Chapter 30:

Markus lay in the ocean, feeling the stress slowly leave him. Mentally looking back as to how he acted, he could admit that he had performed something similar to a bitch fit. He would've chuckled at the thought if he wasn't feeling so depressed.

He didn't know how long he'd been down here. Minutes, hours, hell, even days. He wasn't sure. And he couldn't find it in himself to care. He could still remember seeing the scythe charm in Silena's hands, and how heartbroken she was at him finding out that she was a traitor.

Markus didn't know if he could find it in himself to forgive her. Despite not betraying him directly, she did betray the camp, a place that Markus felt was home. However, even that feeling was shortly fading.

Ever since he'd found out about the prophecy, his feelings towards Camp Half-Blood had slowly shifted. What was once a place of home now felt like a place of imprisonment. It wasn't a camp, it was a place where soldiers were trained. Where weapons were trained.

Markus didn't mean to sound bitter, but he couldn't help it. Now that he realised it, the camp wasn't just a place for survival for demigods. It was a training camp, where they were preparing for war against the Titans. And a place for demigods to serve the gods. He'd never felt particularly loyal to Olympus, only to his father and friends. But with the revelation of the prophecy, all his remaining loyalty was destroyed. Why be loyal to people who were using him and about to leave him for dead in the end?

Even though he had calmed down, his feelings still hadn't waned. He couldn't trust anyone at camp, with the exception of Percy, Tyson, Grover and the others. And his feelings towards the camp were still bitter.

Sighing, he decided to go to the surface. He had no problem staying underwater, being the son of Poseidon, but he'd rather not feel like he was sulking and going emo. Especially at the bottom of the ocean. He reached the surface, moving towards the bed of the sea, sitting on the banks.

Markus ran a hand through his hair, contemplating on his choices. Should he go back to his apartment? Maybe he could go play some games to calm down? The thought brought a smile to his face, though he didn't feel particularly happy. He didn't feel like going to camp, but he knew that the others were going to worry about him. Huh, even now he was still worried about his friends. But the thought had merit.

"When did I start thinking about others before my own feelings?" he muttered to himself. He shook his head. "Now I know that things aren't right."

Huffing, he stood up. No time to continue sulking. Trying to pinpoint where he'd come to, he saw the path of destruction that he'd created due to his 'temper tantrum'. He couldn't really find it in himself to care for the possible mortals that he might've injured, or killed. Though he did feel bad for what he'd done.

Tracing back his steps carefully, he ran a little bit slowly, but still faster than the human eye could track. After a while, roughly twenty minutes or so, Markus had made it back to the entrance to Camp Half-Blood.

Taking a shaky breath, he stepped over the entrance and passed Thalia's tree, which had the Golden Fleece hanging on it. The peaceful, nature-filled power from the Fleece managed to calm him down slightly.

He avoided the forest in case Silena was there and completely avoided the Aphrodite cabin. He may be acting like a coward, but he wasn't eager to meet Silena again. The confrontation was still fresh on his mind, as well as the feeling of betrayal.

It just occurred to Markus that it was night-time, as evident from the night sky. It was a quiet, nice night, though he had no time to fully appreciate it as he slowly crept towards the Poseidon cabin. He must've been gone for a while.

He silently opened the cabin door and shut it behind him slowly. Inside, he could see Percy sleeping on his bed, limbs all over the place. He was also drooling, which made him chuckle. In the corner, Tyson got a large sleeping bag all to himself, since he was too big to fit in any of the beds. He was also snoring loudly.

Markus tip-toed to his own bed, past the wall which held all of their spoils of war. The head of the Cetus hung on a giant hook, now normal-sized. His pirate clothes were folded in a pile on a shelf, with the pirate hat sitting proudly on top. As he made his way towards his bed, there was movement behind him. Markus didn't move as he heard Percy speak groggily behind him. "Markus? Where have you been?"

Markus turned to slowly face his brother. "Out," he answered simply.

