Alright, many of you have been waiting for the next story in my Champion of the Sun series. My word still stands that I will only start updating more regularly at the end of this year, but I have decided to give you the first chapter a bit early. Why? Because my fans here are awesome! No matter how many idiots try to insult me and get me to stop writing, there are at least ten great people who encourage me for every idiot. So as a small summer present I give you the beginning of the end, the first chapter of Harbinger...

Have fun...


"Tell me how exactly we have ended up here... again?" Percy asked, as he sat next to Zoe in the office of the headmaster.

"That pig had it coming," Zoe replied stubbornly.

They had both spent the last twenty minutes waiting for the headmaster to arrive, after an altercation during their last break. He knew that Zoe had her fair share of trouble with the other students at the high school, but this was already the sixth time she had to see the headmaster this month. And he always had to accompany her, if only to make sure that she wouldn't take offense when any member of the faculty punished her for what she calls justified acts of self-defense.

"And what did you break this time?"

"It is not my fault that his nose broke from that punch. I've hit you harder than that and you did not even wince. Mortal boys are wimps, despite their claims to be strong and powerful." Zoe looked at him in indignation, before she turned away and looked out of the window.

They spent the rest of their wait in silence, until the door opened and the headmaster entered. The man frowned, as he saw Zoe, a natural reaction for the man. He had visible aged ever since Zoe had joined the school... which has only happened three months prior.

"Another fight, Ms. Nightshade," The man said, "This time I will have no choice but to suspend you."

"Is that really necessary, sir?" Percy asked, when he saw that Zoe was not willing to answer the man, let alone acknowledge his presence.

"Yes, Mr. Jackson, it is. I have also contacted your family about her behavioral problems." Percy had to gulp when he heard that. He wondered what family this man had actually talked to... he prayed that it wasn't Apollo, he would only create an even greater mess. "Believe me, I don't punish her out of spite, but should she continue on this path, her whole future will be in jeopardy. She is on a path that will inevitably lead to her self-destruction."

The door suddenly opened again and one of the secretaries entered, followed by another woman. It took Percy another moment, before he realized who this woman was.

"Ah, it is good to finally meet you Mrs Jackson." The headmaster greeted her, "I am sorry that we had to ask you to come on such short notice, but your ward has caused us trouble to no end."

"I understand your reasons, but keep in mind that Zoe has come from... a difficult environment, before we have taken her in. My dear children try to help her adjust, but we can only do so much."

Percy only watched the exchange with a look of utter disbelief. Of all the persons, she had come. But why? This would not bode well for anyone involved. As soon as they would be out of earshot of any mortal, Zoe would explode. He could already see how much she had to fight her urge to throttle the woman, who had come to impersonate Percy's mother.

There she stood, in all her glory, the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Her hair a pitch black this time, her eyes resembling Percy's so eerily that he was stunned. But the aura of power and the sweet scent left no doubt about who she really was, not that the poor mortal before he would have any chance to find out the truth. The moment she had entered the room she had him hooked and under her spell.

"Yes... but please understand that this is the third offense... this week." The headmaster said weakly. "And it is only Tuesday."

"Oh, but please consider abstaining from punishing the poor girl. I will see to it that she amends her conduct properly. Just let me handle this." Aphrodite coerced him sweetly.

"Very well. If she can promise to behave from now on..."

"Oh, she will. Trust me." Aphrodite assured the man. "We will take our leave then." The man merely nodded, as the goddess guided Percy and Zoe out of the room. The moment they were undisturbed, she even used the chance and grabbed Percy, only to disappear with him in a bright flash. Only Zoe stayed behind, more pissed than ever.

Percy knew he should have been surprised about Aphrodite's sudden kidnapping attempt, but he was used to be pushed and pulled around by his godly family, that he could hardly bring himself to show more than mild annoyance.

"Ah, so much better. I hate schools. So little room to express yourself. Not to mention the stiff huntress was not willing to share," The goddess said. She sounded giddy like a child on a sugar rush.

Percy merely watched her, waiting patiently for her to finish whatever monologue she had no doubt prepared to explain herself. But he realized that she looked different know. Her hair had changed from black to a honey colored blonde and her eyes were now a brilliant shade of blue. Not to mention that she looked younger. Why did she look younger now? He shuddered as a feeling of dread took hold of him.

"Why so silent, my dear Percy? Are you not happy to see me?"

"That depends... mother!" He replied stoically.

The goddess giggled. "So that is how you want to play? Fine by me, my dear." She grabbed him and hugged him tightly to her chest. She had grown again, so much that she now towered over him and pressed his face directly into her ample bosom.

