Hey guys, I'm back

Sorry for the long time since my last update. Things have been crazy between work and school and work. Funny thing is… I currently have COVID rn, so that's cool. Luckily, it hasn't been bad. Only small flu symptoms. And hey, its given me time to actually sit down and get this chapter written, which has been nice.

Have any of you read the last book of the trials of apollo yet? Because I have, and boy do I have some thoughts on it… well, mostly one thought, lol. But I won't post spoilers, so if u want my thought, message me. Not that any of you care…

I do not own PJO/HOO.

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Magoa ~ the heartbreaking feeling that leaves long-lasting traces or feelings, often seen in your gestures or facial expressions

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The scene I woke up to resembled less of the cozy Alaskan town I remembered, and more of the planet Hoth from Star Wars. Honestly, it was closer to what most people would expect Alaska to look like.

Even weirder though, were the dogs.

When I finally regained consciousness, the first thing I noticed was that everything was covered in snow and frozen tundra as far as the eye could see. Gone were the trees and other sources of greenery. Those observations, however, soon took a backseat in my mind, once I started realizing other things, like the fact that my hands were tied behind my back.

Better still, my friends were all in the same boat, as they were seated next to me on the cold ground, their hands tied behind their backs in a similar fashion. I glanced at each one of them briefly, though no one said a word. They looked okay, despite being dangerously close to that explosion.

Their eyes, however, wouldn't meet mine, as if they were locked in and focused on something else. I followed their gazes, and immediately started to wonder how I hadn't noticed the dogs before.

When I say 'dogs', I use the term very loosely.

Dog-headed people might have been a better description. These creatures surrounding us looked like one of more despicable things I had encountered in my short tenure as a demigod. Their body very much resembled a human, but their heads consisted of a variety of different doglike faces.

Some resembled Jackals or Hyenas, others looked like Pitbulls and Dobermans, and a few select ones even had the head of a poodle. The poodles scared me the most.

Each one held a weapon in their human-like hands, and while a few of them were trained on us, the vast majority seemed more concerned about the figures bound a few yards away. Almost like they were more worried about them escaping than us.

I soon figured out why, when I saw my father lift his head, and give me a quick, worried glance. His face was bloodied, no doubt from the explosion, and in the brief look that we exchanged, I saw an emotion I never thought I would see in his eyes.

Fear.

Granted, I had only truly known him for less than a day, but at the same time, Aphrodite's dreams had made it feel like I had known him forever.

My mother didn't appear much better. A deep scratch ran along her temple, where the blood had already dried and crusted over, and a large bruise could be seen on her cheek. When she saw my father look, she too glanced briefly in my direction, and a wave of relief washed over her as we made eye contact.

The relief soon faded however, when the dog-headed monsters began to snarl even more. All eyes were drawn to vicious crowd of drooling creatures, as they seemingly began to part down the middle. All in all, it might have made for a grand entrance, had not it been tainted by slobber and poodles.

The figure who approached was different from the hundred or so minions who surrounded us. In that moment, Carolyn's last second prophecy suddenly made sense. The person was decked out in full battle armor, a fact that became rather secondary once you noticed the golden sword he wore at his side, and the horrifying gold helmet he donned on his head. The gold only amplified the details that were almost indescribably hideous, with the curved tusks, and the hair seemingly made of snakes. The only feature of his face that you could see where his eyes, cold and cunning.

"The golden one," I whispered in realization, as the figure came to a stop in front of my parents.

"Chrysaor," My dad said in a defiant tone, as he stared up at the intruder.

Chrysaor just laughed; a hollow, meaningless laugh that was backed up by a silky smooth but spine-tingling voice.

"Perseus Jackson… I told you all those years ago that I would have my revenge."

"Yes, well," My dad replied snarkily, "That was years ago… forgive me for not having that at the forefront of my mind-"

He was cutoff by the back of Chrysaor's hand smacking his face, sending him backwards to the ground completely. I flinched as it happened, and felt my hands begin to ball into fists. The masked figure walked towards the almost prone body of my dad, and picked him up by the scruff of his shirt, hoisting him into the air almost completely.