"You were gone for a while. Are you okay?" Percy asked, now fully awake and concerned. It warmed his heart to see his brother care about him. It made the bitter thoughts from before fade slightly, and reminded him that he still had people to care for here.

He smiled lightly. "Yeah. Just needed to get something. I'll tell you more in the morning." He waved his hand slightly. "Night."

"Night," Percy responded in kind, his head slowly heading towards his pillow. In a few seconds, he was out like a light.

Markus smiled at the image of his brother sleeping. He turned to look at Tyson, and his smile widened. He went to his bed, his body immediately curled up into his mattress. It just occurred to him how tired he was. And he was glad to finally get some rest.

XXX

Markus was working with the Katie, who was representing the Demeter cabin, in the repeat of the chariot races. Despite Tantalus being returned to the Underworld, the chariot races had been very popular in the camp despite being interrupted by the stupid birds. So the chariot racing almost became a weekly thing. They now alternated between chariot racing and capture the flag each week.

He was working with Katie because, truthfully, she was one of the few that he trusted. He could've went with the Hephaestus cabin, but they already had a partner. And Percy was working with Annabeth. Markus didn't know why Percy was able to forgive Annabeth so easily, but it wasn't his problem.

He didn't want to work with Silena, though. Just looking at her brought the feeling of anger and betrayal forward in his chest. Whenever he looked at her, she looked heartbroken. Her makeup was always ruined because she was crying all the time, she rarely went to the stables to go Pegasus-riding, and she was always holed up in her cabin. Deep down, Markus felt sad at her state and wanted to comfort her, but he ignored the feeling.

Clarisse and the Aphrodite children have noticed the change in Silena and asked her about it, but she said it was nothing, even though it was clearly something. They also took notice of the fact that Markus didn't partner up with Silena, but they never asked about it.

Katie took notice of this, too. She asked what was going on between the two of them, and Markus replied that they were having a small fight, and that it was fine. Another reason Markus partnered up with Katie was because he felt guilty about not hanging out with her much this summer, and wanted to make up for it.

"Remind me again why we couldn't just watch? This was not very fun the first time around," Markus said to Katie, who just shrugged.

"People think it's fun. So we do it," Katie said simply. She smiled. "I think it's fun."

Markus just looked at her with a deadpanned look. "Didn't know you were such a daredevil."

"Says the one who went on two quests and fought legendary monsters," Katie replied cheekily.

Markus grumbled as got their chariot ready. His gaze drifted towards the Aphrodite/Hephaestus chariot, where Silena and Beckendorf were working together. He caught Silena's gaze and promptly his eyes away, purposefully missing the sad look Silena was sending him.

"Is there something serious going on between you two that you haven't told me about?" Katie said, seeing what went on between the two. She'd asked before, but Markus said that it was nothing serious.

"I told you, it's nothing," Markus responded with a false smile that Katie took notice of, but didn't comment on. The other chariots were all virtually the same except this time the Athena and half of the Poseidon cabin had decided to pull together for this one. Through looking at them Katie had a feeling they desperately wanted to get some time off.

She'd asked why him and Percy were allowed to join two different teams. Markus replied that since there were only two members, if one of them could play, the other one would get jealous. So both of them could join two different teams. It seemed unfair, but Chiron was willing to allow it.

Since they came back from the quest, Mr. D had called upon punishment for the two They then have washed up and cleaned all dishes, cutlery and tables. Something that made Markus laugh every time he saw them.

Plus there was the fact that they were Mr. D personal servants for two weeks which for the two demigods was a living nightmare and would gladly go back to the Sea of Monsters if it meant escaping from this new form of hell.

Though Percy had been given big surprise then night before when he visited the stables since the black Pegasus that Percy had rescued from the Princess Andromeda had followed him home and taken up residence at camp Half-Blood. The black Pegasus's name was Blackjack and said he would be forever loyal to Percy who he called 'Boss'.

Markus pouted at the fact. He wanted his own pet Pegasus! It wasn't fair! He planned to get his own pet in the very near future.

