Warring hearts

by ectojace195

AU, Percy returns after Annabeth broke his heart, he comes back to see that things have changed between him and the god of wars daughter, and a new relationship is formed. After seeing Percy again Annabeth realizes the mistake she had made, but is it too late or did she find herself a new hero? And how will they all deal when a new threat falls on the camp? Percy/Clarisse

20. Chapter 20

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, to make up for it I give you my longest chapter yet,

I give you dreams, the talent show and love lots of love,

Chapter 20

Percy's POV:

I finally crawl into bed after a long and tiring day. My night with Clarisse was perfect, I knew how she felt and I was able to finally convey my love and more. The perfect date to a perfect day…well, almost perfect. After her injury in today's game I couldn't help but worry about her, Great, I thought I'm becoming one of those over worrying boyfriends. Something's been gnawing away at me since that, but maybe…I don't know, it's been days since Adam's attack and we haven't seen a single sign of an enemy attack. So why do I have a feeling that something else is going on?

I can feel my eyelids grow heavier…sleep…I need sleep…

THE DREAM BEGINS…

For me dreams where never what I called normal, usually they're trying to tell me something or it's something that someone wants me to see. This one…I can tell this is a memory…

I could feel the rain pour over my body, the sky overhead was darkened by a mass of storm clouds. For where I was, all I could see was an old ally way. Carriages and horses lined the streets while people walked by in old style clothing. Boots with spurs, men in dusters, women in dresses, people wearing animal skins, hunters, I was in the old west. Easy to say I was gawking at the scenery; real cowboys were walking around in front of me.

But why here?

Just as I started to ponder I small black blur ran pass and into the ally. I found her standing there at a dead end, a little girl. She hid behind an old barrel, she was scared, alone, poor little thing couldn't be more than four. She had long wet black hair, mud caked on her bare feet, she was homeless. I walked forward to find her trembling, tears sliding down numerous markings on her face. That's when I realized she was Native American. What was she running from?

I found my answer slowly making its way into the ally in the form of a large black dog like creature, a hellhound. Its teeth were glistening with drool, yellow rows of razor sharp canines stained with the blood of its last meal, and it looked as if it had set its sight on seconds. I looked back to the little girl to see her jump at the sound of the beasts snarling. A demigod….

"Hey," I yelled trying to get the monster dog to notice me, "come on Fido, you want a real meal then pick on me! Lean meat, right hear jackass!" but no such luck, this was just a memory. I cringed from thought of the outcome. No one passing by even paid a second glance, to them it was probably a stray dog cornering a cat. "Come on, isn't there anyone that can help her?!"

The hellhound pounced through me like air and swiped the barrel away with its paw. The little girl scrambled away into a far corner, tears seeping down her face in terror. Please gods…don't let this turn out bad!

"Hey mutt!" My eyes shot over to a dark figure of a man standing at the entryway. He wore a long leather coat with a large hood covering his identity but something about him gave off a presence of power. A sword handle stuck out of his coat, his hand gently rested on it he growled, "Leave her alone!" The beast turned away from the girl at the newcomer, he crouched down readying to pounce.

I could feel him smirk from underneath his cloak, "If you want to sink your teeth into something-," he pulled out a bronze saber from its sheath pointing the tip of the curved blade towards the monster, "-then try and sink your teeth in me." Once the challenged was issued, the monster dog charged towards the man eagerly.

The hellhound pounced at him and yet he made no effort to move, his sword hand hadn't moved an inch. "No!" The little girl shrieked from behind me. It looked like this guy was seriously was going to sacrifice himself. Then, just as the beast closed in on him, faster than I could blink his free arm shot forward catching the hellhound by its throat.

"You know, usually I would just send you back from where you came from, but since you decided to set your sights on am innocent child-," he paused and my eyes shot open, his entire arm attached to the beasts neck burst into flames, "-you…will...burn!" Right there the hell hound erupted into flames consuming its body. Letting out an unholy grow as it burned to death the man crushed its neck effortlessly turning it into a flaming pile of golden dust.

"Holly shit…," I uttered in pure amazement. Calmly he walked toward the girl, she stare up at him not from fear but with the same look of bewilderment as I had. The fire on his arm died down showing his bare arm, for a second his skin was the color of charcoal but as it relaxed the color faded to a slight tan. His whole arm was unscathed, no signs of burns whatsoever. I don't even think Leo could pull something like that off. This guy either had to be a god…or something else.

He knelt down in front of the girl holding out his once enflamed arm, "Go ahead," he softly told her, "I promise I'd never burn you." Cautiously she reached out and slowly rests her hand in his palm. The man chuckled when he saw her face light up, "See, normal."

Without hesitation the girl shot forward latching her arms around the mystery mans neck and just above a whisper she told him, "thank you."

He pulled her away examining her with a concerning voice, "You're starved...when's the last time you've eaten?" He asked, the girl just looked away sadly. He tried another question, his voice containing more of a disheartened tone, "and what of your parents?" Right there a single tear fell down the girls face, breaking not just his but my heart as well. She was orphaned.

The hooded man picked her up in his arms and wiped the tear away with his thumb. "It's going to be okay, you're not alone anymore," he said, she raised her head at the kindness of his voice, "would you like to live with me? I have a home but no one to share it with, no family but I've always wanted a little sister. So…would you like to be my little sister?" He asked. It didn't take her long to decide before she shot forward wrapping her tiny arms around his neck smiling through the tears.

As they walked away I still couldn't get a glimpse of his face but before they left I heard him whisper, "Don't worry," he patted her back, "no one is going to hurt you again."