"It has taken me a long time to find you, Perseus Jackson. I have been looking forward to this moment for almost two decades. So if you wouldn't mind, please don't ruin it for me by being… your usual self."

My father didn't respond. His head hung limp, even though I could tell he was still conscious, as armored man set him back down on the ground next to my mom. He slumped against her shoulder, while Chrysaor began pacing back and forth slowly in front of them. Despite his helmet covering most of his face, it was very easy to follow his eyes, which stayed mostly focused on my parents, though occasionally they would glance in the direction of my friends and me.

More specifically, in my direction.

"Ever since the day you and your friends destroyed my ship and scattered my crew in the Mare Nostrum," He spat the word 'friends' as if it were acid on his tongue, "I have been plotting and seeking my revenge."

I felt like we had already established that, but I didn't say as much, for fear of ending up like my dad. One might call it wisdom.

"So imagine my surprise when I start to hear rumors amongst your old enemies that you and your sidekick here," He not-so-casually kicked my mother in her side with his foot, "Had moved to New Rome, and started a life there. Of course, this greatly upset most of those who wanted revenge on you, since they figured that there was no way to get to you then."

I waited for the 'but' - there was always a 'but'.

"But… I'm an optimist, and an opportunist. I knew there were still ways to get at you, you just have to know the right people, and by people, I mean sorceresses."

My mother's head shot up, and she glared at the figure smiling evilly down at her.

"That's right," Chrysaor chuckled, "I was the one who sent you those nightmares, the ones that reminded you of that place. All it took was a little help from some magical friends who also wanted vengeance."

"Pasiphae," My mom said venomously.

"Among others," He replied back. "At first, the nightmares about Tartarus weren't enough, so we had to take it up a level. And it all became that much easier once we found out about the boy."

I suddenly felt Chrysaor's cold, steely eyes on me, and while I tried to return it with my own, I found I could not hold his gaze. He cackled once again.

"All of a sudden," He announced, "We had our means of vengeance practically handed to us. But then…" The golden-masked figure dropped his arms, feigning disappointment, "You had to go and leave, hide away, not even taking your own child with you. I must admit, I didn't think even you were that heartless."

"You don't know what you're talking about," My mother snapped back.

"Nevertheless," He continued, "I will admit also that it was an unexpected development, and it threw a… ooh, what's it called? The thing you humans use to twist things? A tool?" He turned to one of the dog-headed monsters beside him. "Do you know what I'm referring too?"

The monster, one of the Doberman variety, responded with a slobbery grunt.

"A wrench! That's it… you threw a wrench in our plans. By disappearing off the face of the earth supposedly, but I was not discouraged- I knew it would only be a matter of time." He paced tauntingly in front of my parents, and though I could not see it, I knew he was smiling victoriously underneath his helmet. "Even with everything you did, I knew your child could not stay hidden forever, and that one day, he would reemerge from whatever hole that insolent goddess of wisdom had put him in."

My mother almost snapped, and threateningly lunged at Chrysaor as best as one could when your hands were tied behind your back. She didn't make it far, as the dog-headed monsters quickly subdued her, and forced her back down next to my dad.

Chrysaor laughed. "Ah, my dear Annabeth… still as bold and as brash as ever. I hope you resist trying anything further, lest the Cynocephaly get too excited."

The monsters surrounding us all laughed, a hyena-like laugh that sent shivers down my spine. Chrysaor ran his hand over the head of the one standing nearest to him, scratching it behind the ears as if it were actually his pet.

"After you scattered my last crew, I was constantly in search of new potential, when I stumbled upon these creatures on a remote island in the Mare Nostrum. They proved to be formidable warriors, and willing to take on anything, so long as they were in a pack."