Only with great effort Percy could avoid suffocating and free himself from her hold, his face red and eyes wide open. "Just what is your problem? Why have you brought me here?"

"To reward you, my dear Perseus," Aphrodite replied with a sultry voice.

"What?"

"You, my dear, are the reason why our all lives have become fascinating once more. So much intrigue. So many schemes and quarrels. So much passion. You deserve a reward for this. And I am more than willing to give you the best reward a growing boy at your age could ask for. A first time to remember for the rest of your life," She slowly came closer to him, her hips swaying enticingly.

"Are you insane? I am not even fourteen and you are..."

"I am whatever you want me to be, Perseus."

"I want you gone."

She laughed, clearly doubting the shred of conviction he had mustered to show. "No you don't." Her voice suddenly sounded so much more seductive... so sweet and promising. Only belatedly he realized that she was using her charm speak on him. He had trouble to resist her, but eventually he managed to ignore the seductive magic of the goddess.

It only enraged Aphrodite in the process. "Why must you be so damn stubborn! Why can't you just accept this gift, the gift that so many men would willingly give their lives for?" She snarled, "Ah. I see it now. How could I have missed it. There have been so many powerful people messing with your fate, I would have nearly missed it. There is someone else... but who?"

Percy wasn't really sure what the goddess was talking about and at this point he did not really care. All he wanted was to get away from the crazy woman and return home for a long and restful nap. But that would not be easy. He was wary of using his powers. It would draw unwanted attention to him. Zeus had sent out his spies to search for the powers of Poseidon. But he had to escape... oh how he cursed this meddling goddess.

"No matter. When I am done, you will see only me..." She wanted to grab him, but before she had the chance, several arrows shot past her, so close to her head that she was sure that the tips must have cut off some of her hair. "What now? What troublesome huntress has come to bother me this time?" Aphrodite growled angrily. "Is this you, Artemis?"

Artemis... another family member he was not so keen on meeting anytime soon. He knew that she hates Aphrodite, but would that be enough to get her to safe him? She was officially appointed as his guardian, but so far she had never made an appearance, no matter how dire his situation.

A woman appeared near them, though she was not who Percy had expected to see here. "Ms Leonard?" He asked, his eyes wide in surprise. Why was his P.E. teacher here, a bow in her hand, a quiver strapped to her hip?

"Who are you?" Aphrodite demanded to know, "Are you one of Artemis' little misfits?"

"I would advise you to leave," the huntress said calmly, as she readied another arrow.

"Do you really think you can beat me, foolish girl?"

"Unlikely," the huntress admitted, "But I can draw enough attention to this place to lure someone here who will beat you to a bloody pulp. Someone who can possibly even make you fade. So I would advise you to leave my student alone. I don't take idly to immortals threatening the children under my care."

The goddess stared at the huntress for some long, tense moments, before her expression turned furious once more. "I will get my revenge for this, girl. You will be punished for your interference in my fun..."

"I serve higher powers than you. You do not frighten me, goddess."

"We will see." Aphrodite growled in return. "And you, Percy, I will come back for you."

Percy allowed himself a deep breath, as the goddess was finally gone. Her relentless use of her charm speak was taxing on him and he could feel the beginnings of a headache. But he had did not have the luxury of time at the moment. There was still another, unknown immortal near.

"Who are you really," He finally asked his teacher, as he summoned his sword from the amulet around his neck. But the teacher looked rather unimpressed by the weapon, despite the flames dancing around Sunreaver's blade.

She smiled kindly at him, which was quite odd to see, since he usually ended up on her bad side during her lessons. "I am Atalante, daughter of King Iasus of Arcadia, companion of Jason and Meleager... but that was another life, long ago. Now I roam this world, doing whatever I feel worthy of my time."

"And who do you serve?" Her words were still disconcerting. She said that she served a power that could destroy Aphrodite. A bold claim to be sure.

"The mother, my curious student. But don't be alarmed, I mean you no harm and I have no intention to interfere with your life more than I have done today." The mother... Rhea... so she had still not given up on him. This would be troublesome in the near future, that much was assured.

"Thank you," Percy finally said. He did not trust this woman. He would be foolish to trust any immortal he knew so little about. Her name was familiar, but he could not remember where he had heard it before. But she saved him today, so he would give her the benefit of a doubt and would not consider her an enemy on default.

"You are welcome." Atalante said, "You should return home now. You are in no condition to finish your lessons."

"Yeah... but how am I supposed to get home?"

"The suburbs begin about a mile in that direction. If you run, you can be home before your friends get out of school."

"Run?"

