Hazel POV

I couldn't believe my eyes. The tidal wave that Percy gathered almost reached the stands in terms of height. I looked down and saw Percy's limp body. His beaten down expression with his eyes glossed over. I can only imagine the pain he was enduring after being brought down by Thalia's thunderbolt.

Despite all of that. Despite his growing pain and his shattered will. He was still able to summon a gigantic power from only a few gallons of pipe water. I just don't get it.

Percy brought the wave down with just one finger and it crashed into both with a furious might. The sound of the crash was horrible, so I covered my ears for a few seconds. With Annabeth and Jason right behind me, I could barely hear one of them running back towards the stairs. Before I could even turn and check on who left, I already found Annabeth running into the arena at a blistering speed. I followed as quickly as I could and got into the arena in record time as well.

On the floor with both of their feet positioned to the others face were Percy and Thalia. One look at both and I knew who won it all.

Thalia's eyes were fully closed as her body lay still. Her slick hair was behind her head and her tiara was nowhere to be seen. She looked like Sleeping Beauty from the stories I used to read as a child decades ago. Slumbering blissfully and begging to be awakened.

The same couldn't be said of Percy. His body was still at first, but by the time Annabeth reached him his body jerked back and forth as he spat out copious amounts of fresh water. From the brink of defeat, Percy had survived another round in the tournament.

Annabeth got to him and picked him up while pounding his back. Percy spat out more water in response. Chiron and some of the hunters came down and picked Thalia up. Checking on her condition.

Percy opened his eyes first and looked at Annabeth with a small grin.

"That wasn't so bad." Percy said sheepishly.

Annabeth's stone face didn't change. "You could've died, Percy."

"Yea, but I didn't, so we're good." Percy added.

Annabeth finally cracked a smile before asking me to lift Percy with her. Annabeth had his left arm while I had his right.

We both turned to Chiron. There was a new look of concern on Percy's face. We were all worried about Thalia as she lay there.

Chiron turned his attention to the gods sitting above. I thought the match was fantastic, but the look of the gods would say otherwise. Most of them were stone-faced including Jupiter himself. Too regal to show off emotion. There were only a few who made their frustrations known. Mars, Bacchus, and Juno to name a few. I wonder if they betted against Percy.

Neptune's face has been the same since the moment he materialized right in front of us all. It was a face of shame.

Chiron didn't move a muscle until Jupiter gave him the go-ahead. He gave Thalia to the nearest person and blew on his horn before making his announcement.

"The fight is over. The winner of this bout is Percy Jackson."

The crowd roared as every camper from both camps cheered for Percy. The hunters were the only ones who looked dissatisfied. I couldn't blame them.

The next few minutes were a blur to me. I got to see Percy and Thalia being carried off to the infirmary. I believe it was Percy's first trip there which he wasn't happy about. Annabeth was about to follow as well before she was stopped by Jason. The reason was obvious as Jason gave her a stern look and Annabeth nodded in approval. They both geared up and walked downstairs for their next match.

"Annabeth vs Jason. That is a fight I would love to see" I thought, but I couldn't waste more time. I promised myself that I would only watch the first match and then get started on my journey. I had another dream of Hecate the night before when she was urging me to find the spell book.

You must reach the restricted section of the New Rome University's library. There is a spell I want you to learn. Search for my daughter. She will guide you.

Hecate was serious. Whatever was attacking the camp had to be a threat to every camper both Greek and Roman. Not only that, but I could feel it too and I couldn't be the only one. Something is stirring out there. Others may think its monsters being attracted to the large number of demigods in the coliseum, but it had to be something else. I had to move quickly.

"Hazel, are you ok?" Said Calypso

I felt her hand on my shoulder and pulled away so fast that it startled her. Next to her was Frank. He was in his praetor uniform, as he was out of the tournament, finally. I could tell he was worried about me. We haven't had time to talk at all today as I was purposely avoiding him. I wish I could tell him about my dreams, but I swore on the River Styx that I wouldn't tell a soul about Hecate and her demands.

Looking at Frank's face alone broke me. I couldn't hold the truth in for long. I stopped doing that a long time ago.

Frank was about to say something, but I stopped him before he could get a word in edgewise.

"I need t-to go to the…" I stutter

Frank repeated my words slowly. "You need to go where exactly?"

"Uhh I n-need to go to the..."

"Little girls' room?" Calypso interjected.

"Yes!" I screamed. "I have to powder my face or something."

