All of it was too much. My heart was racing. Another scream sounded through the forest. I sped up, instantly recognizing the strangled scream. Trees and bushes seemed to intentionally grow in my path. My bare feet were hitting roots, twigs, and rocks; sending sharp pains up my legs, like a fire lapping at my body. Pushing past the immense pain I coiled my tired muscles and jumped a fallen tree. Something wrapped around my ankle causing me to crash to the ground. Snarling, knife in hand I twist and cut off the... tree branch? The tree seemed to sense my hesitation and roughly tugged me into it's canopy of green leaves. Branches and leaves surrounded my body; the leaves forming to my limbs.

Liquid started oozing from the tree. The wail was closer now, a figure was staggering towards the clearing. That shape... Malcolm? When he broke through the last layer of trees, and his foot was in the sunlight I let out a shrill scream of terror. His body was battered and bleeding. His once tan skin was clammy and pale, his once warm skin looked so cold. His eyes were dull instead of glistening in the sunlight. Malcolm's blonde hair was once clean... "Help.. Me.."

"Malcolm!" I struggled but the tree wouldn't let go no matter how much you were struggling. Whispers lapping into my ear turned into buzzing hurting my head, like bees stinging their pray. I couldn't close my eyes even as Malcolm fell to the ground and continued bled out. I was gonna hurl. My body wanted to push all of my breakfast out now!

"Maya?! Wake up." My eyes shot open

"Malcolm?" My voice hoarse, I looked around the room. It was still dark outside. My eyes fell back on Malcolm's form. His body was on mine pinning me to the bed.

"You started freaking out... I didn't know what to do..." Malcolm turned away refusing to look at me, his cheeks tinted pink.

"Sorry to wake you up." His grip loosened and he rolled to the side, he pulled me too him nuzzling my neck.

"We will talk about it once it is light out." His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm glad your safe Malcolm."

~:~:~:~::~:~

Light threatened to penetrate my eyelids, the light burning a hole through to the sensitive orbs beneath. A faint sound in the dark room was off to my right. I rolled towards the noise, prying my lids open I saw Malcolm hurriedly pulling on some armor. He reached for his sword and his retractable shield. Glancing my way he opened the door only lingering for a split-second. Scrabbling out of bed, I crept to the door cautiously pressing my ear against it hearing the light footsteps of Malcolm receding. Quickly I turned on the light, hissing at the sudden light burning my eyes, and looked for my normal clothes; ripping open drawers and flinging open cabinets. A feeling of relief filled me as I found my clothes neatly folded on the top shelf in the closet. I quickly removed my shirt and pants, leaving me in my sports bra and spandex. The air in the room was frigid, causing a whimper to fall from my lips as it lapped at my bare body.

Pulling my pants on one leg then the other. The zipper caught on the fabric. Huffing in frustration I yanked on the zipper causing it to release the fabric and continue on, then I quickly latched the button and threw on my shirt. I needed a weapon. I grabbed my backpack that was left on the corner, dumping everything out onto the floor I sifted through all of the items. "Medical wrap, ointment, bandaids, water, a wash clothe, oh there it is." I mumbled to myself. Taking the knife and putting it on my belt, I reorganized and repacked the bag, slinging it on my shoulder. I grabbed more nectar and ambrosia then slowly opened the door. My eyes swept across the hall. No one was around, not a sound or slight movement at all. I had my dagger against my leg and a pack on my back, I wasn't gonna stop until I found out just what the hell was going on.

Creeping down the hall like a cat stalking a mouse, my eyes looking for anything that would give a hint. Peeping out the window I saw everyone gathered around a gigantic mass. Stuff flinging from the dark mass. No not stuff, my eyes narrowed. Campers where flinging from the thing. Fear pounded in my heart, the thing, the monster only had one eye. My body started to tremble. Shaking violently at the sight of the cyclops. You could hear it's roar from here. I crawled over to the door and opened it a crack. Listening to the roar turning into words. "Where is she? Where is the girl? I know you have her! Come daughter of the sea. Come save what is dear to you." In his grubby hands was Liz and Malcolm. "Stop fighting you fools if you don't want me to crush them this instant!" He laughed as his fist closed tightly around Malcolm, his scream echoed over the whole camp silencing everyone.

"Drop your weapons!" The monster squeezed Malcolm harder this time, I could hear the cracks from my spot on the floor. Before I knew what I was doing my body responded; my legs moved as fast as they could, carrying me to the boy that had slowly been taking my heart. "Stop!" Tears were streaming rapidly down my face; soaking my shirt. "Stop, please."

"So you finally appear before me after all this time, you haven't forgotten me I assume?"

"Just let them go. Please. I can't handle this fighting anymore." I cried

"Ah ah ah, I just want you, if you come willin-"

"Okay. Okay, just put them down they aren't apart of this." Amusement was clear on his scarred face.

"Wise choice, child."

"Put them down now!" Irritation lacing my voice

"As you wish." His iron grip loosened on their bodies, Liz let out a blood curtailing scream, while Malcolm just dropped like a rock.

"No!" I sprinted forward barely catching Malcolm before he smashed to the ground. I slid on my knees supporting his weight, a quiet groan sounded from his lips. Looking over my shoulder I saw the Demeter cabin had grown a soft pad for Liz to land on. "Annabeth!" My eyes raked through the crowd landing on the daughter of Athena, shuffling towards us.

"Take him, get him help, I probably won't be coming back." I murmured, my fingers caressing his slightly bruised face.

"No, you can't go with him." My eyes shot towards Malcolm's. His breathing was labored, perspiration was gathering and running down his face.

"I have to go Malcolm. I'm sorry you got hurt. Forget about me I'm just a burden to the camp. It's safer this way."

"He's right you know. We can't have a cyclops have my little sister." Percy materialized at our side. Placing Malcolm down. I stood and hugged Percy.

"He won't be." Dad help me out here.

"Aw what an adorable family moment, now lets go." Percy tried to grab me but I was quicker. I ran towards the cyclops, at full speed. A spear made out of water was held in my hand. With a mighty leap I threw it at the cyclops's chest. As it got closer it grew larger and larger. Right before impact it exploded spreading, surrounding the confused monster.

"What is this?" He pounded against it. The surface glistened in the sun, causing colorful light to be reflected, bouncing around the inside. I could feel the strain, my power rapidly draining. It felt like I was standing on jello. My knees gave out, my body fell to the ground, I have to end this quickly. My open hand started to close; the barrier started to shrink.

I squeezed my hand tightly, and he was gone, screaming before he was nonexistent. Cheering erupted around me, then silence. Everyone was staring above me, I look up and saw a receding green trident above my head. Percy ran up too me, pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

"I've always wanted a younger sister." A smile was stuck to his face. I smiled back before my thoughts shifted to Malcolm once more.