"Yes. You need the training. Demigods these days are hardly fit enough to handle the dangers of our world." Atalante lamented. Then she ran away.

"Damn she is fast..." Percy muttered. A mile to get to the suburbs... depending on which suburb, this could possibly take him at least another hour to get back home... oh how he hated it when the gods and goddesses make his life a hassle.


"Gone?" Apollo asked, his voice almost a high shriek, as he could not fully hide his shocked surprise at this piece of information, which his family had hidden from him so far. "What do you mean my sister is gone?"

"It is as I tell you, you imbecile," Athena shot back, putting on a withering glare just for good measure. "Artemis has been missing for months now. The girls who had been with her have been found... slaughtered, all of them. Cut in half by someone or something."

Had Apollo not been so shocked by this revelation, he would have done something about the insult, but wounded pride was not important right now. His sister had been missing for months! Some of her Hunters had been killed! How could this have happened? Who would have the strength and audacity to attack one of Zeus beloved daughters? He sighed. The answer was obvious. Kronos and his servants. One of his allies must have acted when everyone was distracted by Percy's shenanigans with Scylla and Charybdis...

"Father has given you very specific orders regarding this situation, Apollo. You would do well to follow these orders very closely, unless you wish to continue on your deviant path," Athena spat, pouring all her condescension for her brother into her voice. There was no love left between these siblings, after all Apollo's champion had done, after Apollo had defended each and every transgression made by Perseus Jackson.

"If that man has orders for me, he should tell me in person!" the sun god hissed back.

Athena laughed mockingly at him, her face a twisted grimace of mock pity and condescension. "Do you really believe that you are worthy of standing in the same room with our father? You, who has betrayed us, who has trained a demigod, a child of the Big Three no less, to act as your weapon."

"A weapon? Have you lost your mind, Athena? You are mad, blinded by your hatred for the boy's father!"

"And our father is blind as well? You claimed that Kronos is rising once more, yet all anomalies, all so called attacks and threats started with the appearance of your champion. He is the anomaly. He is the threat the prophecy has warned us of! He will dethrone our father and destroy Olympus!"

Now it was Apollo's turn to laugh. A bitter laugh, bar of any humor. "You are a fool! That prophecy no longer applies to Percy, he..."

"Yes. You said so. It no longer applies to him, because he is your champion, oath bound to serve you loyally for the rest of his mortal life. How very convenient for him... and you," Athena spat.

Apollo was astounded how blind his family had become, how much their fear of a prophecy had blinded them to all but a single demigod, who had grown more powerful than his peers. They could not see the bigger picture. They had no idea. Why were they so blind? Why had Rhea not put an end to this madness. Surely Zeus would have listened to his beloved mother. He would have believed her, believed that Kronos was indeed the true threat at hand.

But the Titan Queen had remained silent. Unseen by all but a chosen few. She, too, had her plans for Percy... and for him as well, Apollo remembered bitterly. Could it be that she had her own plans for this conflict? Plans that would require for Olympus to fall... he dared not even consider it. But her silence had come at the price of his own credibility and his place on the Olympian council.

"What, no more words to defend your precious champion? You disappoint me, Apollo. Never doubt for one second that I will stop you and your weapon, brother. Never doubt that I will do anything in my power and beyond to see you fail. I will not subject my children to a world ruled by whore-mongering imbecile like you!"

"Why waste words on mindless cattle. You truly are your father's daughter. You are of his mind!" Apollo replied bitterly. "So tell me what your father wants and begone from my sight, before I have to take offense!"

Her father. Not theirs. There were no fathers on Olympus. Only lords and their servants. Dare to disagree and all is for naught. He should have seen this coming so much sooner. His father had always been paranoid. The great prophecy had only made it worse.

"Our father orders you to find Artemis and return her to him! Should you fail this task you and all of your spawns will be declared enemies of Olympus and hunted down with impunity. Better get that champion of yours and get to work. Father is rather impatient as of late."

"I don't need his orders to search my sister! But tell that man one thing for me."

"Careful, brother. Your next words may be crucial when the council decides your future," Athena cautioned him.

"Take your council and shove it. But tell Zeus, tell all of them, for every one of my children that comes to harm, I will burn a hundred of yours! You want me as an enemy? I dare you. See for yourself what I am capable of! Dare to challenge the sun, but don't cry when you get burned." His voice was laced with utter hatred. They dared to threaten his children. HIS CHILDREN! They would live to regret this.

Before Athena had time to make sense of his threat, he had already grabbed his bow and nocked an arrow. He aimed right for her face, for that tiny little freckle between her eyes. His aim was always true, she knew as much and fled hastily.