Though it was during one of Percy's visits to Blackjack that he was visited by the God of Thieves himself, Hermes.

Though the god did not stay long he gave Percy a note that Poseidon wanted Percy and Markus to have before he disappeared.

The note only had two words on it but the two words were enough to get Percy and Markus, who saw the note, to steel themselves.

Brace Yourself.

Looking over to the other chariots Markus saw Tyson at the side of the tracks acting as a pit stop for Annabeth and Percy, stating he did not enjoy being a chariot the first time around. So he was their builder and pit crew instead. Good on him.

A horn blew out signaling the race was about to start as everyone got into their chariots and prepared themselves for the second race.

Chiron stood at the side of the tracks with a horn in his hand. He looked over all the chariots and those that were inside them before nodding. Taking a deep breath, he blew into the horn as hard as he could making a loud sound resonate through the area.

The race had begun and everyone shot of from the starting line.

As soon as they shot off Annabeth and Percy quickly took the lead with Clarisse closely behind them, at least a good full chariots length behind them. Clarisse meanwhile was trying to jab her spear at Travis and Connor in the Hermes chariot.

Meanwhile Markus and Katie shot off. Being sneaky, Markus bent down in their chariot and channeled kinetic energy from his body to the chariot, speeding its movements drastically. This caused their chariot to speed forward drastically and outpace the Poseidon/Athena chariot and Clarisse's. Markus had enough time to stand up and give the peace sign to both teams as they got pissed at that. And then Markus and Katie sped off.

As that happened the Apollo chariot gained on the front tow and threw a javelin at the Poseidon/Athena chariot aiming right for the wheels.

The Hermes chariot tried to sabotage the Poseidon/Demeter chariot, but Markus held up his defensive magic shields, blocking any ranged weapon that they threw as well as - was that an exploding rubber chicken? Where the hell did they get that? To distract them, Katie mentally summoned a short but strong vine ground that acted as a whip. Waving her hand to the Hermes chariot, the vine whip got tangled into one of their wheels. Despite being small, the vine was strong enough to halt their movement completely and ended up with Connor and Travis to be thrown from their chariot due to the momentum and landed on the ground painfully. Katie had a sadistic smile on her face as she watched. She must've really hated the boys.

Both Markus and Katie high-fived at their success. Though they had to duck at the ranged projectiles coming from the Aphrodite/Hephaestus chariot. Katie held onto the reins of the horses while Markus casted one of his newly taught spells at the space ahead of the horses on their chariot. "Επικαλούμαι: Δεσμευτικά χέρια! (Invoke: Binding Hands!)" Sky blue ribbons made from magic formed from air just ahead of the horses. As the horses of the Aphrodite/Hephaestus chariot, the ribbons circled around them, tangling around them and trapping. The horses whinnied and neighed as they valiantly tried to escape their trap, but it was futile. This caused the chariot they the were carrying to stop and buckle, almost throwing Silena and Beckendorf off of their chariots.

Markus was able to mentally hear the curses that the horses were to speak through horse-talk. Damn, they really had a mouth on them, didn't they?

Telling the horses to go faster the Poseidon/Demeter chariot gained onto the Apollo chariot which was now neck and neck with Percy and Annabeth while Clarisse was now only a little ways behind them.

Suddenly, Annabeth threw a spear towards the wheels of the Apollo chariot. The wheel ended up shattering causing the horses to go wild. The two Apollo boys ended up getting thrown off and ended up in some bushes making everyone who watched laugh.

Up ahead Markus and Katie watched as the Ares chariot and the Poseidon/Athena chariot were neck and neck and were right beside each other with the two chariots scraping against one another. The two must've gotten ahead of them while they were distracted from the fall of the Apollo boys. Annabeth had the reins while Clarisse and Percy were sword fighting.

Both looked like they were trying to get one over on the other but each others defense was pretty tight. Neither could break through yet the frustrated looks on one another face told him they were not going to give up.

