrior."

Bruce scratched his five o'clock shadow, raising his own brow. "What do you want me to say? If Thor and his people can exist it'd only make sense for other mythologies to be based on real people or monsters. Right?"

"Doctor Banner, what our big friend here wants you to say is 'I think we have a problem.'"

Steve's blue eyes were unwavering as he thought back to the fight with the man, remembering the strength he had. "I want you to tell me how much of a threat both parties can be. Doctor, How much do you know about Greek mythology?"

-00-

Camp Half-Blood was bigger than it had ever been. Not even in ancient times did Chiron have so many pupils under his wing.

Since the start of what was coined the 'Resurgence of Olympus' era, more demi-gods seemingly flocked to the camp everyday, and each day it seemed a new, powerful demi-god arrived.

A small schism had seemed to emerge, with the older half-bloods referred to as 'Veterans', or 'Seniors' among other synonymous adjectives. The younger generation, demi-gods who came after the wars, were seen as inexperienced silver-spoon kids. As the Gods gained more power and the older, combat hardened demigods drove monsters back to Tartarus, the younger demigods had safer lives and less stress. Generally the counselor for a cabin happened to be a veteran, but there were some cases where the counselor was not.

The majority of the senior campers had all grown up and left Camp, living out their lives. Only a few remained at camp as campers, acting as role models to keep Camp traditions the same. In the case of emergencies or other matters, such as setting up patrols or assembling a half-blood task force, some older demi-gods would return to camp. However all the demi-gods from the previous wars were either dead or gone living their lives.

There was also still a contingent of senior half-bloods who acted as instructors and teachers, where they were paid as if it was a normal job. These senior campers generally lived in Camp Half-Blood, or lived close enough where they could commute. They made Chiron's life a lot easier with the increasing number of campers, and helped referee events like capture the flag and also provided the camp with a military force if needed. It was nothing like New Rome, which had seen its retired legionary force balloon into a near full standing military, but good enough where the Greek camp could protect itself.

Despite this, Chiron disliked the new monikers. It'd only cause discrimination from older demi-gods who resented how coddled the younger ones appeared to be. And younger demigods would resent the arrogance and rudeness the older demi-gods would show.

Of course, these incidents were few and far between, and as the number of campers grew the events were farther widespread. But they still happened.

The amount of cabins had exponentially increased, with nearly every minor god or goddess now represented. The influx of campers had also brought more children of the big-three, who were still a rarity even over a decade since the war.

Well, these children were sired before the pact was dissolved, so an increase in those half-bloods is likely a few years away.

Chiron was sitting in his wheelchair, observing the rising sun. A few figures were approaching in the distance, and he recognized them as some of the half-bloods called to the meeting early that Saturday morning. Luckily their peers will almost entirely still be asleep.

The secret meeting was comprised of all cabin counselors and several older demi-gods on site. Called together by Lady Artemis, it was a very important meeting, made more prominent by the fact that she was coming all the way from gods knows where just for this meeting.

A trio of demigods approached the steps to the porch, each catching a warm smile from their instructor. "Good morning." Chiron said, nodding his head to his students. The three gave polite smiles and returned the greeting, making their way inside.

Two were girls and one was a boy, with the girls being a daughter of Poseidon and a daughter of Zeus. The boy was a son of Athena, and a rising leader with the two girls among the new generation of demigods.

Andromeda, or Andy, was the daughter of Poseidon. She had light brown hair that turned blonde in the summer, and her sea-green orbs were near identical to Percy's and Poseidon's. The teenager had a tanned complexion, enhancing her beauty. The girl would've fit in with the daughters of Aphrodite in the looks department.

Next to her stood a slightly shorter girl, who had jet black hair and electric blue eyes. Chiron considered Joan as Thalia 2.0, as the girl slightly resembled her older half-sister and had a similar personality: she was feisty and aggressive, usually the one in the trenches and not sitting behind the fight. She usually instigated said fights and was set on finishing them.

