Her eyes flew open, a silent scream working its way up her throat. She clawed at the bed sheets, her pale white skin shiny with sweat. Her storm gray eyes swiveled in their sockets trying to find the intruder. Her heart was ramming mercilessly against her ribs and her lungs were refusing to work properly. A shadow ghosted over her face and she arched her back, a strangled cry slipping past her lips. She sat upright and tumbled out of the bed, her blonde hair fling into her face. Gritting her teeth, the girl stumbled blindly to her feet, her breath becoming more ragged by the minute.

"No...Please no…"she panted as she struggled towards the cabin doors. She blinked back tears, a harsh sob tearing from her. "I can't…please I just can't…" she cried, collapsing to the ground. Her body convulsed violently, her head knocking against the wooden floor. She sobbed and screamed in terror, her voice several pitches higher than normal. Her back arched off the floor, one last heart shattering cry escaping her abused throat before the girl slumped back to the floor. A shadow passed over her, but she did not move or quiver. Her storm gray eyes stared unseeing at the ceiling above...


Rachel gasped, her hands latching onto something warm and firm. She could feel herself shaking uncontrollably, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. Her throat felt raw as f she'd been screaming for hours and every muscle in her body was sore. She could feel her own heart steadily hammering away at her chest and her lungs sucking in small gusts of air. She blinked, clutching tighter to the firm object until she felt it twitch.

Instinctively she released her hold, realizing it was an arm she'd been hugging frantically. The ridiculously tan arm snaked around her waist and pulled her flush against a warm muscular chest. Soft hands cradled her head and her back as someone began to rock her slowly. Rachel sucked in a deep breath, a small sob working its way up her throat. She could still feel the lingering fear and desperation from the vision as if it had been her own. But that wasn't all that frightened her. There had been something else there, something that had breached the most vulnerable part of her psych. It hadn't attacked, but it had been there watching and dancing around the very edges, as if tasting what she had to offer.

The strong arms slowly pulled away and panic crashed over her. Rachel latched on to the warmth for fear she'd succumb to the horrifying vision once again. A gentle hand cupped her cheek and tilted her face up at least, until she was staring into vivid blue eyes. Something foreign fluttered in her chest for a brief moment before her mind could put a face to them. And just like that she was catapulted back into reality, her befuddled brain finally putting the pieces together. The warm chest, the strong arms, the entrancing blue eyes: she was latched on to Jason Grace.

Heat crept up her neck when it dawned on her just how close they really were. She was cradled in his lap, one hand twisted in his blonde hair and the other tangled in his shirt. Her face was just level with his neck, his Adam's apple sitting tantalizingly before her. Their chests were flush against each other and that didn't leave much to the imagination. She was mortified to say the least to find herself in such a position, and yet she couldn't pull herself away. What a great time to realize how hot the stupid guy is, she snapped furiously at her stupid hormones.

"Are you alright? Rachel come on, say something." he urged gently, his voice thick with concern. He looked over her head at someone and she could see the tension in his jaw. How long have I been out?, she wondered.

"Her powers must be reacting to being around so many souls at once. We should never have brought her here. Damn it this is my fault!" a soft voice cursed. She could hear it shaking with guilt and worry and that caught her attention. She knew that voice well, because it had always been the quietest yet most powerful.

"Nico?" she croaked weakly. Her voice cracked on the end, making her wince. Her throat was unbelievably dry, as if she'd been in the desert for days without water.

Jason tensed under her before relaxing. He ducked his head to look into her eyes, pulling back slightly to search her face. "Rachel are you okay?" he whispered.

Was she okay? She didn't feel sore, just exhausted. The panic and fear she'd felt had ebbed some and her heart was no longer trying to run a marathon. "I'm fine." She whispered hoarsely, finally having the sense to crawl from his lap completely.

She climbed shakily to her feet, Jason's hand holding her waist and elbow just in case. She dutifully ignored the warmth spreading where he touched her, instead focusing on her other friends. Nico was watching her, his eyes wide as saucers. The thing about Nico was that when he wasn't actively trying to keep people at arm's length, he wore his emotions on his sleeves. The guilt and concern were the most prominent, but underneath she caught traces of fear and uncertainty. She wanted to comfort him and reassure him, but she already knew that it would only make him feel worse. Percy stood just behind him, his eyes darting between the two of them. His hand hung awkwardly at his side, as if he wanted to reach out to Nico but was worried of scaring him off.

Her knees wobbled violently when she put any weight on them, but after a minute or two she was able to step completely out of Jason's firm grasp. Her eyes roamed over the low cavern they seemed to be in. The sand beneath her feet was darker than Nico's hair, and it glittered as if infused with thousands of crushed crystals. The glassy walls rose high above her head, the ceiling hidden in writhing shadows. She could hear a river bubbling and swishing in the distance and the faint sound of music even further away. There was little to no light in the cavern and an ever present chill in the air. What was more, the air itself seemed to be alive. Rachel could feel it vibrating around her like buzzing bees. She felt spiritual pressure from centuries past settling around her, and her nerves were tingling. The spirit of Delphi is stronger down here than in the mortal world. I wonder what else I can do, she thought.

