Hey guys, I know it's been about a week and a half, but I couldn't update last Monday because I was busy with family(and got into a crazy Percabeth mood-and you just cannot write a Pertemis story when you're in a Percabeth mood) and then I got sucked back into Blacklist which, if you watch the show, you understand how it literally took over my life this past week...But, I'm back and finished this chapter on a Monday(late, but still)! Well, here's the next chapter, I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I, sadly, did not come up with this series- the credit goes to Rick Riordan.

Song I'm listening to right now: 'Rainbow Connection' Moopet Version(my disney pandora playlist has been playing a lot of Muppets lately…)

Chapter 16
Sophia's P.O.V.

Today has been a long day. Luckily, the Amazon's had no casualties to report- things would be terrible if they had lost anymore than they did in the last battle. I was still shocked by the revelations pertaining to Kiani. Kiani has always been pretty quiet and rarely speaks about his past- all I really knew what that he had lost his family. I never knew he had lost all his people as well; I couldn't understand how he kept going after that. I mean, I was born on Planet Freyja nine-hundred and fourteen years ago. I lived underwater in the planet's capital- Druna.

I had a simple life really; amazing parents and friends. I was an only child and worked in my parent's bakery beneath our apartment. Our planet knew of Chaos, and considered it an honor to be chosen for his army. It was tradition that when a child turned ten, they started training-hoping to impress Lord Chaos and be asked to join his army. Most, in the end, settled for a different life and got married, gaining other jobs. I, unlike them, was visited by Chaos and joined his army as a Guardian.

Mother and Father were so ecstatic; but they were sad that I was leaving the planet. After saying goodbye, I left and went to Moaverra. I visited my parents multiple times throughout each year, and when my parents died about fifty years after I joined Chaos' Army, I planned and attended both of their funerals. About once every few decades, I had the chance to visit their souls in the final resting place of Moaverra for all planets except for Earth. But, mostly Chaos' soldiers stayed away from the dead as to allow them to rest in peace and not be interrupted by the living. I wondered if Kiani had ever visited him family- with his tense behavior today, I don't think he ever did visit them and gain closure.

Shaking my head, I continued on my way to Kiani's room, hoping he would let me in and come to the meeting that was to start in a few minutes. Reaching his bedroom door, I reached up to knock and hesitated for a second. He probably didn't want to be disturbed right now, after just learning about the truth behind his people's demise. But, I have been in love with Kiani for years, really since I first met him in the Army all those centuries ago. He was my guide.

Kiani was the second Guardian to join the army, after Juliana, and everyone looked up to him as he was practically the main leader under Chaos then. I immediately gained a crush on him, but Kiani is quiet by nature really, almost suspicious really. But incredibly kind once you get to know him. It made sense for him to be so quiet and suspicious now, knowing the tragedies of his past. But, he was always there for me through everything and now I wanted to be there for him. So, taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and knocked in his door.

"Kiani? Are you in there?" I questioned softly. No response, "It's me, Sophia...I was wondering if you were going to the Olympian Meeting tonight?" I wondered.

"I'm not going." The voice was rough, muted. I flinched at hearing Kiani's voice in such a depressing way.

"Oh. Ok." I paused here, searching for what to say, "I'm going to head to the meeting now, and I'll probably be back in about an hour. I noticed you didn't come down for dinner…" No response, "I wasn't really hungry either. Why don't I bring up some food from the kitchen and we could eat...together?" I hesitantly inquired, wincing in embarrassment as my voice cracked. I waited for a response, in the hopes it would be a yes. But I received neither a denial or a confirmation. Sighing quietly, I continued, "I'll-I'll see you later tonight then, Kiani…" And with that, I transported myself to the Olympian Throne room, sitting down in an empty chair.

After a few minutes, everyone had arrived, Hylla coming in a few minutes after me. Her eyes immediately snapped to Kiani's empty chair next to me. Looking at me, I just shook my head, trying to keep my emotions in check. She furrowed her eyebrows in concern and sorrow, but sat down in her usual seat and waited for the meeting to start.

"Hello everyone, welcome back to our Daily Olympian Meeting." Zeus announced, "And welcome to the Iuominen group, who arrived last night and are protecting Atlantis during this war." They nodded at him in greeting. A lot of them wore hoods, since most of the Iuominen members were demi-gods from here who didn't want their identities known, "It has come to my attention that several attacks have occurred in the mortal world since everything began. Today, another five battles took place all across the planet. Any news about battles?" Zeus wondered. Everyone looked around, waiting for someone to speak. Hylla and I shared a glance before she gestured for me to speak. Taking a deep breath I stood, causing everyone to focus on me.