"Give up Prissy. You ain't winning this."

"No chance. We aren't losing to you."

Markus decided to make it even for themselves. He turned to Katie, who was holding the reins. "When I make an opening, hang on tight." His words confused her, but she managed to nod.

Calling upon the Mist to perform one of his favourite spells. "Ionioi Hetairoi: Girisha Kaze!" Multiple kopis and xiphos shot forward at Markus' command, interrupting the confrontation between Perct and Clarisse, moving back so that they wouldn't get pierced by the weapons. The weapons faded away, giving the Poseidon/Demeter chariot the opening that they needed.

Putting his hands on the floor of the chariot, Markus channeled enough kinetic energy to cause his insides to slightly burn from the friction from inside. But it did the job. The energy travelled to the horses and chariot, causing them to practical zoom across the track and past the two chariots from ahead. Katie managed to hold onto the reins and not fall on her face or puke.

Everyone cheered as Markus and Katie crossed the finish line before halting their chariot.

They both got off and patted the Pegasi and thanked them for their hard work. Markus mentally thanked them while they responded back that they were happy to help.

With their win it means the Poseidon cabin (by proxy) and the Demeter cabin will not have any chores for the next month making everyone from the Demeter cabin cheer.

Katie's siblings stepped forward and hugged Katie and Markus for a job well done. A couple of girls kissed Markus on the cheek in thanks, getting him to blush like a tomato. Katie laughed, though she did admit that she felt a little jealousy at the sight.

Markus threw up his hands in celebration. It felt good to win.

XXX

Markus was currently meditating in the centre of the camp by the huge stone-lined fire pit. Several spell books were open in front of him, but he was currently busy at the moment.

It was a few days since the chariot races. Since then, Markus continued his training regime. Work on sword skills, read and train in magic, finish off new ideas in magic and powers, work on said powers, etc. Though he wasn't going as far as he did a couple of days ago. He'd apologized to Katie, Beckendorf, and Tyson.

Though he and the others were a little sad that Tyson was not going to be going with them. Tyson got a dream message from Poseidon telling him that Tyson was being given an apprenticeship in the Atlantean forges where he could really learn everything there was about blacksmithing and building while also honing his craft.

Markus wasn't really jealous of Tyson. Instead, he was proud of the guy. Him, Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Beckendorf had gotten together the day he left by the beach and have him warm goodbye and telling him they could visit when it was possible for them too.

He could admit that he cried a little, as well as Percy, seeing the lovable Cyclops leave. Even Annabeth who had warmed up to Tyson. They then watched as Tyson walked into the ocean and headed to Atlantis where his new life waited for him.

Though Tyson was able to forge two shields for Markus and Percy. They were forged with celestial bronze, and even had little details of their quest to the Sea of Monsters. From Markus' fight with the Cetus, to the fight with Polyphemus. Even their little scuffle with Scylla and Charybdis was included. They even transformed into watches, so that they wouldn't have to carry them around. Both boys were thankful to the cyclops and even hugged him in thanks before he left.

Now Markus was training on some ideas that he had. Specifically from comics. Channeling kinetic energy through his body, after half a second, two clones of him appeared out of thin air. They grinned a little at their creator.

The unique thing about these clones were that they weren't created out Mist, but kinetic energy. This idea came to him from reading the Flash comics, specifically about Godspeed, one of his favourite villains (A.N. - I know that Godspeed came into comics around 2016, but screw it. Plus, I wanted the idea to come from this, so...).

He was able to create them through pure kinetic energy, as seen by their figures buzzing a few times. Though he wasn't able to maintain them for very long, since the technique was very draining. Though at least he had solid clones, something that he always wanted.

The clones faded, having drawn too much energy and leaving Markus gasping loudly, with blood oozing from his nose from the strain. He took a bottle of water and poured it from his body, healing him of his bleeding nose.

He took a notebook from behind him and ticked something off. "Speed clones, check. Next."