Lastly was the boy. The son of Athena had brown hair and a dark grey eye color, and his calm, controlled demeanor contrasted with Joan's. Marcus was a technical fighter, and his tactical mind enhanced his battlefield skill. Chiron saw greatness in his future, with combat skills rivalling Ares kids but the brains of a child of Athena. He could be slightly awkward in social events though due to his extreme focus on improving himself.

Chiron wheeled himself into the ping pong room, as the three demi-gods and counselors were the last to enter. Sitting before him sat over two dozen demi-gods, with the majority being in their mid-teens. The only demi-god veterans Chiron could see were Conner Stoll and Jake Mason, who stood off to the side. The other senior campers would just have to hear about the meeting from them.

"Can someone explain to me why the hell I was woken up at 5 AM for this?" DeAngelo, son of Dionysus. A rather burly, angry camper sat beside him, scowl fixated on his face once Marcus and the two girls took their place. The son of Ares had an intense rivalry with Marcus, which had flooded into rivalries with Joan and Andromeda as well.

"Hey," Conner snapped, his cool blue eyes narrowing. "Watch your language and shut up."

"Reed, if you will please stop glaring at Marcus that would be useful." Joan said coldly, evil smirk stretching across her features. Reed, the head counselor of the Ares cabin, glared at her- however he remained silent, controlling his temper.

Ain't that a first.

Chiron rubbed his temples as light bickering ensued, no doubt caused by the sleep deprivation the campers felt. Jake's large fist struck the table, and the counselors quieted as the large demi-god glared. "This is an important meeting, and if you forgot the briefing Lady Artemis will be here. So shut your trap before I shut it for you."

The half-bloods quieted down at that, realizing their conduct would likely get them in trouble if Artemis were to suddenly drop by.

Chiron wheeled himself to the head of the table, nodding his head in appreciation to Conner and Jake. Reaching into his small bag, Chiron dug out a few manila folders detailing various monster reports and incidents across the east coast. All eyes were on him, most holding curiosity. Probably wondering what's so important.

Just then, a knock at the door alerted them to a new arrival. Jake twisted the knob and suddenly jerked back, a stunned grin on his face. "Leo! What are yah doing here?" He hugged his brother, who enthusiastically returned the bear hug. Leo stepped through the doorway, ignoring most of the starry looks he was getting from the younger demigods. "I received a message to be here for some kind of meeting?" Leo more asked than stated, and his question was met with a nod from Chiron.

"Did you see anyone else outside?" The centaur asked. Leo shook his head no, closing the door. A new voice echoed from the shadows. "He couldn't see a drakon if it shat in front of him."

The demi-gods snapped their attention to the back corner, where a tall demi-god bathed in shadows stepped into the light. His olive skin revealed strong muscles and a hardened warrior, as the Prince of the underworld himself appeared.

The camp counselors looked like they were going to faint as several legendary demi-gods showed up to the meeting. Some however sobered up, realizing the gravity of the situation of Leo and Nico were there.

"Shit." Marcus whispered to Andromeda, who sat beside him, taking the scene in. She nodded numbly, a sinking feeling in her stomach as she realized what this meant. He will be here too.

All conversations ended as a bright light lit up the overcrowded room, revealing an impossibly beautiful women with deep auburn hair and bright silvery eyes. The male demigods in the room, save Nico, all gaped at her older form. An imperceptible tinge of gold dusted her cheeks at the attention, which Nico didn't miss.

Clearing his throat loudly, Nico bowed to the goddess.

All other occupants immediately bowed respectfully to the goddess. "Lady Artemis, it is an honor to host you."

The goddess smiled softly in Chiron's direction, giving Nico and Leo a nod. "It's a pleasure to be here. I'm happy my message was delivered to its intended recipients." A frown graced her features however, and the demi-gods noticed the spike in her aura as annoyance flashed through her face. "We are still missing one."