Calypso folded her arms. Clearly unsatisfied with my answer.

"I'll go with you. I can't find Leo anyway." She added.

I grimaced before responding. "No! I need some time alone. Sorry guys."

I ran past them as their confused faces turned toward me. Why can't lying come naturally to me?

I ran past a few more campers. Looking for the demigod that could help me. I knew who she was. Recognizing her was a whole other challenge

Search for my daughter. She will assist you.

I was having a hard time finding her. Hecate was more focused on the destruction of the camp than the description of her daughter. I was still trying to find her when I found Clarisse instead. She was standing alone in the back corner of the training room. Her arms were folded as her eyes spotted me as well, and a wicked grin formed. Smiling over the fact that she bested me the day before.

My eyes averted quickly and regretted it right after. I should've stood my ground instead, but it's hard to look at the person who almost choked you to death.

I don't blame Clarisse for showing no remorse during our match. We were both trying our hardest to stay in the tournament, but there was something else bothering me. Frank has always been kind and thoughtful. Comparing Mars to Frank, it's easy to see that he shares almost no characteristics with the god of war. I can't say the same for Clarisse. She was violent, rude, and bloodthirsty. Knowing the Greeks, I was hoping that the children of Ares were closer in nature to Frank, but I was wrong. The leader of the Ares cabin was far more dangerous than any of her siblings both Greek or Roman, and that includes those in the First Cohort. I'm just thankful that Frank was kinder and stronger.

Reyna walked past me and made her way to Clarisse. The smile on Clarisse's face slowly faded as Reyna approached her. I stopped gawking at the two of them and left. I wasn't looking forward to that type of encounter.

I ran around the area once or twice. Trying to find this mysterious daughter of Hecate. There were more campers in the training area than ever. How difficult could this be?

I thought I would have to ask around about Hecate's daughter but then I saw her. There was a girl levitating a nose right from someone's face. The noseless camper chased after it while the girl levitated it higher and higher. She had long black hair tied into a ponytail. Her eyes were green like Percy's but not a sea green. It was as if I was staring into a deep forest from which I could never escape. Within her eyes gathered a host of lost woods. She wore an extra-large cardigan that covered her skinny frame. Her whimsical smile and mischievous demeanor were all I needed to guess who she was.

This was the girl I was looking for. The leader of the Hecate Cabin back at Camp Half-Blood. Lou Ellen Blackstone.

Lou Ellen levitated the nose back onto the face of the unknown Roman camper before he ran away in fear. Poor guy. Lou Ellen found it amusing as she expanded her grin further and further. Leo, Percy, and even the Stoll twins. Are all the Greeks pranksters at heart? I would believe it if Annabeth didn't exist.

I ran up to Lou Ellen and before I could even get a word edgewise, she put her hand towards my face. Stopping me in my tracks.

"Save the explanation. My mother already plagued my dreams about some great and vague calamity. I gotta help you with something right?" Lou Ellen said impatiently.

Oh, ok. I guess this would be easier than I thought. Thank the Gods that other demigods had cryptic dreams just like me. Explaining it all to the average mortal would've taken forever.

I let out a sigh of relief. "That's great to hear. Hecate told me that—"

Lou Ellen stopped me before I could say another word. With her eyes closed and her hands in the air warning me.

"I'm not interested in the specifics. I have to find a book or something and help you understand it?

"It's supposed to be a spell book," I said while nodding

"It's in another building too, so we have to leave? Nod for yes."

I nodded again. Not saying a word

Lou Ellen widens her eyes right after, a smile appearing on her Mediterranean features.

"See, the less I know the better. Now, show me the way to this spell book."

…

We left the arena as quickly as possible. Lou Ellen was following behind me without a care in the world. I could be going to Mount Olympus or the Underworld and she still wouldn't say a thing.

Outside the arena was full of people trying to get into the stadium. Hundreds of them packed in lines, trying to reserve a seat for the next match.

"Good luck getting back in, Hazel."

"You don't mind missing the next couple of matches?" I answered back without turning.

Lou Ellen laughed from behind. "Who cares. Percy is going to win it all anyway. I'm just sad that they picked Travis Stoll for the tournament instead of me. I mean, Travis, really?!"

I spotted Arion up ahead in the stables. All the other horses were munching on hay, but Arion refused to even touch the stuff. Arion spotted me as well and before I could even blink, he was right in front of me, begging for another meal.

I looked at him with harsh eyes. "Still being a picky eater? There's nothing wrong with hay."