He put down his notebook and lifted up his right hand. He took a deep breath and watched as, slowly, his hand started shaking. Not from his movements, but from his vibrating his hand using kinetic energy. Another idea he took from comics.

Soon, his hand went from shaking to actually vibrating, looking as if it was a blur. He watched in awe, but didn't do anything else as he didn't want to disrupt his concentration. He placed his vibrating hand near the bottle of water on the floor and, praying that he didn't screw up, passed his vibrating hand through the bottle, not really feeling anything but the vibrations running through his hand.

Markus looked in glee as he removed his hand from the bottle and cancelled the kinetic energy flow in his hand, watching it shake from the after effects. It wasn't fully perfect, but he was finally able to phase his limbs through solid matter. Science for the win!

He took his notebook, after his hand stopped shaking, and ticked something off again. "Phasing limbs, check. Next."

He took a deep breath again and concentrated on the water molecules in the air, the water vapour that he was currently breathing out. It took a few minutes, and a lot of divine energy, but he managed to produce a trickle of water out of the air that dropped onto him. Though that was all that he could produce so far. The reason that it was so draining was because he was producing water without an available water source. Well, except for the atmosphere. This was much harder to do.

He sighed in frustration as he couldn't get the results that he wanted. "Damn. Need to train harder."

"Why don't you rest? It can do wonders for yourself," a voice said behind him.

Markus' hands crept towardsb Wavebreaker on his keychain on instinct and turned around before he came face-to-face with a very young girl.

He blinked as he looked at the girl, not believing what he was seeing. From his perspective, the girl couldn't be older than ten. And yet, when she spoke, she had a tone of maturity and wisdom. She didn't say much, but Markus could tell. She was also wearing a simple brown dress with mousy brown hair. She was sitting next to the hearth that was in the fire pit, which was suddenly lit.

She looked simple, but her eyes said differently. Her eyes were on fire. Like, literally. Her eyes were filled with flames. Like Ares', but more calm, more peaceful. They held power within them. The weird thing was, Markus felt like he met her before. He would've known if he'd met someone with such bizarre features.

She was a goddess, which Markus could tell from the power rolling off of her. But which one?

Wait. Hearth, peaceful fiery eyes, more powerful than Dionysus. Plus, he saw her from last summer. Suddenly, it all became clear to him.

"Uh, you're Hestia, right?" Markus asked unsurely. "I mean, should I call you Lady Hestia, or bow, or - shit, I'm pulling a Percy."

"There is no need to bow, Markus Henderson," Hestia said with an amused smile on her face. "Nor any need to call me 'Lady'. You may simply call me Hestia."

"O-okay." This was so weird. Markus was never really respectful to gods, except Savitr. But that was because he was an unknown god and it was best not to piss him off so early. Even Ryūjin or Hecate, two gods that helped him in training and powers, never actually got his respect. But this time, he had no reason not to respect Hestia.

Her aura was so peaceful, her demeanor calm but kind. Hell, just being in her presence made Markus feel homey and drowsy. Like he was with his mum all those years ago. The thought didn't even bring him that much heartache, since he was still in Hestia's presence.

"What is the matter? I heard that you usually have much more to say to us gods," Hestia said, still smiling serenely.

"Well, usually I have a lot more quips in my head, but I'm still tired from training," Markus said. He wasn't being smited for being casual, so might as well keep rolling with it.

"I see. But you didn't answer my question, Markus. Why do you not rest from your training? I have seen you work yourself day and night. Yet you do not rest," Hestia said with a frown, as if she genuinely cared for his well-being. Even though she'd never met him before.

"I, uh, I want to get stronger to protect myself and my friends," he answered, though that wasn't the whole truth. Hestia seemed to know this by the way she frowned even deeper.

"You are worried about the Great Prophecy, aren't you?" she asked. Markus blinked. How in the hell did she know? "I watched you from afar, seen how much anger and pain that you've held in your heart."

"Did you just read my mind? Wait, you've been watching me?" he asked in one go. Yeah, he was really pulling a Percy.

