Vanishing Hero

by gpbumann

Guardian story pulling from others I've read. Camp turns their back on him in their time of peace, tossing him aside like a blunted weapon. He discovers his parents death and subsequently the orphaning of his sister. Vanishes from the Greek world only to return years later, changed. Pertemis pairing, Hestia patroning, and Hera adoption. Will update as views go hopefully I get some

13. Chapter 11

Chapter 11: The Prodigal Son Returns

3RD PERSON POV

Percy and the Hunt met in Artemis's tent to review the plans for the "ambush" that was awaiting them about 12 miles to the east. There was a sense of nervousness in the air, but mixed in with that was the determination of 30 or so pre-teen man-haters that was ever present considering this was Artemis' Hunt.

"This is where they are likely to strike," Percy said gesturing to the map. "With the Hunt's mobility in the trees, you can easily outflank them, but I'll need to draw them into the killbox," Percy finished and looked around the Hunt to gauge their reactions.

"A force that size… how will you spring their trap with just yourself? They're expecting the entire Hunt," Thalia added to her cousin. Percy's signature lopsided grin was plastered on his face as he said, "Let me handle that. I've been working on something since training with Khione." Thalia couldn't help but reciprocate his grin and they finalized their plans.

The group packed up camp and was about to move out, but Percy pulled his trainees aside. "Now, I know I have been training you and you've made a lot of improvement, but STAY BACK and pick them off with your arrows. Do. Not. Engage. Unless absolutely necessary. Understood?" The girls rolled their eyes at their Guardian, but with a stiff glance from him, nodded their heads vigorously.

THALIA POV

We had moved into position, all of the Hunt in the trees surrounding the trap. I looked around and saw all of the hunters were ready. With a deep breath, I looked onward to Percy, err 'Theo' standing alone waiting for the monsters. What I saw next, I still have trouble believing.

The air chilled and a cold breeze found its way through the trees. Standing with Theo were a dozen ice sculptures, but as I looked on closer, they were clones of Theo. Before I could comment, the assault started. Arrows galore rained down from the trees as monsters fell continuously.

Theo was a demon. His ice clones, while not very formidable, took a handful of monsters each and moved autonomous to Theo just like Hephestus's automatons. Once the last of the clones fell, Theo sheathed his katana and drew his twin swords, continuing his arc of destruction.

Theo charged a cyclops in the blink of an eye, slicing the tendons in its legs causing it to drop to its knees. He severed its head and kicked it like a soccer ball towards a pack of unsuspecting hellhounds, who let out a yelp in surprise. He quickly made his way through the remaining cyclops, throwing Riptide into one of their eyes and creating an ice sword to replace it and hacked the other two to dust.

He then moved to dracnae who fired arrows at him that he easily dodged and blocked before willing his new ice sword to rocket toward one, piercing its head. He threw knives at the other four, hitting them between the eyes. The absolute grace and precision he exhibited sent shivers down my spine.

With the archers seemingly ended, I decided to join my cousin in the carnage, as did Artemis and some of the older hunters. I carved my way to my cousin with my spear and shield, ending any monster unfortunate enough to find themselves in my path. As I got to Theo, we stood back to back and I couldn't help the nostalgia wash over me as we fought the force as a two-demigod army.

"Reminds you of Manhattan, doesn't it?" I called out to him as a hyperborean lunged toward me too far and I bashed my shield into his knee, buckling him and pierced his throat with my spear. I heard him chuckle in between the clangs of metal and he said, "Yeah except not quite as life or death!" I laughed in response, as another empousai was unfortunate enough to jump right into one of my lightning strikes.

I turned to face him briefly, "New armor?" I asked quickly and dodged another strike. "Yeah a gift from Dad and Tyson!" he said as he sliced a cyclops shoulder to hip. "Why must you get all the cool shit?" I asked him with a huff. "LOOK OUT!" he yelled, but before I could turn, he threw a trident like a bullet out of a gun at a hellhound that had leapt toward my back. "Also a gift from Dad," he said with a shrug and I rolled my eyes at him.

THEO POV

Gods it felt good to fight back-to-back with Thalia again. The witty banter between us as we slew monster after monster was beyond refreshing. I briefly noticed that Estelle and Rebecca had joined the fray on the other side of the killbox, and I got a gut wrenching feeling that something was off.

As I turned from another empousai, I panicked. A hellhound had gone unnoticed by the Hunt and was stalking toward them. My vision went red. I sprinted faster than I ever had and got to them as the hound batted Rebecca aside, knocking her unconscious and leapt toward Estelle.

