Ch. 20

Percy smirked internally. Beckendorf had fooled them. When he'd realized he was going to be captured, he turned to make it look like he was going the other way. He'd convinced them he hadn't made it to the engine room yet.

"Open his bag," Kronos ordered.

One of the giants ripped the explosives satchel from Beckendorf's shoulders. He peered inside, grunted, and turned it upside down. Panicked monsters surged backwards, but what fell out were a dozen cans of peaches.

Percy could hear Kronos breathing, trying to control his anger. "Did you, perhaps," he said, "capture this demigod near the galley?"

Ethan turned pale.

"Check the engine room you fool!" Kronos growled.

Percy looked at Beckendorf again.

Beckendorf mouthed one word: GO!

Beckendorf raised his free hand slowly bringing it towards the watch on his right wrist.

Percy waited until Beckendorf pressed the button on his watch before he thrust his hand forward pointing at Beckendorf before the ship shook violently and Percy knew things had just gone from bad to worse.

Beckendorf closed his eyes when he pressed the button on his watch, sad he was leaving behind Silena and his friends but happy he could die giving his friends and family a fighting chance by eliminating a good-sized portion of the Titan Army. He hoped Percy had listened to him and gotten off the ship in time.

Beckendorf waited for the pain, he hoped it would be quick. He hoped he had done enough good in his life to be granted passage into Elysium. He knew Percy would put a good word in for him. He was a good friend and Beckendorf prayed he didn't die with him.

As Beckendorf waited for the pain, he suddenly felt the sensation of free-falling making him panic, thinking he was falling into Tartarus or something. His eyes shot open just in time to recognize the surface of the ocean in front of him before he painfully belly-flopped into it. He sank into the sea before frantically swimming back up to the surface gasping for breath.

He couldn't help but grin, Percy managed to save him. He looked around for Percy as he floated in the sea but couldn't find him anywhere. In the distance, he could see the smoke from the ship exploding. His smiled slowly vanished as he continued to look for his friend everywhere but couldn't see anything. Beckendorf soon started to panic, calling out for Percy but when he heard nothing, he felt a sharp jab of guilt when he realized Percy had managed to save him but not himself.

A shadow appeared over Beckendorf's head as Blackjack slowly circled above him. The Pegasus managed to hover just inches above the water so Beckendorf could pull himself up before the Pegasus took off again.

"We have to look for Percy; head for the ship." Beckendorf said pleadingly.

Blackjack whinnied and seemed to understand as he took off towards the ship. When they arrived, Beckendorf paled. There was little left of the ship other than pieces. Beckendorf still spent the next hour fly around the wreckage searching for Percy before he broke down and told Blackjack to head back to camp.

The Pegasus gave what Beckendorf could only assume was a depressed neigh before taking off for camp. After thirty minutes of flying, camp could be seen in the distance as Blackjack turned in that direction. As they made their descent towards camp, people began to gather near the dining pavilion as Blackjack landed. Everyone smiled when they saw Beckendorf dismount but their looks of happiness quickly morphed into ones of confusion.

Annabeth looked at Beckendorf strangely, "Where's Percy?"

Beckendorf could only close his eyes and shake his head to her question.

Silence met his answer as everyone tried to grasp that they had lost their most powerful demigod and friend; the one who was supposed to save them all in this war. Silena quickly wrapped her boyfriend in a hug as she tried and failed to hold back her tears. Beckendorf let his girlfriend hug him as he looked at the campers until his eyes landed on Zoe.

She stood in the back of the group. She was one of the few demigods who wasn't in tears but when Beckendorf looked in her eyes, he saw something worse. They looked almost hollow as she stared blankly ahead, like the life was ripped out of her body.

Line Break

Percy thrust his hand towards Beckendorf when he saw him close his eyes as a shadow engulfed his friend, taking him as far away as Percy could send him before he felt like he had been hit by a ten ton flaming dump truck. The last thing Percy thought before he passed out was, FUCK.

The next thing Percy heard was the soft chuckle of a warm voice. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his patron sitting in front of the hearth at Camp Half Blood looking at him with a proud smile.

"My lady?" Percy said confused.

The eight year old goddess smiled warmly at him, "I knew you would be my perfect champion." She said softly.

Percy thought about what the last thing he remembered was as he recalled the ship blowing up while he was still onboard.