"No and yes. I just know these things. And I have watched you from afar because you, as well as your brother, are one of the few you have seen me. Who have a large amount of hope and care for family in your hearts."

"Hope? Maybe care for family, Lad- uh, Hestia. But not much hope in me," Markus said bitterly.

Hestia raised an eyebrow. The action looked weird in her current form and fiery eyes. "Is the Great Prophecy that daunting to you?"

Markus glared at her for that question, though he immediately felt bad doing it. "Of course I do! How can I not be when I'm destined to die?! When, in the end, I'll either save or destroy Olympus with my final choice! And it's not doing itself any favours in convincing me to save it."

"Maybe if you were a normal demigod. But I can tell you're not, Markus Henderson." Hestia's bore into Markus, as if staring into his soul. "The power that you displayed earlier speaks volumes of that."

"How does a little speed magic and water training help me-"

"Please, do not insult my intelligence," Hestia said, a knowing look on her face. "I know that that manipulation of kinetic energy is not due to magic. Nor is it directly from a Greek deity."

Markus' blood froze as he heard that. She knew. He didn't know how, but she knew that he had received this power from Savitr. Or at least knew it wasn't Greek. "H-how-"

"Because I know these things," Hecate said. "I know that you have received training and powers from gods outside the Greek pantheon, outside of your magic and heritage as a son of my brother."

A nervous bead of sweat trailed down Markus' forehead. "A-are you going to tell anyone?" he asked nervously, swallowing. He didn't want anyone, especially the gods, finding out that he had dealings with the Shinto and Hindu. From his interactions with the gods, he could tell there was some kind of inter-pantheon law that forbid other pantheons from actively interacting. It was probably a serious rule. And he did not want the gods breathing down his neck or possibly killing him for it.

"No," Hestia answered. "It is not my business, nor is it my secret to tell. I just recognize the signs of the power of another pantheon. The decision lies solely on you."

Markus let out a breath that he didn't know that he was holding. That was good. Hestia was quickly becoming his favourite goddess after Hecate. "So what were you saying about having hope?"

Hestia stared at him for a moment. "Why do you want power? Why do you go to such lengths to attain strength?"

Markus thought for a moment. Why did he want power? He could simply say it was because of his fatal flaw, but that wasn't it. "It's because I want to protect myself and my friends and family mainly. I don't want what happen b-before ever happen again. And also to escape the prophecy hanging over my head."

Hestia smiled at his answer a little. "Your reason for wanting power is just, even though the methods you use aren't what is expected. But let me ask you something. If you were to gain power, and become more powerful than the gods, more powerful than the Fates, what then?"

"I'll overcome the prophecy and destroy anyone in my path so that I don't die," Markus answered immediately and without shame.

"And what then?" Hestia queried. Markus opened his mouth, but no answer came out. "When you've fulfilled the prophecy, what will you do then?" With no answer, Hestia decided to continue.

"It's fine to want to grow stronger, many have wanted to do so," Hestia said. "But if you have no clear goal for you to use the power, then what's the point?"

"You're saying that I should give up on my goal?" Markus asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm saying that you shouldn't give up on hope. You said that you had no hope in you. So how do you plan to overcome the Great Prophecy if you have nothing to live for? Hope is where the hearth is."

Markus thought about what she said. In a way, she was right. He'd been so desperate in trying to come up with ways to defy the prophecy that he didn't really believe that he could do so. "So what do you suggest?" he asked the goddess.

Hestia smiled. "Do not forget what gives you hope. You said that you wanted power to protect yourself and those you care for. So do not lose sight of that goal. Of what makes you you. It is fine to be greedy. But you must not let your greed control and consume you. The same for the Great Prophecy."

Markus smiled. He didn't know about the hope part, but Hestia was right. He shouldn't lose sight of what was driving him. He looked at the child goddess. "Thank you, Hestia. Your words have helped me."

"You are welcome," Hestia said, smiling prettily. Which was very weird on her form. "That is my job."