Once they rounded the corner the scenery changes, the walls and buildings erupted into flames. I wasn't in the past anymore. Stone walls created a cave like surrounding, I didn't know where I was, but I could feel it, I could feel the heat surrounding me. Flames shot up from the cracks in the earth floor as the ground shook. Waves of lava spewed from crevices around the room as an unnatural voice rang out "NOOOOO!" A giant of a man crawled from the molten rock, his body encased in blinding white fires. "NOOOOOOOO!" He bellowed causing the flames to rise higher. The pain of his voice sent shivers running down my spine. I could see no noticeable features through the flames, but within the blaze I could've sworn I saw eyes…a pair of crimson red circles peering straight through me.

In a monstrous growl I heard him rumble "THE SON OF FIRE…WILL RISE…AGAIN!" and as quickly as he burst for the just as quickly was pulled back into the pit, the flames fading as he vanished from my sights. As he descended, not once did those eyes left me, not until he faded. The man of fire vanished along with any surrounding light, soon I was left in a void with his words burned into my memory.

…DREAM END

I woke to a sudden jerk to find myself still safely in my cabin, but to my surprise I wasn't alone. Standing besides my bed was Clarisse looking down on me with concern. "What are you doing here?" I asked, though I wasn't complaining.

She looked away, before she diverted her gaze I could see the tears, "I had a bad feeling, something…something really bad is going to happen, and I just needed to see you." Her voice was shaking, I could tell she was honest and that's what bothered me.

"I won't lie," I told her taking her hand in mine, "I feel it to." He looked back to me and smiled softly as I pulled her into my bed and pulled the covers over the both of us. Enveloping her in my arms I held her close rubbing soft circles against her back.

She pressed into me resting her head against my chest, "Percy, promise me something," she whispered taking hold of my shirt, "whatever happens…promise you'll still come back to me."

Holding on to her I kissed the top of her head insuring her, "I'll never leave you, Wargirl, I love you."

She lent up to place a gentle peck on my chin, "I love you too," she said letting the exhaustion take her into the realm on Morpheus while I lay still awake.

The thoughts of being caught like this with a girl in my bed didn't really worry me, at the moment I was content. The closeness of Wargirl eased away any unsettling feelings about my dream. Thinking back I was more confused than scared, who was the girl, and the man on fire, was he the son of fire, and what did that all mean? The son of fire will rise again….

SATURDAY…

Friday flew by without any abnormal events. Luckily Clarisse slipped out and back to her cabin before anyone noticed her gone, the same this morning when she decided to spend the night again. Who was I to say no? Having her close the pass two nights was the only thing keeping me dwelling over that that nightmare. For the sake of the camps peace I kept it to myself, only telling one person, Adam. I don't know why, I just felt compelled.

"The son of fire?" he asked, his back turned to me as he placed his guitar back in its case. Our last practice session had just ended before tonight's show when I decided to bring it up. For a second I could see him tense up when I mentioned the man on fire.

I swung my guitar behind my back, "So do you know anything about it?"

He stood up switching his instrument for a silver flask, a serious scowl appeared on his face, "Sorry, I can't say I do," he sighed before taking a swig, "listen Percy, I don't want you telling anyone else about this, okay?"

"Okay…," I couldn't help but feel somewhat suspicious, "Is everything okay?"

I stood watching as his glower melted away leaving him crestfallen, "Yeah…it's just wanted this peace to last a little bit longer. But I guess a warrior's life just keeps going on."

"Don't I know it," I chuckled, "last few days I've been wondering more about my own future than normal. Will I get married? Will I have a family of my own? Will I even live long enough to see that happen? When do you call it quits, throw down your sword and pick up the remote?"

Adam laughed light heartedly, "that my friend sounds like the dream all demigods should truly be striving for."

"So, is that your dream as well?"

At my question Adam stared wistfully into space while bring the flask to his lips, "that it is, that is my dream."

"Adam, I've been meaning to ask," I paused as he pulled from his daze, "but what's with the flask?"

Looking down at the container in his hand he held it out to me. "Take a shot, I promise it's nothing that'll kill you."

I looked at the thing in question before taking it. Thinking back it was this same brew that revived Clarisse after she fainted, not to mention healed her wound in record time. And Adam wouldn't poison me…would he? Bringing it to my mouth I mutters a tiny, "here goes nothing," before allowing the liquid to splash down on my tongue. To say my taste buds where shocked was an understatement, the taste I couldn't describe, sweet yet tangy, satisfying and…more refreshing than any nectar.

My eyes slowly turned to see Adam smirking, "Wakes you up, doesn't it?" he asked, though by the look on my face he could already see the answer, "it's a rare drink called Celestial Nectar. It changes itself to fit the consumer's preferences while giving them an energy boost beyond that of regular nectar could give. While regular nectar gives the sensation of a treasured sensation like a favorite food or beverage, Celestial nectar creates a new flavor more satisfying. Plus with my nectar it won't kill you if you drink too much. Instead you'll just be a bit hyper."

"Why haven't I heard about it before?"

Adam gestured for the flask back, and hesitantly I gave it to him. "Like I said it's rare, only a handful of ancient beings know how to brew it. This stuff is pretty hard to make, you have to gather the materials on the night of a comment and let it age for a century. Due to its over exhilarating after effect the creators of the stuff do not allow the gods to grab hold of such a beverage."

"Why not let the gods have some?"

"Last time the gods got their hands on this stuff they downed it, and with all that bent up energy they started a few wars. The brewers only give their Nectar to the ones they trust, people they know that won't abuse their brew."

I was shocked, a drink that can turn the gods as crazy as a bunch of hyped up demigods on a sugar binge, I cringe just thinking about it. "But wait," I thought out loud, "then how did you get the stuff?"