The Cynocephalus howled in agreement, as Chrysaor resumed his pacing.

"The only thing I needed then was a way to know when the boy reappeared, and a way to get to him, so- like any good employer does, I started recruiting." I heard a commotion coming from the crowd of monsters, and I looked up to see that they were beginning to make way for someone once more, as Chrysaor continued speaking.

"Even in the best of times for demigods, you wouldn't believe how easy it is to find someone who feels they've been treated unfairly, and who is just looking for a chance to prove themselves."

His velvety words flowed through my mind and into the pit of stomach, where they settled like a cold rag, as my eyes fell upon the figure that had appeared from the crowd, and taken his place beside Chrysaor.

I heard Alek gasp next to me, before his teeth ground together, and a snarl escaped his lips. Erica didn't make a sound.

"It's good to see you again, Luke," Cole Hansen said with a slimy smirk on his face.

My blood ran cold, but I didn't say anything. I just stared with disbelief as I beheld the boy who had literally saved my life once, and had been the one to bring me to camp, standing next to… that guy.

Cole didn't seem to be looking for a response from me. He glanced down at my parents, and gave them a haughty sneer. "I see the great Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase are indeed still alive... for now."

My mom tilted her head. "I'm sorry- who are you?"

I watched as Cole backhanded her across the face much like Chrysaor had done to my father. The effect was not nearly as dramatic, with the only consequence being a bit of blood appearing on her lips, but still… my vision went red.

"You son of a- "

I tried to scramble to my feet, but was quickly brought down by the butt of a spear being shoved into my gut, knocking the wind out of me, and I crumpled to the ground.

"What's going on, Cole?" I heard Alek yell, "Why are you with this freak?"

"Brave talk coming from you of all people," Cole snapped back, "I know what you've done, Aleki Nuamali'l."

I felt Alek almost visibly shrink back into his shell, and it only made me angrier. The taste of iron flooded my mouth, as the blood slowly dripped from my nose.

"To answer your question, little demigod," Chrysaor spoke once again, "Your friend here… is my inside man."

Cole now approached the four of us who were grouped together, his hands casually in his pockets as he walked with a loose swagger. The only way he could've appeared more careless is if he were whistling.

"Chrysaor knew you would reappear sooner or later, but he needed to know when it happened precisely. Not only that, but he needed a way to get at you as well."

"Get at me?" I repeated, absolute venom in my voice.

"Yes," Cole replied, "So that he could use you to get to your parents. And that's where I came in." He held his hands out, as if it were some big reveal.

"But why? What do you have against me, or my parents? What has my family ever done to you?!"

"What has your family ever done to me?" Cole repeated the question as if it were the stupidest thing ever asked in history. His face then went serious once more. "Did you know that there was once a time when being a son of Zeus was actually a big deal? When it actually meant something to people?"

He sighed, and shook his head. "Of course you don't… because thanks to your parents over there," He pointed in their direction without bothering to look himself, "Now it's all about legacies and how all cabins are equally important."

Cole used extensive air quotations, so as to really drive home his point.

"Do you know how many people care that I'm a son of the king of the gods? Don't answer that, because it's no one. And it's all because of your parents- "

"Is that seriously what this is about?" I asked. I don't know exactly what came over me at that point, but I almost felt like laughing. "You're upset because you're not getting as much attention as you'd like?"

Cole reached out his hand, and grabbed my hair, forcing me to look him straight in his cold blue eyes. "You think that's funny, huh?"

In my head, I found it more ironic than funny really. Ironic, because there was once a time when I would've given anything to be in the position Cole had been in. To have friends, maybe even an actual family, and to just be seen. In my opinion, being seen and underappreciated was better than not being seen at all.

To just have a place to call home, that would have been enough for me.

When I never responded to his question, Cole smiled menacingly, and finally let go of my raven black mop of hair.

"I had no idea when I originally brought you to camp, that you were the kid we had been looking for this whole time, but then you were practically dropped into our lap, along with the prophecy. Chrysaor and I realized we didn't have to get at you at all, since you would end up leading us to your parents yourself."