Her eyes wandered over to Andromeda's. The daughter of Poseidon met them, trying to look strong before the goddess. Artemis cocked her head, inquisitive look on her face.

She went to speak, pink lips parting when the scent of saltwater reached her nose.

The door opened once more, revealing a man in khakis and a dark green shirt, leather jacket over it. His tanned skin and green eyes immediately gave away his heritage, and the fierce look about him made the whole room pause. "I apologize for being late." Percy said, reaching a hand through his jet black hair.

Lady Artemis nodded, eyes becoming slits. "Apology accepted, Perseus." Her tone, although not aggressive, held a bit of ice in it. Percy held himself back from glaring at her, settling for a stony expression as he stood next to Leo. Nico sniggered nearby, whispering. "I hope you remembered that you're supposed to do most of the talking."

A single glare was all Percy needed to shut Nico up. The interaction didn't escape Artemis, who began speaking.

"Thank you all for attending on such short notice. This meeting has been called in order to discuss recent monster activity that points towards a possible insurgency. If you will," She motioned towards Nico, who pulled out his own papers and spread them out on the table. Percy placed a single sheet on the table, ignoring Artemis's glare at his lack of contribution. She can suck my-

"Lady Artemis, Percy and I have been conducting investigations into recent….unusual activity. We believe that a new force has emerged and is attempting to raise an army, and the photos here-"he pointed to several briefcases. "Are the key. Percy."

The son of Poseidon stepped up, his eyes stopping for a moment as his orbs met Andromeda's. "In these cases are summoning teeth used for Spartoi. These are undead warriors of extreme skill and danger, who will not stop until their target is dead. A small force, such as a dozen, is enough for concern even for an experienced demi-god. An army? That's a major threat. If you do not have the proper knowledge or tools, they will kill you and anything in their way." He stopped, letting that sink in. The demi-gods had varying reactions, with apprehension paramount.

"As far as I can tell, dozens of these cases were stashed in the U.S. by Lord Hades decades ago to be used in a sudden strike during World War two. However he lost before he could use them, and now they've changed hands to an unknown master. I have secured a few cases, and Nico and Lady Artemis here have found a few more. But that's possibly dozens unaccounted for."

"Meaning?" Joan asked, feeling the need to contribute. She felt unnerved by the way Percy's eyes bore down on her, and she had a naked feeling as he analyzed her. "Meaning we may have a major problem. As in, combined with monsters, Olympus could have another war on its hands." Pandemonium erupted at his declaration, with the campers all shouting. Most hadn't even fought in the Giant war, so the thought of a bloody war rattled their teenage brains.

Lady Artemis felt irritation rise within her, and she snapped. "Silence!" Immediately the kids complied, eyeing her warily. Artemis's features softened as she took in their fear. "I apologize, but you all need to listen. I called everyone here to set up patrols across the coastline to hunt down monsters, gather information, or provide support to allies of Olympus when needed. While my hunt is swift and can even divide itself to take on multiple missions, we need help. The Romans are handling their own issues out west and this camp is the closest thing Olympus has to any kind of military force. But before setting up those patrols, we will be taking volunteers for a special strike force."

"Strike force?" Reed asked, ears perking up. At the thought of a war, he was one of the only ones who seemed to enjoy the thought, eyes shining with delight. However Artemis's strong voice had brought him back.

"A team will be formed that will actively search for the cases and perform high risk missions. They will receive their tasks from either myself or one of these two-"She gestured to Nico and Percy, with the former slightly grinning and Percy scowling. "-and such should have experienced members. These will not be easy quests. There is a good chance that this team will run into whoever is organizing the monsters, and must be ready to fight all kinds of threats. Spartoi included."

"I volunteer." Marcus and Reed said at the same time. The two demigods glared at each other, and the room quieted. "I'll go as well." Joan stated, lighting seeming to flash in her eyes. Andromeda fixed her older brother with a stare, not speaking up. Percy looked back expectantly, arms crossed.

