Sorry sorry, sorry. I have so much stuff between work and school. Also, I hit a dry spell. I know you guys want longer chapters sooner than what I'm providing, but I am not a professional. I can't spew this out like nothing. Plus, I hit a rough patch in my life. I have lost someone very dear to me, who was always a source of inspiration. I hope you can all understand. Please tell me how you feel about my work. I still like feedback on my creations. Each of my OC's are close to me in some way. I refuse to change anything about them, but if you would like me to add an OC for you guys, I do take requests, but please remember just because you lend me the character does not mean that I can make them into your ideal person only you can.

**Time skip three years**

It was safe to say that no one was pleased when Thalia did the cowardly thing. Instead of allowing herself to turn sixteen and to let the stupid prophecy finish she had joined the Hunters of Artemis, Luke couldn't look at her and Annabeth felt betrayed beyond measure. As for the Jackson siblings well.

Odessa ended up slapping her. Orion and Theadosia were unimpressed, Achilles had the look of utter disappointment on his face. Perseus, well, Percy just wished her luck, hoping that she did not regret her choice.

No one forced her to stay, but no one told her to leave either. The decision was Thalia's alone. A quest was given soon after she had gone with the hunt. Zeus had lost his lightning bolt and blamed the Jackson siblings for its disappearance. Though if one were to ask them, they would say that the god's logic was severely flawed. None of the five had ever dared to step foot on Olympus before due to them not wanting to be in the sky god's domain. None would stoop so low to steal from a god to get more power. There was also the fact that the Jackson siblings hadn't stepped foot into Manhattan since their mother had left them at camp.

While she had done what she thought best for them, all the siblings had no wish to run into their mother at risk of unnecessary emotions running wild. Either way, somebody had to go and find the silly lost toy. Annabeth was dying to go on a quest, Percy had decided to indulge her and tag along, Oddie would come to just in case. Ori had volunteered to be held captive until her siblings came back with the bolt. If they did not come back, Ori would become the first casualty of the war that Zeus would commit against his brother. They had till the summer solstice. Kili, on the other hand, would be visiting their other uncle to ask for his counsel on the matter. After all, only an idiot would point fingers without knowing all the facts. *Cough Zeus Cough Cough*

This was a hardship that each sibling had to face. Loneliness. Isolation from the others, their lives on the line. They had to have faith that each of them would play their part and ensure that they all lived. That night before they went their separate ways, Ori sang for them in the comfort of their cabin. Percy and Oddie's heads rested in their lap. Thea's head rested against Ori's shoulder, and Kili was hugging them from behind. With this song, Ori sent out a prayer of hope so that they would be together again.

~All that I have learned from you will be enough to guide my heart and pull me through. For surely someday, we'll be together once again. I know that this is not the end. We'll meet again, my friend. And surely, some way, I shall repay the love you gave. Memories of you will never fade, I'll find a way, to you someday. The time has come to say goodbye. The road ahead waits, so spread your wings and fly.~

~Orion~

'One does not simply walk to Olympus.' Ori thought as he stood below the tall skyscraper above. Today he wore Cargo pants and an old NYC sweater. Today he stepped foot on forbidden land. He was taking a deep breath and stumbled through the unfamiliar area. His walking stick was brushing against many pairs of legs passing by and bumping along cracks in the sidewalk. An arm reached out and grasped his forearm, causing him to freeze. The touch was burning, almost radiating heat. "Here, let me help you." The voice was like sunshine, warm and friendly. "I can't believe that they just left you outside and didn't make sure you got in safely. Then again, Dee isn't known to be the mothering type."

