What's up everybody, if you're still here, thanks for following along, I hope you enjoyed the fight last chapter.

I realize I didn't put Matt's name under the chapter title last chapter. My bad on that, I hope it didn't cause any confusion. I'll be consistent with it from now on.

Let's respond to a couple of reviews.

Illuminatedprime: "Gotta just love binge reading this story in 2 days, love everything about it."

Response: Thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying it so far. I hope you keep following along, because I have plenty of surprises in store!

Shadowhunter2077: "Nice chapters, I really like the build up your are making with the norse pantheon, because I think that's how the demigods would react with another pantheon, because in a way a new pantheon is a new world because each one has it's own rules and powers, so yes this makes a new pantheon of gods something of another world.

And about the fight, damn this battle was brutal, it's was like watching a fight from the series Invincible, which means I absolutely loved, the will power of Matt is amazing which I think will always be his greatest power, and damn I feeling bad about Hephaestus the guy has the worst luck.

And I really liked how you make Talon pointed out that the roman gods are similar to the greeks not the same, because at least to me while I loved Heroes of Olympus, I was really disappointed with how Rick made the Roman pantheon just a aspect of the greek pantheon, while I understand why he did that, I hoped he would introduce a new pantheon of gods that would be just like you said similar but not the same, it would be cool to see another set of gods that look like the ones we know but when we meet them we see that they are totally different from the greek ones, like we could see Jupiter as a general or emperor vibe, while with Zeus we have the king vibe, and when Gaea tricked the romans instand of being a conflict of aspacts, it would be a conflict of gods with each side nullifying each other and getting weaker, and in the final battle (which for me was very anti-climatic) instand of being Jason, Piper, and Leo against Gaea, it could be Zeus and Jupiter against her ending the war between greeks and romans for good."

Response: Thanks for the review, I appreciate it. And yeah, I'm going to explore the Norse pantheon pretty heavily in this book, explaining in my own way how they coexist with the others. I'm glad you liked the Greek and Roman part, that's how I always perceived the relationship between those two pantheons, that they were similar, but not the same. I also share your opinion about the final battle of Heroes of Olympus, it was a bit anti climactic, but I did enjoy it all the same. I think it would have been interesting to see Jupiter in action against Gaea. As for Norse, I've done a lot of research recently and I plan on diving into it more in this book, seeing the gods and maybe even Asgard, who knows.

NiHaR OP: "Fight scene was fire broooooo. Dang i really thought krios would win."

Response: Thanks man, and yeah, it sure seemed like he would win.

Jay: "Matt is badass but I doubt he'll top Zane's current Kill count as of 2 chapters ago. Fuck that nigga's brutal"

Response: Thanks, and I know he won't top Zane's kill count, that guy has been very brutal up until the end of the most recent chapter. It seems he's going to make a bit of a change, and I'm fine with that.

thesuperone342: "Holy shit that was the most badass and metal thing I've ever fucking read. It was so violent and amazing. I thought Krios was going to get away and be a recurring villain like Malachi was, but nope he's dead. The brutality blew my Zane and Percy vs Ares out of the park. And right after the makeup between Hercules and Matt was awesome and believable as well. Anyway, great chapter as always and I can't wait for the next one.

PS: So you said Krios was at full power. Was he Solar system there or Universal? Just wondering."

Response: Thanks, I tried to make it as epic as possible, seems I did something right. And nah, Krios is back in Tartarus, he won't be showing up in this book anymore at least. I already answered his question on Snapchat but I'll say it here too. Krios was solar system level in that fight, same as full power Matt, that's why they were basically even. The only Titans that are universal in my story are Kronos, Atlas, and Hyperion. Hope that clears things up.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters (except the OC's) Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Heroes Of Olympus, or Trials Of Apollo. All of that belongs to Rick Riordan.

Now then, let's blow this pop stand- sorry, wrong fanfic. (What does that mean superone342?)

What I meant to say was, on with the fourth chapter. Does Levi want the smoke?

4. I Get A Visit From A Traitor

Harper

Running through the woods and towards Camp, I expected the worst.

I expected to hear screams of pain and terror, due to Levi hacking away at whatever he could see. I wouldn't put it past this new version of him.

I shook that image from my head. There was no way he would do something as savage as that, right? I mean, some part of the old Levi had to be inside of him. I just had to believe that.

Either way, I needed to get there, whether he was attacking now or not, I needed to find him. Running out of patience, I turned around to Logan, who was running behind me. I had been keeping it slow so he could keep up, but I couldn't wait around any longer.

"I'm gonna speed things up, if that's alright!" I called to him.

He was breathing heavily, "What?! You're already running too fast!"

I turned my head around and prepared my legs, angling them towards the tree closest to me. Speed is key, speed is the number one priority, that and balance, always balance.

Three rules of my style. Speed, Balance, and Environment.

I had trained myself in this way. Sure, Levi had taught me everything I knew about how to use my knives, but when it came to other things, I had taught myself. I had developed a unique fighting style that was specific to well...me. I've never encountered another demigod that fights the way I do.

It's basically combining the styles of a spider and a panther, or really any big cat you can imagine. It's all about using your surroundings to make yourself even faster, basically bouncing off of them like a bullet ricocheting on several walls. That's what I did. I used speed to disorient and confuse my opponent, then I used balance to keep myself from falling off of whatever I was landing on, and I used the environment to maneuver, the pattern was that of a spider on it's web, surrounding the prey, and webbing it up for the kill. The panther part comes in at the last second, when you actually go for the kill. My strikes have to count, they have to be accurate and powerful. So if I target someone, I'm going to use it all.

But Harper, what if there are no trees or walls? Then what?

Well, I'm glad you asked, because that has happened before. If it does, I just cut out the environment part and face them head on, or just use the flat ground as a launchpad. I could still maneuver that way, just not as good.

Suddenly I flashed back to when Matt and I sparred on that truck of Talon's. I had displayed my fighting style there, giving him a good kick to the gut, to which he just brushed off like it was a bee sting. I had put full power into that kick, a kick that had severed the upper half of several monster's bodies, and he just goes and blocks it.