"So you're the caretaker of Olympus, huh?" Markus asked, smiling.

"In a sense," she answered, mirroring his smile. "I take care of all my family. Be it demigod or god. Hera my be the goddess of a perfect family, but I am the goddess of family, period. I care for all that I call family. Something that you might agree, since you sacrificed to me last summer."

Markus smiled. "It was because I you were probably the only goddesses that I knew about and respected at the time." Then a thought came to him. "Why don't you have a cabin here?" The thought was nagging on him. Maybe it was her aura, but Markus felt at peace and was even warming up to the goddess. If this was how she was like for everyone, it was a mystery as to how she wasn't respected at Camp Half-Blood.

"I am not an Olympian," Hestia said simply, her smile dimming a little. "I gave up my throne for Dionysus to stop an outbreak between Olympus."

"A wasted opportunity, if you ask me," Markus muttered. Hestia smiled. "I can't really complain. I tend to the hearth, as it is in my domain."

"But you deserve much more," Markus insisted. "You're the eldest Olympian. You deserve respect. It's not fair that you and the other gods and goddesses-" Markus stopped as he realized that, not only Hestia, but the other minor gods and goddesses didn't have a cabin here.

"Yes," Hestia nodded. "It is not fair. But that is how it's always been. But perhaps you could change that. Am I correct to assume that you would want to be a beacon of hope to other children of gods in this case?" She said the last part with a teasing smile.

Markus scoffed. "No way." The idea just sounded dumb. "But maybe... what if I started small. Like building a cabin for you?"

Hestia shook her head. "Zeus would not like that. I am not an Olympian. I-"

"Look, I don't care what the boltfarter says," Markus interrupted, causing lightning to flash in the sky due to the insult. Markus ignored that. "You should get the respect that you deserve. You're the eldest Olympian. Hey, since your the goddess of the hearth and home, do you mind if children of the minor gods or any unclaimed can go into your future cabin?"

"That is an amazing idea. I would obviously allow it. But tell me, why would you go so far for my sake?" Hestia asked, confused.

Markus sighed. "Call it me actually giving a shit about others. Besides, you were able to give me hope. So why not help you do the same for others?"

Hestia smiled at what he said. This smile was different from before. Whereas before she had a smile that showed that she cared about him, this was a true smile for herself. For being happy. "Thank you, Markus Henderson. May the gods bless you."

"Dunno if they're feeling merciful," Markus replied sarcastically. Then he smiled. "But you're welcome."

And then it suddenly occurred to Markus on the time. He didn't know how much time had passed since he'd been talking to Hestia, but it was certainly a while.

This was proven to be true by the sound of the conch horn, signifying that it was time for lunch.

"Go," Hestia said knowingly. "Join your friends. Hopefully, you'll come back to talk some more."

"I will," Markus said strongly. "I promise." With a wave of his hand and a smile, Markus zoomed towards the mess hall, picking up his notebook and bottle of water along the way. Leaving a beaming goddess of the hearth.

XXX

Markus was lying in his cabin, resting from training. He was finally taking a break from his training. His talk with Hestia helped settle his thoughts on the prophecy. His thoughts were still bleak, but there was still hope in his heart.

Beside him was a page that detailed on how he was going to build the Hestia cabin. He might need to call in a favour from the Athena and Hephaestus cabins, though the former might not want to help him due to their parents' rivalry. Maybe he could call Poseidon and ask several Cyclopes to help him. That might work-

Suddenly a spike of power shot up from within the camp making him sit straight up. In the sky a loud thunder suddenly boomed shaking Percy, who was sleeping, awake.

"Markus, what happened?" Percy asked, tense.

"Something's happened in the camp," he said before he ran out of his room and shot out of the door.

When he was out of his cabin he saw the sky was flashing with thunder and lightning and other demigods began to pile out of their cabins to see what was going on.