The arm guided him through the doors and through what seemed to be the lobby. They avoided the people at the elevators and instead stepped into a different one. Ori waited until the doors were closed before slamming the stick against his unknown associate's stomach and shoving him into the wall. ~I can manage fine on my own without a babysitter thank you very much.~ Ori growled as the man hissed. "Owe Ori, sweetie stop, you'll crush my lungs, little songbird. Can't be the god of music if I have crushed lungs." ~You have other titles you can fall back on. And don't call me that. I am not a bird.~

Releasing the god from his hold, Ori stepped back and leaned against the opposite wall. "Yes, that's right. You prefer to be compared to a siren if I recall." ~Stalking as always.~ "That's such a harsh word, and it's not my fault if I tend to drive over Millions of people's lives every day. Bound to hear something, you know." The ten-year-old said nothing as the doors finally opened, allowing for them to step off. Once outside, Ori bent down and took off the boots he had been wearing as well as his socks. He sighed contently. ~Hello sight, I've missed you.~ He cooed to his wiggling toes.

Apollo once more tried to lead him, but this time Orion would not allow it. Shoving the foot apparel and his walking stick into Apollo's chest, he started on his way to what felt like the tallest and most prominent structure. The Airhead, known as his uncle, was sure to be there. He smelt something oddly familiar as he came to the doors. The smell was faint, but he could recognize it anywhere. The Sea, his father, was in there with Zeus. Well, better late than never, he guessed pushing the large and gaudy doors open.

-Achillies-

It was a giant rock. Call him severely unimpressed that a path leading straight to the underworld would in central park, but blocked by a giant rock that can only be moved by music. Who comes up with this garbage? He huffed and pulled out his Triton, willing the mist around him to turn it into an acoustic guitar. Now, what to play? Something romantic, he supposed before playing a Spanish Lullaby. Sure enough, after the first chorus, the entrance was open. Making his way down, he transformed the instrument back into a weapon. Who knows what kind of welcome he would receive upon his arrival.

An eerie green glow was coming from below. Hellfire? The river Styx? Is some monster ready to devour him? He wouldn't know until after he finished descending the stairs. One step at a time, moving into the dark abyss. What had that book said about hell? The one that made Odessa throw uncontrollable fits of laughter... 'Abandon all hope all who enter here.' Oddie had told him that for evil souls, the underworld feeds off of their fears, which is why it was a nightmare. Oddie would always say, '=Nothing is scary about the underworld; in fact, the scarier monsters are locked deep below it were very few escapes.=.'

At the end of the steps, Kili gazed in awe at the deity that stood just a few steps away. Beautiful would be an insult to them, for they were so much more than that. Marvelous, Perfect, Otherworldly. Those wings alone were exceptional. "I am Thanos. I am here to guide you to the palace." Kili's face flushed. Death itself was talking to him, and they were hot! What does he do! What to do?! He wasn't ready. Nothing could prepare him for this kind of situation.

"Are you scared?" The minor god asked, not moving away or towards him. Oh, for the first time in his life, Kili wished that he could speak words. If only to convey his inner turmoil. Instead, he lowers his Triton and looks longingly at him. "Not afraid then, Your namesake did not fear me either when it was his time." Kili found his hand reaching out to touch the soft feathers, not paying attention to the one-sided conversation. He could fly on his own and not get shot down from the sky. It must be so liberating to do so, flying freely. Thanos chuckled at his actions before taking both of his hands. "Have you forgotten young warrior, you have other ways to talk." Kili flushed and looked away, embarrassed. -Take me to the palace please.-

Thanos burst into laughter before composing himself. "As you wish." Scooping him up into his strong arms, Kili was whisked away. His face had rivaled a bright red tomato by the time they landed in Persephone's garden. The king of the underworld was waiting for him. If it weren't for his quick reflexes, he would have embarrassed himself further when he was dropped at Hade's feet. Instead, he landed kneeling before the god with his weapon at his side. "I take it you have come here for something?" The harsh baritone voice of Hades filled the air. -I require your assistance uncle, my siblings, and I are being framed for a crime we did not commit, and your brother is furious. I know that while he blames mostly us, he will think you have also taken part in this. Please tell me where I can find the airheads lost toy.-

"It has been a long time since anyone has treated me with such respect. But I have also lost something. So I will require your assistance in return." Kili locked eyes with him. -Ask it of me, and I will do everything within my power to do it.- "Before Zeus accused your father, he had his children search for it. Ask them, as for what I have lost. It seems that my helm of invisibility has gone missing. find it for me if you would."