Adam presented the open flask to me once more; the temptation to take it was too great. "That's because I saved one of the last brewers and they trusted me, like I trust you." He said placing the container firmly in my hand. "With all the excitement about to happen we're gonna have to be at our top level, so drink up. For those we hold in our hearts. Tonight we give ourselves to the music, later to the fight."

With a sincere smile I toasted him, "I'll drink to that…"

Thalia POV:

Talent show…something tells me one of Apollo is behind this. The urge to show off his gifts in a flashy manner is something the sun god loves to do. Hopefully he doesn't decide to crash tonight's events with one of this god-awful haikus. Even though I hate to admit it, I've been looking forward to the show. The reason was because both Annie and Percy were in it, and they're singing. What kinda friend would I be if I let future blackmail pass me by? Another reason was because Adam was also in the show helping his half siblings out.

Since that night I've been constantly playing with my new knife courtesy of the one and only Mr. Adam Rosewood. I feel like I'm digging myself into a deeper grave every time we're alone. There's just so much temptation a girl can withstand before finally giving in, and the longer time I spent with Adam…I more I wanted to give in. The only thing keeping me from expressing myself, the one thing that has kept me from telling him how I really feel…was that damn oath. Immortality for a life without love, damn the fates are cruel.

I heard the crowd of campers and hunters were starting to stir as the show was getting ready to begin. In the front row sat the judges table with a rather irritated looking goddess of the hunt as the middle judge, to her right and left were Chiron and Mr. D. Call it karma for making a stupid bet and forcing us in the hunt to deal with the camp chores. The chores weren't half bad anyway, maybe because a certain brown-haired son of Apollo surprised me by helping me do them. In the end it was that wager that got me working patrol for the back stage area, and got me a chance to watch Adam practice. So it wasn't all bad…

"Okay, people, curtain goes up in five minutes," yelled a son of Demeter, like their mother the Demeter kids can be a little bossy, which is probably why he's the event organizer, "first up is Katie Gardner, Grover Underwood and Pollux. Rachel E. Dare you're on after.

To my surprise I thought they'd have the stage looking somewhat flashy, instead it just looked like it usually would. Standing back stage in the amphitheater I watched with curiosity as the three made it out into the opening. Katie walked out with a violin in hand, Grover his reed pipes, and Pollux had an old timey lute. Wake me up when this is over…

Without warning the lights the Hephaestus kids rigged up started to flicker telling us that things were about to begin. "Leo, you're on!" Tony the stage director growled at the elf-like Latin son of Hephaestus. They figured putting his big mouth to work and made him the honorary host. This might be more entertaining than I thought; no way was he going to go through the night without ticking off the hunters.

Hot head ran out in front of the curtain just as the spot light came on revealing him in a bright white toga. "Hello camp half blood!" He shouted into the microphone. The volume was cranked up making us cringe as it whined out. Quickly he dodged a flying arrow and adjusted the setting "Sorry, about that. Welcome to the first annual camp half blood talent show, sponsored by Apollo-"

I knew it!

"-god of music art poetry and basically talent! Now to start us off let's give our panel of judges a round of applause, first we have the camp director, God of wine MR. D!" The light shown down on said god and there had to me only two to three people clapping. "Tough crowd," Leo said trying hard to hold back a smirk, "Next we have the mightiest of maiden goddesses, Goddess of the moon, Lady Artemis!" Milady grinned mischievously as the hunters and a number of female campers started to applaud her. Mr. D just gave her the stink eye.

"Last, and certainly never least, you know him, you love him, you couldn't stand this place without him, let's go crazy for the trainer of Heroes CHIRON!" and just like that the whole camp was cheering and applauding the old centaur. Obviously he was the people's choice. Chiron looked down at his fellow immortals smiling in satisfaction.

"Now these three excellent individuals will be pass their judgment on each of tonight's contestants and together they will choose who shall when tonight's trophy along with the grand prize, a custom made weapon of enchantment crafted to their wishes. Now if you all don't mind, let's get this show on the way!" He shouted as the curtain slowly started to rise. "For our first act welcome Katie, Grover and Pollux as they treat us with a performance that is both lovely for the ears and hopefully spruce up this dull looking stage." Leaving a bunch of confused faces in the stands Leo ran off stage leaving the trio with their instruments in front of the waiting audience.

Grover started them off with his pipes, then Katie followed by Pollux. Together they played willing vines to stretch over the overhead and around the stone columns. Numerous flowers came into bloom as Katie fiddled away with her violin while Grover and Pollux willed the vines to slither into letters spelling out "Camp Half-blood," with bouquets of grapes and strawberries sprouting underneath the magically made sign. As their song ended the complete stage was covered in flora giving it an earthy and magical appearance.

The audience cheered as they took their bow, and the judges looked pleased with the performance. Mr. D, beamed with pride at his sons musical gifts. "Now that is what I call a magical start," Leo said appearing from the corner, "next up we have…,"

So far each of the acts were great, Rachel was up next showing of her speed painting techniques by completing three abstract works of art in under ten minutes. Each one a portrait of one of the judges, though you had to squint to tell which one was witch it was still pretty amazing.

After Red, Nico, Mark and Sherman from Ares Cabin and Butch son of Iris tried to rock out by attempting another one bites the dust…well they did bite something, they bit it completely. The only thing that stood out was Butch's drum playing. Next on of the Hephaestus kids showed off their fire juggling routine finishing with a brief fire breathing finally. Then, Ugh…the Aphrodite girls and their cheer leading, which I had to say was amusing. Especially after Phoebe sent an arrow flying pass their pompoms and causing their pyramid to come crashing down. That time Artemis was the one beaming proudly.

"Up next a little musical number from our very own Annabeth Chase."

