Nico was the first one to say what was now on everyone's mind. "Hellhounds." He said in a low tone.

Hazel's golden eyes flashed, "Do you know if they are just like, you know the regular ones?"

He nodded. "They don't plant hellhounds out here, they are way too dangerous for new demigods." He explained, drawing his sword from its sheath. The wicked looking sword seemed to pull the heat out of the air. "We should make sure it is nothing serious though."

The moment he finished talking a scream cut through the air.

Annabeth suddenly took charge. "We are going to split into teams, and go check on the others. 'Thea, and Nico will go to the Hunters, Hazel, you and Frank go check on the other campers." She ordered.

Frank quickly spotted a flaw in her plan. "What about you? You will be by yourself. That is not safe."

"I'm going to Percy." Slipping her cap back on she disappeared, the sound of someone moving at a fast pace was all that gave hint where she was.

The son of Hades pale hand wrapped around his sister's dark hand. Kissing her cheek in a brotherly way, he nodded to her and Frank. "Becareful." Then he turned to Althea and ran off into the woods. The two of them seeming fading into the shadows.

( Jason)

Jason had completely forgotten about the flag, he was busy trying not to die. His Gladius was in hand swinging and hacking at whatever dared come close enough out of the shadows to meet his gleaming golden blade that was standing out against the darkness.

"PIPER!" He cried, being unable to see her. Fear was starting to take over.

"It's okay! I'm fine!" She called, when in reality she was in as just as tight of a situation. Piper was using the Katoptris, which is a really worthless weapon when you don't want your attackers to get close.

Leo on the other hand had just obliterated two basilisks that had gotten within firing rage. "Guys, not to concern you or anything. But I think they just keep coming. HOLY FLYING HARPIES!" He suddenly shouted as a large bird shaped silhouette covered the moon.

A loud blood curdling cry sounded from the sky, cutting clearly through the air like a knife.

Then someone ran into the clearing, all that was visible in the light of weapons, and Leo's fire was: Bright blue eyes and bits of shaggy blonde hair. In their hand was a bow, already loaded with a arrow. Slung on their back was a medical backpack.

It was the Son of Apollo: Will Solace.

Notching an arrow, then he fired into the darkness. Turning back to them, he started to speak very fast; his eyes scanning the forest behind them. "I was sent to get you guys out of here. We need to get everyone together." He explained.

Jason nodded. "Leo, give us some light. Let's get out of here. Solace, lead the way!"

With that the son of Apollo darted off into the darkness.

( Percy )

Percy was standing alone in the darkness, having just vaporized a hellhound as the moon blacked out, followed by the screech. Goosebumps appearing across his skin.

"That's not good." A familiar voice said in almost a whisper.

Looking to his right he noticed Annabeth, he was so relieved to see her. But they were far from done here.

"What is it?" The son of Poseidon asked, the fear was obvious in his voice. Normally he could be calm and collected, but this was absolutely unexpected.

Annabeth held out her knife, then stepped into the creek where Percy had moved to. Her breathing was rough from running at top speed to find him; taking a deep breath she replied.

"It's the caucasian eagle." Her voice was disbelief mixed with complete horror. "It's the eagle who… punished Prometheus."

Percy gulped. "Ate his liver right?"

"Yes, that's the one." She confirmed.

"How do we kill it?!" He asked frantically.

His gray-eyed girlfriend looked him over, almost as if making sure not one hair on his body had been harmed. "I don't know if we can, it is sacred to Zeus."

Percy groaned. "So we are going to be killed, or have a eternal punishment because one of his pets got killed. Lovely." The sarcasm was obvious in his tone, if possible he would have been dripping sarcasm.

"Basically." She confirmed. Then suddenly shoved him aside, landing on top of him as they fell to the ground beside the creek. Shielding him with her own body.

"Wha?" Percy's eyes narrowed with confusion.

Then an explosion of roaring fire passed over their head. A screech of distaste following it.

Annabeth climbed to her feet, ripping her armor off(and it was on fire) and chucking it at the monster… Which happened to have been a griffin.

Percy could see burns on her skin where the armor on her arms had been, her helmet was removed, and then it was followed by a chestplate and back armor. Her back was most likely burnt like the back of her arms and neck. They weren't bad burns like third degree, but they had obvious discomfort, and wouldn't be likely to heal fast.

Having stunned the griffin momentarily with her armor, Annabeth pulled Percy up and started to drag him into the woods out of view.

( Nico & Althea )

He and Thea had just gotten to the Hunters position. Kneeling in the middle of the group was Thalia, she was trying to keep her cool as she spoke softly to a young girl who was laying on the ground. Her face was pale from blood lose and shock.

