An Unwelcome Memory...

Note: I do not own Percy Jackson, nor any of the characters related to it. I would like to point out, however, that only the invention of Percy Jackson, Camp Half Blood and other half bloods belong to Rick Riordan. The Gods and Monsters belong to the culture of Ancient Greece, a place held in high regard amongst history. I do, however, own both Echo and the Camp of Immortal Heroes. They are of my own invention and I do not wish for any other to use them. I have not profited from this fan fiction.

Hey, guys. You must hate me, I do realise I take ages to update, and I'm sorry about that, really... I suck, I know. Things are a bit hectic for me at the moment, as I've just been made homeless, so I'm looking for a new job and somewhere to live. Good times. But hopefully, this Chapter shows to why Echo is why she is, or one of the many reasons. Hope you enjoy it, my darlings! And, if you do review (and please do, I LOVE hearing what you guys have to say!) please say more than 'OMG! I LUUURVVVE IT!' I appreciate that you enjoy my writing, but I'd love to know what you think I can improve on and precisely what is WAS that you loved so much!

I awoke with a start at Sunrise; despite the fact I had clearly had no more than 6 hours of sleep, I felt completely energised, more so than I had ever done when I was human. I got up gracefully, my half naked body shining a bronze in the bright morning light. As I did so, I spied a golden seashell next to my couch. I allowed myself a smile at Apollo's message. It was simply to say he would be back in the evening. I yawned, stretching, marvelling at how awake my body was, and dressed in some denim shorts, orange 'Camp Half Blood' tank top and my old style Grecian sandals. I quickly went to check myself in the mirror, but froze. Despite my fretful sleep, my face was flawless, and my hair was in perfect curls spread around my shoulders. Only my clear blue eyes revealed my troubled inner thoughts, but no one who didn't know me very well would pick up on that. To them, I would simply be a beautiful, carefree Goddess. I sighed, my eyes hardening, and replaced my stunning golden circlet on my olive-skinned brow. I felt something in the back of my mind, and opened my door, just in time to see Percy, his hand raised to knock.

"Hello, Little Brother." I said softly, walking forward.

"Hi, Echo." He responded, in a tired voice. He was wearing an orange shirt and jeans, along with the trainers Sally had sent as a 'well-done-for-saving-the-world' gesture. He looked worried, and I realised the news must have got out. I sighed, passing a hand over my eyes.

"I just came to bring you to the War Council." I looked at him and nodded, bringing my door to.

"Then let's go. Is Tyson going to be there?" I asked gently, a hint of distress in my voice. Percy caught my eye and nodded, the same module of worry that I knew would be in my own eyes in his. We knew what was going to happen; Tyson would be in bits, and cry about the 'pony'. He may have fought against Typhon himself, but he had a big heart and he loved Horses more than just about everything, except his friends and family. He had known Porkpie personally. A sudden image leapt from my memory, unbidden, of red, spreading in the sand, washed away by the bloody tide, Porkpie's shuddering last breath, flashing before my eyes in a second. I gritted my even white teeth, and walked into my War Council. Some faces were just upset, some nonchalant, and some utterly devastated; namely my brother, Tyson. I sighed and took my place beside Chiron, who quickly convened the Council.

It transpired that that every single Camper was accounted for the previous night, as was every single sword; Annabeth had personally checked them. I frowned, my hand reaching up to pluck the trident from my curls. It grew full size, and I placed it in the air next to me. I didn't want it to fall, so it didn't, simply hovering in midair. I concealed my pleasure at my newfound gifts. Everyone stared at me, including Annabeth and my brothers. I'd not shown my Godlihood so openly before. I stood, my eyes staring each person down.

"From tonight forward, only Heads of Cabins will have keys to Cabins. These will be placed under a magic that alerts me, Chiron and all other Heads of Cabins should it leave their person. There will be a stronger enforcement on curfew from here on in, and Head's WILL perform attendance checks every night, which I will personally check. Any absence's are to be reported to either myself, or Chiron, absolutely no excuses. I'm sorry, but I refuse to risk another like Porkpie. This is not just a refuge for half bloods, and I think it is time people were reminded of that."

I reached out, and grasped my trident, which began to glow like molten bronze. "You may go."

They all rose from their seats quickly, giving me strange, and in some cases, openly frightened looks as I watched them leave.

"You are upset."

Chiron was setting himself on his hooves with difficulty, due to his splints. I reached down to give him a gentle hand, which he accepted, much to my surprise. I helped him into his wheelchair, considering my answer. I laid a blanket on his fake legs before replying.

"It has simply taken me by surprise. I wouldn't have allowed anything like this to happen in Camp Immortal. I won't let it happen here."

Chiron nodded, smoothing the blanket down, and tucking it around his waist, as was his habit. "I know you never believed it, Echo, but you ruled that camp well. Brutus wasn't your fault, and nor is Porkpie. We WILL find the person responsible."

My lips mashed into a hard straight line as Brutus, the one I had been trying so hard not to think about, rushed into my mind.

Decades previously...

Echo ran, her silver armour jostling noiselessly in sync with her frantic pace, her face a mask of both worry and determination.

It was early evening in Camp Immortal. The large, white arena was sitting majestically in the colossal hill, surrounded by long green grass and wildflowers. The arena, barracks, cabins, armoury and offices stood, all shrouded in gentle shadows. Wind whistled through the branches of old trees, shaking the leaves with soft breath. Venus shone brightly in the sky, tiny stars beginning to follow their mistress into the darkening abyss of space. It was a beautiful night, as it usually was in the Camp of Immortal Heroes. Tonight, however, it was marred by that ungodly, terrified, high pitched scream.