I had to admit, it made me a bit annoyed, that he had taken it so easily. It made me question my power at the time, but then I remembered that he was the Son of Hercules, he's supposed to be extremely tough. And no wonder, because his body sure looked it.

Another image flashed in my mind, the image of him shirtless, when he had forgotten I was in the room. I was a blushing mess at the sight. I had rarely seen shirtless boys period, so you can imagine why Matt's defined arms, gorgeous six pack, and V line made me go a little nuts. To be completely honest, I hadn't wanted him to put it back on, I remember feeling the strange urge to run my hand over his stomach. I had put it off as just a passing thought, but with the age of sixteen comes raging hormones. When I had turned the big one six, I was in the middle of being depressed about him, and often dreamt of him and I doing things...well, let's just say more than kissing and cuddling.

These thoughts only made my heart sink right now. I wished we could have experienced it together, all of these new things, but no, a year gone without him.

He could be alive, I thought.

That was true, Levi had hinted at it, so maybe he was still out there.

But what if he's moved on? What if he regrets getting together with you?

Stop it. I can't dwell on it right now, I had to get to Camp.

I leapt at the tree nearby, planting my combat boots on it quickly, and just as soon as I landed, I had shot off again towards the next tree, then the next, then the next. Soon enough I was like a pinball through the forest, and within a couple of seconds, I emerged in Camp to find...everything completely normal.

Nobody was screaming, nothing was destroyed, everything seemed fine. I then realized I was very tense, my body was tight with expectation, hands gripped on my knives. The other campers turned to me in confusion, I stood there awkwardly.

I quickly sheathed them, and thought about the Big House, I needed to check there. I ran toward it with normal speed, making it there quickly, and throwing open the door.

It swung open, and instead of the Big Four, I was greeted with a conversation between Annabeth, Sera, and Malachi.

As soon as the door slammed against the wall, they all looked at me, a bit alert.

Sera recognized it was me, and her face lit up.

"Harper!" She got up from her seated position and threw her arms around me, squeezing tight.

"It feels like I haven't seen you in forever!"

I patted her on the back, "You saw me yesterday, Sera."

She pulled away, her face sheepish, "Oh yeah, I forgot."

I couldn't help but laugh, Sera was such a cinnamon roll. We had grown to be good friends like I said, and of course that involved bear hugs and makeup sessions, to my dismay at first, but over the year, I got used to it. It was just hard to say no to those puppy eyes.

Malachi leaned forward to study me, "Is something wrong? You seem alarmed."

Yeah, alarmed. Both Sera and Malachi probably seem strange to you guys, if you don't know them already. What with Sera's childish attitude despite her being twenty one years old, and Malachi's formal choice of words despite being...twenty one years old. The thing was, these two had basically been secluded from the world. Sera with her awful family, and Malachi with his awful father. They weren't allowed to interact with anyone else, blocking any development for social interaction. If you already knew that, great, but if you didn't, well now you know why they act different than other people.

"I am." I said, turning to Annabeth, "I need to talk to you, and Chiron."

"Okay." She said, motioning me to follow her.

Not before Sera could stop me, "Annabeth was telling us about Capture the Flag, it sounds fun!"

Malachi got up and nodded, "Agreed. Although I'm not sure I understand the rules."

I didn't want to tell the guy that he was too powerful for the game, because well...he was. And Sera, she wasn't a fighter, so I doubted it. But I didn't want to bring them down, so I stayed quiet.

"I'm sure you guys will be fine, Sorry for the rush, I gotta talk to Annabeth real quick."

They both nodded, Annabeth and I went into the living room of the Big House, getting Chiron shortly after. The Centaur and the Daughter of Athena sat there, waiting to hear what I had to say.

"Go on, Harper. Whatever it is, we'll try to make sense of it." Chiron said, in that soothing voice of his, the fatherly voice that many campers sought inspiration from.

I tried to form the words in my head, to try and explain it in a way that makes sense, but really...it didn't. At least to me it didn't. The idea of another world similar to ours out there somewhere...is eerie.

"You guys are smart, right?" Stupid question, but I just went with it.

Annabeth chuckled, "Daughter of Athena and Chiron?" She looked at the Centaur, who nodded in agreement, "I'd say we're pretty smart, yeah."

I leaned forward anxiously, "Okay, what do you guys know about the other pantheons?"

That seemed to have taken them by surprise. Chiron's eyebrows raised and Annabeth had an equally stunned look.

"Where's this coming from?" Chiron asked suspiciously.

"Um, something...maybe, I don't know. Just tell me, please."

Annabeth shook her head, "I know they exist, or at least...a few. I know that there are other gods out there, and that the pantheons haven't collided in recent history."

Chiron scoffed, "No they have not. That would be an utter catastrophe."

"So they are real?"

"Yes." They both said uneasily.

"Have you ever encountered any other beings? You know, besides Greek and Roman?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Annabeth nodded, "Yeah. Percy and I have a couple of friends that belong to the Egyptian pantheon. They're magicians, and we helped each other out a couple of years ago." She laughed lightly and muttered, "Huh, I wonder what Sadie's up to."

"Who?" I asked.

She looked up, "Sadie, one of our Egyptian friends."

I felt my eyebrows knit in confusion, "Sadie's not an Egyptian name, is it?"

Annabeth laughed, "No, she's British. You two would get along great, actually. You remind me of her."

Poor Sadie, I thought. If she's like me, then she has rotten luck.

"Any others?"

"Yeah, my cousin...Magnus. He belongs to the Norse Pantheon."

I pointed my finger with enthusiasm, "That one! Yeah, that one! What did your cousin see exactly? What did he have to deal with?"

Chiron stared at me with concern, "Harper, are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Chiron. Just...curious."

He could tell I was lying, but he didn't press further.

Annabeth answered my question, "Well, I can't remember much, but he had to deal with Loki a lot, and I think he's the Son of Frey..."

"Frey? Is that a god?"

Annabeth pursed her lips, "What is this about? Is there a problem?"