+Theadosia+

The sea. Waves upon waves washing up and down the shore and endless horizon of water filling her gaze. The only thing ruining her view was the dark clouds above her. She saw lightning flashing in the distance, which made her wonder for a moment. 'What did thunder sound like?' It was a vibration across the clouds like an earthquake on land. 'Would it be loud?' It was funny she had never put much thought into sound before. Then again, she had never been alone before.

Yes, there were others at camp, but it wasn't the same. For the first time, she was apart from her siblings. They were so far away from where she couldn't reach them. So this feeling came to her. What was it exactly? Emptiness, Depression? No, perhaps Desolation. It was as if her entire self was isolated in a dark place, waiting for someone to turn on a light. 'Where were they? Were they scared? Are they feeling lonely as well?' She pondered. She watched her cute little Topaz dig holes in the sand with a gaze of longing. It was always sad to see friends come and go, but she had never thought that this would happen with her siblings. Why does everyone leave her? Even Topaz's creator had left her for the next world.

Tears filled her eyes, and she curled up tightly into a ball. If only this were a problem, a hammer could solve. She wanted to smash this feeling into the ground. That dark, twisted feeling that clung to her. She felt a hand on her shoulder, which snapped her back to reality. Her gaze locked onto Luke's blue eyes, a look of understanding on his face. He sat beside her in the sand and nudged her playfully. She scoffed but smiled. Luke. Her loyal guard dog Luke. He didn't leave her side often, and even though he always came straight back to her.

She knew that his clingy attitude was not healthy, but at this moment, she was grateful that he was here. Luke would return to her. He would always come back to her. Maybe she was naive, but even though she didn't need it, she was happy that he was there to guard her. She leaned against him and smiled. 'Begone darkness light has come, once more.' Luke kissed her forehead gently, and she relaxed more.

^Percy^

I hate little old ladies. Now don't get me wrong. Some little old ladies happen to be sweet, some sassy. But when three little old ladies turn into monsters on a bus full of people, that just makes me frustrated beyond repair. So here we are, my sister and two of our friends hiking down the road instead of using the bus waiting to see the next town or gas station at least to grab a decent burger.

One should not witness any of my sisters when they are hungry. Not a pretty sight, trust me. Odessa was no exception to this fact. She could, no, would kill for a Diet Coke. I wonder who she picked that up from? Either way, I'm rummaging through the only pack that we managed to scrap by the furies from hell. I was looking for anything that could solve our little dilemma. Suddenly I notice a bag of Oreos and two bottles of Diet Coke that were not there a minute ago. So this was Oddies pack. She's the only one that Mr. D would give an unlimited supply of snacks to.

As if knowing what I was thinking, Oddie snatched the bag from my hands and grabbed a bottle. "What?" Annabeth started a little disgruntled, but then Oddie tossed her the pack of cookies. =Share, who knows where the next town is from here. were not close enough to the road to read the signs.= Grunting, my sister took a swig of soda before handing it to me. ^Thanks.^ I smirked, taking a large gulp for myself. I noticed Annabeth licking her dry lips and chuckled before giving her the bottle. ^Here, can't have you dying of thirst on us wise girl.^ She snorted before taking a sip and handing it over to Grover.

=This would be much easier if we knew exactly where the thief was heading with the bolt.= Oddie grumbled, and I groaned. ^Sending us on a wild goose chase.^ "But wouldn't the most logical step be to check the underworld? That's where we're heading, isn't it?" Grover asked nervously. =Not necessarily.= ^If we wanted to check there, we would have gone with Kili. There are many entrances to the Uncle Hades realm.^ "Then, where are we going?" ^To Odessa's boyfriend.^ I teased, dodging my sister's backward kick. =Not my boyfriend, that pig can rot in eternal darkness for all I care.= She growled.

