Disclaimer: Just Percy belongs to someone else, sorry Rick Riordan. I created TJ, Taylor, Lana, Ewan, Aida and Em.

Author's Notes: Finally, hitting 50 on Jan 28. This chapter makes this story my longest so far. Ufff! It sounds tiring and I am really spent with this amazing story. Also with this chapter, I closed the evil bane of demigods part. Now, hopefully, the road to the end and very hopefully to find or not Annabeth Jackson... Again, I hope. I haven't finished writing. I haven't been able to write much, but I am close of 150K. 17,250+ views

So 50 chapters, #1 in written words, #2 in reviews, still #5 hopefully #4 with this chapter in views, #3 in favorites and #2 in alerts. I would love nothing more that finish this story with #1 in everything, but I don't really mind. I'm happy if you are happy. About a 3rd part, I don't even want to think about it, right now. I'm still depressed for the response for Alaska, part 3. It wasn't that good. I won't deny it. I went very dark and angst. I accept it!

50. Snap

I stayed tied for the rest of the day. Taylor and Em came to check up on me. I didn't argue or plead to get released. Chiron was probably right to keep me like that. I felt something wrong in me. Even if it was just a second, I was afraid of what I felt; I wanted to hurt Ewan and Aida.

Juniper, Hazel and Piper never came to see me and I was a little disappointed by it. I wanted to see them. I missed Juniper terribly.

The infirmary was getting darker as the day was ending. I wondered how come Sean was still sleeping. I also wondered what Lana did exactly to him to knock him down this long.

Just before daylight was completely gone, the door opened and she came in. Her eyes were puffy red probably for crying all day long. She was wearing her camp t-shirt and jeans.

"Theo?" she asked softly.

"I don't want to see you, Lana" I said as I turned my head to the wall. "Go back to Ewan, your boyfriend"

I heard her sniffing as she was sobbing again and she left in tears.

"That was mean, bro" said Sean. I gasped just a little surprised of hearing Sean but it quickly banished.

"She knocked you down and you are defending her now?" I said ironically "Stockholm syndrome?"

"That's funny… Well, she is pretty. I am not going to deny it" said Sean "A little young for my taste, besides I was totally in love with your sister" He choked on the last words and I heard him sobbing.

"I'm sorry" I said.

"It's okay" said Sean eventually "I'm sorry too. I hoped, you know"

"Yeah, I know" I said.

For the corner of my eye, I saw him standing up and walking to me. He looked as heartbroken as I felt.

"Do you want me to untie you?" asked Sean.

"No" I said "Chiron's order"

"I will go to see everybody" said Sean awkwardly "Do you need anything?"

"I'm okay" I said and Sean bear-hugged me before leaving.

I was once again alone. I thought of Ewan. I knew he was there with Lana probably comforting her. He was with Lana now and I wasn't. I knew I have to be completely heartbroken for my sister but I couldn't stop thinking how a coward I was, how I snapped at her. I lost the girl to one of my best friends.

I heard the horns for dinner and sing-a-long and I was actually relieved of how life kept easily happening. There was no tragedy to mourn except for my sister and Clovis. It was getting late and I wondered if anyone was coming to check on me or not.

Then Lana stepped in again. I saw her shadow moving around me. She stood in front of my bed. Her hair looked messy in a loosen buns, strings falling to her right side. She looked more calmly, but I didn't feel the same. I just looked away.

"Can I sit?" she said weakly "Can I turn on the light?"

"Do whatever you want" I said not looking at her.

Lana didn't turn on the light but she opened the windows letting the nightlight come in. She moved to my side and her hands moved to my legs where the straps were.

"Don't" I said almost pleading. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be released. She was the last person I ever wanted to hurt.

"I talked to Chiron. I know you are not a threat" said Lana as she continued removing the straps. She stopped to look directly to my eyes. She was honest. There wasn't a single hint of fear "I know you"

When she was done, I finally sat down. I felt good to be able to move freely again. I stretched all my limbs in my bed. I heard a couple of my joints cracking at the movement.

"It wasn't your fault" said Lana and sat next to me on the bed. We were shoulder against shoulder. Her weight felt nice against me.

"It feels like" I mumbled.

"Theo…" whispered Lana.

"My sister is dead. No matter what you say, it won't change that" I said.

She sighed heavily. She didn't know what to say, so I felt her head on my shoulder and I started to cry. Around Lana, I felt just safety enough to cry freely. Something I haven't done in the whole day. She moved herself to hug me. She patted my back softly just enough to comfort me and I buried my face on the crook of her neck. We hugged until my body felt numb. I pulled away slowly and her hands cupped my cheeks. She removed the tears of my eyes with an intense look in her eyes. She looked just beautiful.

"Why?" I asked. I wasn't sure if she understood me. I wasn't sure what I was asking myself. Why was she with Ewan? Why she helped him? Why it hurt so much? Why did they use my sister? It really didn't matter what she said. I just wanted a reason from her lips, something to understand, to keep me sane.