Markus focused in on the energy spike and sensed it coming from atop of the hill. He dashed in that direction using super speed towards the hilltop. He saw the others trying to follow after him along with Chiron and Percy.

When he got closer to the hilltop he saw Annabeth crouching over what looked like a person. By the figure he guessed it was a girl. Annabeth looked up to see him approaching and he saw she was crying.

Even though he was still angry at her, Markus was wondering what was wrong. "Annabeth, what-"

"She was just lying here. There was a gold light coming from the tree and the next thing I know here she is." she said, sobbing.

"Annabeth, who're you talking about? Who-" Markus was saying, but Annabeth wasn't answering, continuing sobbing.

Markus looked at the girl to study her features. The girl on the ground was slightly pale looking with shoulder length black spiky hair and freckles that ran across her nose. She was wearing very punk styled clothes and had a bracelet around her left wrist. She was built like a long-distance runner, lithe and strong.

From behind them Markus turned and saw people massing around them as well as Chiron trotting over as he got closer.

He could hear Percy talking to Chiron as well as Grover trying to get his sobbing under control.

"The Fleece did it job far too well," Chiron said in a disbelieving tone, but it only further confused the other demigods.

The girl on the ground began to groan and her eyes began to flicker open. When they did Markus saw they were electric blue in colour. They were flickering all over the place as if trying to figure out just where she was.

Since Annabeth was in too much shock to move, Markus stepped forward and helped her sit up.

"Easy," he said gently. "You alright?"

"Y-yeah," the girl said. She stared at Markus in bewilderment, shivering and wide-eyed. "Who-"

"It's okay," he said. Why was he so calm towards her. As a matter of fact, since when was he the first to check up on another person that he didn't know? He personally blamed it on Hestia, who'd left him a little good-spirited after their talk. "I'm Markus. You've given everyone a bit of a surprise tonight."

The girl looked at him. "I'm Thalia, daughter of Zeus."

Markus went wide-eyed at that revelation. Daughter of Zeus? She was the girl who sacrificed her life almost six years ago to save Annabeth and Luke. But wasn't she a tree? How did-

Markus' eyes went even wider as he came to a revelation. The others were looking the same. When she spoke and said her name, everyone in the camp just looked at her in wide eyes and had a gob smacked expression on her face.

She went to try to stand up but her legs gave out immediately causing her to fall to the ground. But instead of falling, Markus caught her and picked up bridal style, who was still looking shocked at what he was thinking. But still moved in time to catch her.

He snapped out of his thinking to look at the others. He frowned at seeing them still standing. "Why the hell are you all just standing there looking?" he asked, raising his voices at everyone making them shake out of their stupor.

"I'll get you to the med bay. Hang on," Markus said. He then began to walk back to camp with everyone moving out of his way. Thalia tried to tell him she could walk but Markus stopped listening.

Annabeth quickly joined his side checking and fawning over Thalia. Markus didn't even mind her presence as he kept smiling at the thought that came to him.

Everyone else just either returned to their cabins are went to the big house.

Markus kept on smiling at what he was thinking. Because, for the first time, his future didn't look so bleak.

He didn't have to be the one who the prophecy was talking about. Thalia could take his place. From looking at her in his arms, she was a little older than him. So maybe she could take the prophecy instead of him. Meaning that he or Percy didn't have to die.

Suddenly, his future didn't look so dreadful anymore.

And done! Wow, two chapter updates for two different stories. What a record!

So here, we have Markus getting out of his funk slowly, training in his powers (I added the Godspeed and speedster powers from DC because I love Godspeed, truthfully. One of my favourite villains), meeting Hestia, a little pep talk, ideas about a Hestia cabin (which will be added later in the story) and meeting Thalia. Nicely done, if I do say so myself.

As for interactions between Silena and Annabeth, Markus won't forgive them immediately. He eventually will, but not for long. Fatal flaw of anger and all that.

Next chapter will be a scene where Markus' greed is shown, development for many of the characters, including strength and power wise. That's something I plan to implement in the story in the future.

Read and Review!