"She's dying." said a quiet voice to his left, remembering that Althea was there. Nodding he looked around to see who all was there. He noticed the Stoll brothers, Nyssa, Kayla, Malcolm, Austin, and a number of other campers. But none of his friends were there.

Wait, scratch that.

Jason racing into the clearing, his hand was wrapped tightly around Piper's. They both looked almost relieved to see the group, almost.

Then Will stepped out the shadows, partly dragging Leo along. And he was scolding him. "No! You are staying here where it is safe, Valdez. I won't have you off chasing some hellhounds." He said, a scowl was etched into his face.

Leo tried to protest. But the Healer's attention was no longer on him.

Will walked over to the girl. Kneeling down beside her, removing the medical bag from his body he started to ask what happened.

Nico sighed with relief, there was some of them. Then he went over to some of the campers to see if anything had been figured out yet.

Althea was watching the injured girl, it was obvious that she was going to die, she could just feel it. If someone ask her to explain how she knew, they wouldn't get an answer.

Then something out of the ordinary happened(of course).

One of the unclaimed campers walked over; having removed his helmet a mop of unruly dark chocolate brown hair visible, his skin had this touch of brown… Almost like a little bit of chocolate milk have been infused into his pale but not quite white skin. His eyes were a dark hazel that seemed to fit his complection.

He was beautiful, er… Handsome.

It was now rather obvious who he was, it was Aaron Sable. The boy that had been unclaimed for almost a year, it had caused some problems as the gods had to claim their kids. Lots of people seemed to think he would fit it Aphrodite's cabins, but… Her daughters begged to differ, as they were kinda chasing him.

Anyway, back on track!

He walked over to the girl, saying something in a whisper to Thalia, and Will. They both moved away, but the hunters looked uncomfortable at the fact he was so close to her.

Althea had to move closer, she wanted to know what was going on.

Aaron removed his jacket and placed it as if it was a pillow under her head, his extreme gentleness with her was interesting. Sitting beside her he started to talk.

"Hi, I'm Aaron. What's your name?" He asked, to most it would be weird. But he was completely casual. His tone as if they knew each other. He also ignored the sound of swords clashing and arrows flying around them.

The girl gasped slightly from pain, then she responded. "Jaelyn." She croaked. A tear rolling down her reddish skin, she obviously had some native american blood in there. It was obvious with her dark eyes, dark hair, and red tinted skin.

"When did you join the Hunters of Artemis?" He asked softly.

A smile formed on Jaelyn face, but it was a sad one that shone in her brown eyes. "Awhile ago, just after the second Titan war."

Thalia took the opportunity to jump in. "She was great help when Gaea was rising, brilliant really. She was one of those who helped take the weight off of my shoulders." Pausing she touched the girl's hand. "A job well done, Hunter." Taking a small waxing moon charm from her pocket she placed it in Jaelyn's hand. Giving it a squeeze for good measures.

Her brown eyes seemed to get some of their focus back. "I'm dying, aren't I?" She asked, but it was clear she knew that it was true.

Aaron brushed her hair out of her face. His hazel eyes held an odd sadness that made it seem like he had done this before. "Yes, you are." Seeing her lip quiver as tears flooded down her face. "But it is nothing to fear. You have obviously served Lady Artemis well, you should at least get Elysium. And if that is not good enough I'll put a word in with Thanatos." He quickly assured.

She smiled again as if she was sure it was okay now. "Thank you…" Her words were barely a whisper and left with her last breath.

Aaron closed her eyes and touched her face in a soft way, running his hand down her neck and shoulder until he had grasped her now dead hand. "May you rest and achieve greatness among the souls of the Underworld. You have my blessing of safe travel straight to the Judgement Pavilion." Removing his hands as a flittering figure appeared, nodding her head in thanks. Then turned into a butterfly, flapping their wings a few times then disappearing into the air.

He stood and stepped away, a tear rolling down his skin. A then light appeared over his head, it was silvery like mist… Or soul. It was wings that seemed to change between that a bird, to that of a butterfly. In front of it was a scythe.

Shaking his head to himself as it faded.

Then Nico spoke up, taking Chiron's usual line. "All hail Aaron Sable, the son of Thanatos." Pausing he must have grinned to himself. "You can stay in the Hades cabin. Which means if you are lucky, you'll have it all to yourself in the near future." His voice was very sarcastic. Which if you knew him you would find this kinda unusual…

Hearing another screech sound through the air, everyone got into fighting positions.