"This morning, Aisling and a group of monsters attacked Amazon headquarters." I stated. Everyone grew concerned at that.

"Were there any casualties?" Athena worried. Ziana suddenly stood, wide-eyed.

"Where is Kiani?" She demanded, staring at his empty seat. All eyes went to it too, "He can't be…" Her voice broke here.

"No, he's alright. I mean…" Hylla countered, struggling for words. I swallowed here.

"Aisling was her usual psychotic self, and today she focused on Kiani. She revealed some…" I paused, trying to find any words that explained the terrible things she confessed with glee, "Startling and horrific information."

"What do you mean?" Zayden wondered. I looked around the room, not wanting to spill Kiani's secrets.

"Well...I don't want to be blunt as they are not mine to tell, but Ailsing revealed some terribly tragic things about Kiani's past and the hand she played in his past." I went with, remembering all the words Aisling had spoken.

"How is he doing?" Jordan inquired, serious for once.

"He immediately went to his room in the Headquarters and has not emerged since." Hylla informed, trying to stay composed- but I could see the new-found concern she had gained for Kiani.

"Please let him know that if he needs anything at all, that we will be happy to help." Hera stated: she has changed a lot in the past few centuries, just like Zeus.

"I will, Lady Hera." I stated.

"Any other news?" Demeter questioned. Corina stood here.

"There have been increasing attacks on demi-gods around the country. Camp has gained a surplus of campers since the war began as many campers are pushed into their heritage." She sadly stated.

"The same has happened with Camp Jupiter." Reyna agreed.

"We could go and help demi-gods. It is the mission of The Hunt-" Thalia tried to push, but one stern look from Zeus quieted her.

"As I have said before, Thalia, The Hunt is to stay at Camp Half-Blood for the remainder of the war." He finalized.

"A lot of gods and nature spirits have reported attacked throughout the world and ways they have retaliated." Ziana brought up.

"I want everyone to do all you can to protect where you are. As for the two camps, I want you to broaden your search. Gain the help of as many fawns(They had changed a lot in the past few centuries, becoming more like protectors), satyrs, and nature spirits to protect the demi-gods out in the world." At that, we all agreed, "Is there any more information?" At the quiet that followed, Zeus nodded, "Well, if that is all then this meeting is dismissed. Remember, we have another meeting tomorrow night at six." With that, we all went back to wherever we lived or were protecting.

I appeared back in Amazon Headquarters, outside the kitchen in remembrance of what I had told Kiani before leaving. Walking in, I grabbed a tray and placed two plates of spaghetti, a cup of root beer, a cup of ginger ale, two pieces of garlic bread each, and two small bowls of fruit on it. Walking quickly through the hallways, I made my way to Kiani's room once again today. I honestly can't remember the last time I was so nervous to approach Kiani. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I knocked with my free hand.

"Kiani?" I called, "It's me; I'm back from my meeting. Well, I guess you can already tell that really, I mean that's where I told you I would be going, but anywho." I took a deep breath here to stop my rambling, "I brought you some food. I figured we could sit down and enjoy a meal together." I faltered, hearing no response, "I brought some spaghetti; I figured you'd like it since it's your favorite meal. And I brought you some Ginger Ale since I figured you are probably tired of water and you aren't a fan of fizzy sodas really." I shook my head here, trying to focus more.

"I understand if you're not hungry though…" I continued, feeling silly, "If you don't want to eat together, that's ok, I can just leave your meal outside your door and you can eat it when you are hungry. I just…" I trailed off here, a knot growing in my throat. Swallowing my building emotions, I continued, "I just want you to know that, I know I don't understand what you are going through right now; from what you learned today in such a...terrible way. But I'm here for you, if you need me. You-" I swallowed here as my voice quivered, "You were there for me when I lost my parents, and I want to be there for you now because you're my best friend." I stopped here, not able to continue anymore. Steeling myself, I shuffled the tray in my hands trying to balance it so I could bend down and place Kiani's meal on the ground. I stopped though as the door opened slightly, Kiani appearing. He looked miserable; red rimmed eyes, messy hair, pale skin, rumpled clothes, tear-streaked face.

"Hey…" I softly stated, smiling slightly. He nodded, biting his lip. We stood in silence for a moment, before Ziani stepped back and opened to door wider so I could enter. Mentally cheering in victory, I stepped in. Ziani closed the door as I walked to place the tray on the bed as there was no clear table near.