"Am I dead Aunt Hestia?" Percy asked curiously.

Hestia smiled and shook her head, "No, but you are close. Right now you are floating in the ocean a few miles away from where the ship blew up. You should be dead but your destiny protects you. I was able to protect you before the explosion could find your Achilles' spot. If you had been fated to die on that ship, then I wouldn't have reached you in time."

Percy let out a breath he didn't know he was holding before he became confused again, "Wait then why am I here?"

Hestia chuckled softly, "So smart and yet, sometimes a bit dense. You are dreaming my champion."

Percy face palmed as he realized that it was kind of obvious.

"Did Beckendorf make it?" Percy asked nervously.

Hestia smiled proudly, "Yes, because of you. A noble sacrifice you made for your friend. He has already been at camp for a few hours where they are currently mourning your death."

Percy's eyes widened before his face turned deathly pale making Hestia laugh again.

"Yes, I'm afraid your friend Zoe is quite upset at the moment. I shudder to think about what will happen to you when you return to camp alive." Hestia said with a slight smirk.

"What about Nico and Bianca? Do they think I'm dead too?" Percy asked worriedly.

Hestia shook her head, "Your father has them in the Underworld at the moment. They are unaware that you even went on the mission."

Percy sighed with relief, "So did we get a good chunk of the Titan Army?"

Hestia nodded, "Yes that makes two ships sunk for you in less than a year." She said before her face saddened, "Unfortunately there were a number of demigods on this one while the last one had mostly monsters."

Percy sighed, "They made their own choices my lady and they would have tried to kill us if given the chance."

Hestia nodded solemnly, "Yes but it is unfortunate they were drawn to my father and his army."

Percy nodded before looking at Hestia curiously, "How long until I wake up?"

Hestia chuckled, "That is up to you my champion. The sea is doing its best to heal you but you will be in a lot pain when you wake. Your skin is impenetrable but the power of the explosion managed to injure you internally."

Percy paled a bit but nodded, "Thank you for saving me my lady."

Hestia smiled before kissing Percy softly on the forehead as the dream vanished from Percy's vision.

Line Break

Zoe felt numb. He couldn't be dead, it wasn't possible. He had at least four more days. She wasn't ready for him to die then and she definitely wasn't ready to lose him now. He had somehow become the most important person in her life over the past two years. He singlehandedly made her experience at camp go from miserable to happy. Even if she wouldn't admit it, she enjoyed being at camp. She enjoyed seeing Percy and spending almost every day with him. She didn't believe it. Percy couldn't be dead; he always found a way out of every situation.

But as she listened to Beckendorf retell the story of what happened, a feeling of emptiness consumed her. She listened to Beckendorf talk about Percy running out into the ship to buy him time. And then after Beckendorf had been captured, Percy battling the Titan Lord himself in one-on-one combat and holding his own. If she hadn't felt so dead inside, she would have laughed at his reckless bravery.

She felt her heart break when she heard Beckendorf tell everyone how he told Percy to make a run for but Percy instead used his final moment to save Beckendorf; exactly the selfless bravery Percy always showed when put in a position of helping himself or his friends and family.

Zoe turned around, not able to listen to any more of the story. She made a beeline for the beach where she collapsed in the sand, finally allowing the first tears to fall from her eyes.

She wasn't sure how long she silently wept, but at some point she fell asleep. She awoke when she felt someone gently shaking her. When she opened her eyes, she almost panicked. Percy was standing above her ripped and torn clothing, his face was black and he looked like he just crawled out of a grave.

"You're not real. This is just a dream." She said disbelievingly.

Percy shook his head, "I promise I am very much alive based on how much my body hurts right now."

Zoe stared at him in shock but before she could say anything, he spoke again.

"I'm sorry Zoe but please don't hit me, I can't describe how much pain I'm in right now." Percy said before he gave her a small smile.

Zoe stood up in the sand; she looked Percy up and down before she smiled, "You look like shit Percy."

Percy's eyes widened before he couldn't help himself from laughing. When he started laughing Zoe slipped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest. Percy smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, much more pleased with this welcome back than the one he anticipated.

When they broke apart, Percy sat down in the sand, his body begging him for rest. Zoe sat down next to him and looked at him expectantly.