Timidly Annabeth started came up to me before going out on stage. She wore a simple grey sundress that matched her eyes perfectly. She never told me what she was going to sing but by her shaken expression I could tell she was having second thought. I did the only thing I could, I gave her a hug and whispered to her, "You're going to do Annie," I sent her off with encouragement, but obviously it didn't help. Fearfully she stepped out towards center stage, as the curtain swung open. The silence from the spectators was nerve-racking

She stood there in the in the dim lightening collecting herself. Nervously she turned her head towards stage left, following her gaze I saw him standing there, I saw Adam. Suddenly I felt a tinge of anxiousness in my chest. All of a sudden I didn't have a good feeling about this…

Finally she lowered her head and held the microphone to her lips, "Who am I to argue, I can't change the color of my eyes, Do we really need this…oh please just let me go. I wish that you would understand I'm not what you're looking for…," a range of lights dances on the stage, each a different shade of blue that matched the solemnest of her voice, "I want to feel, but my heart I gave away, you will heal…and your love will never die."

"I could never say this, cause to you I'm just a friend. You say you'll always love me, oh this has to end. I wish that you would understand I'm not what you're looking for. We tried this so many times now it's time to let it go." She opened her eyes with new found determination, "I want to feel, but my heart I gave away! You will heal, and your love will never die! I want to feel, but my heart I gave away! You will heal, and your love will never die!

"I wish that you would understand I'm not what you're looking for, we tried this so many times now it's time to let it go…,"

for a second her eyes gazed over towards Adam, the next she slammed them shut wailing out, "I want to feel, but my heart I gave away! You will heal, and your love will never die! I want to feel but my heart I gave away! You will heal, and your love will never die!"

Slowly her eyes open as a tear cascaded down her cheek, sparkling in the stage light, "Who am I to argue, I can't change the color of my eyes…"

The audience went crazy as the curtain came to a close, she was great, but for whom she sang the song too…might've thought otherwise.

Annabeth POV:

My heart was heavy, pounding as the curtain swung shut. In the past few days I've been carrying this burden. My heart was aching nonstop, caught in a pendulum like motion going from Percy to Adam and the back to Percy. I push one man away while I yearn for the one that is with another. But I had to… Nervous I turned back to the spot where he stood and instantly I felt a weight bare down on my heart. He was gone.

I hurried toward that direction ignoring the numerous shocked and praising campers till I was out behind the amphitheater. The following act was already making their way towards the stage while I searched for his face. It was until I heard his voice that I stopped, "That was beautiful," spinning found him sitting on top a crate, emotionlessly he turned his guitar, "I think I got the message."

"Adam…the song, it wasn't," I started to say that it wasn't because I didn't like him, but who was I to tell him that after I already told him he was like a brother to me? He looked at me expectantly, the left side of his lip curled into a playful smirk. He wasn't mad at me at all. "I gave my heart away," I said silently breaking down, "I gave my heart away, one too many times. I'm so messed up," I looked down in shame only to then feel a strong pair of arms wrapped around me. "You…you don't need to be with someone like me, and you don't deserve to be stuck with me. You shouldn't have to put up with me." Giving into the emotions I sobbed quietly into his chest as he rubbed circles on my back trying to relax me.

He let out a husky little laugh as he brought my eyes to his. "I put up with you because I'm your friends, we're friends, Annie, and I wouldn't change it for the world," he said, his word genuine as his smile, "I love you, and I always will, you've been like a sister to me."

And just like that I felt a stabbing pang in my chest. He unintentionally used my own words against me. "I'm sorry…" I said shakily as I wiped the tears away.

Adam shook his head at the apology. "There's no need to apologize. Listen, take some time to relax and I'll check on you after the show, I have to go warm up," he turned to leave, "Take it easy, okay."

He started to walk away before I grabbed his arm, "Adam," I said bringing him back around to see the brave smile I mustered. Then I told him the god's honest truth, "You deserve to be happy too, more than any of us here."

Adam grinned for a moment, his expression losing some since of life as he said, "Who says I'm not?" That moment it hurt me more than anything, Adam wasn't happy, he was troubled.

Thalia's POV:

I watched as he walked away from her, a solemn smile graced my lips as he spotted me. I don't know why I'm smiling. How could he when Annabeth just openly expressed her feelings for him and then say that there's nothing there? Was she really that blind? Couldn't she see the mixed signals she was sending him? But what was I any better?

There he was, the first boy since Luke that I has any romantic tendencies towards and I…a hunter, an immortal maiden whom sword of men, and yet I couldn't stay way and I didn't want to. For the first time in a long time I found myself trapped within my own feelings torn by my love of the hunt and my love for that certain brown-haired son of the sun god. I was smitten, straight one hundred percent in love. And still I have to keep him at bay so as not to tempt fate any further.

"Hey Thals," he said reminding me he was there, like I could forget. I've been eyeing him most of the day, just wondering what songs he had planned for tonight. The subject of music brought me back to Annabeth's choice.

I let out a long dejected sigh, "Adam…about Annabeth-," gods I hate talking about this.

By luck Adam caught on quickly placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, "Thalia, it's okay, I just talked to her and everything's okay." That moment I looked him in the eye and saw that something was missing, they were dull, tired eyes overclouded with concern. It pained me to see such kind eyes filled with pain. "Like I said the other night, I have feelings for her, but they're no greater than friendship. I just needed to know so I wouldn't hurt her in the days to come."

Something in his tone worried me. I place my hand on top of his giving it a gentle yet firm squeeze asking, "What do you mean the days to come?"

"I can feel it, Thalia, something is coming our way, and I'm going to see it to the end," his eyes started to roam watching the campers run around preparing for their turns. A tiny yet certain smile etched on his face, watching the world around him like he was trying to capture the moment in his mind as if he wouldn't ever see it again, "Either it be its end or mine."