I couldn't keep it up anymore. I trusted these two a lot, so I should just come clean. We might be in danger after all.

"Okay, don't freak out, but I think a couple of Norse gods are active in the city."

Annabeth and Chiron exchanged nervous looks, eyes a bit wide. Not reassuring me.

"I don't know for sure, but I have some details that may help us place them."

Chiron held up a hand, "Hold on, are you sure that they are Norse beings? What gives you this idea?"

"Well, when Logan came to Camp, he said that his family had been killed by two strange looking men."

They sat there, waiting expectantly for me to continue.

Once I registered that I wasn't messing anything up, I did. "He said they had weird tattoos, big swords, and they could control lighting. He said there were two of them."

Their eyes widened, whatever I had said must've triggered something.

"What? What is it?" I asked frantically.

Annabeth turned to Chiron, "Chiron...if-"

"Hush, child. We will speak of this later." He got up from his chair, now in full centaur form, "Capture The Flag is tomorrow, we should only talk about this after the event."

"Why?!"

He gave me a firm look, "Harper, this is serious, I...I must think on this. Excuse me." With that, he walked out of the Big House.

I turned to Annabeth, annoyed. "Can you believe that? What's his deal?"

Annabeth shook her head, "He's...worried. If what you're saying is true, then there are a lot of bad possibilities to this."

"Like what?"

She wouldn't meet my eyes.

"Annabeth! Tell me! He's not here, we can talk about it!"

She still hesitated, but after a moment, ended up sighing.

"Harper, strange tattoos apply to one pantheon, and that's Norse. And you said they can control lightning..."

"Yeah, so?"

"There's one god in particular known for that...and he's quite powerful."

"Who?"

She shifted uncomfortably and looked around the room before leaning to me.

"His name is Thor. He's the Norse god of Thunder, lightning, strength, heroes, etcetera, etcetera."

"Like the guy from the superhero movies?"

"No. Well...yes, but no. That's a different version of him, a fictional version for kids to look up to. The real Thor is a little different, although according to most myths, he does carry around a hammer."

I motioned with my hands for a time out, "Hold up. You're telling me that the Avengers guy is real, and he's super powerful, and he's out there right now killing some dude's family?"

"No...but his sons are."

"Sons?" Then it made sense. If these guys could control lightning, and if the same rules applied to Norse like they do the Greeks...then the two men were Thor's sons.

"Norse Demigods, Harper. I can't believe their in the city. If that's true...how? I don't understand..." She did look awfully confused, a rare sight on Annabeth Chase.

"Are they a threat to us?" I asked, slightly worried.

She shrugged, "I honestly don't know how powerful they are compared to us. I can tell you just about anything from Greek mythology, and some Roman. But Norse...I'm just not that well versed. I only know some of the god's names, and a few monsters."

I slumped, "So I'll have to talk to Chiron, won't I?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry I can't help. I wish I could."

"It's alright, Annie. You've helped a lot."

She smiled, and I exited the front door, not very happy with the results. I had found out more about these two men than a few minutes ago, so that was a plus. But still, another pantheon? There were so many questions, why didn't Chiron want to talk about it right now?

I groaned in frustration and walked back to my cabin, a million thoughts in my head, most of them trying to rack my brain on anything Norse related. But no, it was empty.

I had my head lowered to the ground in thought, and almost ran into Logan, who was walking up to me as I was walking to my Cabin.

"Hey Harper, how'd it go?"

I shook my head, "Not good, I didn't find out much." I decided not to tell him about the whole Sons of Thor thing, I didn't want to make him any more distraught than he already was.

"Oh, that's too bad." He studied me for a moment, like he was trying to figure out something.

"What?" I asked.

"Are you alright?"

I huffed, "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

He raised his hands in surrender, "Sorry, I was just wondering. You seem...stressed."

I leaned against a tree, my face towards the sky.

"I am stressed. It's like my mind is going to explode! There's so many things happening...I just can't keep up." The last part came out as a bit of a whimper. Damn, I hated weak sounds like that, I shouldn't be acting like this. But I couldn't help it, everything was just so overwhelming at the moment.

We stayed silent for a minute, I began to close my eyes, just trying to enjoy a tiny moment of peace for a change. I was here in Camp, everything was somewhat fine right now, Levi was not in the Camp.

"Hey, I have an idea." Logan finally said.

I turned to him, "Yeah?"

His face was a bit mischievous, he smirked, "I have an idea to cheer you up. How about it?"

"Uh...what is it?"

"Let's go somewhere, you and me. We can have some fun, and take our mind off things. A de stressing trip if you will." He said it like he was trying to sell me something.

"Are you asking me out?"

His ears reddened slightly, "Well, I mean, if that's what you perceive it as...then yeah, I'm asking you out, on a date."

Part of me didn't want to go, and the other part encouraged it. I could use a little fun, something to get my mind off of the chaos. But with Logan? On a date?

It just hit me, I had never been on a date before. Not with Matt, due to him leaving so soon.

My heart broke at the fact we had never been on a real date. If I went with Logan, it would be him instead of Matt taking me out for the first time. That just didn't sit well with me.

But the other part of my body kept persisting. Telling me that Matt was gone, and that you need to have some fun, because fun is rare in the demigod world.

Besides, it would just be hanging out, no kissing or anything crazy.

I caved, "Okay, I'll go."

His eyes widened, "Seriously?"

I chuckled, "Why? Did you think I'd say no?"

"Yeah." He said honestly, can't blame him.

"Well, I'm saying yes. Where d 'you wanna go?"

He shrugged nervously, "I always like Coney Island? How about that? Or is it too kiddish?"

Oh gods, Matt had said something about Coney Island.

Stop thinking about him! I have to stop thinking about him!

I shook my head quickly, to shoo away the thoughts.

"Sounds fun, you ready now? Or..."

He looked at himself, and back at the edge of Camp, "Uh, sure! It's just an amusement park, so um, yeah! Are you...ready?"

Wow, he was not as suave as he seemed. I figured he would be a regular charmer based on his looks. But appearances can be deceiving I suppose. Take it from me, you would never guess I grew up on a farm for eleven years based on my dark clothes and makeup.