Thalia looked up. "It's the eagle!" She called to the other Hunters, pausing a minute before shouting at everyone. "NO ONE EVEN WAVE A SWORD AT THAT THING, IF ANYBODY IS GOING TO GET THE WRATH OF ZEUS: IT'S GOING TO BE ME!"

Loading her bow in a split second, taking aim when a strong hand wrapped around her arm. Cursing she turned to give whoever it was a piece of her mind.

It was Jason, his blue eyes burning into hers. He looked as if he could stomp that eagle's head in without a second thought. "No, you are not." He said flatly.

"You can't stop me!" She snapped, aiming again. She would probably miss with his hand grasping her arm, but so what?

The Son of Jupiter glared at his sister, she is so stubborn! "Fine then, I'm going to help you." Before she could object he summoned a bolt of lightning, controlling the winds as he tried to get it to stay there. But it was exhausting his.

Thalia grumbled something and unleashed a volley of arrows on the giant bird. Taking her last arrow out of her quiver, the Hunter drew in a deep breath. Then letting the arrow fly she watched as lightning seemed to cage the eagle. Seeing it blow into a mass pile of feathers she smiled.

Then Jason collapsed. He had used so much of his 'powers' to keep it in place, and hit it with half a dozen bolts of lightning. Groaning as crumbled

Thalia barely managed to catch him. "Medic!" She called. Sitting down with his head on her lap.

One of the Apollo kids came over to see what they could do.

The one of the campers let out a warning cry, throwing their javelin at a hellhound. they took it down. Yes, but there were more. And they were surrounding the group.

They snarled and growled at them, snapping it at those who strayed from the group.

Nico then walked up to one, quickly impaling it. His sword sucking it's essence up like a vacuum.

Dealing with two others he didn't notice the third…. that was until it had a golden arrow impaling it's ugly muzzle.

Will was watching Nico like a hawk, every time one got to close; it had a arrow stuck in it's body.

Althea watched the battle, her knife would do hardly any damage from where she was standing. Cursing herself for not learning how to use any other weapon, it would be better than this worthless blade.

Piper had the Katoptris out and was slicing through monster after monster, her face was faintly visible from the gleam of it.

The Hunters killed anything in their path, arrows flying, swords swinging.

The other Campers were using any weapon possible. Greek fire, javelins, spears, swords, etc.

So yeah, chaos. Random campers falling, Hunters barely saving themselves. But the monsters just kept coming, Lovely.

Then a sharp scream of intense pain cut through the air like fireworks on the Fourth of July, it seemed to be interwoven with the cry of a Bird of Prey.

Everyone seemed to freeze for a few seconds, trying to figure out what happened.

Nico paled, one look from him to everyone else cleared everything up without words. He quickly cut down some of the monsters. "Will! Cover me, also grab your bag." He told the healer. Not giving him the chance to protest before he ran off.

Will was used to this type of thing, he was one of the best healers among Apollo's cabin. Putting his life on the line for the injured is what he does. Without a second through he draw a arrow and raced off after the Son of Hades.

Jason was just coming to when the scream started. Concern was engraven into his face. "Percy? Annabeth? Are they okay?" He asked.

Piper squeezed his hand, but she didn't say anything. Which is quite helpful!

His sister looked down at him. "I'm sure they are fine, Percy's got Annabeth with him; they'll live." She told him. Drawing a short sword for combat as some of the other hellhounds that were still out there closed in.

( Percy & Annabeth )

The Griffin was still following them. Great.

Annabeth's skin was starting to tear where the burns were, so she was bleeding and in a decent amount of pain. But hey, they are Half-Bloods, pain is just a part of their lives.

Percy was now the one dragging her along, desperate to get out of the woods and into camp. But it was hard to tell where they were.

Seeing the fire-breathing hybrid he groaned. Today of all days, and c'mon this is camp! We should be safe, but no. "Annabeth." He said softly. Her head was hung, her orange camp shirt was starting to turn red.

Annabeth looked him in the eye, her gray gaze meeting his green. A questioning look on her face. "What?"

"Stay here, and don't move."

She straighten up difiantly. "Percy, no." She said in a flat this-conversation-is-over sort of way.

Percy shook his head, smiling at her stubbornness. Then squeezed her hand, "I love you, Wise Girl." kissing her lightly.

Pulling back they looked each other in the eyes for a long moment. They were in a rather impossible position, Percy had to get close enough to the beast so he could 'kill' it.

Annabeth reached up and ruffled his hair. "We've been through worse." Then she paused, you could see the wheels spinning in her mind. "I'm helping you. And don't you dare say that I'm not." Then she ran into the clearing. "HEY STUPID! WE'RE OVER HERE!" She shouted.