And automatically my breath caught in my throat as the pieces came together. My hold on his hand was more like a death grip. "You sound like…you plan on dying," I said almost in a light hysterical voice, my panic grew once he did answer, "Adam, do you plan on dying?" I asked, my voice almost quivering as he lowered his head. No he could do this to me, not him, "Adam, answer me!"

He let out a breath as he peered back at me, the years of pain reflecting off his amber rings as he peered into my eyes, "One day," he said deeply, "but not until the battle is over and I know you made it out safe." I was both touched and concern, I didn't want him to risk his life for me, or for anyone for that matter. "So…as a somewhat dying warrior with a wish, could you see it in your heart to grant it?"

My eyes looked down as my faced heated up almost instantly. He can't mean… Just the thought alone caused me to I stuttered, "A-Adam…I'm a hunter…," I couldn't even say it! All I could think was tempting my maidenhood.

"I know, it's nothing like that," he lightly chuckled. I never felt so relived and so stupid in all my life. He tucked his hand under my chin lifting my head till our eyes met again and softly he said, "Just…let me play for you tonight."

Something snapped in me, in a flash I was cling on to Adams shirt for dear life as I buried my face in his chest, trying to fight off an oncoming breakdown I choked out, "I'm not going to let you die on me, Adam. You're not going to leave me!"

Without any hesitation on his part, Adam lowered his arms around me rubbing my back. "I was going to say the same thing to you, Thals." For a moment I wasn't a hunter, just someone that needed to be held.

Percy's POV:

Sitting not that far from the front row, I sighed thinking harder about Annabeth's little musical début. I thought things were squared between us. Guess I though wrong, hopefully after tonight she'll see the picture. Adam helped me with a new song for Clarisse that I hopefully won't be too mushy for the other people listening. Everyone in camp…listening…to…me…CRAP! I felt like facing the Minotaur with my hands tied behind my back, in my underwear with a big bull's-eye painted on my chest. Then again…I was doing it for Clarisse, and she was singing for me. That's all the courage I actually needed.

I sat waiting, watching the other acts go through, Clarisse was smack dab in the middle while Adam and I were the finally. Right after Annabeth's act was one of Clarisse's siblings and his knife throwing act. Everyone cheered at the stunt, mainly because a mouthy son of Hermes was his assistant and they wanted him to miss. After the twelfth blade the kid fainted when the last knife sprung up less than half an inch away from his crotch. That even got some of the hunters cheering.

Next up was Lou Ellen, daughter of Hecate, being a daughter of the goddess of magic she decided to show off her talents as a magician, and the Stoll brothers were her assistants. Travis was sawn in half while Conner was sealed in a box and lit on fire, luckily he was only singed. It was her last trick that was the most spectacular. She threw a sheet over the brothers and when she pulled it off the vanished, when she said she was going to bring them back the crowd booed. She flung the sheet into the air and it disappeared in a buff of smoke, standing on stage was both Conner and Travis but what caught everyone's eyes were the bright pink dresses they were in. As Lou Ellen bowed the crowd cheered and the boys screamed and ran off stage. That sight is going to be burned into my memories forever.

The next several acts were all from Apollo cabin, Kayla was up first showing off her dancing as Adam played guitar for her in the back ground. After she finished, she bowed and ran over to Adam to give him a kiss on the cheek before rushing off stage leaving Adam there while another Apollo girl Lindsay stepped out. Adam told me that each of his siblings wanted his help in the show and he being Adam couldn't say no. He played differently for each of the, classical for Lindsay's Ballet, country for Austin's rendition of Blake Shelton's Home. Finally after the fourth Apollo camper I saw a vision of loveliness walk out onto the stage.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, a real treat that I myself have been looking forward to," Leo said grinning mischievously, "the musical debut of Clarisse La Rue."

As she walked into the spot light I heard someone shout, "Gods please no!" I looked back through the laughing campers towards the source, and just as I thought, Mark and Sherman. I was about to reach for riptide and go teach him a lesson when bronze knife flew over the crowd and embedded itself right between Sherman's leg's shutting him and the rest of the camp up. Everyone turned back to the stage to find Adam glaring at the two with his arm pulled back, an identical knife aimed at the pair sending them a message. "Show some respect," he growled through the microphone, "I won't miss the next time." He looked back at me with a smirk as I mouthed, "thank you."

Clarisse snickered at her now pale brothers before laying sights on me, "I'd like to dedicate this to someone special." She said, instantly I felt a pair of eyes glaring a hole through the back of my head, Chris must be fuming. But all I could do was smile as she added, "This is for you Percy." Adam started to play as she sang.

"I stare…at the girl in the mirror, Tee-shirt, torn up jeans, no beauty queen. But the way that you see me, you get underneath me, and all my defenses just fall away…fall away…,I am beautiful with you! Even in the darkest part of me. I am beautiful with you! Make it feel the way it's supposed to be. You're here with me, Just show me this and I'll believe, I am beautiful with you!" Looking around I could find one mouth that wasn't hanging open, Hades I was surprised myself. She was amazing.

"I stand naked beside you now, No walls…to hide behind. So here am I, see all of my scars, still here you are, I bare my soul and I'm not afraid, not afraid! I am beautiful with you! Even in the darkest part of me! I am beautiful with you! Make it feel the way it's supposed to be! You're here with me! Just show me this and I'll believe, I am beautiful with you!"

"I've been the strong one for so long, But I was wrong, Does it make you weak if you're needed someone, I'm not holding back and I know what I want…,"

she over at me, a tinge of red in her cheeks, "I am beautiful with you…I am beautiful with you…, You want me for myself! Look at me like no one else! I am beautiful with you!"