"I also brought you some fruit." I continued, not knowing what to say in the silent room, "Grapes, Honey dew, cantaloupe, kiwis, etc. I was going to grab some cheesecake from the kitchen, but I didn't know if you were hungry enough for that as well. But-" He cut me off here, chuckling quietly.

"This is fine, thank you Sophia." He stated, walking towards me.

"Ok." I stated, sitting on one side of the bed while he sat on the other. As we started to eat, I noticed Kiani was mostly playing around with his food. Summoning up the courage, I spoke, "Do you want to talk about it?" It was silent for a while before he spoke.

"I'm not quite sure how I should feel." he muttered, "I've come to terms with my people's death over the centuries, and it's strange to have it brought back after so long. And in such a way too, I-" He stopped here, staring down at his cup of Ginger Ale.

"You can't believe it's true." I guessed. He shrugged here.

"I guess I can't really." He admitted.

"At least you know the truth now. You have always wondered about what happened to your people, but know you know and can finally truly move on." I brought up. He sighed here, staying silent, "What is it?"

"I guess I'm just tired." He confessed. At that, I placed my plate of food back on the tray, focusing on Kiani now, "I'm tired of losing people. Of unanswered questions. I've gained so many friends over the years, and have lost so many- either to life or battles." He swallowed thickly here, "I guess I just-I just wish it would all stop. I love my life in the army, but it takes a toll." I froze at that, the implications of what he was saying floating around my head. Seeing my panicked look, he smiled slightly.

"No Sophia, I am not resigning from the Army. I'm just, contemplating my life." He stated. I sighed in relief at that; it was possible for a Chaos soldier to resign; if they felt they had served a good life protecting the army and wanted peace, they could move on to the afterlife. A lot of the first soldiers from when Juliana was born and inducted had chosen this path, and we had the occasional one every now and then.

"I guess I'm just tired of having things taken away from me. While I just stand there and let it happen. I need to take control of my life, and ignore the risks and worries." He admitted.

"That's great, Kiani." I exclaimed, "You deserve to have the life you want to live." He stared at his hands resting on his lap before looking up at me.

"I don't know if it's really that; I just want to stop overthinking the risks and the things that could go wrong in life. I just want to be peaceful and unconcerned with the past. To finally let myself go." He was silent, staring straight at me. I smiled at him, glancing across the room at Kiani's piercing gaze, "And I think I know just where to start with that."

"That's perfect Kiani; the first step to overcoming anything is always the hardest thing to-" I cut off here, eyes widening. Kiani was kissing me. Shocked coursed through my mind, not able to figure out what was going on. But, while my mind was panicking, my heart took over. Sighing, I closed my eyes, leaning more into the kiss. It was short, and sweet; as if it was a small declaration. Opening my eyes as Kiani leaned away, I watched as he smiled slightly, completely at peace and happy with what he had just done.

"Sophia." He firmly started, grasping my hands in his, "I have been in love with you since I first saw you, walking through Moaverra's Capital, trying to see everything you could. You have always been there for me as my best friend and firmest pillar of support. My life has become more meaningful since you entered it; and I am determined to not let you leave. So, going off the conviction and confidence I am feeling right now; Sophia, would you like to be my girlfriend?" He posed. I started at him wide-eyed. When I had come in here, and everything leading up to then, I definitely didn't even consider this as a possibility. But, taking Kiani's advice, I pushed away my thoughts and beamed at him.