Percy smiled and recounted the part of the story starting with where Beckendorf left off. He told her about his dream with Hestia and how she had protected him when the ship exploded and then waking up in the sea. How it had taken him a few hours to get back to camp as he was in too much pain to shadow travel. He had convinced a passing Humpback Whale to give him a tow to within a half mile of camp where he felt strong enough to will the currents to carry him to shore.

When he finished the story he looked at Zoe with a smile but she was just looked at him incredulously, "You caught a ride with a whale?"

Percy smirked, "Yes and she was agonizingly talkative. Longest two hours of my life."

She stared at Percy disbelievingly before she started laughing, both at his description of the whale and just because she was happy. Percy was alive and that was what mattered. She had no plans to let him out of her sight again.

She slipped her hand into Percy's and looked at him seriously, "Why do you always have to be so stupid? Why is it you that has to be blown up?"

Percy smiled, "I don't try to get myself hurt but I'm the one with the Achilles curse; I knew if one of us could survive then it would be me. I couldn't let Beckendorf die if I could help it."

Zoe looked at him sadly, "Do you know how much it hurt to think you were dead?"

Percy wrapped his arms around her, "I'm sorry but I didn't have a choice. Besides I'm alive and not going anywhere, at least not yet."

Zoe bit her lip nervously, "No Percy, you can't die. I don't know what I would do if I lost you…." She said trailing off.

Percy put a finger to his lips and nodded, "I know."

Zoe gently pushed him down in the sand and cuddled up next to him. Neither said anything as words weren't really necessary; both were content as they lay on the beach together until they drifted off to sleep.

(Next Morning)

Percy awoke to the sounds of shouting in the distance in the direction of camp. He looked beside him to see Zoe stirring. When she opened her eyes, she smiled at him which was a relief to Percy as he half expected to be smacked. He smiled back as they both climbed to their feet and looked off in the distance towards camp. Both looked at each other confused before making their way into camp.

Percy felt much better after a night of peaceful sleep. His body was still sore but he felt reenergized at the same time.

When they reached the cabin area of camp they both stopped. Chiron and Dionysus were both at the door of the Artemis cabin, the door was open and people had clearly been in and out a number of times.

Zoe's eyes widened before they narrowed as she became furious people dared go in her cabin without her in it. She stepped forward to start yelling when Percy put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"Wait. Something isn't right." He said warily.

Zoe was about to argue but something about the look in Percy's eyes told her he was being very serious. She bit her tongue and waited.

After a minute, a few campers who were standing outside noticed them.

"PERCY!" Beckendorf yelled before running straight to him and crushing him in a hug. Percy managed to get free and smiled at his friend.

"How are you alive?" Beckendorf asked.

Percy smiled, "Takes a bit more than a little explosion to kill me bro." He said before turning serious, "What's going on here?" He asked as campers began to gather around them, a number of them glaring at Zoe.

Beckendorf scowled, "They say they found proof Zoe's a traitor. I told them that it was crap but Mr. D is here to bring her to Olympus."

Percy's eyes widened before he stepped away from Beckendorf and in front of Zoe. Chiron and Dionysus walked over until they were in front of Percy.

"Percy, I'm afraid we need to speak to Zoe in private." Chiron said nervously.

Percy's eyes narrowed, "No, I think you can say what you need to say right here right now." He growled.

"Step away Perry, your girlfriend has been proven a traitor. Father demands I bring her to Olympus now." Dionysus said in an attempt to sound threatening.

"And what is this supposed proof?" Percy said with narrowed eyes.

Dionysus held up a scythe charm as a smug smile appeared on his chubby face.

Percy's eyes widened. He looked at Zoe in shock but her eyes were even wider than his.

Percy spun back around, "And who found this?"

"Annabeth found it in her cabin this morning when she went to look for her. I'm sorry Percy but we have no choice." Chiron said sadly.

Percy turned to look at Annabeth in shock. She stood looking back at him but refused to meet his eyes.

Percy scowled, "This is a lie. Zoe is not a traitor and she is not going anywhere with you, you fat fuck." He said to Dionysus whose eyes widened in shock.

"You insolent little brat." Dionysus growled.

Percy uncapped Anaklusmos as he stood protectively in front of Zoe, "Believe what you want to about Zoe but I promise she isn't going anywhere near Olympus."

"You dare to challenge a god boy?" Dionysus yelled.