What are you waiting for? She could almost hear the unasked question. The feeling of pressure, combined with her need to get out of camp and leave her brother's shadow was more than enough.

"I also volunteer." She said quietly, and no small amount of satisfaction arose when Percy grinned proudly at her. She returned his big grin with a small smile of her own.

"This team requires six members, who can be broken down into teams of three. That means we need two more demi-gods."

The counselors looked around, waiting to see who'd step forward. A hand raised in the back, hidden behind the rest of the half-bloods. "I'm in." Heads swiveled to see Xander, a son of Hecate. He was barely fourteen, and his leaner frame was dwarfed by the bigger bodies of Marcus and Reed. But his forest green eyes seemed to contain an untold power which contrasted with his darker skin.

"Good. Any more?"

"I will." A small voice arose. Artemis's eyes found those of a young daughter of Morpheus, who was tiredly looking around. "Good, now can I sleep?" The girl dropped her head to the table, and began to snore lightly.

Artemis ignored her, letting the lack of respect pass for now, nodding to herself. "Excellent. I expect the rest of you to establish search and destroy teams as well as patrols. Feel free to collaborate with Senior campers. I do not care how it's done, just that it is seen to."

The counselors nodded, before filing out at Artemis's gesture. She stopped Joan however, eyes finding the other 5. "You six stay."

The two daughters of the big three sat down closest to the goddess, almost trying to get as close as possible. Marcus and Reed sat as far away from each other as they could, with Xander sitting between them. Lucy sat off to the side, wearily looking around.

Once the final camper strolled out, Percy sent a withering look to Artemis. "I didn't ask to be a babysitter. If you want these kids to have overwatch, find someone else."

Artemis glared back, eyes glowing with power. "I apologize if it's inconvenient for you, general, but you still have a duty to Olympus." Percy huffed when she used his rank, as the gods had made him General of Olympus when he turned 21 in 'appreciation' for all the work he's done for them.

"I work alone."

"I'm not asking you to be a part of their team. I'm asking you to simply…mentor them and give them information when you identify new targets." Percy's annoyance fell, but he still didn't look happy about being volunteered by the goddess. The demi-gods watched their interaction with interest, noting Percy's tone.

"How can he talk to her like that?" Xander whispered to Marcus, who shrugged. "He's fought Titans man, I doubt the gods scare him. Besides, they need him." The two observed as Percy kept shooting Artemis dirty looks as she spoke to the demigods, detailing when and where they'd begin and what to look out for.

"As you know, Leo here has various 'shops' across the country that also act as safe houses. Feel free to resupply at any time if you find yourself near one." Leo nodded his head in agreement, before speaking up. "There will either be a demigod working in my shop or some kind of spirit or friendly monster. They'll help cover you for a day or two before you'll need to move."

The demigods nodded, and Artemis eyed each of them. "This mission is important for Olympus. Eyes are on you, half-bloods. Do not disappoint."

As they filed out, some shot the legendary parting glances of awe. However as Marcus closed the door behind him, he saw Artemis and Percy glaring at one another.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" The goddess hissed. Leo and Nico each took a step back at the venom in her voice, but Percy stood steadfast. "What am I doing? What are you doing?" He cried out, tugging at his hair. "I came here to supply information and answer questions, not to actually volunteer myself for the mission. I've already got my hands full-"

"With your revenge quest? Yes, I do believe Thalia told me all about it." Artemis snapped, beautiful face marred by anger. "You have no right to speak to me with such disrespect, and it is only out of respect for the man you once were that I do not smite you right here. Understand?'" She demanded. Percy looked furious, however even he knew the ramifications of angering her further. "I understand." Percy growled out, gritting his teeth. Artemis nodded, before sending an apologetic look towards Chiron and nodding goodbye.

"You three will be seeing me again soon. Good hunting."