It was only when his hated sister had left, that Apollo allowed himself to give in to the utter despair of his situation. He slumped to the ground, no longer the proud and carefree sun god he was, but a man who had been banished in all but name. He was done with Olympus, that much was sure. And all because of one demigod... no, he knew that it would be too easy to blame Percy for this mess. This catastrophe had started millenia before the boy had been born. He was merely the stroke that broke the camel's back.

Now he had to find Artemis... but then what? Zeus would get his daughter back... but he... from what Athena had said, it was obvious that he would be judged by the council, no matter the outcome of this search. What was he supposed to do then? How would he be able to protect his children then? Trust Artemis to keep them safe for him? He chuckled dryly. She would only take his daughters and even then, his girls would clash horribly with Artemis' Hunters. It would never end well... No, as much as he dreaded it, as much as he hated it, there was obviously only one immortal left who could provide the help he needs. He didn't like it, but he had no choice. Luckily he knew exactly where to find her. Othrys.

With a feeling of dread and foreboding he arrived in the great hall of the Titan fortress, the black marbled floor shining as if it had just been cleaned. An abandoned fortress should not look this... well managed... But he pushed his bad feelings aside, as he continued on, until he had reached the large doors of the throne room. The place where the Titan queen was waiting. It all made sense now. She had waited for this to happen... he was a foolish child, trapped in the greater plans of his family. And now there was no turning back. By coming here he had given up on his past and the loyalties that had defined his life.

As he pushed the large doors open with a bang, he realized that he had possibly interrupted a meeting of sorts. All eyes were on him. Some more surprised, some calculating... some filled with joy at his sight, much to his surprise.

Five people were in the room with him now. The queen, sitting on her throne, looking down on her guests with a benevolent smile. It was obvious that she was not surprised at all to see him. With her were Asteria and Lelantos, who stood on either side of her. Pallas sat on a throne not far from the queen's own, his face showing nothing but carefully maintained indifference. And the last, and by far the most bewildered among them, was the small looking goddess, who stood before the queen. Arke looked at Apollo as if he was the most wondrous creature she had ever seen in her long life. She wanted to pull out a weapon, obviously expecting him to be an enemy, but an admonishing look from the queen stayed her hand.

Apollo ignored this scene as he walked towards Rhea, slowly, but deliberately. This was not easy for him. But it had to be done. For his children. Everything for his children. So he even swallowed his pride and knelt down before the queen, a form of subservience he had not even shown his father in the times he had truly respected him.

He waited for some long moments in silence, his gaze downcast, ready for whatever judgment the Titan Queen would pass on him. But he was not judged. Instead someone embraced him gently. A warmth spread from this person, a warmth he not felt since the day he had lost his mother... and for a moment he believed that it was her, who held him. But it wasn't her... it was Asteria, his mother's sister.

"Welcome home, my dear nephew. Welcome home," She said gently.

He could see no falsehood, as he looked upon his aunt. Neither was their any falsehood in the expressions on those around them. Lelantos, his uncle, nodded curtly, as their eyes met and Rhea smirked almost knowingly. He had truly fallen for her machinations. All had happened as she had planned... but at that moment he could not bring himself to care. To Olympus he was an outcast, but here he was among family.


Percy was grumpy, as he left his bed in the morning. It wasn't just that it had taken him almost six hours to get home the day before. No. It wasn't the fact that his other housemates had eaten everything in the fridge, leaving him to do the grocery shopping, when he was just hungry after that arduous hike. No, all of that was old news and forgotten. It was the mere fact that it was 4 AM and someone had already started making a giant ruckus in front of his house. It sounded as if there was a gods damned circus in front of his front door. But neither Ariadne, nor Zoe saw the need to stand up and deal with this... worse yet, it was a Saturday!

So he dragged himself down the stairs of the house, half asleep and completely annoyed. The commotion only got louder, as he reached the front door of the house. He took a deep breath and tried to steel himself for whatever crazy shit was waiting form him on the other side. And his high expectations were not disappointed. As he opened the door, he saw a small army of demigods on the other side. Two of them stood in front of the door, arguing loudly... about who should ring the bell...

"What the fuck?" Percy asked, not caring about cussing. Apollo can reprimand him later.

"OH, hey Percy. Did we wake you up?" The one who spoke was Lee Fletcher, one of Apollo's oldest sons at Camp Half-blood. It was only then that Percy realized that most of the other demigods were in fact the rest of the Apollo Cabin, with a few other campers thrown into the mix.