Percy scoffed, "I've challenged four Titans and lived to talk about it, I think I can handle fat drunk like you; even if you do somehow fall into the category of god."

Dionysus eyes burst into purple flames and sent a blast of energy at Percy who still stood protectively in front of Zoe. Percy knew it was coming; Dionysus would never try to fight in hand-to-hand combat. His shield sprung from his wrist and deflected the energy blast before Percy vanished only to reappear behind the wine god and drive the hilt of Anaklusmos into the back of his head with every ounce of strength he could muster. Dionysus crumbled to the ground, golden ichor seeping out of a deep gash in the back of his head before Percy reappeared in front of Zoe again.

The campers stared at Percy in shock but he just glared at them all, still standing in front of Zoe with Anaklusmos out.

"TRAITORS!" A few of the campers screamed as they pulled out weapons and pointed them at Percy and Zoe.

"No! This is crap! Percy and Zoe would never betray us." Beckendorf growled as he pulled out his sword and stood by Percy's side.

Silena, Connor, Travis, Will, Michael, Katie, Clarisse, and a few others quickly joined Beckendorf in standing beside Percy and Zoe.

The campers who were about to attack suddenly lost their nerve after watching the most powerful and skilled demigods in camp back up Percy and Zoe.

Chiron looked at the situation nervously, unsure of what to do. He turned to Percy pleadingly, "Percy, we need to settle this peacefully. Perhaps if we just visit the council this can all be worked out."

"No! This is bullshit Chiron and you know it. You all know it. You will all rue the day you chose to betray us." Percy spat in a rage.

Chiron looked at Percy sadly, "We cannot ignore an order from Lord Zeus."

Percy shook his head, "I'm sorry Chiron but that's where you're wrong. My allegiance has always been to my father and my friends; not to Olympus and certainly not to Zeus. I now know the friends who deserve that loyalty and the ones that don't. If Zeus doesn't like it, well he can try to come get us." He said as he backed away from his friends. "Don't do anything foolish. Just know I would never abandon or betray any of you." He said seriously to his friends as they watched him back away from them with Zoe who was in shocked silence.

Thunder shook the camp before Percy locked eyes with Annabeth, "You will pay dearly for this traitor. Pray I don't leave the Underworld again while you're still alive."

Thunder shook the camp again before Percy looked at the sky with a scowl as a huge bolt of lightning came down and struck the place where Percy and Zoe had been standing.

Everyone looked at the spot they had been standing in shock, unsure if the two had been blasted or vanished.

Line Break

Percy and Zoe reappeared in the throne room of Hades palace after vanishing just before they could be blasted by Zeus' bolt.

Hades looked at his son confused, "Perseus, what are you doing here?"

Percy scowled, "Zoe was betrayed at camp. That stupid daughter of Athena planted evidence and accused her of treason. They tried to bring her to Olympus so we came here for shelter."

Hades' eyes widened, "What happened at camp?"

"Dionysus tried to bring her to Olympus so I knocked him out. I'm sorry father but my loyalty is not to Olympus, it is to you and to my friends. Since Zoe is my best friend, I will not allow her to be railroaded by some traitorous demigod with a vendetta against her." Percy explained as he looked at his father hopefully. He wasn't sure if he would support Percy's decision but he hoped his father cared for him enough to help both him and Zoe.

Hades stared at Percy surprised but as he looked at him, he could tell Percy was pleading with him to back him on this.

Hades nodded slowly, "Good. I have no desire to lose my son protecting Olympus anyway. You and your friend shall be safe here. When Zeus comes to his senses, he can come begging for your help and it will be your decision on what to do. Whatever you decide, you have my support."

Percy sighed in relief, "Thank you father."

Hades nodded before he smirked, "So you knocked that drunken fool out? Well done Perseus, you do your father proud."

Percy grinned before he led Zoe out of the throne room and into his room inside the palace. Once they were inside, he looked at Zoe who was still in a stupor.

"Are you okay Zoe?" He asked worriedly.

Zoe looked up at him for a second before she grabbed his face in her hands and pulled him into a kiss. She tried to pour her emotions and gratitude into the kiss as her hands found their way into his hair, trying to pull him closer. After a minute she pulled back but kept her arms around his neck as she buried her face in the crook of his neck.

Percy rubbed her back soothingly, "I'm sorry I didn't have time to ask you if this was okay but I couldn't let them take you to Olympus."