Jason handed her a small bottle of water, which she accepted gratefully. "I can't give you nectar since you aren't a demigod. This will have to do for now." He waited until she'd drank half the bottle before allowing her to hand it back. The liquid felt good going down her throat and helped to ease away the last of her fears, at least momentarily. "Are you sure you're okay Rach?"

She threw him a dirty look at the nickname. "I'm fine, just a little dizzy. I don't even know what happened." She took a look at herself, assessing the damage. Besides being covered in the glittering black sand, she couldn't see or feel any bruises.

Nico ducked his head, biting his bottom lip. "I lost control when we broke through. There's never been a barrier around Hades before, but there was one when we tried crossing over. I had to use a lot more energy to get past it, but in the process I almost let go of you."

Rachel blinked at him. "What happens if you "let go?" He clenched his fists tighter and refused to meet her eyes.

"You'll get trapped in the shadows and eventually die. You slipped for just a moment, but it was enough to knock you unconscious. The minute your essence began separating from mine your spiritual powers were sucked dry, and most of your life with it. I-I wasn't sure if you were going to wake up." His voice cracked at the end and he seemed o draw in on himself.

She debated whether or not it would make matters worse before she reached over and drew him into a tight hug. "Don't beat yourself up Neeks. You got us through and managed to save my life. It wasn't your fault."

Nico bristled at the stupid nickname, but didn't attempt to pull away. Rachel smiled and hugged him tighter. The boy hardly ever let anyone touch him, let alone hug him, and yet here he was allowing her affection. Maybe it was guilt, or maybe he just craved it a little, whatever the reason it felt nice hugging him. Her eyes met Percy's briefly and for a moment she saw a flicker of jealousy in his sea green eyes. Oh honestly! Boys and their stupid possessiveness! She pulled away. "Now, which way to Tartarus?"

Nico seemed hesitant and unsure of himself, and he still refused to meet her eyes. Rachel looked helplessly at Percy, unsure what more she could do to convince him that she was alright and it wasn't his fault. He shook his head stiffly, as if to say he'd take care of it later. I guess I'm out of my league here. She wasn't sure how Percy planned to take care of it, but she had faith he would be able to. She just prayed that he'd do it before they entered Tartarus.

Jason clamped a hand on her shoulder and she jumped a foot in the air. She'd forgotten about the son of Jupiter while dealing with Nico. She felt a blush creeping up her skin, the warmth of his body glossing over her back. He was close enough to touch and she was certain that if she turned around she'd be eye level with his chest. The thought made her heart thrum and her blood boil. Stupid hormones! Can we forget for one second Jason is hot? He has a girlfriend!

"I don't think we should go to Tartarus." he said. Nico's head snapped up, his jaw hanging to the floor. Percy had one eyebrow raised incredulously as if Jason had sprouted another head. Rachel twisted around, hoping to see a playful smirk on his handsome face, but he looked determined and concerned.

"Jason we have to go. The prophecy told us to look below the land of the damned and unless the gods have done major renovating I'm positive they meant Tartarus. I'm fine; there's no reason to abort the mission because I got a little sick."

Jason looked down at her, his expression unreadable, before addressing Nico. "Something about this doesn't seem right. You said you'd never had trouble crossing over before, yet there was a barrier of some kind around Hades. It was strong enough to repel you and you have home field advantage. I just feel like we're walking into a trap."

Rachel had to admit he did have a point, but it didn't matter. They still had to get to Tartarus one way or the other. "What do you think we should do then?" she asked quietly.

"Maybe we should go back and talk to Chiron. He warned us to stay away and I'm sure this is what he meant. Hades is trying to keep something or someone out for a good reason. I don't know what it is, but it has your dad spooked."

Nico considered this for a moment, his fists clenching and unclenching. "Okay, maybe we do need to go back, but we need to know why that barrier is there. I'm not sure I'll be able to get us back through a second time. We need to ask my dad what's going on."

Rachel tensed, a shiver running down her spine. Delphi is afraid. My instincts are screaming for me to stay away from Hades at all costs. "Are you sure that's a good idea Nico?"

He blinked before his mind caught on. He blushed sheepishly. Jason looked between the two of them confused. Nico, noticing this, hastened to explain. "When my mother was killed Hades placed a curse on the oracle. He trapped her in a body that mummified. The spirit of Delphi could not switch bodies again until my father lifted the curse. After the Battle of Manhattan he freed her and she chose Rachel as a host. I'm sure the spirit isn't keen on being around him again."