"I am beautiful with you! Even in the darkest part of me! I am beautiful with you! Make it feel the way it's supposed to be! You're here with me! Just show me this and I'll believe! I am beautiful with you…,"

Clarisse's POV:

Once my song came to an end I looked out over the now silenced crowd, my chest pounding from anxiety and lack of breath. Gods, don't tell me I was that bad! Without a second thought I turned to leave before the camp erupted in applause. My cabin had gotten over the shock and was whistling their brains out, They liked it? I looked back towards Percy to see a large smile plastered over his face. The pounding in my chest died down once he mouthed to me "Wow…," choosing not to waste another second I hopped off stage and ran into his arms.

"That was amazing, Wargirl," he said spinning me around.

After bringing me back down to earth I pulled him towards me whispering, "I love you, "and kissed him in front of the entire camp, earning us a second round of cheers.

Thalia's POV: over an hour later

Thank the gods that the night is almost over and the second to last act is winding to a close. For some reason someone is punishing me by allowing Drew Tanaka of Aphrodite cabin to sing 'you belong with me' by Taylor swift. The only thing keeping me from taking out my bow and silencing her trap for good was Adam, who thoughtfully brought an extra pair of earplugs. Once the curtain drew to a close we both gave a silent prayer that the girl would lose her voice.

"Well that was-," Adam paused thinking as we took out the plugs, "-ok, I can't lie, I'd rather spend a lifetime in Tartarus than listen to that again!" We started to laugh as Drew walked pass with her nose in the air, which made us laugh even harder. As we settled down I could see Percy and the Apollo cabin setting up their instruments on stage.

"Time for the big finally," I said trying to hold in my excitement.

"Yeah," Adam said taking a deep breath, "I better get out there."

"Adam, wait," yelped taking a firm hold of his hand keeping him from making it out to the stage. The touch of his skin against mine started to send shivers up my spine but I pushed those thoughts aside for the time being. "I want you to rock ok?" I said remember he wanted to play for me, "I want to hear something that rocks, you understand? I want you to floor the crowd tonight. No doubt Kelp-breath has some kind of love song ready for Clarisse, but promise you'll rock out tonight."

He grinned down at me in mock hurt, "Have I ever played anything you didn't like?"

Lightly I punched his arm, "No…but you know what I mean." I said feeling the heat from my face radiating. There wasn't a song that he sung that I didn't like, maybe because he sung the all for me.

With a sly smile he slowly pulled free of my grip, telling me, "I already have it taken care of." As his fingers slid away from mine he spun around and walked back towards the band. Something caught my eye, on his back for the first time tonight or any time he didn't have his regular black Acoustic guitar, instead the guitar hanging on his back was a sweet midnight black electric guitar. I stood there gawking at it for a couple of seconds before I decided to go find a place in the audience. Something told me that I was going to need a better view.

First thing I see when I made it to the stands was both Percy's EX and current girlfriend sitting with about two feet separating them from each other. Neither girl paid any attention to the one next to her, Annabeth was looking down at her shoes while Clarisse had her arms crossed trying her hardest from not glaring at the blonde demigod. "I guess their acts opened up old wounds," I thought to myself as I filled in the gap. "You both were amazing," I said trying to break the uncomfortable silence.

Without looking at me they said, "thank you," at the same creepy time. Like this wasn't awkward enough.

"Campers, hunters, gods and goddesses," Leo walks out on stage, the spot light finds him, "our night is coming to a close with only on act left. We've saved the best for last, not one but two performer, one making his musical début the other you've might have heard sing before they won us our first victory against the hunters," he pauses drinking in the roar of the crowd, "It's my honor to present, the savior of Olympus, Percy Jackson, and the son of Apollo, the wandering warrior Adam Rosewood!"

The curtain swung open to reveal a completely dark stage. With a Loud pop twin spot lights flashed down on a pair of microphones, standing behind them with their instruments were Percy and Adam. Both looked calmer than usual standing there with their guitars strapped to their back. "Good Evening camp half blood," Percy shouted over the mike, "me and Rosebud here-," he pause pointing over to Adam who glared at the mention of his loathed nickname, "-are going to play a couple of songs for you this evening. And Being the grand finally let's see if we can't send you guys off with a bang. This first song is going to be dedicated to a special girl in the audience," he looked over and instantly locked onto Clarisse who was smiling sheepishly, "this is for you Wargirl."

The lights in the amphitheater went out covering everyone in shadows. The crowd started to get anxious as they waited for them to start. Out of nowhere the wailing of a guitar clashed with the thunderous beats of drums startling the audience while blasting them awake. The stage lights flickered into being showing five figures on stage. Percy and Adam held their guitars. In the back ground Will Solace strummed his bass guitar as Kayla's fingers tickled the keys of her key board. Behind the Apollo siblings, Butch, son of Iris, was playing his drums perfectly with the others. So it was just Nico and the others that sucked earlier.

Percy went up to the mike spotting Clarisse in the crowd he sang, "If I ask you what you need right now…would you tell me the truth?" Gods…he was good, "Cause I can't imagine how…to live my life without you."

"A smile from an angel, a touch on my shoulder. With you I know I want to grow older, tonight…! We could do anything, in your arms, I'll be alright. All of my life, searching for someone. In your arms, heaven is closer… tonight!"

"I may not be the best man. Got my looks but I can't dance, Make mistakes like anyone, I know it's true. When you finally find the reason, you're my sky for any season. You know that I'd do anything for you." I looked next to me to see tiny tears forming over Clarisse's quivering smile, "I'm holding you close, I won't let you go, in my arms, heaven I swear, tonight…we could do anything, in your arms, I'll be alright. All of my life, searching for someone. In your arms heaven is closer!"