Zoe pulled back, "Percy you just betrayed Olympus." She said worriedly.

He shrugged, "And I would do it again. I won't let them touch you Zoe, ever. I won't let them railroad you."

Zoe smiled before she looked thoughtful, "How do you know it was a lie?"

Percy rolled his eyes at the question, "I trust you. I know you and I know you wouldn't betray me." He said seriously before he smiled, "Besides, you could have just killed me yourself whenever you wanted, you are the only person who knows how to now."

Zoe smiled and hugged him again, "Thank you Percy."

Percy and Zoe spent a few hours in the palace of Hades before they were summoned to Hades' throne room. When they walked in they were shocked to find a few visitors. Hestia, Demeter and Artemis were standing in the middle of the room while Hades and Persephone sat in their thrones with Nico and Bianca sitting at the foot of their father's throne.

Zoe made a beeline for Artemis who wrapped her in a tight hug. When they broke apart, Zoe returned to Percy's side as he looked at everyone confused.

"What's going on?" He asked.

"Zeus is requesting that you come to Olympus to talk." Hades said with a scowl.

"Okay, well no. Is that all?" Percy said seriously.

Artemis looked at Percy, "Perseus, Zeus has already sworn on the Styx not to attack you. He merely wants a chance to talk to you about what happened at camp. I give you my word you can leave at any time."

"What is there to talk about? You know this is crap. Zoe is no traitor and Zeus has made his position very clear when he tried to have her brought to Olympus. I doubt he informed you that he tried to capture her, did he? I am no servant of Olympus. I fight for my family and friends. Unless he gives me Annabeth's head on a platter, then he has nothing I want." Percy replied seriously.

Artemis scowled, "No I was not informed and I promise you it was not pleasant when I found out. I understand your anger and I don't blame you but I am asking you to come to Olympus. Apollo, Demeter, Poseidon and I will come to your defense if needed; I swear it on the Styx." She said as thunder rumbled overhead. "We need to resolve this issue Perseus. We need you in this war and you know it. Typhon is almost free from his prison and when that happens, all the Olympians will be needed to fight him. We need you to lead the demigods in defending Olympus." She said almost pleadingly.

Percy looked towards his father who shrugged, "I told you, you are my son and I will back you no matter what decision you make."

Percy nodded and turned back to Artemis as he thought how to respond, "I will come but Zoe remains here until the issue is resolved. I know you would protect her but you and the others are already outnumbered and I don't trust any of the other Olympians."

Artemis looked surprised but quickly nodded, "Thank you Perseus."

Percy turned Zoe and smiled as Artemis put a hand on his shoulder and they vanished in a flash of silver light.

They reappeared outside the throne room as Percy was about to walk in but Artemis stopped him by wrapping him in a hug. Percy's eyes widened as he lightly hugged her back.

"Thank you Perseus. That was incredibly brave of you to protect Zoe like that." Artemis said gratefully once she let him go.

Percy nodded, "Like I said, I am loyal to my friends and we both know Annabeth is the traitor. I couldn't let her get Zoe killed."

Artemis' eyes narrowed, "When I get my hands on that little bitch..." She growled.

Percy chuckled before his face morphed into a scowl and he nodded for Artemis to lead them in.

Once they walked in, Artemis flashed to her throne. Demeter was already in her throne and Hestia at her place by the hearth. Poseidon and Apollo smiled at him as he walked in while Athena looked at him with narrowed eyes.

Dionysus glared harshly at Percy making him stop and smirk, "How's the head Mr. D?"

Dionysus jumped out of his throne only to get blasted by a stream of water courtesy of Poseidon.

Zeus slammed his bolt into the ground silencing the room, "Enough! We have more important things to discuss than you being defeated by a demigod in mere seconds." He said glaring at Dionysus.

Zeus turned to Percy and looked at him expectantly. Percy looked at him confused, "What?"

Zeus' face reddened, "Aren't you going to bow?"

Percy narrowed his eyes, "I bowed to you the first time we met because it was proper. I show respect to those who I respect. This time, you just tried to kill me and my best friend not three hours ago. So no, at the moment, I am not going to bow to you."

Zeus gripped his master bolt angrily until Hera put a hand on his arm and whispered some words in his ear making him calm a bit.

"Very well, I understand your current, resentment, towards some of us. We need to talk Perseus." He said through gritted teeth.