"Theo, I helped Ewan for only one reason" said Lana looking straight to my eyes. I braced myself to hear her saying she was helping her boyfriend "To protect you"

I gasped softly and really surprise. "You didn't have to" I said trying not to blush.

"You risked your life protecting others including myself before. Someone has to have your back but I really didn't do much. Fear controlled me" said Lana.

"I don't know what to say" I said looking down. Lana removed her warm hands from my face and she looked down just like me. Her head bumped softly against mine.

"It's okay. You don't have to say anything" said Lana. She placed her hands on her side. I hesitated. I wanted to hold her hands.

For a brief moment, I was happy of Lana caring for me. She was here when the others weren't. I was probably going to ruin everything but I had to ask "What was the quest?" I really had to know.

As I expected, Lana sighed heavily before saying "Theo, I don't think I should"

"Please?" I said weakly.

"Okay… Demigod prince shall stop the threat, to save demigods of the Dark Sword, one bloody moon before the spring she will attack" said Lana.

As Lana said that, I looked outside, the moon was bright on the sky and I saw a faint trace of reddish clouds making the moon like it was slightly bleeding. I wondered how come I didn't notice it yesterday.

I really didn't know what to say. Calypso and Aida were probably right. It was a trap all along and I felt like an idiot because I didn't see it. I was so supposed to be smarter but I was clouded by my feelings. Right now, I hated the emotional part of myself, the part that belonged to my dad.

We didn't say anything and I heard the final conch horn announcing bedtime. It was getting late.

"So, you and Ewan? Huh?" I asked and I sensed Lana pulling away. She wrapped her arms around herself. She didn't look at me.

She said weakly "It's complicated"

"I'm happy for you" I said politely and I felt my heart breaking even more. I thought it wasn't even possible.

"Do you hate me? It's okay if you do. I probably deserved it" asked Lana. She looked at me and I felt my mouth dry. I wasn't sure why she was asking me that. Maybe she needed reassure or maybe it was me who needed it.

"I am not that sure anymore… Do you hate me? My sister almost killed you" I said weakly.

"No. I can't hate you" said Lana and I felt my heart less heavy but then I heard her crying in the dark "Sorry. I have to go" She stood up fast. Before I could reach for her hand, she was already gone.

I was once again alone in the infirmary. At least, this time I wasn't tied. I was free to go but I didn't know where to go really. Calypso's would be full of people crying for my sister. I wasn't in the mood of being there, even if we were talking of my family. I couldn't go back to my old cabin or any cabin. I wasn't welcomed anymore.

I really didn't know what to do, so I sat on the bed. The whole Camp was silent but I heard someone coming in slow steps. I thought it was Juniper or Calypso, but then I saw Ewan coming through the threshold. He turned on the lights. It took me a couple of blinks to focus.

I stood up fast waking to him. I was glad he came first. I needed to do it, so I said "I'm sorry for what happened. I don't know what possessed me"

He nodded. "TJ, this isn't over" said Ewan carefully. He wasn't making a threat but a warning. I expected him to be mad at me for hurting him. His hand moved instinctively and touched the spot where I stabbed his shoulder.

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

Ewan looked up and said "Zeus is waiting for you to make a bad move and attack you by me or another. He doesn't trust your father less you. I have no idea what your father did in the Olympus but my father is furious"

"Thanks for the warning" I said drily.

Ewan kicked the floor with his foot annoyed. He said "I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore"

"I understand" I said and I really wasn't expecting another thing. Since last summer, we drifted apart slowly but surely.

"The next time we face each other" said Ewan trying to sound gravely important.

"Ewan, I get it… mortal enemies now, right?" I said and I saw his cheek blushing embarrassed as I interrupted his grave statement.

"Sorry" said Ewan weakly.

I had to admit that it was really brave of him coming to warn me. He was doing one last favor for the sake of our now destroyed friendship. I wanted to make him feel just a little better however the image of him and Lana holding hands was on my mind. I said "Congratulations about you and Lana. You won her after all" I tried but I sounded hurt, bitter.

"I don't see it that way, but thanks… I guess" said Ewan "See you around"

"Sure" I said and he nodded. He left the place.

I sat on the bed and I was somehow glad of this closure. I wasn't upset at Ewan or Lana. I was actually really relieved that I didn't feel the urge of ripping off his throat. I thought I was starting to completely feel like me. However, at the same time I was frustrated by everything else.

Just a couple of minutes later, I heard a set of steps coming. I thought that finally Grover or Juniper were coming to see me but the steps sounded heavier.

"Dad?" I said as I saw him coming in. I wasn't expecting him to coming any time soon.

"TJ, how are you?" asked my dad. He stopped in front of me. He looked tired like he hadn't slept in days. He combed his hair nervously.

"What happened in Olympus? What the Gods said?" I asked.

