Maybe it was the fact that she was actually taking part in capture the flag because she was used to being a demigod and didn't have a war breathing down her back but Lizzie was enjoying the Hades out of this game.

A mix of Demeter, Apollo and Hermes children were defending their flag while the rest, which included Lizzie and Reyna went off to search for other ones. Yells could be heard from all around the vicinity as campers went against each other and shrieks of anger and colourful curse words that ranged from Ancient Greek to Latin to English told Lizzie that some flags had already been taken.

"Oh well, we found one." Reyna said.

A red flag was hanging from the top of a tree, the leaves hiding almost every inch of it except for the small part of it that was peeking out thanks to the wind

Ducking as a spear came flying past her shoulder, Lizzie turned her head to see a mix of ten Ares and Mars campers advancing on them.

Lizzie ducked again as the first demigod, a child of Ares, swung his sword in her direction. She lifted up Riptide in a lunge and a feint before swinging the sword in a manoeuvre that caused him to drop his sword. Lizzie kicked the sword away before he could grab it and advanced on her next attacker, a child of Mars this time before managing to knock her out this time with the same move she had used on the Amazons the last time.

Reyna was holding her own against the other three demigods, who lost their weapons and almost had their arms sliced off within the next minute of fighting with Reyna.

It wasn't even that much of a fight.

And seeing how they definitely were fighting a losing battle, the children of the war god had no choice but to surrender their flag.

"So," Lizzie said to Reyna as she climbed to the top of he tree and retrieved the red flag. "What's the plan after leaving camp?"

Reyna shrugged as she looked around and behind, guarding their backs just in case. "There's a lot to do. I'd reckon Jason mentioned that he was going to make sure altars were built for minor gods and goddesses?"

"Yeah."

"Not just that. We gotta keep this two camps in contact. No more Roman Greek divide."

"Exchange Programmes?"

Reyna grinned. "Definitely. Our War Games match up to you guys' Capture the Flag, you know."

Lizzie rolled her eyes. "I've taken part in those Reyna. As I recall, the last time I did that, the Fifth Cohort won."

Reyna's reply was interrupted as she took in Fireworks beach, which they could see from the edge of the forest. "It looks so-"

"Different?" Lizzie asked her as they stepped onto the sand, enjoying the feeling of the night Breeze blowing in her face through the stuffy helmet.

"Peaceful. Or maybe because we've been so busy about the war and rebuilding this camo that I've never really taken the time to actually view the place."

"Tell me Reyna, when have you actually taken time off for yourself?"

Reyna shook her head. "I'm Praetor, Lizzie, I don't just take time off myself."

They were interrupted by a rustling sound in their surroundings and Lizzie immediately stiffened, looking towards the trees, but they held no sign of any monster hiding among them.

Reyna narrowed her eyes. "I don't think those pointy things are part of the sand."

Lizzie snapped her eyes towards where Reyna was pointing, where two pairs of horns were indeed nestled in the sand, barely made out in the night.

As if in answer, two enormous serpents sprung out and advanced on them, hissing.

"Let me guess. You are here to attack me?" Lizzie said.

"We bear a message from our Mistress. She tells you that while you may think you finally have a moment of peace you-"

"Yeah yeah, get a number and wait in line. It may be about a few hundred peaceful moments before you get your turn though." She turned to Reyna. "Looks like we aren't just fighting demigods tonight."

Reyna smirked. "I'll take the larger one."

"Oh come on, both of them are tiny, don't let them coil around you though, they are Cerastes, they'all devour you."

The serpents hissed in outrage and attacked them. Lizzie ducked before aiming her sword at the serpent's eyes, only to be blocked by its horns. She jumped away as the serpent went for her neck, suspended in midair.

"Aww come on, she gave you guys powers to fly. That isn't fair."

"Foolish daughter of Poseidon. You will die tonight." It hissed at her, yellowish black eyes blinking down at her.

That's right. Poseidon. Lizzie sneaked a glance towards the sea while she lunged for the serpent's body. If she could just drive it and the one fighting Reyna to the water.

"Reyna!" She yelled without looking back, as she faced the sea and slashed at the serpent in front of her, it barely dodged her sword by taking to the air before flying down and aiming for her head. Lizzie raced for the water, hoping that her friend would get the message.

"Running away? How unlike you Lizzie Jackson. Perhaps you aren't as strong as-"

It was cut off as a wave of water slammed into it and a whirlpool engulfed it, managing to pull in the other serpent which Reyna had driven over. The serpents thrashed, hissing as they attempted to escape the whirlpool, but Lizzie held them in.

"One lesson. Honestly, when fighting a Daughter of Poseidon it never occured you to choose somewhere away from the water? What a pair of idiots."

She sighed as Reyna jumped in and stabbed the both of them with her sword."And you say I'm the foolish one."

As the whirlpool died down, Lizzie turned to stare at several campers whose mouths were wide open, or were blinking in shock.

Lizzie waved a hand at them. "Nothing like the usual business. Has the game ended?"

.

.

.

"Lizzie, this may be a real threat." Chiron said worriedly, in the big house as Lizzie scowled and leaned back against her chair.

She had told Chiron about what happened earlier, and described her dream earlier that day.

"We know that demigod dreams are not to be taken lightly. Given what happened the last time with Kronos-"

"Of course I know dreams are not to be taken lightly!" Lizzie gestured wildly. "For the past few years, worrying about my dreams is the only thing that has consumed my sleep. And when I finally think I get a chance to rest-" Lizzie sighed as she put her head in her hands. "I'm sorry Chiron, I just wished-"

Chiron gave her shoulder a few pats. "It's fine Lizzie. I wish you had that chance to rest too. But we cannot ignore this threat against you. Not when it may be a goddess who is very well behind it. And I know you, and will not ask you to sit back while others-"

He was cut off as Apollo came rushing into the room. "I heard what happened. I'm sorry I was away with Dionysus." His eyes searched Lizzie's face. "You're alright?"

Lizzie nodded as she looked at Apollo. "I'm fine. Reyna and I killed the monsters."

"Good." Apollo nodded. "But this can't keep happening. There must be a solution. The prophecy-" He stopped short as his eyes widened before he looked away, running his hands through his blonde hair.

Lizzie narrowed her eyes. "What prophecy, Apollo?"

Apollo shook his head. "It's nothing." He sai quickly.

"Lord Apollo, Lizzie." But she ignored Chiron. "What godsdamned prophecy?"

Apollo shook his head as he leaned against the wall. "You're not going to be happy about it."

Thanks for reading. :)