Jason's face darkened ever so slightly and he stepped closer to Rachel as if prepared to fight then and there. "He won't hurt her." he vowed, his voice steely.

"I know he won't. My dad let that go; otherwise Rachel would have died when the spirit tried to take her. Percy, what do you think we should do?"

They turned their attention to the son of Poseidon. He had remained silent throughout the conversation so far, but he was as a part of the team as the rest of them. He sighed and kicked at the sand, a black cloud billowing around his feet. "I agree that we need to speak with Hades, but I don't like the idea of Rachel being close to him. It's obvious her powers are amplified down here, so there's no telling what will happen when she's that close to a beacon of power like that."

"You can't leave me behind! I know I'm not much help in combat, but I'm not helpless! That isn't fair Percy." Rachel clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "I'm tired of sitting back and waiting. Anytime you guys leave I'm left behind waiting to see who won't come back. I don't see everything like you guys believe." She felt her eyes pricking with tears, but she fought them back angrily. "I refuse to sit back on this one. Hecate approached me Percy; I can't run away from this. I need to fight alongside my friends and if I get hurt it's an occupational hazard. I can't fathom losing any of you. This time the stakes are higher and I'm not sure who will or won't come back. Please Percy."

Percy stepped into her personal space and pulled her into a tight hug. He released her just as quickly before meeting her eyes sadly. "We're not leaving you behind. I'm not stupid enough to think we can pull this off without you Rachel. You're as strong as the rest of us and essential to our team. But you can't go to see Hades. It's too dangerous, and we aren't sure what is really going on here. We can't afford something to happen to you down here. You aren't a demigod so we can't give you ambrosia or nectar for healing. Besides, Chiron is less likely to skin you alive for disobeying him." He pouted slightly at that before continuing. "I think two of us should go see Hades while the other two deal with Chiron."

Rachel felt the tension ease from her muscles and nodded. "Alright, if that's the case then I'll go speak with Chiron."

Jason frowned. "Nico would have to go with you. I'm not sure Hades would appreciate both his brother's children gallivanting around in his realm. He'll kill us."

Percy smiled. "I can call Ms. O'Leary. She's a hellhound so she can shadow travel just as well as Neeks over there." He swiftly side stepped Nico's elbow to the ribs. "She'll take Rachel back to camp with you or me."

"Percy is staying with me." Nico declared. When met with curious stares he cursed lowly in Greek. "This whole mess got started when he was attacked. I know for a fact I didn't kill that thing that attacked him, but I have advantage here. If it goes after him I can wipe it out easily."

Percy looked indignant. "I don't need protection!"

Nico rolled his eyes. "I didn't say that seaweed brain! I simply said I'd feel better if I knew you were one hundred percent safe."

"I'm older than you! Aren't I supposed to be the one taking care of you?"

"I'll remember that next time a psycho ghost lady is sucking you dry while you sleep!"

Rachel felt the heat rush to her face at the double meaning of the words. She tried to suppress a giggle behind her hand. Jason was trembling behind her, biting fiercely into his fist to keep from laughing. Percy raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his face. Nico's face went from pale to beet red in half a second. His eyes grew as wide as saucers and his mouth gapped like a fish. He shook his head frantically, his hands waving around him.

"W-wait I didn't mean…I meant to say that she was…oh shut up Percy!" He glared daggers at all of the older teens. They couldn't hold back their laughter any longer, and were falling over each other clutching their stomachs. "I swear I hate you." he mumbled.

Percy still grinning from ear to ear slung an arm over his shoulder. "Whatever, I know you love me Neeks."

Rachel didn't think it was possible, but Nico turned even redder, ducking his head in embarrassment with a small smile on his face. Naturally, Percy was oblivious. I swear guys can be so stupid. I'm going to beat him if he keeps this up.

When they had collected themselves several minutes later, Percy called for his precious hellhound. As expected, it took some time for her to find them and she looked tired. The barrier must have been slightly stronger after their earlier intrusion. When Rachel pointed this out, Nico shook his head. "I'll lend her some of my strength. Our combined power should get you back through, but I'm not sure how long she'll have to rest before you can come back."

Jason nodded, assuring them that they'd give her plenty of time to recuperate before returning. He helped Rachel climb onto the hounds back, and sat close behind her. One hand gripped Ms. O'Leary's soft black fur and the other wrapped snuggly around her waist. Rachel pointedly ignored Nico and Percy's twin smirks and suggestive eyebrow waggling. When you two get over yourselves and get together I swear I'm going to make your lives miserable! Percy whispered something to the hound and seconds later the shadows were swirling around the trio. She smiled and waved to the boys as darkness overtook her.