"A drop in the ocean, a door that's left open! Time has been frozen, we live in this moment tonight…!"

"A smile from an angel, a touch on my shoulder! With you I know I wanna grow older, tonight…, we could do anything, in your arms, I'll be alright! All of my life, searching for someone, in your arms heaven is closer tonight… we could do anything, in your arms, I'll be alright! All of my life, searching for someone, in your arms heaven is closer, tonight…"

The song drowned out and the lighted died once more as the camp got on their feet cheering. I was stunned, I never thought kelp breath had it in him. Clarisse was shouting his name at the top of her lungs. I was humbly applauding while Annabeth looked envious while clapping halfheartedly. Part of me wanted to point out the obvious, if she hadn't broken up with him she'd be the one he sang to, instead I chose to let her sulk. Better it run its course. Besides, I was eagerly waiting Adam's first song of the night, until now he had provided the background music for the previous act.

As if sensing my anticipation the sound of the guitar pulled my attention to the center stage. A single light shown down on Adam, he hung his head low to hide his eyes, no guitar and the mike in his hand. He brought the mike to his lips as he raised his sights towards the crowd, "It's a truth that in love and war, worlds collide, and hearts get broken. I want to live like I know I'm dying, take up my cross, not be afraid," the theater lit up as he rushed to the edge of the stage, "Is it true what they say, that words are weapons? And if it is, then everybody best stop steppin', Cause I got ten in my pocket that'll bend ya locket. I'm tired of all these rockers sayin' come with me."

"Wait! It's just about to break, it's more than I can take. Everything's about to change! I feel it in my veins, it's not going away. Everything's about to change!"

"It creeps in like a thief in the night, without a sign, without a warning. But we are ready and prepared to fight. Raise up your swords, don't be afraid."

"Is it true what they say, that words are weapons? And if it is, then everybody best stop steppin'. Cause I got ten in my pocket that'll bend ya locket. I'm tired of all these rockers sayin' come with me."

"Wait, it's just about to break, it's more than I can take. Everything's about to change, I feel it in my veins, it's not going away. Everything's about to change."

"This is a warning, like it or not! I break down, like a record spinning, gotta get up! So back off! This is a warning, like it or not! I'm tired of listenin', and I'm warning you, don't try to get up!"

"There's a war going on inside of me tonight, don't be afraid…There's a war going on inside of me tonight…don't be afraid…don't be afraid…"

"Wait! It's just about to break! It's more than I can take! Everything's about to change! I feel it in my veins! It's not going away. Everything's about to change! It's just about to break! It's more than I can take! Everything's about to change! I feel it in my veins! It's not going away! Everything's about to change!" Once the keyboard faded the second song ended with the crowed screaming their hearts out.

I myself exclaimed a high pitch, "Woo!" Though after I had I quickly blushed, then tried to composed myself, just in time to see Adam grinning straight at me from the stage. I smiled back at him mouthing "perfect," and it was. It wasn't any lovey-dovey crap. It was to quote the son god, "awesome!"

The applause died out as the three judges made it to the stage. Mr. D looked half asleep, Artemis looked a little…indifferent. The only one of the three that showed any real expression was Chiron who went around patting each one of the band members on the back before taking to the mike stand. "Let's give one more round of applause," he said earning the boys a second ovation, "now to close out tonight's show, the moment you've been waiting for. The winners of tonight's show,-" he paused for dramatic effect as he unraveled a small scroll, "Percy Jackson, Adam Rosewood and their band!"

Hearing their victory Adam waved Butch and his siblings to the front of the stage where he and Percy took part in a group bow. I could tell by his smile that Adam was happier to share the glory with the others, and I couldn't be happier for them, for him.

Percy's POV:

After my bow I jumped of the stage with only one thing on my mind, I made it pass the crazed Aphrodite fan girls and only to the one girl on my mind. She was standing there, waiting, waiting for me with glazed over eyes filled with tears of gratitude and love. I went up to her till there was less than a foot between us. "Hey Wargirl," I said closing the gap between us, Clarisse instantly latched her hands behind my neck pulling our lips together.

After a moment we pulled apart and she breathed, "I love you." No words were ever sweeter.

"I love you too," I happily said resting my forehead against hers, "so…what did you think of your song?"

She blinked letting a trail of tears flow down, "it was perfect."

"And I meant every word, being like this" I whispered motioning to the way we held each other, "it's the closest thing to heaven on earth and I don't want to lose it, I don't want to lose you." Right then the images of my dream came back. I know even after this, if I make it through the upcoming threat, when I make it, I want to be right here, with Clarisse.

Wargirl looked up at me as nuzzled her nose to mine, "and you won't, just like you said, you're not going to lose me. And if I have to drag your ass out of the underworld I'm not losing you." Now that made me laugh, but not in the mocking way. I knew if she was that determined, that's what touched me.

"I promised you," I pulled her to me till her head was lying against the crook of my neck, "you're not going to lose me."

Thalia's POV:

Shortly after the talent show Artemis called for a lights out for the hunters before she went to her palace on Olympus. I fell asleep soon after, but with my mind wondering back on the day, basically my encounter with Adam after Annabeth's act. I couldn't get the emptiness of his stare out of my mind when I asked him if he planned on dying. "One day…," his voice echoed through the reaches of my mind, "but not until the battle is over and I know you made it out safe." Thinking back, remember the sound of his voice, I slipped into the god of sleeps realm.