Percy nodded, "Yes we do. The first thing we need to discuss before we even talk about me fighting for Olympus again is this supposed treason of my friend Zoe. It's a bunch of crap."

Zeus narrowed his eyes, "She was discovered with a communication device in her cabin. The same as was found on Poseidon's traitorous son. I believe the evidence speaks for itself."

Percy shook his head, "No it doesn't. It was found by Annabeth who just happens to still be in love with the guy who is hosting Kronos' essence at the moment. I find her credibility extremely unreliable at the moment."

Athena stood from throne, "You dare accuse my daughter of being a traitor?"

Percy shrugged, "I do but I really don't care about that. Zoe isn't a traitor and I know that for a fact."

Athena continued glaring at Percy but Zeus raised an eyebrow, "How can you be sure?"

"Why would she need to communicate with the enemy? Their number one target would be me, correct?"

Zeus nodded slowly, "Yes, what's your point?"

"Since most of the campers know I bathed in the Styx, I assume you all know as well, making me nearly impossible to kill at the moment." Percy said slowly.

Zeus became agitated, "Get to the point Jackson!"

Percy smirked, "I have only told one person on this planet where my one vulnerable spot is. That would be Zoe. If she was working for Kronos, she could have slid a dagger into my Achilles spot at any point in the last year. Since she hasn't, why would she risk communicating with the enemy? Kronos would have just had her kill me."

"Why would you tell her about your Achilles spot?" Poseidon asked shocked.

"I trust her more than I trust anyone else. I know my secret is safe with her as she would never betray me or Olympus." Percy said in a serious tone.

The council looked at him in shock, he made a valid argument. Only Athena disagreed, "That proves nothing."

Percy was about to retort but Zeus beat him to it, "No, he makes a good point and I believe we need a word with your daughter now. Hermes, bring the girl here immediately."

Athena paled when Hermes vanished to get Annabeth.

Hermes reappeared a few minutes later alone, "She is gone father. The campers haven't seen her since the incident at camp this morning."

Athena's eyes widened in disbelief.

Poseidon stood from his throne smiling smugly, "I believe you owe Perseus here an apology, oh wise one."

Athena scowled and was about to respond when Percy spoke up.

"No she doesn't." He growled at Poseidon. "She was protecting her daughter. Protecting one's family is something you could learn from her."

Poseidon's smug smile vanished as he slumped back in his throne looking at Percy apologetically.

Zeus looked at Percy a little shocked, "I guess you were correct about the girl, I assume we can depend on you to help defend Olympus now?"

Percy raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps. We both know you need me more than I need you. I could simply hide out in the Underworld for the duration of the war with my friends and leave you all to fight this war alone. I have some stipulations before I agree to help Olympus again."

Zeus glared at Percy, "It should be an honor to defend Olympus." He bellowed.

Percy glared right back, "Why? Neither mine nor Zoe's parents are Olympians. So far together, we have helped Lady Artemis trap Atlas under the sky again, navigated the Labyrinth, helped defend the camp when it was attacked and killed the Titans Perses and Iapetus. And yet, her loyalty is still questioned? Oh and I almost forgot that I've been blown up twice now destroying parts of the Titan Army. Don't get me wrong, I want to defend Olympus but after today, I need assurances that something like this won't happen again."

The council stared at Percy shocked but they all knew he correct.

"What do you want?" Zeus growled.

Percy smirked, "Respect. We have done nothing but defend Olympus over the past two years. We've fought hard and loyally for all of you. I want your word, all of your words, on the River Styx that you won't question our loyalty again. In return I will swear to be forever loyal to Olympus as long as none of you tries to betray either me or Zoe. I will also swear to her loyalty as I know she would not betray Olympus as that would be betraying Lady Artemis and I know she would rather die than betray her."

Zeus' eyes widened, "Is that it?" He asked surprised.

Percy simply nodded.

Once Zeus had sworn for the council's oath, Percy swore for him and Zoe.

"So you will go back to camp and lead the campers?" Zeus asked.

Percy nodded but then paused, "I will but I need to say something first." He said as he turned to Dionysus, "Remember what happened today; you're an Olympian and that's why I only knocked you out. But that's the second time you've questioned my friend's loyalty without reason. Next time it will be my blade aimed at your head and not the hilt and that's a promise."