"I would love to be your girlfriend, Kiani." I answered, watching as a smile lit up what had previously been a heartbroken expression. Moments of courage definitely could change anything.

~~~~~~Corina's P.O.V.: Camp Half-Blood~~~~~~

I sighed as I settled down for the campfire. Dinner was amazing as always, especially with Zoë joining us today. It was awesome watching her at camp; despite her new respect for men, she still enjoyed picking on their gender and with her new powers, it made things more exciting. Zayden and Zoë's friendship absolutely dumbfounded all the campers and hunters, who couldn't comprehend that such a friendship could exist.

But, those two were practically siblings, considering how much time they spent together. Looking at the hunters reactions, I had a feeling that Zayden's treatment with the hunters would drastically changed. I chuckled as I saw two campers staring wide-eyed at Zayden and Zoë(what we in the army jokingly call the 'Z squad') as the two bantered back and forth. I was sitting on the edge of the chaos soldiers, who were happily roasting marshmallows and singing along to the camp songs. Instead of sitting with the hunters, Zoë and Zayden sat down in between me and the other Chaos soldiers, occasionally pulling me into the conversation.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" A voice spoke. Turning to my left towards the voice, I blushed slightly as I saw it was Andrew.

"Sure." With that answer, he sat down. As we sung songs about Apollo's Golden Cows, Hermes deliveries, and strawberry fields, Zoë and Zayden delved into a conversation about Chaos. I smiled as Zayden teased Zoë about Chaos, making her blush and retaliate with comments. Just having seen how they all react to their friendship, I wonder how they would react if they found out about the mutual love Chaos and Zoë have for one another. Andrew shifted towards the two here, hearing their conversation and growing curious.

"What's Lord Chaos...like?" He hesitantly questioned, a soft wonder filling his eyes. At that, Zoë and Zayden paused, thinking over their leader.

"Well...he's kind and wise." Zayden stated.

"He's formal and professional, and Lord Chaos naturally demands respect." Zoë added.

"He's an amazing and fair leader who is always ready to listen and help." I finished.

"What does he think about his brother?" Andrew suddenly wondered. At our confused expressions, he continued to explain, "I mean, they're going against each other in a war, after centuries of never seeing each other...Do you think he's angry at his brother? And is excited to defeat him?" He hesitantly wondered. Zayden hummed at that, a look of concentration on his face.

"I think he wants this war to be over. To not take any more lives than it already has. But, I'm not quite sure what your asking or wondering?" Zayden admitted.

"It's just...I had a brother once. We were really close growing up, but jealousy and anger tore us apart. I'm angry at my brother, sure, and I don't know if I will be able to forget what went on between us." He paused here, seemingly lost in old memories of his childhood, "But, he's my brother and I love him. If I ever ran into him again, like what happened with Lord Chaos and Order," He seemed mildly uncomfortable saying Order's name, as it was practically a taboo in the mythological world to speak an enemy's name(kindly ones, etc), "I don't know if I would be able to hate him, if it came down to it. Because despite all we've gone through, he's still my brother and I love him." He confessed, shifting slightly at our gaze, as I guessed he never really talked about his brother with people, "I mean, though they are older than us all, they are still siblings when it comes down to it. I just wonder if they are only enemy's now, or if...things could change and this war could stop peacefully." He finished. Zayden sighed here.

"I have to agree with that, it would be great if the war could end peacefully. But, realistically, I don't think it could. Lord Chaos and Order are too different now, too involved in grudges and hates from the past. This war has been coming for a long time, and I suspect both sides are too invested now to want to pull out, especially Order who instigated the fight." Zayden frowned here.

"I had a brother once." Andrew started as I spoke, staring at me wide-eyed- I had yet to tell him about my brother, "We didn't get along growing up, and before I came to camp, he was killed by a monster. When it came down to it, we forgave each other and loved each other. In my mind, Lord Chaos will win. But when a final fight comes between the two brothers, I hope they are able to reconcile like my brother and I were able to in those last few moments."

"But as for Lord Chaos himself? I know he loves Order, that's while he refused to kill him the first time they battled." Andrew seemed shocked at that, "And I think he dreads the fact that, sometime during this war, he may be forced to fight and kill Order. But, it's the life he and his brother have lived with for millennia and it is that way no matter how much Lord Chaos wishes it wasn't." Zayden figured. It grew silent at that, each of us lost in thought on how horrible it must be to be torn apart from your brother for so long and then pulled back together in such a terrible way.

"Hey! You four!" At that yell, we woke up. Looking up, we saw an Ares campers glaring at us and the campers, soldiers, and hunters staring at us in concern, "You ok?"

"Yes, why do thy ask? Zoë wondered.

"Because you're obvious sad mood is bringing the campfire down." We looked over to see that he was right; the fire was lowering and blue, pulsating a sad mood throughout the campfire. Shaking ourselves from our thoughts, we went back to singing as the mood slowly lifted. But, in the back of my mind I made it a goal that I would get to know more about Andrew, to learn more about his life and story. And, maybe I could finally have someone to confide in about my life as well…

Song I'm listening to right now: 'I'm Lost' from Lilo & Stitch(Gosh this song is so beautiful, yet sad. I have been listening to it on repeat throughout this last bit of the chapter. It definitely helped me write the last scene…)

Yay! The chapter is done! It took a while, and I know it's late in the day(already past midnight so now it's technically Tuesday), but I was determined to finish this chapter and stay up as late as I could to write it. Also, we have something to celebrate. This chapter made this story reach 100,000 WORDS! Last chapter was about five hundred words below that number, so now I've reached that! Well, that was the chapter; I hope you enjoyed Sophia and Kiani's interactions and getting together, and the meetings and campfire scene. I will hopefully be able to update again next Monday, as I am determined to finish this story soon. Good luck in life until then!