Arion neighed loudly as he let his exaggerated shock apparent. I didn't need Percy to understand what Arion was saying. I summoned a bar of gold and let him nibble at it.

"Soooooo, are you going to introduce us?" Lou Ellen asked.

I turned around and pulled Arion forward after he finished his snack. "Lou Ellen, this is Arion. Arion, this is Lou Ellen."

Surprisingly, both bowed to each other.

"It is rare to meet such a regal horse." Lou Ellen joked.

I got on Arion quickly. Knowing that time wasn't on our side.

"Get on. We have to reach New Rome University, before the next match finishes."

Lou Ellen got on easily. "You do know we can walk there in like seven to ten minutes, right?"

"Why get there in ten minutes when we can get there in a second." I said with a smile.

In an instant, we were at the gates of the university. I didn't even feel it, but Lou Ellen fell off Arion with a big thud. She let go of the reins quickly and fell to the ground.

She got up slowly and waved off my help. She didn't seem like the type to take it.

We went inside and took the stairs toward the library. The halls of the university were empty with only a few studious students sitting in lounge chairs while focusing on their work.

"So, you guys have this whole university to yourselves?" Lou Ellen asked.

I smiled without looking behind me. "We're willing to share. Percy and Annabeth already made plans to come here. You want in?"

Lou Ellen's expression changed. I could barely see it out of the corner of my eye. But her face was a mix of regret and happiness.

"I'll consider it." She added softly. "Camp Half-blood is my home for now."

We finally reached the top of the library. The restricted section was guarded by two legionaries who looked as if they wanted to be anywhere but here. I don't blame them as they were missing the tournament at this very moment. The restricted section was surrounded by rows and columns of books, scripts, scrolls, and journals. The golden bars that separated the restricted section from everywhere else were tall and strong. The two guards under it were tiny in comparison.

The restricted section was barely guarded but for good reason. There shouldn't be a magical and all-powerful spell book within that space. Only old texts were there for safekeeping. Were those texts important in a historical sense? Sure. Did anybody actually want to read them? I think Annabeth is the only contender for that imaginary offer.

The guards stopped us. I couldn't recognize either of them thanks to their helmets, but they took their positions seriously, which was a good thing.

"Centurion Hazel, you're supposed to be in the tournament." One guard said.

I shrugged carelessly. "I was knocked out of the tournament yesterday. I'm just here to learn with my friend."

The other guard raised an eyebrow. I would've done the same thing if I was him. The students themselves wouldn't enter the restricted area so what purpose does a centurion have there?

There was another problem. The guards were both looking at Lou Ellen, figuring out quickly that she wasn't from Camp Jupiter. Lou Ellen gave me a look of concern as her smile had gone wider and wider due to her nervousness. I was about flash my Centurion pin and force both of them to let us in, but the guards dropped to the floor instantly. Their eyes glazed over, and their bodies went slack.

I gave Lou Ellen a look, but she shrugged and nervously shook her head rapidly. Before I could even blink, a ghostly visage appeared in front of us. It was Cassius flying through both guards. Letting his body flow through them as they fell on the ground instantly. Snoring blissfully as Cassius rose from the guards without turning, floating on top of the bodies.

"That was close." He spoke. His head turned to the both of us, gleefully smiling.

"Cassius!" I screamed. "I had that covered, what did you do?"

Cassius didn't even flinch. "Moving through mortal bodies can be such a hassle for the living. They feel as if they are dying and enter a deep slumber. It's quite refreshing for me."

I didn't respond quickly enough. Still dwelling on what just happened. I haven't seen such an ability before when it comes to the Lares, but then again, I tend to avoid Lares at any given opportunity.

Lou Ellen didn't seem bothered as she skipped right in. Cassius and I followed as well.

Inside was a sight to behold. Hundreds of columns lined before us. All with at least a hundred books in each row. I turned my head upwards so as to see it all, but I failed to find much of anything. The absence of light was missed as each column extended towards a never-ending abyss.

One whiff of air and dust exploded around me. This place hasn't been cleaned for years. I turned my head, and I could barely see both Cassius and Lou Ellen. There was one thing I saw, however, and that was Lou Ellen's wide smile. Her bright pearly whites.

"Well, if the world is gonna end again, then we better get to it." Lou Ellen said plainly.

…

Gwen's POV

(Remember Gwen from Son of Neptune? If not, check out the Reyna vs Frank chapter. She appeared there as well!)