With a flash of light she was gone, leaving the three legendary demi-gods with Chiron. "That went well." Leo quipped, earning a humorous look from Nico and a death glare from Percy. "Oh don't give me that look, you kinda deserved the ass chewing she gave you. What did you expect?"

"I expected to be left alone, like I asked to be."

"Yeah, well life sucks doesn't it?" Nico chimed in, twisting a black ring in thought. "At least now we can send others to do mundane work and leave the important stuff for us. Leo, think you could rig some kind of monster radar for me?"

The son of Hephaestus nodded enthusiastically. "Of course."

Chiron wheeled himself to the three, resting a hand on Nico's shoulder. "Then it is settled. Leo will assist on the mechanical side while you two spearhead the search for these…..Spartoi cases. Nico, see if your father can lend you a hand with discovering more of them. I'm certain he didn't just casually forge their existence." Nico nodded, before he opened the door and walked out.

Leo followed after giving Chiron a quick handshake, leaving Percy with his old mentor. "If you're going to lecture me- don't. I already know what you're going to say."

Chiron gazed sadly at Percy, wishing the son of Poseidon was the happy-go-lucky demigod that had brightened everyone's day.

Now all he saw was an angry man hell-bent on revenge.

"You need to control your emotions. I know you take after your father, and that can make it hard to, but you must. Lady Artemis had every reason to turn you into a squirrel and hunt you down for how you behaved, but didn't."

"If she did she'd have to answer to both our fathers. She can't touch me."

"Can't? Or won't?"

Percy shrugged, his dark emerald eyes settling on Chiron's brown ones. "After the…..incident she's avoided me. Though I doubt it's for her own safety."

Chiron wearily sighed, hands in his lap. "She's just protecting her hunters, Percy. I don't blame her- you gave her quite a scare."

"Well then maybe if they hadn't used hallucinogen darts!-"Percy took a deep breathe, cooling his rage.

There was a reason he left this gods forsaken camp in the first place.

"I'm sorry. It's just been hard without her."

"Percy, it's been a few years. I know you hate to hear it, but it's unhealthy to keep obsessing over her. You must move on."

Percy's eyes narrowed, and Chiron noticed how the air seemed to cool down as the clouds above darkened. "I'll move on once I destroy all those responsible."

With that, Percy stormed out of the Big House, leaving a weary centaur looking back on the tragic life of Percy Jackson.

-00-

Andromeda stopped by the Poseidon cabin, hoping to slip in unnoticed. However, several campers had begun to awake and reports of who was at camp immediately spread. "Andy!" She raised her eyes tiredly, seeing Taylor and Heather, twins and daughters of Apollo, jog towards her. They were a few years older, and had been at camp since they were little because their mother died. "Sorry to bother you, but-"

"You met Percy Jackson?" Heather finished, awestruck look on her face. Andromeda rolled her eyes at the twins antics, shoving her door open. "If you can even call it that."

"What's he like?"

"Was he hot?"

"How tall is he?"

"I heard he has the strength of gods!" Andromeda covered her ears, before huffing. "I don't know the answer to any of those questions. He spent the whole meeting either talking to us or having a fight with Artemis." The twins looked bewildered, faces filled with shock. "He fought Artemis?"

"Not literally, but they kept glaring at each other. I'm pretty sure if no one else was there then they would have fought." Taylor frowned, her blue eyes deep in thought. "Do you think it's because of that capture the flag incident we've only heard rumors of?"

Andromeda stopped packing some clothes, raising an eyebrow. "What rumor? Why haven't I heard about it?"

Heather and Taylor became unnaturally quiet, and the daughter of Poseidon gave them an exasperated look. The twins shrugged, and Taylor gestured for Heather to speak. "It was a long time ago. We had just gotten to camp a few months after it had happened."

"So this thing happened like ten years ago?"