Percy's mouth fell open, then mentally slapping himself he ran through the trees to where could get it if it came after her.

Sure enough it went after her, it's yellow eagle eyes didn't miss a thing. It's tail flicking back and forth as it approached the child of Athena. It could smell blood, and it was fresh. Throwing it's head back it made what sounded like a mix of a eagles cry, and a lions roar.

Then it pounced, it's claws drawn as it aimed for her chest.

Percy seemed to fly out of the trees, Riptide in hand; but it was too late. He'd never make it. With sudden effort and energy that came from nowhere, he threw himself in front of her.

He could feel it's claws grappling him, cutting through his shirt and running through his skin. It's claws slid down the front of him and didn't stop until it reached his left side a few inches above his waist.

Looking at it he noticed that the Riptide had stabbed it in the heart area.

He could feel himself swaying on his feet, the edges of his vision was a reddish black. Then he screamed from the pain that had just now hit him. The Griffin seemed to scream as well, then it exploded.

Percy collapsed at Annabeth's feet unconscious, his skin got paler by the seconds. Blood flowing freely from him.

Annabeth quickly evaluated the damage. "Percy?... Percy?! PERCY!" She shouted, tears falling in an unstoppable stream.

Remembering the canteen of nectar she had, she quickly took it off. Then using her knife to cut the remains of his shirt back so she could see clearly and not waste any of the precious liquid.

Pouring it on Percy she slumped her shoulders as blood kept coming.

Looking up as she heard rustling, Annabeth grabbed her knife, but there was no need.

"What happened?" Will asked, dropping to his knees beside Percy. His bag was in front of him and being looked through as he took in the situation.

"A Griffin attacked. We couldn't lose it." She said quietly.

Nico sat down beside Annabeth on the ground, "You are hurt." He said, looking at her arms and neck. Noticing that bits of her hair had been scorched.

She gave him a weak glare. "I'm fine." She said, but she was quite the opposite: One of the people she loved the most was lying near death in front of her, she had burns that seemed to get worse and worse, she was exhausted. Still crying.

Nico shook his head. "Will, you have some ambrosia?"

Will had been listening as he bandaged Percy. Nodding he tossed them a baggie of ambrosia, and a salve of some sort. Then went back to layering bandages on his current largest concern.

"Eat it." Nico ordered. Once she had he was satisfied, then helped her apply the salve on her arms, hands, and neck.

After sometime Will sighed, then he let out a very loud whistle that made Nico cover his ears.

After a moment a jet black pegasus landed beside them, it whinnied and inspected Percy. Then a white one landed beside it.

The Healer patted Blackjack's neck. "I need you to take Annabeth and Percy back to camp." He told him.

Nico could see him hesitating. "Go, I'll get back fine. You get out of here." He told him.

Will paused then nodded.

Annabeth had climbed onto Blackjack, then with their help got Percy up in front of her. Wrapping her arms around him tightly.

Will grabbed a fistful of the other pegasus's mane Hauling himself on it.

Then they were off.

And Nico simply shadow traveled away.

( Hunters & Campers )

Althea was standing next to Aaron, he knowed them down, she sliced them up.

Nico then suddenly appeared. "We need to get out of here." He said just loud enough for most people to hear. And he was getting tired from all this running and shadow traveling.

"I agree, that is if we could leave." Thalia said shortly.

He shrugged, then walked away to help Piper, and Leo.

Thea then got a crazy idea. I wonder… Spinning her knife in her hand, it seemed to slow down. Growing longer, and longer. Before she knew it she was holding a short stygian iron sword, it fit perfectly.

The holding her hands out the ground started to shake.

"What are you doing?" Aaron demanded. But he was ignored.

She moved away from everyone else, stabbing a hellhound; watching as it was sucked into her sword.

Then Nico noticed. "Thea…?" He called, moving closer to see what was going on.

Then the ground started cracking around them in a really useless way.

Althea smiled to herself.

And then this strange black fire shot from her hands in a steady stream, dissolving anything it touched, it wrapped around the group.

Nico watched as her face took on the look people associated with the children of Hades, a madman look. She watched the fire with sick interest.

She staggered, the fire dying. It had drained her strength.

Then she felt something hit her back and shoulder, then released. Something warm was running down her back, her vision was going black rapidly.

"Thea!" Was the last thing she heard. Yes there was murmuring and such, but it didn't break through. Unable to see now, and feel.

She just faded into the darkness being unable to keep it away.

Thank you everyone who has commented, followed, or just read it. You guys are great!

Also, I apologize for the wait. And any mistakes. I've been on a tight schedule thus making it hard to edit because of time.

Thanks again!