The crowd was ecstatic when Percy won. I was yelling to the heavens before falling back to my seat. I couldn't keep my voice up for long, but the crowd was able to do it without end. Screams of joy turned to murmurs of concern as both Percy and Thalia were pulled away from the arena. I knew everything would be alright when it came to Percy, especially since Hazel was there. I died and came back to life last summer. I know it was the Doors of Deaths doing, but Hazel was like a little sister's luck charm to me. Sounds weird sure, but that's how I feel.

They pulled them away and the Vulcan campers started reconfiguring the arena. Cleaning up all the pipe water and repairing the damages that came with all that fighting. I spoke with some of them back at New Rome University and their shared frustration was overflowing. So many complaints about the use of powers within the arena. Most of it was directed towards both praetors, Nico, and Leo of all people. Those matches were explosive.

"What a matchup." I spoke out loud and someone heard me and replied.

"I've never seen the son of Poseidon in action like that. He's got to be the strongest demigod."

I turned and saw a camper with brown hair and green eyes. I haven't seen him before and I know most legionaries.

"Are you from Camp Half-blood?" I asked.

He smiled at me. "No, I'm a new camper here. I got my Probatio rank months ago. My name is Ambrose." Ambrose added.

Well, I guess I stand corrected. I don't know most campers it seems. I took a closer look for a second just to see if I could jog my memory. Green eyes, brown hair, and I noticed a few freckles as well. He had a purple Camp Jupiter shirt, which I should've noticed immediately. The adrenaline from that last match really screwed up my eyesight.

I conceded right then and there. "Nice to meet you, Ambrose." Before I could continue, someone sat right between us.

It was Leo Valdez, the camper I met yesterday. I could tell immediately that his mood has soured as of late. His toolbelt was sagging as he moved. His face turned to me as his eyes darkened. You can spot him a mile away even from this crowd. He was the only one not cheering and having a party.

"I can take this seat, right?" Leo asked with his hand holding his chin.

I shrugged. "Sure, but wouldn't you enjoy the viewing area instead?

Leo sighed. "Being surrounded by the Jasons and Percys of the world really bums me out. I'm also running away from my girlfriend. Don't ask."

I didn't think losing to Nico would affect him so. Ambrose looked confused so I introduced him to Leo.

"Nice to meet you, buddy. Forgive my current state. I'm usually awesome."

"Maybe helping out the Vulcan campers with clean up would make you feel better." I suggested.

Leo took one look at the decimated arena and got out of his funk quickly.

"Never mind," Leo added. "I'm not that desperate."

Ambrose laughed alongside me. Leo turned to both of us with piqued curiosity.

"Who are you guys rooting for in this tournament by the way?" Leo asked

"Jason and Reyna of course. Percy and Nico are a close second." I added.

"That's like multiple favorites, but I'll allow it." Leo added. I stuck out my tongue at him in response.

Leo and I both turned to Ambrose. He thought about it for a second before responding.

"I don't have a clear favorite yet. I just want to find out who's the strongest." Ambrose turned to us with an wicked smile right after.

"I hope it's Percy. I guess that makes him my favorite." Ambrose admitted.

I was a bit confused that his favorite wasn't Reyna or Kahale, but he was a newish camper, so I didn't blame him for it. Nothing wrong with a little camp pride.

Leo sighed even harder. "Another fan of the small big three."

"Small big three?" I asked.

"Children of the actual big three. The slang will catch on soon." Leo smiled for the first time.

Before I could even respond. There was a great thud that could've been heard from across the arena, but instead, it happened right in front of us. He appeared with his legs positioned on the railing that separated us from the open air. Flying this high up wasn't even a issue for the demigod.

Jason Grace was staring at us. I was a bit shocked by his sudden appearance knowing his match was up next, but Leo and Ambrose didn't react at all.

"Leo," Jason said as he towered over us. "I need some advice."

Leo didn't respond. He instead looked to me for help.

"Good grief. I can't get a break." Leo sighed for the millionth time.

Thanks for sticking with the story so far. I know I update things slowly, but I'll still aim for ending the story by 2023.

I release the story earlier since I imagine you're all restless. Also, I took a look at those comments again….

I thought Frank vs Piper would be the hottest debate holaay LOL.

Don't worry. I hear you all loud and clear. I'll do better.

There are so many fights left in the Top 8 and the villain of the story has yet to make a real appearance.

Next chapter is Annabeth vs Jason! I'll ask what Leo asked. Who's your favourite!