"Yeah." The girls looked very uncomfortable talking about it, making Andromeda curious as to how bad the rumor was. "What? Did he like, sleep with Artemis?"

"Gods no!" Taylor immediately shouted in horror, covering her mouth right after. Heather spoke lowly, eyes looking around as if searching for unwanted listeners. "Apparently the hunters used some hallucinogen darts in the usual capture the flag. No big deal right? Except, Percy had been to Tartarus, and-"

"He thought he was back in the pit. Started seeing monsters and all that terrifying stuff. Six hunters fought him while he was seeing things, Andy. As of now two are unable to serve in any combat role, one is crippled, another nearly died, and the remaining two are so horrified that they refuse to even go near any demi-god since."

Andy reared back, as if struck. "What did he do?"

"We don't know. But…..whatever he did was bad. Andy, Artemis herself came onto the battlefield from Olympus to stop Percy, and as rumor has it, they actually fought."

"Who won?"

"Most people say Artemis won since, as you know, she's a goddess. But there were a few demigods who say that Percy was close to defeating her. He was in such a frenzy that it he almost tore the camp apart!"

"I don't believe that." Andy said, shaking her head. "Artemis is a goddess. She could snap her fingers and render him unable to do anything." Heather grinned broadly at her, white teeth shining. "Well," she said, shrugging. "It is just a rumor."

-00-

"I'm surprised they could talk with her so close. Did you see how gorgeous she was?" Reed exclaimed to Dante, the counselor for the Nike cabin. "Dude, I nearly fainted. If there was ever a personification of drop dead gorgeous, the Lady Artemis is it."

As the two walked to the armory, they passed by Marcus and Joan, who overheard them. "Hope you actually heard what she said Reed." Marcus snorted, while Joan giggled besides him. The son of Ares glared, while Dante shrugged. "Don't deny it, Lady Artemis is beautiful!"

Marcus shrugged lazily, a grin on his face as Reed scowled. "True."

Joan rolled her eyes, punching her friend on the shoulder. "Come on brainiac, we both know who you think is 'drop dead gorgeous.'" Marcus blushed as he told Joan to shut up, earning laughs from Dante and Reed who continued in. "I already have enough to worry about." He muttered, rubbing his arm. "Like what?" Joan asked.

Marcus gave her a look, snorting. "How about ultra-powerful older brothers who intimidate gods?"

"Oh I bet he isn't that powerful-"

"Joan, did you not see it? Lady Artemis even looked reluctant to pick a fight with him, I mean he's the freaking General of Olympus! Like, hey man do you mind if I date your sister?"

Joan rolled her blue eye, laughing. "You wouldn't be the first Athena-Poseidon pair. He's inclined to say yes."

Marcus eyes her wearily, the tone becoming somber. "After how they ended?"

Silence permeated the two. "Yeah," Joan said, rubbing his shoulder. "Maybe wait until he's gone?"

-00-

When Karen had first been dropped off in the large house, she was scared, petrified even. The stigma of Nico Di Angelo was almost as bad as Percy's, and she was expecting the Prince of the underworld to torture her. However, she was greeted with a kind man whose warm smile almost made her sob with happiness. He had given her an entire room, handing new clothes and delivering food and drink. She was at first terribly self-conscious about her appearance, and whenever the man had her strip down to reapply bandages or ointment she felt humiliated.

But as each day passed, she felt better.

Karen wanted to cry for joy. Yes! I made it!

In the days following, she slowly regained her health back, feeling better and better each day. Her wounds healed and her eyes were now bright and alert, far from the dullness that was consistent during her stay with Percy.

The blonde man, Will, was amazing. He was a top doctor in New York, and was already set for life but kept working to save more people. He was very attractive, and Karen was surprised at first when she found out that no, he wasn't married. No, he didn't have a girlfriend.

Friend with benefits? Nope, he had responded. Then who?