Balance is a universal law without rhyme or reason. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For every good deed there is an evil deed. For every smile there is a tear. It was a simple fact of life that the universe had a way of balancing itself. In the demigod world, this balance could cause great joy or catastrophe. They knew to be weary when good fortune was abundant and remain hopeful when bad luck was abounded. It was the way they'd grown accustomed to after years of strife and happiness dancing around each other. Rachel was not a demigod; she did not believe that this was the fate of man. She did not agree that a person could never enjoy happiness without pain; but then again she'd had her fair share of both. She refused to believe it, even as she stared blankly at the remains of Camp Half-blood.

Camp Half-blood was a haven for demigods across the country. In summer, the little valley was awash with a sea of dark green grass and strong, lush trees. The lake and river was a dark and lustrous blue, the sun dancing across its surface like thousands of diamonds. The cabins were gleaming with a fresh coat of paint, their parents' insignias waving in the warm breeze. Nymphs, satyrs, myriads, and campers littered the landscape. The sound of music could be heard high into the heavens amidst the squeals and catcalls of campers pulling pranks and hanging out. Naturally the Ares and Aphrodite cabins were at all out war with one another, both vying for dominance while Athena cabin tried to silence the quarrel. And separate from the rest were the largest cabins. They each were beautiful in their own might and inhabited by one individual. The only building bigger in size was the Big House. It was home to so many, including Rachel and Jason. But they weren't looking at their home any longer.

The ground was black and ashen. Trees lay on their side, others burned to crisps. The lake was dry, the waterbed cracked. A few cabins were rubble on the ground, the others barely standing. Rachel realized with horror that the lumpy masses on the ground were the other campers. She felt a lump well in her throat. Her heart wasn't beating, her lungs weren't working, and her brain was muddled. Everything was destroyed; their home was gone. She heard a choked, inhuman wail so close, but she couldn't fathom what tortured creature could make such a sound. Tears splashed down her cheeks and she realized it had come from her own mouth.

"Rachel look at me. Rachel please look at me." A small voice whispered in her ear. On auto pilot she turned until she found herself staring at Jason. His face mirrored hers perfectly, but there was something else in his eyes. Righteous anger seemed to roll off of him in waves and he seemed at breaking point. Rachel realized that his skin was rippling with electricity. He's losing control. He needs an anchor, anything. Where's Piper?

She looked back at the remains of her camp, as if she'd find her among the others. She even felt for her aura, but there was nothing. Piper wasn't there. Jason's hand tightened painfully around her and she returned her gaze to him. His eyes were glowing, a twisted snarl on his face. She had never seen him like this, and was certain by the way his body temperature was skyrocketing it would be her last.

"Jason calm down! Look at me, it's Rachel. Jason please stop before you hurt us everyone is still alive; they're just unconscious." She gripped his shoulders tightly, shaking him. He didn't seem to hear her. He slid off of Ms. O'Leary and drew his sword, Juno's Gladius, and raised it into the air. The clouds swirled, the air crackled with electricity. Jason's face was tortured, tears staining his cheeks. He's going to kill us.

"Do not be melodramatic my child. The boy will only kill himself. He will not be able to control that lightening when it comes, that I am certain." whispered a sweet voice. Rachel spun around, eyes falling on Hecate. The witch was watching the scene with an amused smirk.

"Y-you! What did you do? Why did you attack our camp?" Rachel yelled.

The witch scoffed. "Your precious camp is fine child. I am very disappointed in you Rachel Elizabeth Dare. For all of your power, you were tricked by a simple illusion. I expected as much from the boy, but not from you."

Rachel blinked at her incredulously. "An illusion? This isn't real?" she squeaked. Rachel felt her eyes stinging as she looked at the destruction before her disappear. The camp looked exactly the way it should with everyone in their proper place. Nothing had happened to them. Her home was safe. Anger roared like a furnace in her chest. "What is the point of this you monster?"

Hecate smiled broader. "The point will be made clear later. It's all within the prophecy darling. Right now, however, is your test. Save the boy from himself or watch him die. It doesn't matter to me; only three are essential to the prophecy anyhow."

Rachel gulped and looked at Jason. The ground beneath his feet was crumbling. His skin was ghostly white and his lips blue, but his eyes remained unseeing and crazed. He was dying right in front of her. She turned back to Hecate. "What do I do? How do I save him?"

"A bond broken, another preserved." The witch said simply. Before Rachel could ask another question she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.


Percy cursed himself and his weakness. He clenched his teeth in frustration. Be strong Rachel. I know you can save Jason. You can beat Hecate. Despite his guilt, a sense of relief washed over him. He had kept his side of the bargain.


Author's Notes: Hi! I know it's been a while, but I'm back! These last two months have been horrible for me. I lost two best friends in an accident and ended p in the hospital myself. It's safe to say I'd lost my will to write (they loved my stories) for a while there. I'm happy to say that I'm good now, so I'll start updating regularly again! I hope you guys can forgive me! Love you all!