"Yeah, I'm all good." I glanced at his leg, suddenly remembering the events that happened in the woods not an hour ago.

"How's your leg?"

He looked at it, "Oh, it's getting there. Will gave me some ambrosia, I can barely feel it now."

I nodded, "That's good." An awkward silence ensued. Yikes, this wasn't going to be easy.

To skip to the good stuff, it turns out both of us hadn't taken our driver's test yet, which to be honest, I had no interest in anyway, so Argus had to drop us off. It was an awkward car ride, especially since the Camp security guard was driving. He had dozens of eyes all over his body, so he never spoke. The problem was, neither did we. Occasionally we would comment on our surroundings or something menial, but there were a lot of pauses. Conversation didn't come easy with him, not like it did with...you know.

Finally we arrived, getting out and shutting the door quickly, not sure how good the mist would hide our many eyed friend. Within the hour, we did several things, rode several rides, played several games, and not once, did I feel a spark. Not once did I blush, have a genuine laugh, or anything that you should have on a first date. It honestly sucked.

I felt bad for Logan. He really was a nice guy, and he was trying to make me feel better, lighten the mood, and he seemed to actually want something with me. It made me feel so guilty, here was this good guy, with a great personality, good looks, all of that, but despite it all, I felt...nothing romantic for him.

I had finally realized, I would never get over him.

I would never get over Matt.

Hell, we had only known each other for two damn weeks, just two damn weeks. Yet he knew all about my past, we confided in each other, we fought together, we almost died together, we had a real connection. I didn't give a damn how long I had known him, what we had was real, more real than a lot of long term relationships.

I wasn't about to give up on him.

Because the honest truth was...Matt Beckett had my heart.

I know he's still out there, somewhere.

Logan and I were currently walking along a pier near the ocean, a sunset gleaming through the sky. It's orange haze covering the Earth, every cloud outlined in a glow, like they were the center of attention.

We made it to the end of the pier, he was carrying a stuffed animal we had won half an hour ago.

"Amazing, isn't it?" He asked, looking at the sunset.

"Yeah." I sighed.

Our hands were on the wooden railing, pretty close together. I could already anticipate his next move.

"It just, clears the negative thoughts from your head, you know? Sights like that." He put his hand over mine, still looking at the horizon.

It felt wrong, all of it. I needed to stop this.

I retracted my hand gently from his, "Logan..."

He looked at me, his eyes widened.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He scratched his neck, "I am so sorry...I shouldn't have-"

"No! It's not you, it's...me. I'm the one who's sorry."

His eyebrows furrowed, "What do you mean?"

I hesitated, then sighed a long breathy sigh. Sitting down on the wooden bench nearby. I needed to tell him.

He sat down next to me, anticipating my next words.

"Logan, I...haven't been honest with you."

"Okay..."

I put my head in my hands, rubbing my hair a bit, trying to figure out the best way to put this.

"I...had a boyfriend. Well, I still technically do, it's just...complicated."

A moment's delay, but finally he nodded, still a bit confused though.

"Oh, um...okay." He turned to me more, "But if you don't mind me asking, where is he?"

I sighed, "That's the complicated part."

A pause ensued, I wasn't sure I could talk about it. It was like reliving the whole thing.

"Hey, it's alright. We've got some time, I'll listen." He said reassuringly.

I nodded, "Okay well...we met last year. It was...a quest. Long story short, we gained feelings for each other and got together the evening we returned to Camp. Only the next day...he left, without a trace."

"Left?"

"Just left. No note, no anything. He's been missing for a year, and I-I...I really miss him." I felt my eyes sting. No Harper, do not cry.

"Nothing?" He said incredulously, then he huffed, "Doesn't sound like a very good guy to me."

I turned quickly, my tone a little desperate, "No, no, it's not like that. I...think he had a reason. Not captured or anything, but some kind of reason he couldn't tell me about. It had to be, because he would have let me know otherwise. Matt's a great guy, he's...the best I know, really."

Logan stayed silent, contemplating on what to say next I guessed. It was a lot to take in, I couldn't imagine being a boy and taking a girl out, only for her to drop this bomb on you.

"So he's...still alive?"

I shrugged sadly, "I...don't know. I had a vision hinting at it...but I'm not sure. It's like a gut feeling, but then another gut feeling, and the two are fighting. One telling me that he's gone for good, and the other telling me that he's still out there. And he wants to find me as much as I want to find him."

Logan nodded, his eyes sympathetic, "And you believe the second gut feeling, don't you."

"Yeah. I just...I have to find him, I can't give up. I know he's out there, and I know he's onto something. There was a reason he left, and I need to know what it was."

He looked back out to the horizon, his face unreadable. An ocean breeze blew by, blowing his blonde hair back swiftly. The sun was sinking farther and farther, the sky morphing into black night.

"I'm so sorry, Logan. I shouldn't have lead you on like that. I was just-"

"Sad? In need of comfort?"

I was a bit stunned, how did he know?

He read my question based on my good eye, "I understand, Harper. Losing my family...it's been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. And to be honest, I needed comfort to. That's why I took such an interest in you."

"Really?"

He nodded.

Wow, so the whole time, we've been doing the same thing. Trying to find some comfort in each other to get over the loss of those dear to us. Only, it hadn't worked.

"Well, that makes me feel a little better." I muttered.

"I suppose there won't be a second date?" He said with a slight smile.

I chuckled humorlessly, "I guess not, Legolas." My face turned serious, "I really am sorry about this. You're a great guy, Logan. And you deserve a great girl that truly cares about you." I meant that, he was a good person, and he should be with someone that wants him for him, not desperate comfort.

He smiled, getting up, "It's okay, Harper. I hope we can remain friends."

I got up too, now smiling myself, "I'd like that."

"Good. And one more thing."

"Yeah?"

"This Matt guy, he's...lucky to have you. I hope you find him."

Something about his words triggered something inside of me. I felt my eyes sting again, that damn feeling rising to the surface.

We're lucky to have each other, I thought. Matt was still alive, I just know it.