Nico walked through the door just then, announcing. "Honey, I'm home!" To say Karen felt awkward was an understatement. She began to apologize to the kind doctor, who smiled sheepishly and waved it away. Don't worry, I understand.

Since then Karen had slowly improved. Nico was always polite with her, though not nearly as talkative as Will.

Nico had left very early that morning for some important meeting, leaving her with Will. When she went to his room to ask for more soap in her bathroom, he was fast asleep. Feeling guilty over how she'd been babied, Karen decided to cook the doctor breakfast.

Humming a melody to herself, the passive empousa began to cook a large breakfast. As she cooked, she began to voice her tune now, at first lowly to herself before increasing in volume.

"I have climbed the highest mountains

I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you.

I have run, I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you.

But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in her finger tips
It burned like fire
(I was) burning inside her.

I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone.

But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for."

Karen had been spinning about the kitchen, dancing to the tune in her head as she did so. The pancakes and bacon she had been cooking were seemingly flying about the kitchen, and a peaceful feeling overcame the empousa.

She went to continue the song, but was cut off. Startled, she nearly dropped the pancake in her spatula, but saved it before turning to the door. Will stood there, grinning from ear to ear, as his perfect voice reverberated throughout the large house.

"I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one.
But yes, I'm still running.

You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame
Oh my shame, you know I believe it.

But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.

But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for.
But I still haven't found
What I'm looking for."

"Wow," Karen breathed, feeling embarrassed at how good he was and thinking poorly of herself. Will, seeing the reddening of shame on her cheeks frowned. "Why are you upset?"

Karen placed the food down, shifting uncomfortably. "You're….amazing. I wish I was that good. And to think my screeching probably woke you up….." She muttered, guilt eating at her. Will looked at her incredulously. "Karen, your voice is godly! I didn't think anyone not related to Apollo would be able to sing like that but-"He stopped himself, blue eyes catching the food. "And you can cook amazingly too? Karen, where have you been all my life?" His praise brought a new wave of redness, though this time Karen let a smile grace her features, his flirting obviously light hearted but meaning so much to her.

"I wanted to repay the kindness you've given me, so I made you breakfast."

Will's smile made her day, as he grabbed himself orange juice. "Thank you Karen, this looks wonderful! And I was actually awake before you started to sing, so don't worry. Man, Nico is going to be so jealous once he finds out he missed the greatest cook ever." His overbearing enthusiasm surprised Karen, but nonetheless happiness and relief flooded her features. "I used to cook a lot for my family, so I got pretty good at it." As she remembered her family a surge of sadness clouded her eyes, making them misty. Will sympathetically looked at her, rubbing her shoulder.

"I'm sorry." It was a small gesture, but enough. The two began to eat in a peaceful quiet, only interrupted by small talk and a trading of stories. When the doorbell rang later in the morning, Karen didn't even think as she stood to get it. "I got it, you help yourself to seconds. I made plenty."

Will appreciatively nodded, and Karen made her way to the large door. Not even peering through the peep-hole, she unlocked the door and opened it, head swiveling back around as she did. "Hey Nico how was-"She abruptly stopped talking, fear causing her heart to clench. A gasp escaped her throat, and she stumbled back into the house.

A clatter of plates alerted her to Will approaching, hearing her gasp of terror. "Karen, what's wrong?" But he too trailed off at the unexpected visitor, however his reaction being more controlled.

Standing before them was Percy Jackson.

"Percy." Will greeted politely, worriedly looking between him and Karen. When he heard Nico's voice, Will immediately shot out to get his boyfriend, apprehensive of what was happening.

Percy's eyes never left Karen, who was currently now sitting down on a nearby coach, trying to shrink herself before the powerful demigod. "Pardon me." Will led Nico back through the door, and Percy barely noticed how he seemed to position himself between the woman and himself.

"How've you been?" Though asked nicely, Percy caught the unease in the question.

Eyes still held on Karen, Percy shrugged. "I've been alright."