My mind was suddenly running on all cylinders, as I started to piece things together. I found out however, that some pieces still didn't fit. "Why didn't you just come on the quest then?"

"And raise suspicion once I was the only one to return? Be known as the demigod who got the 'son of the chariot' killed?"

"Then how did you track us? How did you know where we were going?"

"Ah," Cole said matter-of-factly, "Now that is actually a very interesting question, with an answer to which I think you'll find also quite interesting." He nodded to one of Cynocephaly guarding our group, and the dog-headed monster moved behind us.

I watched in horror as he leaned down with a knife, and cut the bonds off one person, before pulling that person to their feet… and then letting them go.

"No… no, don't tell me- " I watched as she stepped forward, and moved next to Cole.

"I'm sorry, Luke," Erica said despairingly, as she rubbed her wrists where the ropes had been, "I did what I had to do." There was definite sadness and guilt in her eyes, but none of that made any difference now.

"Erica?" Alek's broken voice came, the sheer betrayal etched into every syllable. "What are you doing?"

She didn't reply. Instead, she just hung her head, as she clutched the necklace that had always been hidden under her shirt. Now revealed, I noted the amulet that hung next to her camp beads, and my mind flashbacked to the time I had been in the Zeus cabin, when I had first asked Cole to come on the quest.

That amulet had been sitting on his desk, and it had also been with us this entire time.

The tears that streamed down Erica's face did little to soothe the anger that I suddenly felt. Anger at her, and at myself, for not listening to Athena's wisdom in regards to my fatal flaw.

If you're not careful, you'll be blindsided, and betrayed by someone you didn't think possible.

And oh, how right she was. I honestly would have been less surprised by Carolyn (don't tell her I said that though) or even Alek (he would probably agree with me). But by Erica?

"I don't understand."

"Oh, you will in a minute," Cole snapped, and he waved his wand back towards the main crowd of Cynocephali. Two monsters then brought forward a large chest, which by the looks of it, was very heavy. Plopping the chest down in front of Cole, he lifted the lid to show the contents of the insides.

Straining my neck, I looked to see a variety of riches beyond what I could ever imagine. Gold, gems, and jewels beyond a number I could count to. I whirled about to face Erica.

She wasn't even looking at the chest, but at Alek of all things, who refused to meet her gaze. His face was contorted into an expression I could only describe as hatefully worthy of a son of Ares. Erica looked desperately at him, but found no grace. I watched her world shatter before my very eyes.

"Erica, tell me you didn't? You sold us out."

The daughter of Hermes turned slowly to meet my grey and green eyes with her own. Deep sorrow exuded from her voice, and her face turned red from sobbing. "I'm so sorry, Luke, believe me. If I could go back and change it, I would."

"What are you talking about?"

"I didn't want to, but it was the only choice I had. I didn't think we'd grow this close, that all these things would happen. Believe me, if I could do anything now to change it, I would in a heartbeat." She wiped her face with her arm. "My fatal flaw is greed, Luke. I couldn't go on wondering how I was going to take care of myself, how I was going to make it in the world."

"But what about camp?"

"Camp doesn't last forever, Luke. Eventually, we all have to move on."

"So you sold us out?" I asked, anger filling my words. "You were… you are going to let them kill us so that you could live a carefree life?"

Erica didn't respond. She just dropped her head even lower, as my words flowed over like a cold gust of wind. Silence was all that followed, as I drank in the sight of one of my best and only friends trading me in for a chest of gold.

"And now," Chrysaor's voice boomed out, breaking the moment, "It is time to exact my ultimate revenge."

I'm sure most of us expected him to do away with my parents first, so imagine my surprise as I watched him draw his sword slowly, and begin walking towards me of all people.

"What could possibly be worse than death, Percy Jackson? Perhaps watching your own son die before your very eyes."

yikes