"Move it, Jackson! Where is Zoe? What have you done to her, you despicable..." The other was Phoebe, lovely as ever with her eyes filled with disgust and distrust.

But before the huntress could finish her sentence, Percy threw the door shut in their faces and turned around. He counted to ten, to calm down, before he exploded, "ARIADNE! ZOE! GET DOWN HERE AND FIX THIS!" Then he walked off. If had wanted any chance at getting a breakfast, he would have to act quickly, before all those guests would enter this house and raid the fridge.

Not an hour later, after everyone had gotten inside and all had helped themselves to something to eat and drink, Percy finally showed up again, awake and in less sour mood than before. Though he had the nagging feeling that he would explode once more, rather soon at that, should Artemis' girls continue to antagonize just about every single boy in the house. The only reason why they had not openly attacked each other yet, was Zoe's stern order to sit down and shut up.

When Percy finally found Ariadne and Zoe, they were sitting in a quiet room, together with Will, Lee and Phoebe. The mood was quite somber, more than he was used to when Zoe had her moods.

"So, what's up? Who is willing to tell me why we have a camp reunion party in this house?" Percy asked, as he sat on on of the couches, next to Ariadne.

"You might have heard about the trouble at camp..." Lee started. When Percy nodded he continued, "Well after Athena's little blighters caused this gigantic uproar, things got hectic. Suddenly it was either you are on the side of the Athena kids or you are an enemy of the camp."

"And all of you decided against them?" Lee nodded, "Why?"

"You are dad's champion. If he trusts you, how could we possibly believe those lies? Not to mention that they had started to badmouth our father as well. It was ridiculous. But it ended with us abandoning the camp and renouncing our loyalty to Olympus. We will only server our dad now." Will said strongly.

"So you are all outcasts now..." Ariadne muttered. "All thanks to those ungrateful little shits. We should have given them to Circe." It angered her, that Percy's kindness was now biting all of them in the arse. He had not wanted to send them to their deaths, for the destruction they had caused on Circe's island and this is how they repay him for it... she would not show them any mercy, should their paths cross again.

"So that explains why Ariadne's siblings and their friends are here, but why did the Hunt show up here, in Miami, in a house filled with people you hate." Percy said, as he looked at Phoebe.

Said girl sneered at him, clearly unwilling to answer him. But for once Zoe was on his side. "Our mistress is... gone..."

"Come again," Percy was perplexed. Had Phoebe just said that her mistress, the most stubborn and belligerent man hater was gone?

"She is gone. She has disappeared months ago, with some of our sisters. Our sisters are dead, our mistress is nowhere to be found," Phoebe hissed.

"What the fuck..." Will muttered, "I seriously think Olympus is falling apart these days..."

"Yeah," Percy said. He wondered if all of this was just because of him. The demigods are divided into warring factions, the Olympian council is slowly crumbling and now one of the goddesses was missing. Nothing was as it was supposed to be. He grew up with the knowledge that no matter what happens in the mortal world, Olympus never changes. Everything had existed in the same way for millenia. And now that natural order of things was falling apart... and he had a large part in that...

"This is your fault, Jackson! Ever since you showed up we have seen nothing but trouble and chaos!" Phoebe accused him angrily. "I should kill..."

"This is enough, Phoebe!" Zoe ordered sternly. The lieutenant of the hunt knew that she had to stop Phoebe's rant, before she would work herself into a frenzy. "Percy is no more guilty of our mistress disappearance than I am,"

"Zoe, you..."

"Leave us now. I will consider our options. We will find Lady Artemis, trust me!"

"I... very well," Phoebe backed down. But the frown on her face betrayed the submissive tone of he voice. She had not missed that Zoe had taken to calling Percy by his first name. Neither had she missed how relaxed Zoe was in his presence. But she had known Zoe for millenia and she trust her more than anyone, except for their mistress of course. Yet she would not discount the possibility that Jackson had done something. He had already bewitched Ariadne, Lady Artemis' beloved niece and surrogate daughter...

"Alright, now that the mood in the room has brightened considerably, what will we do?" Will asked, only moments after the door had clicked shut behind Phoebe.

"Beats me. We have the beginnings of a civil war on Olympus, a missing goddess and a small army of demigods lazing around in this house... any plans?" Percy asked.

But all others remained silent. What could they possibly say. They were mere children, trapped in the machinations of their immortal family. They would most likely have to wait for Apollo or some other god to show up.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm hungry." Will said. His stomach growled, as if it was a deliberate act to support his words.

"Judging by the commotion inside the house, I would say that you are not alone." Lee added, as he chuckled.

"Well, we certainly don't have enough food to feed everyone in this house," Percy replied grumpily.