The ride back to Camp was better than before. Not as much awkwardness, and I even genuinely laughed a couple of times. It was the right choice, cutting things off with Logan and not taking it any further, we fit much better as friends.

Argus pulled up the hill and parked the van next to the Big House, letting us out. We thanked him, to which he replied by winking a half dozen eyeballs.

We walked toward the Cabins. It was now late, most campers were getting ready for sleep in their quarters, winding down from the day. It was dark out, a near half moon in the sky, for some reason brighter than normal.

I didn't find it too odd though, and made my way to the familiar black structure.

I turned to Logan first, "Thanks for the trip, Logan. It...helped, a lot."

He nodded, holding out his hand, "Anytime, Harper. Friends now, remember?"

I shook it, and chuckled. "Of course. See you tomorrow."

He waved, walking to the Apollo cabin, and soon out of sight.

I felt better about the events that had transpired. Sure, Chiron wouldn't talk about the Norse guys, and they were out there somewhere, but now I had my mind straight on Matt. I had figured out the thing that was eating at me the most. Did I still like him or not, and would I give up on him. Well, I had finally chosen.

I wouldn't give up, I would find him no matter what. I had a new purpose, a new goal. And if you know me, you know that I don't stop until I achieve my goals.

This lit a fire in my chest, my mind calmed a bit. Perhaps I would sleep peacefully tonight, maybe I would imagine him and I in the near future...

I smiled at these giddy things and opened my door, prepared for a blissful rest, a nightmare free rest. Perhaps I could tell London and Emma about my new purpose. They after all knew about Matt, and were deeply concerned for my mental health. Well, now I could tell them I was doing better, and I had come to a decision.

But as I stepped into the dimly lit Cabin, every thought fleeted my mind, replaced by alertness and fear.

On the floor, lay London and Emma, their throats slit open, blood already drained from their necks. The floor was almost completely red, thick with blood. Their eyes were lifeless, their bodies already pale and cold.

Immediately after I saw this, I glanced near the back, and on the bed next to mine, sat Aiden. His skin and hair sweaty, his face bruised and cut, eyes full of terror. He had a silver blade leveled at his throat, the wielder behind him. I identified medium length black hair, a black cloak covering the body except for the arm holding the sword, that ugly scar glowed a vague red in the dim light.

Levi spoke before I could, "If you scream, or move a single muscle, he'll end up like those two." He proved his point by pressing his blade further into Aiden's neck, the pressure pushing the skin in. Aiden was sitting at the edge of the bed, his legs over the side and feet on the ground, just like a normal sitting position, only Levi was kneeled down behind him, his head close behind Aiden's, arm hefted up beside him to hold the long sword.

I raised my hands up, cursing myself for leaving my knives on my nightstand. I didn't think I should have been carrying them around at Coney Island, so I left them. That was a huge mistake.

"Levi, let him go, now." I filled my voice with as much rage as I could muster. Which wasn't hard, since I was very angry...and shocked. Levi had been here the whole time after all, and he had...oh gods, London, Emma.

I looked at their lifeless bodies, their necks cut open with such skill that it could only have been Levi.

He killed them, innocent girls, his own half-siblings for fuck's sake.

And now he had Aiden hostage. I would not let anything happen to him. I would give my life for Aiden.

"Let him go, right now." I repeated.

Levi's eyes were cold, determined. Truly different from the warm orbs I once knew, once gazed into, thinking that they held so much wisdom.

"Only if you agree to hear me out." He replied finally.

Was he serious?

"Not happening. You are going to let him go, right now, and you are going to leave."

"I'm not going anywhere until you agree to talk to me."

He looked so evil, so...dark. His cloak alone made him look like an assassin. The way the faint light was shining on his scar...made me extremely uneasy.

I glanced at London and Emma again, and fought the urge to vomit. Pure anger filled me at the thought of him sneaking in here, killing them without giving them a chance to defend themselves.

I seethed at him, my hands still raised. "You think I would ever listen to you? Damn it Levi, look at what you've become!" I gestured to our dead half siblings.

"They attacked me, Harper. I was defending myself. Besides, what do you even know about them? They aren't your family, I am."

My eyes widened at him, "Listen to yourself! You sound like a stalker, Levi! What do I know about them? I know that they were just children, and they had nothing to do with this! Yet you killed them! You're a monster!"

"In this world, you do what you must to survive. Getting rid of loose ends is part of that."

"Loose ends? Our half siblings are loose ends? You kill them and you expect me to listen to you?"

"Harper, I'm not the bad guy here. I need you to hear me out."

If I had the power of bloodlust like Talon, I would aim all of it at Levi. Part of me was devastated that he would do such a thing, killing innocent children like that. The other part of me wanted revenge, and nothing more than to fight him right now.

"If I hear you out, will you let Aiden go?"

He nodded, "I'll keep a device on him, in case you attack me. If you do, it will explode, and he'll die."

I glared, "So either way, our half brother is a hostage?"

"This is the only way to get you to listen to me. I won't kill him, so long as you keep a level head."

"Look who's talking. You just killed two innocent girls and you're telling me to keep a level head?"

He sighed, "Let's not debate this further, Harper. I need you to decide now. Or else I'll cut his throat open."

Aiden croaked, "Don't do it, Harper! Don't do anything this asshole says!"

Levi bashed the back of his head roughly, causing Aiden to groan in pain.

"Quiet." He ordered.

I clenched my raised fists. He had already turned Aiden black and blue, and had placed an explosive somewhere on his body.

"Hit him again, and it'll be your throat slit open, Levi." I growled.

He shook his head, "Please don't say that, kiddo."

"Don't call me that. You aren't allowed to call me that anymore."

He sighed, releasing Aiden from his hold and removing the blade, walking over to me.

"Outside?" I asked.

"Yes. You lead the way. And remember, don't try anything."

I nodded, keeping my mouth shut and my hands still. I shot Aiden a reassuring glance before Levi closed the door. I was officially alone with him now, a thing that used to be so great, but now only filled me with anger and fear.