"NO!" I yelled and grabbed Estelle as the hound's teeth bit down on my shoulder. I quickly threw Estelle toward the limp form of Rebecca and let out a yelp of pain. "Stupid fucking mutt!" I roared as I grabbed the hound by the scruff of its neck and threw it over my shoulder. I quickly snapped its neck, reducing it to gold dust and ran to the two young hunters. I gathered them both in my arms and fire traveled them back to the trees away from the battle.

Estelle had minor scrapes, but was otherwise okay, but Rebecca had a gruesome gash from the claws running the length of her left arm. After deeming her condition not critical, I turned to Estelle and spoke with steel in my voice, "Stay. Here." She put her head down quickly and nodded and I fire traveled back to the fray.

There were only about a dozen monsters left when I got back and they were trying to flee. The remainder of the Hunt that wasn't injured or unconscious finished them off quickly enough and I returned to the two girls. I quickly used my powers of the hearth to heal Rebecca and flashed them back to the rest of the Hunt.

"I TOLD YOU TO STAY OUT OF THE KILLBOX UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!" I yelled at Estelle as Rebecca was coming to. "YOU COULD HAVE DIED!" I continued to rant at my sister and she began sobbing.

Artemis calmly walked up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I whipped around to see her beautiful silver eyes giving me a stern look. I softened immediately and turned away to take a cleansing breath. I quickly gathered Estelle in my arms and began soothing her cries as the Hunt looked on.

"I'm sorry my little star," I said as gently as I could. "I was just worried you'd get hurt. I don't know what I'd do if…" I trailed off, my voice cracking ever so slightly. She gathered herself and looked at me with watery eyes, "I-I j-just w-wanted t-to to h-help y-you," she got out in choked sobs. My heart broke upon hearing that and I quickly wiped her tears away.

"I know. I know. I just can't lose you too, okay?" She nodded slightly and buried her face in the crook of my neck. With another hefty sigh, I turned to Artemis who met me with a soft gaze of her own.

"Set up camp, and tend to any injuries. We'll move at first light," Artemis directed her hunters and I nodded appreciatively.

ARTEMIS POV

After camp was set up and the Hunt was tending to the injured, I called Percy into my tent.

"That was quite the overreaction back there," I said as he entered my tent, not bothering to turn and face him yet. I heard him breath deeply through his nose before I turned around to face him. The guilt in his eyes caused my gaze to soften on him slightly.

"I know. I just…" he trailed off, not finishing his thought. I sighed in turn and told him, "Your concerns are founded. After everything that's happened, but she will not be a defenseless maiden forever Percy." He looked at the ground from his seat and grumbled, "I know, it's just that..I-" I cut him off. "You're scared." He whipped his head up and stared at me with wide eyes. "You're scared to lose anyone else that you hold dear, and you're scared that she blames you from your parents' deaths." I finished my thoughts.

"H-How did you know?" he asked and I gave him a soft smile. "It doesn't take Athena to see that Percy," I told him before adding, "And I... I heard your conversation with Thalia one of your first nights here." Hoping to lighten the mood, I was sorely mistaken. His jaw clenched, and his fists balled tight. "You eavesdropped on my conversation with Thalia?" It was a question, but he uttered it like it was fact.

I rambled quickly, trying to recover from the southbound turn of the conversation, "No! Err, yes. I was on my moon chariot and I-" He cut me off in anger. "YOU HAD NO RIGHT ARTEMIS!" I flinched at the hostility in his voice, but my pride wouldn't let me back down. "I had every right! As the Guardian of the Hunt, I should be keenly aware of-" He cut me off again. "Don't feed me that shit! I told Thalia that in confidence because I wasn't ready for anyone else to know!"

Guilt began to worm its way into my heart for thinking I was right. "I-I just thought w-we were friends and-" "You thought friends just listen in on things they shouldn't hear?" he spat at me and I flinched again. "Friends have trust in each other, that they will tell each other in time," he added emotionlessly, allowing the guilt to firmly take hold.

Before I could retort or apologize he stood up and gave a half-bow, though not as sincere, nor jokingly as he had done in the past. "I have my duties to attend to, Milady." And he left abruptly.

'Di Immortales,' I cursed myself inwardly.

PERCY POV

'Unbelievable. That fucking woman!,' I thought bitterly as I went to prepare dinner. 'She had no right!,' I thought only to be retorted by another part of my mind. 'You're not actually mad at her. You can't be mad at her. Not when the two of you get along well otherwise.'

'Still she should have waited until I had told her myself,' the internal conversation went on. 'Get over it. This is your life for the foreseeable future and she IS one of the best friends you've had the last 5 years. You're just upset that you find it so easy to tell her things. You don't wanna be abandoned again.'