"Don't worry. We will take care of everything." Lee assured him, "Will, you know the area, take some of the stragglers and go shopping and we get the fires ready."

"Why do I get the feeling that the Fire Department will have a lot to do tonight?" Zoe muttered, as she watched the Apollo children jump to action. They were suddenly eager like little children, as if the gloomy discussion only moments before had never happened.

"Don't worry, I am sure that they have a plan... just try to keep the Hunters from killing anyone..." Percy muttered. He patted Zoe's shoulder lightly, giving her a small, strained smile, before he followed Will and Lee out of the room.

Ariadne watched their interaction with a raised eyebrow, obviously surprised by this interaction. Maybe it was time to get some answers. She and Zoe had not had a heart to heart talk in such a long time. And by the look on her face, it was that talk that Zoe dreaded at that very moment.


"How have we ended up in this damn mess?"

"Well it was your highness who wanted to hunt down this damned monster." Clarisse replied mockingly.

"Don't call me that!"

"Calm down, Thalia, Clarisse only likes to rile others up," Malcolm tried to appease the daughter of Zeus, before her temper would get out of hand.

"How can I calm down. That damn monster has taken Annabeth. We need a plan to get her back." Thalia said. She was angry. Angry at the monster, who had taken them by surprise and fled after capturing Annabeth. But most of her anger was directed at herself, because she had dragged her friend here, to get her away from the maddening atmosphere at Camp Half-blood. Because of her Annabeth was gone, possibly dead even. Only because she had been too weak to defend her friend.

"We don't even know where this Thorne guy has run off to." Malcolm said. He, too, felt guilty. His sister had been captured and he had been little to no help in the fight before. Why was it so damn hard for him to get stronger? He could think of tactics on the fly, but he was neither a good swordsman, nor marksman, nor did he have any powers like Thalia Grace, the daughter of Zeus or Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon. Are those children of the big three really that much different from the rest? If yes, then why? What makes them special?

"Oh I will find this monster and once I have him, I will get Annabeth back," Thalia vowed.

She had only been back for a short time, a few short months since her miraculous rebirth, thanks to the Golden Fleece. But the world she had returned to was so much different than the one she had left. She had nearly died to protect her friends. She had nearly died as she had tried to bring Luke and Annabeth to Camp Half-blood, the supposedly only place where they would be safe. But that camp was not safe anymore. The demigods, once a tight knit group of friends, were now divided into three groups, who were at odds with each other. War was coming and she had already lost Luke before she could prevent it. Now Annabeth was gone, because she had been too powerless. It frustrated her.

"Come, that big thing is not very subtle, so following it isn't the problem." Clarisse said. "Next time I will be the one to fight the monster!"

"Then what are we waiting for. We have a monster to kill!" Thalia announced. And once they had freed Annabeth, she would go and put an end to that quarrel at camp. She would not watch the home of her friends and family fall apart.

"I wouldn't follow that monster if I was you, punk!"

Thalia grit her teeth, as her path was suddenly blocked by a man in black biker clothes. He looked threatening, as if he was still debating whether he should attack them or not. Especially his eyes seemed to burn with lust for battle... no, they really burned behind his shades!

"Father," Clarisse said, as she went down on one knee, presenting her spear to her father.

Malcolm quickly mirrored her action, as he remembered the stories he had been told about the war god. They boy was not foolish enough to challenge Ares of all people. Only a bloody fool would try to fight a god like him.

But Thalia did not react submissive at all. Her eyes were narrowed in suspicion, as she watched her half-brother. Why was this god here of all places? Why was he interfering with her attempts to rescue Annabeth?

"Out of our way, we have a friend to save!" Thalia told the god. She wouldn't be intimidated by the likes of him.

Ares chuckled darkly, as he approached her. Slowly, step by step he got closer. He towered over the young daughter of Zeus, but she remained defiant. He liked defiant opponents, they won't run away before he had his fun. But sadly he did not have the time to indulge... this time.

"Better be quite, punk. The old man has a quest for you. A very special quest that does not allow for any delay," Ares growled.

"I don't have time for this! My friend..."

"Is likely already dead." Ares told her without a hint of care for the fate of the other girl. Why should he care for one of Athena's blighters? He was much more inclined to believe Jackson's side of the story, but in the end he would have to remain loyal to Olympus, one more toe out of the line and he would feel his father's wrath. He was still on thin ice after the whole incident with his father's symbol of power.

"Get lost," Thalia barked back, as she tried to push herself past Ares, but the god grabbed her arm and squeezed it until she hissed in pain.