We walked through the woods, the night clinging to us. I kept my eyes forward, but I could sense his sword near my back, ready to strike at the slightest move. Well, he might as well get it over with, because I didn't have my knives. I was good in hand to hand, but against Levi? A win was doubtful.

We walked for a solid fifteen minutes, finally making it to the very edge of the forest, in front of the broken barrier.

We stopped walking, and faced each other. I was in front of the damaged barrier, my back to it, he was twelve feet in front of me, his back to the Camp's direction.

After a few seconds of silence, I pointed to the barrier, "Did you do this?"

"Yeah. I used ancient poison. Took longer than I expected, this place is well fortified."

I raised my arms up to my sides, "So what now? Are you going to attack us?"

He raised a gloved hand, "Harper, all I want right now is for you to hear me out."

I scoffed, "You think I still trust you? After all you've done? After finding out you've been working with the enemy for years?!" I raised my voice, hands flailing about in frustrated gestures, "After seeing that you killed two people I cared about?"

He winced, "I had no intention of killing them, Harper. They attacked me!"

"So? You killed them! You're a monster!"

His voice escalated to my volume, "I am a survivor! This world is cruel, and I am doing what it takes to improve it!"

I was speechless. So many emotions engulfed me right now, all of them unpleasant. I wanted to kill him and console him at the same time, I wanted to damn him and save him, I wanted a lot of things. All of them probably impossible.

He continued, "Haven't you done things? Haven't you proved already that you do what it takes to survive, Harper? Do you have room to talk?"

"Don't you dare say that, you fucking traitor! I did those things to find you! And you were with that bastard the whole time! I wasted years worrying about you! You didn't even think to let me know? At all?"

"Don't curse, Harper. Please don't use those words."

I was in disbelief, "You don't get to tell me what to do. You aren't my brother anymore! You're the enemy! You're a traitor, Levi!"

"No, I'm not. Harper, I am not the enemy. If you'd just let me explain, I can convince you to join us. You can have a better life. A life without constant stress."

"I'd rather die than work for Ouranos, thanks." I nearly spat at the ground.

He gritted his teeth, annoyed with my resistance. But I didn't care, it pleased me that I was annoying him. If I couldn't cause him physical pain, then I would cause him emotional pain. Any way to get back at him for making me feel like this.

"Harper, you don't know Ouranos like I do. He has a vision, a vision of a perfect world. A world that he would have created, if not for his treacherous sons."

"The Titans."

He nodded, "Yes. Greedy and hungry for power, that's all they were. Ouranos and Gaea wanted better, they wanted the world to be pure and free. They would have achieved it too, but they took the chance of having children, and that backfired."

I was dumbfounded, "You're saying that Ouranos, when he was young, wanted the world to turn out great? He was a nice guy or something? That's your big case for him?"

"Harper, he was on to something! Both he and Gaea, the first true beings in our world, had a vision, a plan to form the Earth into a peaceful place! They wanted their children to help, but they didn't. Instead, they overthrew them, and fought amongst each other like fools. Thousands of years in Tartarus, your plans for the world destroyed, wouldn't you be bitter?"

"Yes, I would. But that doesn't give him the excuse to burn the world to the ground!"

"That's not what he wants. He only wants to dethrone the gods! He uses the titans as expendable soldiers, tricking them into believing he'll offer them freedom, when in reality, he wants them dead! It's genius!"

I was shocked at what he was revealing. Maybe if I played along more he would tell me other things.

"What about the demigods he's killed?"

"They resisted. People who truly resist our cause will never join it, so they must be dealt with. Your friends Percy and Annabeth fit that description.

"I do to. So why don't you just deal with me?"

"You're not in that category, Harper. I know you still have the Avenger's spirit, the thirst to kill our mother, the desire for a better life. I know you want it."

I wasn't denying the things he said, because they were true. I lowered my head to the ground, completely silent.

Levi continued, "We don't want to attack this Camp, kiddo. I know it seems like we're the bad guys, and I'll admit, we take extremes. But you have to believe me when I say that it's for the best."

I looked up at him, he was closer now, his eyes sincere, and desperate.

"I would never lie to you."

His voice that time sounded like the Levi I knew. It made me choke back a sob, hearing that voice come from this dark version of him.

I decided to play along, as much as I wanted him to come back, I knew the chances were slim, so I might as well find out what I can.

"Levi, what you're saying makes...some sense. I just...I don't know yet. I'm gonna have to hear more."

He nodded, looking a little hopeful, "Sure, of course. What do you want to know?"

"The other members of the Big Four, who are they? Why did they join Ouranos?" It had been a question bugging me for a while. They looked young enough, and I always wondered what drove them to join Ouranos' cause.

"Well, they're like me. They'd had enough, and decided to strive for something better. From what I remember, we found Cherry in her hometown, her mother had been killed by a monster. She was...bullied pretty bad, Harper. Before she discovered her speed, she was weak willed and never fought back to them. But when she discovered it, she beat them bloody, proving her drive. Ouranos gave her a chance to join us, and she took it."

Thinking about the sweet looking daughter of Hermes enacting revenge on her tormentors...it was a hard image to picture.

"And the other two?"

"Grayson was top of his class, being a Son of Athena and all. But when he unlocked his power of foresight, things went crazy. From what he told me, he began to see every single person's actions before they even took them, it was like seeing double constantly, at the same time. He kind of went insane for a while, and never left his house."

"Foresight? What does that mean, he can see the future?"

"He can see a person's actions before they do them. Back then, it was all people at once, but since training, he is able to concentrate it on a single person. Making it very hard to land a hit on him."

"And the last one?"

"Axel...well, I don't exactly know his story that well. He doesn't speak very much, and I wasn't there when Ouranos recruited him. I remember something along the lines of him being a football player, until his powers caused him to accidentally kill a whole bunch of people. He got in trouble with the Police, but Ouranos freed him, and gave him a second chance, a chance to get revenge on his father."

"Hephaestus? How is it his fault?"

Levi raised his hands, "That's Axel's deal, I'm not sure. Either way, they've all had it pretty rough, and they work for Ouranos now. He saved them."