I would have teased her more, but I started to smell BBQ. I glanced and saw the hungry glint in my sister's eyes. =Stay here I'm going to case the joint, two bangs yes, one bang no.= Grover shuddered as my sister turned her body into mist and I couldn't really see the problem with her use of power, but maybe it just wasn't for everyone. Once she was gone, I stretched out before sitting down my pen/sword in hand. Now we wait.

=Odessa=

I heard the hissing before I saw anything. I cringe at the sound, snakes why did it have to be snakes. I allow my body to solidify before stepping into a maze-like garden, with several statues that were a dead give away. Yes, it was a good thing that Annabeth had stayed behind, Medusa and her sisters hated anything to do with Athena and her spawn. I walk further down my nose following the scent of brisket and hamburgers. Low and behold there she was cooking up a storm for her monstrous appetite.

Her hair covered, and when she had turned around, I saw her wearing sunglasses. A good thing too because she had some swift reflexes. =Auntie, so good to see you.= I give her my best smile. A hiss escaped her lips, but I remained still as she made her way over. "And what is a child of the sea doing so far away from oceans shores?" She questioned, her voice was calm though there was a hint of bitterness and a small bit of longing as well.

=I am on a quest, Auntie, but don't worry I only stopped by for some information, not your head.= She grunted and lifted my chin with her sharp claw-like fingernails. "Tell me why I should be so inclined to give you any information when I know you won't hesitate to kill me either way?" =If you don't want to offer me anything alright, Auntie, I will not be the one to slay you. If I wanted to kill someone, I would do so with my power.= my eyes were locked in place, gazing at my reflection in those mirror sunglasses. "The eyes are the wrong color, but I know those eyes. Those haunting eyes that are filled with remorse over what happened." =Let me help you, Auntie. Please.=

"How exactly do you plan on doing that?" =So cruel she was to you, You had asked to leave her temple because you knew yourself to be in love. She, however, could not accept the fact that you had fallen for her rival. Because she could not punish him directly, she punished you. Even after all your years of loyal service to her temple, she could not forgive.= Reaching out, I traced her jawline carefully, wiping away the tears that flowed. =Then your love did not aid you at all when your beauty faded. When you were being chased outcasted from your only home and slaughtered to become a tool. How cruel immortals can be.=

I knew this story very well. I know every story there is to tell the world, even the new ones that were being created. The water speaks, and I listen. Water has a long memory, and I am open to all truths that it holds. Taking the tears that Medusa had shed, I will force the water to remember, remember what that face use to look like, before the snake-hair, before the stone-eyes before the pain and suffering took place. Her claw-like nails were receding, and I could no longer hear the hisses from her hair. I could see her body shaking from the shock.

=Auntie, let me see you.= My hands removing her wrapped hair to reveal long raven hair the reached her elbows. Jerking away from me her own hands tugged softly at those onyx locks. =As of today you are no longer the monster you once were, I have baptized you anew in your own tears of suffering. You are no longer Medusa, as of today you are named Gemma. Precious gemstone who shall have me as your protection. Call and I will come auntie.= I take off her glasses and look directly into those panicked violet eyes. When it became apparent that I would not turn to stone she began to relax.

"You came here for information, yes?" She started packing the food she had made into to-go containers. "Sit and tell your Auntie what it is you seek." I hop onto a counter then remembered I wasn't alone. =Auntie, my friends are waiting for me. Can I call them?= She paused almost uncertain before continuing her work with a small nod. I bash my weapon into the side of the counter twice making to large bangs. =They'll be here soon, now you wouldn't happen to know where I might find Ares would you?= Giving her my brightest smile light I wasn't asking where one of the most dangerous and unstable of the gods were.