"Your opinion on this matter is neither required nor tolerated. You will come with me and do as you are told!"

"And should I refuse?"

"Then father has enough other daughters to do his bidding!" Ares told her, a menacing frown on his face. And he did not even allow her a moment to formulate a reply, before he disappeared with her, leaving Clarisse and Malcolm alone in the wilderness.


The sun had long set and cool evening air pushed away the clamoring heat of the day, as the impromptu party in the garden of Apollo's house in Miami had reached its height. Though Percy had no idea where Apollo's kids had gotten all the food or how they had managed to erect the large campfires and barbecue grills, but he couldn't deny that he was happy. Being around friends, just enjoying their lives for once, it was liberating. They could be like normal teenagers for once and despite the nagging voice in the back of his mind that reminded him that this normalcy was merely an illusion, he tried to savor the moment. Even the Hunters had begrudgingly joined them, though the most ardent of Artemis' girls kept their distance from the other children.

Lee and Will had started a singing contest, praising the great heroes in their songs of heroism and sacrifice. Some more of their siblings joined in, though most were content with listening and cheering, especially when Will started using parts of his own adventure in the Sea of Monsters for his songs.

But Percy's attention was elsewhere. Zoe had secluded herself in a corner of the garden, away from everyone, even her fellow hunters. He was sure that her somber mood was because of Lady Artemis and though she would never admit it, he was sure that she would need someone to talk to. Emboldened by the fact that Zoe had not reverted back to her old self, just because of the presence of her sisters, he even believed that he might qualify as a suitable companion in such troubled times. So he walked over to her and settled down on the bench she had occupied. None the less he kept about an arms length distance from her, just to avoid trouble with the hunters.

"Go away, I'm not in the mood to talk, Percy," Zoe grumbled.

Percy chuckled lightly, but he had no intention to leave, "You don't look like someone who should be alone right now."

"I'm warning you, Jackson, don't make me mad. I've only just started to tolerate you, don't gamble with that."

"Hey, I can understand that you are worried about your mistress. All of this is messed up on so many levels and all of us are involved in something that is so far beyond what we could ever imagine, but..."

"Percy!"

"Yes?"

"You are rambling."

"Sorry..." he sighed. "What I want to say is, that you don't have to shoulder everything alone."

"You are wrong. The burden is now mine to carry. Mine alone. With Lady Artemis gone, I am responsible for the Hunt and I have to lead them. I have to organize my fellow sisters, so we can try to find our mistress. No one can help me with that." Zoe told him sternly. "I have been lieutenant of the Hunt for millenia, but this is the first time that I am completely on my own. Their lives depend on me."

"If you want, I will help you find your mistress. I can ask Triton whether he has seen or heard something. If she is anywhere close to the water, his spies would surely know." Percy offered.

Zoe hesitated as she considered his words, but ultimately she shook her head and declined. "No. You are already in too much trouble with Olympus. Getting involved in the disappearance of Lord Zeus' favorite daughter, that should be as far from your mind as possible."

"Zeus can sod off for all I care. He hates me just for breathing."

"You shouldn't talk like that."

"I mean it." He said honestly, as he moved closer to her and placed his right hand on her shoulder, "No matter what others might think, I consider you a friend Zoe. We may not always be of the same opinion and until recently you have hated my guts, but I hope, no I know that I have gotten to know a Zoe Nightshade that only few outside of the Hunt have ever met. And for such friends, I will travel to Tartarus and back if necessary."

Zoe watched him with some suspicion, as she wondered what he had meant. He had seen a side of her that she had never shown anyone but her fellow hunters? Was that true? No... but she had not been her usual self ever since she had begun to travel with Percy and his friends. Calypso had warned her once, that her cold hatred would only result in a life of solitude and sadness. But now...

"Oh, am I interrupting something here?" Ariadne's sudden appearance shook Zoe from her deep thoughts.

She realized that the current situation could easily be misconstrued. Percy's hand was still resting on her shoulder and she looked far too comfortable about it. Not to mention that he sat close to her and had leaned in to look into her eyes during his declaration. The scene looked almost... intimate... Lady Artemis would be appalled.

"Hey Ari, is the party already over?" Percy asked, as he removed his hand from Zoe's shoulder and stood up.

"Yeah, most of my siblings are already sleeping wherever they have found a comfortable place and the few that are still up are busy watching Michael and Sherman brawl."

"Sherman?"

"Oh, he is one of Ares' kids. No idea why he has tagged along with my siblings when they left Camp Half-blood, but he is kind of fun, in the goofy, not so clever way." Ariadne told him with a shrug. "And what have you two been up to?"