He didn't look at me. He sighed so heavily and said "I can't tell you"

I felt my blood boiling and I asked "Why not?!"

"TJ, I just can't" said my dad deadpanned and I was getting just plain furious.

I grabbed him by the collar. I said loudly and angry "Don't you dare to say it's for my protection!? That didn't stop Silenus from using Mer! You messed up my whole life by 'protecting' me!"

"TJ?" said my dad surprised by my actions. He didn't look upset just surprised.

"Just don't… you know what, just stay away from me. I can't look at you. You have failed us once again. You are a failure. You can't find mom. You couldn't save Mer... I found Claire, not you" I said and pushed him away. I felt close of punching him. I was as angry as when I attacked Ewan. I wanted his blood. I felt myself so strange for my own skin. This wasn't me at all but I was still doing it.

My dad looked at me angry now. His fists were clenched and he said "Don't talk to me like that. I'm your father!"

"You are just a sperm donor, just like Jake Matthews was!" I spatted.

I heard Aida yelling from behind me "TJ, don't say that!" She grabbed me by the shoulder making me turn to face her. I was sick of Aida always defending his stepdad.

"Stay away from this, half-sister!" I said as I pushed her away. This anger was possessing me again as I felt the mandatory need of drawing a weapon.

"What did you say?" said Aida just really angered. She looked ready of throwing punches.

"You heard me. You are not in the same category as Claire. You are a mistake mom did before she married dad" I said and Aida slapped me hard enough to see stars. She didn't stop there. She punched right at my nose. I didn't fight her back.

"You… I hate you… You couldn't save my sister, you monster!" she roared as she punched me one last time because she took out her sword from her enchanted bracelet.

Before I could blink, the sword tip touched my neck and I just didn't care. I said also upset because she was right to the last word "Do it! I dare you!"

Aida looked at me with hate. She was definitely going to do it but my dad caught her wrist. He said "Aida, drop your sword!" My sister looked at him for the longest moment. She hesitated but eventually gave in and nodded in tears. The sword hit the ground loudly and I ran out of the room. I ran fast without really thinking in the direction. I just wanted to be a far as possible of Percy Jackson.

I hid in the forest. I knew that Juniper or her sisters would eventually find me but I needed time to calm down. I couldn't believe what I said to Aida or my dad. I was never that cruel but also never had a week like this. I sat against a tree and heard nothing but my own breathing. It was fast and uneven at first but eventually it was normal almost like a pleasant lullaby.

It had passed maybe one hour and I had no intention of coming back. I was ashamed of the way I said but not the content. I was really disappointed of my father, the great Percy Jackson. For months, I hoped for him to make everything just better but now grandpa and my sister were dead and my mom was still missing. Lana, Taylor, Aida, Em and I almost died. 84 demigods and their families did die all because Percy Jackson failed… I failed to all of them too. I was also a failure.

Suddenly, Taylor appeared and he said "Hey, I heard what happened" He sat by my side against this tree.

"I can't go back" I said "Don't try to convince me"

"Are you sure about that? You are all angry right now, but you are still family. You all love each other" said Taylor and I knew what he meant.

"I don't want to talk about that. I just want to put as many distance between them and me" I said standing up. I was glad Taylor came. He would tell everybody why I was gone.

"Are you going to leave Claire as well? She needs her big and only brother" said Taylor trying to convince me but my mind was set.

"She will be fine. She made it without me for almost 10 years" I said and it sounded like a bad excuse.

"If you say so…" said Taylor. I started to walk away in direction to the closest mortal road. "No goodbye to anyone then? Not even to me?"

"Goodbye, Taylor. Take care of everybody for me, okay?" I said and continued walking.

I was probably at the edge of forest when I realized that Taylor was following me. I stopped and waited for him to appear.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Going with you. Where you go, I go, right?" said Taylor and he had nothing more that his sword on his belt and his smile, the goofy Taylor smile that makes you feel that everything will work out.

"What about Em?" I asked hoping to make him understand who he was leaving behind.

"She gets that you need me right now" said Taylor and I realized they had planned this. They knew I would leave sooner or later.

I said "Thanks" and hugged him.

As we pulled away, Taylor grinned and said "Just don't get sappy on me. My mom will kill me after she kills you"

"Okay… I have to go. You get it, right? Besides I can't stay here, right? Campers threw me out" I said.

"Yeah, Juniper has been talking to all leaders and Chiron all day long but they are not backing down" said Taylor.

I looked at him and I sighed. I said "It's better this way. I don't think I can live here anymore anyway. There are too many bad memories right now"

"Let's go" said Taylor "I hate Camp anyway" I knew he was lying but I appreciated the effort. He pulled my arm dragging faster out of the only place left to call home.

I didn't return to the apartment for my things. I didn't want awkward conversations or pleas. We went to Taylor's apartment and grabbed a couple of bags of clothes and some cash.