DREAM…

Demigod dreams are the most annoying. They're always trying to tell you something that someone or something wants you to see. But the thing is that I only had a couple in my life and I thought that would be it. I was wrong…

I could feel the heat all around me…I was in a cave standing near a large crack in the ground. The hellish temperature seemed to originate from it, and orange glow of light emitted from fault in waves of heat. Something about the glow…something about it drew me towards it. Like I couldn't control my own legs, I felt myself growing ever closer, the heat intensifying to the point that sweat covered my body.

The sensation was too real for me, mentally I screamed myself to wake up, but I was trapped in my own mind. I started to think…what would happen if I fell into the pit, what would happen to me in the waking world? I was pulled from the thoughts of my own demise by something moving along the edge of the chasm. Squinting through the heat I noticed something the color of human skin. A hand, it was a human hand, someone was hinging from the ledge.

"Thalia…," finally I stopped at the sound of his voice.

"I couldn't be," I thought.

"Thalia…," I heard him groan again, that time my ears weren't playing tricks on me. I knew that voice like Artemis knew her bow.

"Adam!" I ran to the ledge taking back control of my own limbs. As I neared the crack the ground around Adams fingers gave way. I picked up my speed sliding to a stop just in time to latch hold of his wrist.

I looked down into the pit, it was him, Adam's life was in my hand as he hung over a small river of lava. "Adam, hang on!" I screamed down at him. When he looked up at me I gasped, his body was covered in fresh wounds, a large gash in his right arm leaving him unable to pull himself up.

"Thalia…," he rasped through the pain, "…let me go."

My eyes bulged open, "No, I'll never let you go, just hang in there," I said through the tears forming.

Adam looked up at me, pain in his eyes as a single tear fell from his face, "You have to," he said, "if you don't then you'll fall too, Thals…I can't lose you!"

I choked back a sob, "and I can't do it without you!" I swallowed back the pain, "Adam, I…I lo-," but before I finish what I was going to say his fingers slipped through my grip, and he fell. He fell down toward the river of fire and all I could do was scream. Anguish filled my heart as I watched him descend to his death, knowing that I didn't tell him that I loved him. Then before he reached the molten rock…I woke up.

…Dream end.

I woke to a sweat soaked bed, and a tear drenched pillow. I was back in the hunter's cabin, my fellow hunters sleeping peacefully around me. Not a single one awake. Sitting up in my bunk I threw my face in my hands and wept quietly until I was able to calm down enough to sneak away into the night.

Outside in the cool night air I could still feel the heat from the pit lingering beneath my skin. What kind of dream was that? Was it just a regular nightmare or was it showing me the near future. Whichever it was I knew one thing, I wasn't going to go back to sleep for a while. I was tool shaken, not but the reality, but of the idea of…losing Adam, losing him without telling him how much I loved him.

"Hey, you should be in bed," I hear and looked up, I didn't even realize through my wondering mind and my wandering legs that I had walked all the way to the beach. Standing right in front of me, in a pair of shorts and shirt was Adam. He looked at me with that warm smile that always made my knees shaky, but not that time, that time it was replaced with the image of him falling to his death. "Thalia?" He called out again, the second time with a more concerning tone.

"I…," I tried to speak but all I wanted to do was bawl. I should've told him there that I loved him, seeing that it might've been my only chance, but what came out was, "I just…I…," a mixture of broken down words and silent sobs. I dropped to my knees bawling my eyes out.

I felt his arms wrap around me as he rubbed my back trying to relax me. "What's wrong?" he whispered. I couldn't answer. Every time I tried I choked. That's when I felt him shift, he picked me up bridle style and instantly I drew back my crying to a group of silent sobs and a hiccup or two. I began to feel safe in his arms while wondering where he was taking me, after a few yards down the sandy shore he lowered us down so his back was against our log, the same log from that night where he sung to me while we waited for Percy and Clarisse.

He held me in his arms and laid my head against his chest, I was both confused and comfortable. It was then that I heard, "Underneath the Cold November Sky, I'll wait For you." He started to sing me to sleep, "As The Pages of My Life Roll By, I'll wait For You. I'm So Desperate Just to See Your Face. Meet Me in This Broken Place…"

"That's not fair…," I groaned feeling my eyelids growing heavy.

"Shhh…Hold Me Now. I Need To Feel You. Show Me How, to Make It New Again. There's No One I Can Run To, And Nothing I Could Ever Do. I'm No Where If I'm Here, Without You…"

"Even If You Take It All Away, I'll Wait For You. Even When The Light Begins To Fade, I'll Wait For You. I'm So Desperate Calling Out Your Name, Meet Me In This Broken Place…,"

"Hold Me Now, I Need To Feel You. Show Me How, To Make It New Again. There's No One I Can Run To, And Nothing I Could Ever Do, I'm No Where If I'm Here…"

"I'm Tired Of Running, and Wrestling With These Angels. I Lay Down My Life, And I Surrender…"

"Hold Me Now, I Need To Feel You. Show Me How, To Make It New Again. There's No One I Can Run To And Nothing I Could Ever Do…"his song was taking Its toll on me, the soothing melody of his voice had put a stop to my sobbing and I was just seconds away from sleep.

"Hold Me Now, I Need To Feel You. Show Me How, to Make It New Again. There's No One I Can Run To, And Nothing I Could Ever Do. I'm No Where If I'm Here, Without You…"

With the last verse I was lost to the world around me but something I heard before I faded into calming sleep made me wonder if it wasn't just another dream. Just before I was complete out of it I thought I heard him say…I love you…

DISCLAMER: I DO NOT OWN THE FOLLOWING SONGS

Just a friend by All Ends

Beautiful with you by Halestorm

Tonight by Emphatic

War of Change by Thousand foot krutch

And finally without you by Ashes Remain

Check them out, they're all good songs

And make sure to watch for the next chapter where the shit will hit the fan when Artemis decides to put Adam through her test