When the meeting had ended, Percy requested to go to Nico's house in order to pick up some more ambrosia and nectar to resupply his own stash. The other demigod had agreed, but forgot to mention that Karen was actually staying with them in their own home.

Karen. Deep inside, an overwhelming guilt and shame was trying to bubble to the surface, but Percy kept an impassive mask on. The girl looked a lot better now that she was actually being cared for, and Percy had to admit that she was indeed beautiful.

All empousa were attractive in their human forms, as they needed to lure mortals to them somehow. But Karen seemed to be on a whole other level, looking as if she was made to lure in immortals. Kicking himself for his actions again, Percy tore his strong gaze from her, finally seeing Will's worried look and Nico's quirked eyebrow.

His dark, obsidian eyes asked an unspoken question. There won't be a problem, will there?

Percy nodded to his cousin, making a scene out of deferring to him. Satisfied, Nico whispered to Will, who gently led Karen away from Percy. The girl was rigid with fear, seemingly paralyzed by it. After a few moments of gentle coaxing by Will, the two disappeared into the kitchen leaving the two princes alone.

"She looks better with you two. That's good."

It was a simple statement, but Nico understood it for the underlying meaning. I'm sorry.

"Yeah, it's been a bit hard though. You broke her, Percy." Nico was hoping to see some kind of remorse or regret in his cousins eyes, but frowned when none appeared. Asshole.

Percy shrugged, nonchalantly tilting his head. "I've gotten good at breaking monsters."

Nico's frown deepened, nostrils flaring. "She's not a monster, Percy. You need to stop seeing her as one. I thought you regretted what you did?"

Percy snorted, eyes filling with a dark emotion. "I regret my ways of achieving my goal, but not the mission. Besides, I let her go, didn't I?" Nico sighed deeply, nodding. Percy, though not naturally prideful, wouldn't apologize so quickly. "Not everything is black and white you know."

"Oh don't get me started! Let's just handle what I came here for so I can leave sooner and let Karen recover quicker." Percy spoke, and for the first time in recent memory Nico saw him show some form of embarrassment. "I'll be right back."

As soon as he left, Percy rubbed his eyes, wishing he could just get back home and sleep. All this confrontation recently has tired me. My late night adventures aren't helping either.

Nico returned with two packages, one filled with ambrosia and another with nectar cartridges. "Let me know if you need more, Will keeps receiving them every month from his father."

Nodding, Percy swiftly exited the large house, zipping up his leather jacket and putting his helmet on. Nico waved from a window, watching his cousin depart on his motorcycle. "Is he gone?" A timid voice spoke up from behind, and Nico turned to see Will hugging Karen gently, as she sat herself down.

"I'm sorry about him. Percy isn't a bad guy, he's just…" Trailing off, Nico looked to Will for help, who quickly stepped in. "Angry. He's really angry. And it's changed him." Karen nodded numbly, tanned skin suddenly looking very pale.

"I know you don't want to hear it, but this isn't who he is. The Percy I knew was the nicest man I'd ever met."

"Was." Karen sniffed, beautiful indigo eyes glassing over. Nico shared a look with Will, who whispered gently to her. With just his appearance, she'd been reduced to a bundle of tears and fear. A dark thought entered Nico's mind. I guess you got what you wanted, Percy. They finally fear you.

But as he thought it, Nico couldn't help but think about the repercussions.

Miles away, another powerful demigod thought the exact same thing, regret finally able to fight its way to the surface. I'm sorry.

Not much action in this chapter, but some good plot development. If you haven't noticed, this story will lean more to PJO, but the Avengers will begin to appear more as the story develops. Also, I usually won't use a disclaimer every chapter as it's redundant, but since I used the U2 song I decided I had to.

Tell me your thoughts and what you liked or disliked! Have a good day and sorry for the wait!

Also thanks once again to some fucking random guy for editing this chapter. Lord knows how many mistakes there'd be without him.