Yeah whatever, I thought. A sob story doesn't give you the right to become a murderer. Ouranos saw the potential evil in them and took his chance, utilizing them by exploiting their weaknesses. It was smart, really. Ouranos knew what he was doing.

"Did you want to know anything else?"

I racked my brain for more questions I could ask. He had told me about the Big Four, which wasn't very important. I needed something crucial, something that could really help.

"So Ouranos is still alive? Zeus didn't kill him?" I decided.

He shook his head, "Ouranos is still alive. Zeus weakened him, but he had bided his time, and waited a year to regain strength and influence."

"How did you all survive the Island sinking?"

He exhaled audibly, leaning on a tree subconsciously, like he was reliving the moment.

"It wasn't easy. We only survived due to my quick thinking. I managed to get the others in the water as far away as possible before Zeus struck the Island."

"So you've all been waiting around? For the perfect opportunity?"

"That, and...enlisting the help of other people."

I knew what he was talking about immediately, and decided to call him out on it before I could think better of it.

"Norse beings?" I questioned, an eyebrow raised.

His eyes widened, looking genuinely shocked.

"How did you know that?"

"They killed my friend's family. He described them in detail, Annabeth matched it up to Norse demigods. Sons of Thor, right?"

Levi looked uncomfortable, still stunned at my recent discoveries. "Yes, they...are Norse. Ouranos believes allying with them is in our best benefit."

"How's that working out?"

"They're...good, I suppose. They get things done, but they're a bit cocky, and hard to work with."

"How did he do it? How did he get their help, even though they're from another pantheon?"

He shook his head, "I wasn't a big part of the process. But I know that Ouranos being the Sky god helped him, due to those two being Sons of Thor."

Damn, so he couldn't answer many Norse questions either. I needed to ask about something else.

"What's the plan right now, Levi? What's Ouranos' short term goal?" I wasn't sure he would answer that, but I had to try.

"Harper...I'm not sure I should say."

"Levi, I need to know more if I'm going to think about joining you. Just tell me, please."

He hesitated, but sighed. "Ouranos wants a real body. Due to Malachi being gone, he needs a vessel. So...he enlisted the help of some skilled craftsman. Hephaestus for one, and the three original cyclops."

I reared my head back, not expecting the last part. "The three original cyclops? They're real?"

He nodded, "Oh yeah, they're the ones that crafted Zeus' masterbolt. They were killed by the gods long ago for a petty reason, and have been in Tartarus for a very long time. Ouranos is using them to create his new body, as...backup plans."

"Backup plans?" I filled my voice with childish concern, instead of anger. Making it seem like I was warming up to him.

It seemed to work, because he revealed more. "You see...Hephaestus is an Olympian. And a corrupted Olympian isn't an easy secret to keep. So if Hephaestus is caught, we can always resume the project with the three brothers."

So they were building him a body as we spoke? How long had this been going on for?

He continued, "They're quite powerful, the cyclops I mean. We could use them for offensive purposes, but we hope it doesn't come to that. Especially me."

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

He looked at me, his lips tight. "Harper, I'm going to be honest with you, and I hope you'll be honest with me. We...plan on attacking this Camp, and destroying it."

I wasn't very surprised, I used to know that sooner or later they would launch an attack on Camp Half Blood. But recently, I had considered the war over, but now I knew that Ouranos was alive.

"When?" I said in a whisper.

"Soon, Harper. But we don't want to, believe me, we don't. If you could convince the others to join us, and surrender peacefully-"

"It won't happen."

"Harper, it has to, or we'll be left with no choice. You can convince them to surrender, and we won't harm anyone. If you don't though, and they don't give in, we will attack this Camp, and trust me, it won't be in good shape afterwards."

"The people here aren't so weak willed, Levi." I told him, a glare burning in my good eye. "You obviously don't know us very well. You think Percy and Annabeth are the only ones? Think again, because this entire Camp will fight no matter what."

He threw his hands up, "You had no intention of joining me, did you?"

"No, I just wanted information. Which you stupidly gave away. I thought you were better than that, smarter than that, Levi." I clicked my tongue.

"Doesn't matter. What are you going to do? Kill the Sons of Thor and the Three Cyclops? I don't think so. The information I have given you doesn't benefit you in anyway."

"We'll see about that."

He sighed, "Harper, I'm only going to give you one chance. Go and talk to the Camp, get them to reason with us, and we will not attack. But if you don't...then expect a strike very soon."

I stood straight, not backing down from his threat, "And you expect us to strike back. We're not feeble, Levi."

"I know, and that's why we must destroy this place."

We stayed in silence for a bit, in a standoff of wills. His will for me to go with him, and mine to not.

Finally he sighed, a pained expression on his face, "Harper, please come with me, just for a couple of days. I can show you the good things, I can show you what we're really about."

I shook my head, "No thanks, Levi. You need to leave, and tell me how to get that explosive off of Aiden."

"It's latched onto his back, where he can't reach. A large tug will do it."

I nodded, "Goodbye...Levi." Not even calling him brother had to hurt, I hope it did.

I walked past him and made my way towards camp, considering the conversation over.

But as I got twenty feet away, he stopped me dead in my tracks with, "I know where Matt is."

I halted immediately.

Damn him, damn him to hell. He was manipulating me, luring me back in. He was using my biggest weakness at the moment, and he was using it efficiently.

I turned around, my eyes stinging, threatening to leak.

I clenched my fists, "I hate you, you know that? I hate you so much!"

He put his hand up in an attempt to calm me. It looked like a cowboy trying to ease a horse's nervousness.

"Harper, listen to me."

"You're lying! You're using my greatest weakness to lure me back in, is that it? It's actually come to this, huh Levi? Manipulating your own sister?"

He shook his head gently, "No Harper, I'm telling the truth."

I kept my glare locked on him, fighting back the tears.

"You don't believe me, do you?"

"Why should I? After everything you've done recently?"

He sighed for the millionth time, "I swear on the river Styx that I know where he is."

Thunder rumbled faintly in the distance, my eyes became saucers. He was actually telling the truth.