Dionysus stood up in a rage but Percy just flipped him the bird before he was engulfed by a shadow.

Line Break

Percy had come back to camp with Nico and Bianca while Zoe had gone with Artemis who wanted to catch up with her friend. When they trio arrived back at camp, Percy was greeted by a bear hug by Beckendorf who continually tried to thank him but Percy just shook him off saying he had tried to the same thing for him. Once Percy had been welcomed back by his friends, he saw a large group of demigods, the ones who had called him and Zoe traitors, looking at him shamefully.

Malcolm walked up to Percy with his head hung low, "Percy, I'm sorry. I just didn't think Annabeth was like that. She's my sister and I never thought she would be dumb enough to betray us."

Percy smiled and grabbed his shoulders, "Malcolm, there is nothing to forgive. You sided with your family; I would have done the same."

Malcolm smiled as it looked like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders, "Thanks Percy."

Percy nodded as he turned to the others, "Earlier today never happened. We will go to war any minute, so now is the time to come together. We need to be able to depend on each other out there so we need to trust each other."

A handful of shouts of agreement and smiles left Percy satisfied. Campers soon took off to prepare themselves to leave at a moment's notice. Percy made his way to the beach where he laid down in the sand, the events of the day replaying in his mind. He shook his head; he certainly took a lot of risks but in the end it was worth it. He cleared Zoe's name and found the real traitor. His blood boiled at the thought of Annabeth. She had been his friend. He had trusted her with his life and she had betrayed them in the foolish hope she could be with Luke. Luke was gone and now there was only Kronos and will have little uses for demigods once the war was over.

As Percy thought about everything, he was suddenly jolted upright when someone sat down on his stomach in a less than gentle way. He opened his eyes to find Zoe grinning at him before he rolled off and sat down beside him.

Percy smiled back at her, "What did Artemis have to say?"

Zoe shrugged, "She just wanted to catch up and hear about things at camp. She is a pretty big fan of yours at the moment too."

Percy raised an eyebrow.

Zoe rolled her eyes, "She told me about what happened with the council." She said as she smiled. "Thank you Percy."

Percy nodded, "Anything else?"

Zoe's smile faltered, "She talked about rejoining the hunt after the war."

Percy nodded and forced himself to smile, "That's good then."

Zoe nodded slowly, "Yes but I will miss some of the things at camp, some of the friends I've made." She said looking at Percy.

Percy shrugged, "I'll probably be dead by then anyway; besides, the hunt had you first."

Zoe flinched a bit then punched Percy hard in the arm, "Stop saying that; you're not going to die, I told you I won't let you die." She hissed at him.

Percy looked at her seriously, "Zoe, my sixteenth birthday is only a couple days away now. There is no more running from this. Chances are that I'll be dead and there is nothing that can change that."

Zoe looked at him disbelievingly, "How can you say that?"

Percy shook his head getting a little angry, "What do you want me to say? Do you want me to lie to you and say that everything is going to be alright? Do you think I want to die? Because I don't, but the words of the prophecy are pretty clear. I'm not going to try to run from it and pretend it's not real because it is. I'm going to die and I'm going to take every gods damned monster and Titan I can with me!"

Zoe stared at Percy wide-eyed before she lunged at him, landing on his chest where she started throwing as many punches as she could right at Percy's chest and face. Tears were falling from her face as she tried to punch away all of her grief and stress on Percy.

After a few seconds, Percy grabbed her arms with his hands and stopped her, furious until he saw the tears in her eyes. He let go of her hands warily and was relieved when they just dropped to her side.

They say in that position silently for a minute before Percy grabbed her face in his hands. Zoe looked up at him and was surprised to find him smiling.

"Percy, how can you smile right now?" She asked softly.

"Why wouldn't I be smiling? I'm sitting on the beach with my best friend, who despite just trying to beat me to death, still manages to make me happier than anyone else I know." He answered seriously.

Zoe shook her head before she leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips before she leaned her forehead against his, "I don't want to lose you Percy. You're my best friend. I've never been closer to anyone else, not even Artemis or Phoebe."

Percy smiled, "You're not losing me Zoe. I'm not going anywhere right now and I know you'll be by my side through it all."

Zoe leaned up and kissed Percy again. Just as she was about to deepen the kiss, someone cleared their throat behind the two making them freeze.