"Nothing much. We've been talking about what awaits us now. As it seems we have a goddess to find," Percy said.

Though he had not seen it, Zoe's face had shown genuine gratitude, as she realized that he had meant everything he had just said. He was always the one to challenge her preconceptions about all men. He actually spoke the truth and not just to charm her, like some other foolish boys would have tried... Charm her, the mere idea that someone would actually try that was utterly ridiculous. Yet she was not as repulsed by the idea that Percy would try such a thing as she should be.

"So we will try to find my aunt... you do know that she hates your guts, right?"

"Yep,"

"And you do know that half of Olympus will try to kill you, if they get the chance!"

"Yeah, I figured as much." Percy replied nonchalantly.

Ariadne laughed lightly. "So business as usual. We will have so much fun."

Percy laughed as well now, even Zoe had a small smile on her face, though she tried to smother it the moment Percy looked her way. It was this moment, that Zoe realized that she indeed come to trust this boy. Despite all she had seen in her life, despite all the despicable men she had met, she had actually allowed herself to see this boy as a friend.

But suddenly all light seemed to wane. The bright fires of the torches the Apollo kids had spread throughout the gardens dimmed until they were little more than glowing embers. A feeling of dread settled in Percy's stomach, as he realized that this was not a normal occurrence. No, someone was here. Someone decidedly not mortal. Had Olympus decided to attack? Or had the Titans deemed him to big a threat to allow him to continue living? No matter, Percy was ready, his trusty sword Sunreaver already in his hand. Helios' flames danced around the blade, illuminating the son of Poseidon lightly, giving him a mysterious look.

"To arms! Enemies might have entered this home!" Ariadne yelled loudly, to wake her siblings. Only moments later the whole garden was bustling with life.

"Found you!" An unknown voice whispered suddenly. "You have hidden yourself well, sister, but now that I have you back, we won't be separated again!"

"Who the fuck are you? Die Zeus send you? Or was it Kronos?" Percy yelled.

A chuckled could be heard, before a woman appeared from the twilight near them. She looked young, but he knew that appearances could be deceiving when it comes to immortal part of his family. But what was the most curious thing, was that she had wings.

"Don't even try to stop me, I won't leave without my sister!" the woman said, as she slowly approached Ariadne.

But Percy quickly stepped in front of his friend. "Not one more step!" He pointed his sword towards her, the flames flaring up as they reacted to his anger.

"You! Those flames, this power... no, you are not him. He died long ago! Begone, imposter!" the woman yelled, as she attacked Percy. He had barely seen her sword, before it nearly sliced through his shoulder. He had to thank Zoe for his survival, as it was one of her arrows that forced to abandon her initial attack. More arrows followed from Apollo's children and the hunters, as they saw the fight. But the woman escape them with ease.

"Leave, we won't tolerate any interference from Olympus here." Percy said loudly.

But the woman merely chuckled, before she disappeared in the darkness once more. For a moment Ariadne wondered if this woman is somehow connected to the daughter of Hades she had met on that island, but then she realized that this woman did not travel through the darkness, but merely avoided the light to hide her tracks.

"Percy, behind you!" She yelled.

Luckily Percy could jump out of the way of the woman's attack, but he was forced away from Ariadne and into the way of her siblings. Only Zoe remained next to the girl, but before she could even nock an arrow, the woman had already reached Ariadne and grabbed her by her throat. Then she disappeared with Ariadne, leaving nothing but a group of shocked demigods and an angry son of the sea.


A/N: Well so much for the beginning of the end. Harbinger will be quite different from your run of the mill Percy Jackson stories. A much more destructive war is coming as three sides try to claim as many demigods as they can for their plans.

In this story some characters from the last two stories will only play minor roles, like Triton, but others will get much more action. One of those who will be in the center of the attention will be Bianca. In fact three of the four living children of the Big Three will be important this time. And we will see a much more serious Apollo, whose fake smiles and fake awesome life crashes around him, as he has to face his father's paranoia and his grandmother's schemes.

There was one small question I had not been able to answer, because it had been asked in an anonymous review to the last chapter of trials. Why will there be only four stories instead of the five of the books. Well the answer is simple. There will be a time jump between Harbinger and the last story, should I ever get to write it. I am already well under way for this story, the planning is done and I know what I want to write and how many chapters it will take to show everything I want to show. And one of the plans is the time jump between the stories. Percy will not be involved in the events of the fourth book, that will be Thalia's time to shine.

Well, this is all for today. Don't be mad, but the next chapter will be out in September or October... if everything goes as planned. Hope to see you all again when this story continues...