All of my anger melted at the thought of him being okay.

I couldn't fight it anymore, I felt a tear trace my cheek, "H-He's alive?"

Levi nodded, "Yes, Harper. He's been alive this whole time, training with his father."

"What?"

"He left Camp to train with Hercules, in an attempt to gain power to defeat us. He didn't tell you, because he didn't want to worry you. At least that's what Master gathered from his thoughts."

I felt my chest lift. So that's what he's been doing, he did have a reason after all.

"Where is he? Where is Matt?" My tone full of desperation, I couldn't hold back anymore, all of the months of worry now bursting from my mouth.

"Harper, you shouldn't-"

"You will tell me where he is right now, or so help me I'll slit your throat just like you did to London and Emma, only slower...and far more painful."

He looked hurt by these words, "You care about him more than me? Is that it, Harper? You'd threaten me over him?"

"Of course I would. You're not the Levi I used to know. How many times do I have to tell you that?"

"I...suppose I'm getting the message now, kiddo. You hate me, is that it? You hate the person who cared over you for years, taught you all kinds of things, and wants nothing more than for you to be safe? What does Matt have? Why do you obsess over a boy you knew for such a short period of time?"

I seethed at him, this version of Levi was really pissing me off. He acted like he owned me, and had full control over my life. Back then, he let me be independent, only giving a gentle nudge along the way to give me advice or correct me.

"First of all, I hate what you've become. Not...you per say. I actually still love you, Levi. That's why I want you to come home."

"You know that's not what's best here. What's best is for you to come home."

I ignored him, very angry at his jab at Matt. "Let me tell you something, traitor." I got in his face, a finger pointed at his chest, "I'm speaking to you as an enemy right now, Levi, not a sibling. Matt is the bravest, most heroic, and selfless person I know. I don't give a damn how long we've known each other, what we have is real, and I'm not going to let some stupid war get in the way of that. I care about him, a lot, and I'm going to find him."

"The same boy that left you, without even saying goodbye? The same boy, that promised your stupid half brother that he would never hurt you?"

I fought the immense urge to punch him. If I had my knives, and knew for a fact that Aiden was clear of danger, I would be attacking him right now.

"He's not perfect, Levi. He likes me despite my flaws." I pointed to my left eye with emphasis, "And I feel the same way about his."

Levi scoffed, "He's been on Hercules' Island, getting stronger and stronger. As we speak he embarks on a quest to confront Hephaestus in his workshop. Master won't let him get there though."

"You can't kill him, especially if he's stronger than before."

Levi nodded, "Really? We have very powerful allies, Harper. I'd say your boyfriend is in trouble. Of course, if you would only join our cause, we could convince Matt to join as well. Then you two could be together! Live a happy life, whatever you want! Isn't that what you desire?"

"I'm sixteen, Levi. I haven't thought that far ahead. And even if I had, I sure as hell don't want to do it under Ouranos' rule. I'll only say it one more time, I...am...not...joining...you." I said the last part loud and clear, to get it through his thick skull.

He nodded, not meeting my eyes, "Very well, message received. You just made the biggest mistake of your life, Harper. Congratulations." He turned around, walking towards the broken barrier.

"No, you did by not joining me. Tell Ouranos that we'll be expecting his attack, and we won't go down as easily as he thinks."

He stopped, and turned his head slightly, he had put his hood back on, and his face was now hidden, a shadow. Just like him, he was a shadow of his former self. The poetry of it all.

"I'm not making a mistake. I'm leading the path to a new, better world. There won't be any more chances to change your mind."

"I don't plan on changing it. I plan on remaining loyal to what matters."

"What is that then? Not family, of course." He said that with bitterness.

"I have a family. Here, at Camp. My brother is dead."

That seemed to hit a nerve, he turned around furiously, "Fine then, you want to get rid of me so badly? Go get your knives, I won't harm Aiden."

I stayed still.

He motioned angrily, "Go on, get them! Since there is absolutely nothing I can say or do to change your mind, why don't we settle it here?" He hefted his large sword, and took a fighting stance. The same one he used as a kid.

I shook my head, "Too many people, Levi. No, when we fight, it will be just us, alone. And I won't be holding back, I'll be trying to kill you."

He tightened his grip on his sword, his face shook with anger and frustration. I remained calm and still, not giving in to him.

Finally he sheathed it, and glared at me.

"Goodbye, Harper."

"Goodbye, Traitor." I said with mock politeness, leaving him stiff as he walked back to the barrier. He climbed through it, and disappeared into the woods.

I sighed with relief, that had gone...well, I had no words. There were so many thoughts and emotions filling me. The conversation we just had, discovering Matt was truly alive, and out there somewhere...it was all too much.

But above all else, I knew that since I refused his offer, Levi would attack this Camp...hard.

I straightened myself, clearing out all thoughts but one, the others could wait until later.

I had to warn Chiron, we had to prepare.

Because whatever attack they were planning, it would be fierce, and probably the most difficult fight this Camp has ever had to face.

With that, adrenaline spiked through my veins, urgency in my mind, to get ready for the oncoming battle.

I took one last look at the direction Levi had gone, knowing that he was too far to the other side, out of my reach, for...for good, probably.

If that's what he wanted, then so be it. At least I knew where he truly stood, and he knew mine. When we meet later for our showdown, I will not hesitate.

I turned away from the barrier, and quickly made my way back to Camp, towards the Big House. The night peaceful, the moon gleaming with nobility and light, making everything faintly glow. A breeze blew through the forest, lightly swaying my hair, and tickling my face.

All was tranquil, too tranquil. This was a sign that something big was coming, something bad.

It was the calm before the storm...literally.

(000)

Another one for the books! Wow, that one was pretty intense guys. Not as much fighting, but a more drama and emotionally focused chapter, which I consider crucial to storytelling.

I hope you all liked the conversation with Harper and Levi, two ideologies clashing, and finding out a bit more about Ouranos' plan. It's slowly coming together.

Anyway, thanks for reading! And be sure to stick around for Chapter Five!

Until next time.