Echo was fast, racing to the source of the noise. Her best friends were with her; Marka Twain, Daughter of Apollo was the only one capable of keeping pace with her. Lucas Travoy, Son of Athena, Harris Marrihor, Son of Ares, and Kassy Asthra, Daughter of Hades, were running a couple of strides behind them.

"No! No, STOP! You don't want to do this... You want to step back, and put your weapon do- Oh, Gods! NO! HELP ME!"

The power of Charmspeak had almost swept Echo off her feet, and her eyes widened. The Speaker was Annette, Daughter of Aphrodite and she was absolutely terrified. Behind her, Echo could hear an animalistic growl behind her; Harris had heard Annette. She heard the whistle of his sword being drawn, and felt a weight pull down her stomach. Harris was a master of all blades, and this one was his favourite. He was an expert in weaponry, and he knew how to use the blade to kill, to torture... He was a dangerous man when roused; reaching over everyone at just over 7 ft, he was built. He spent all his free time working out, to better himself, to make his spirit a legend through power and violence. He was handsome, with a strong bone structure and tough, chiselled features. He was a strong, loyal and, at times, gentle man. Echo, surprisingly, got on with him very well, although she didn't usually get along with his siblings. It just so happened that Annette, beautiful, sweet Annette, was his fiancée.

It was Echo and Marka who burst into the woodland and through the underbrush first. They charged into a clearing, Echo tearing her trident from her net of pearls, and drawing it. Marka drew her bow, and nocked it within a matter of seconds, standing behind her defensive friend. She was a petite blonde, with slightly angled features. Her eyes were a like a bright blue sky, in contrast with Echo's blue depths. She wore an English Hunter's outfit, with a leather corset and riding leggings, with long leather boots. She was sweet and kind, and although she didn't particularly like fighting, she was easily the best archer Echo had ever seen.

Echo's eyes widened as a scene unravelled in front of them, and Marka gave a strangled, emotional gasp. Annette was crying on the ground, her eyes squeezed tightly closed and clutching desperately at her stomach, which had been slashed open. She was trying to stem the bleeding, but it was like an unstoppable crimson tide streaming through her fingers. She looked up at the noise of leaves parting and saw Echo, crying out.

"ECHO! Thank the Gods, HELP ME!"

Echo's lip trembled and she looked at the tall, well built man standing over Annette with a blood slicked stygian blade. His name was Brutus, and he was a Son of Hades; the eldest Camp Immortal had. Around him with various weaponry, (except guns, which were magically banned from Camp Immortal), were the soldiers of the damned. He was usually a solid friend of Echo's, as they had been born in around about the same era, and he was a good fighter. He was tall and lean, only slightly smaller than Harris. Echo had never thought to fight him.

Harris, Lucas and Kassy ran into the clearing, Harris running straight toward his Fiancée with a strangled roar. Brutus, surprisingly, simply stepped back from his victim, staring resolutely at Echo, who stared back with confused glint in her eyes. Seeing Brutus' stupor, Harris picked Annette up with gentle hands, and quickly took her to Marka, who, after a moment's hesitation, put her weapon away and pulled out her healing supplies, which was held in various pouches around her waist. Lucas ran straight to Echo's side, pulling his long sword from its sheath.

Kassy, on the other hand, stood exactly where she had first seen her brother and froze. Her already pale complexion had turned white. Her dark green eyes, with dark smoky eyeliner and grey eye shadow, had widened, and had begun to tear, threatening to spill down her gaunt face. Her pierced eyebrow was twitching, struggling not to cry. She was the newest member of the Immortal Heroes, but was unbelievably powerful already. Brutus was her only sibling here, and he had been her rock. In the past five years, the two had been so close, it had warmed Echo.

Brutus ignored his sister and raised his blade pointing it directly at Echo, as if to challenge her. Within Camp Immortal, if you challenged the Director, it was for the position. However, it was obvious to everyone that wasn't the reason for Brutus' actions. Echo noted the almost blank look in his eyes, his vacant expression; he wasn't himself, and this was not his normal temperament. She knew something was wrong, but she didn't see another option. Echo placed another hand on her trident, and stepped into her fighting stance.

"NO!"

Echo looked around slowly to Kassy, who had stepped forward, drawing both her Stygian daggers. Unexpectedly, she had turned to Brutus, not Echo, and held her weapons to him.

"You don't want to do this, Brother. I know you. Something's wrong."

Brutus did not reply, he had not even faced her. He was still staring at Echo. Kassy clenched her fists around her daggers so hard, her knuckles had turned white. She stepped between Brutus and Echo, with a snarl on her face. The soldiers of the damned began to look confused; Kassy was fighting her Brother for control.

"BRUTUS!"

This time there was a glint of recognition in his eyes, but it was only a glimmer and it disappeared as fast as it appeared. But it was there. And both Echo and Kassy had seen it. Brutus seemed like some kind of automaton, and it was unnerving everyone. Brutus was a quiet man but he had strong opinions, and a strong personality. But this seemed almost as if something possessed him, something was inside him.

Kassy bit her lip so hard a bead of blood fell down from her lip, onto the pale skin of her chin. "Brutus... You're not my brother... But he is still in there. He's not dead. Who are you?"

That was when Echo's blood froze.

"I am Perseus."