I shook myself out of my thoughts as the Hunt gathered around the dining tent. Artemis filed in last, but I didn't spare her a glance, even though I could feel her stare at me. "What'll it be, ladies?" I asked to get bombarded by orders. I summoned the food and a quick slice of pizza for myself that I scarfed down quickly. "Milady, I would like to go train a bit before I guard for the night," I said, not looking at her from my half-bow.

After I got her approval, I left immediately to go blow off some steam.

3RD PERSON POV

"Is everything okay with him, Milady?" Thalia asked, along with nods from the rest of the Hunt. Artemis was still staring after him, but turned back to answer. "Yes. Just approached a… sore subject with him and he needs to blow off some steam from the battle from earlier," Artemis replied and got nods and shrugs from all those interested.

PERCY POV

I returned from training to guard through the night, significantly calmed, but not enough to talk to Artemis yet. I was perched in a tree when a golden flash came into the camp. I instantly dropped down, weapons ready only to find Apollo.

"Yo cuz," I said to him and he turned around. "I trust that both my sister and daughters are safe from today's battle?" he asked in his newfound responsible tone. I sighed, "Yeah. Rebecca got a little banged up, but she's just fine now."

Seeing my demeanor, Apollo asked me, "What ails you cousin?" Despite our previous interactions, Apollo and I have come to an understanding, at least when it comes to our mental wellbeing. He's surprisingly easy to talk to. "Today when Rebecca got hurt and Estelle nearly died. Artemis talked to me afterward and told me she heard about my fears that she shouldn't have eavesdropped on..."

Apollo looked at me incredulously, "I told you talking about it helps," he said with a chuckle. "I know that, but she overheard it but it wasn't meant for her, at least not yet," I countered. "Oh get over it," he said laughing and cracking a grin. I glared at him, causing him to laugh more.

"Is that what you're really upset about? Or is it the fact that you two get along better than anyone has?" he asked, making me go silent. "It's just so easy to talk to her, but I've had that before and those people left," I replied, but he finished my thought. "And you're afraid it'll happen again," more of a statement than a question. 'This whole God of Truth thing is annoying,' I thought, but nodded anyways.

"Well cousin, let me enlighten you. I have never seen Artemis get so close with anyone. Not since Orion, but even that was an appreciation of skills," he said, catching me off guard. "Now, I don't know if that would have developed into anything more, let alone a friendship like you two have, but realize that this is uncharted territory for her as well," he finished.

"How did the whole Orion thing end up?" I asked with genuine curiosity. He held up his hands, "Not my place to tell cuz, but like I told you before: talking helps. For you and for her." I stood there, mulling over his words.

I chuckled dryly and told him, "You know, you give good advice, maybe you should take it for yourself. I'm sure that Artemis would hear you out if you told her about how your domains affect you." He gave me a sad smile in return, "Yeah, but I'm afraid it may be too little too late for that cousin." I crossed my arms at him and said with finality, "It's a two-way street, Apollo. Have a little faith in your family."

Apollo gave me another smile, more genuine this time, but nodded and gave me a clasp on the shoulder before flashing back to Zeus knows where.

'Welp. I have some apologizing to do when she gets back,' I thought as I returned to my post.

ARTEMIS POV

During my entire chariot ride, I thought of ways to apologize to Percy. 'Why should I apologize? It's not like I did anything wrong? He's my Guardian afterall,' I thought, though I wasn't in the slightest bit convinced. I let out a deep sigh and continued my route, not daring to turn my attention back to camp in fear of betraying his trust again.

Once I returned to camp, I found Percy at the campfire. I went up to sit next to him, and sat in awkward silence for a bit, both of us not seemingly sure how to start the conversation.

"Artemis, I'm sorry for earlier. I was heated from the battle and it wasn't fair to snap at you like that," he began. 'Why is he apologizing to me? This man. Seriously?' I thought before snapping out of it.

"No Percy, I should apologize to you. After everything, I should've known how big trust is with you and I foolishly betrayed that because I was bored," I told him and he relaxed. "Thank you," he said, softly as silence settled back in.

"Why are you afraid?" I asked finally as I couldn't curb my curiosity. He took a labored sigh, making me again realize just how much he's been through in his young life. "Since I was 12, I've just been thrust into so much war and suffering and I can't help but feel guilty for all of it," he said, surprising me. "Every friend that perished because I wasn't strong enough, or fast enough, or smart enough. It takes a toll after a while. Makes me feel responsible for their deaths."

I just stared at him, listening as he went on, "Zoe, Luke, Silena, Beck. All of them sacrificed themselves to my cause and it weighs on me. And then camp happened, and Annabeth, and my parents. I try to be strong for them. For Estelle and the others because it's a scary fucking world we live in. They deserve someone who can put on that brave face. But the guilt always finds a way to eat at me at the end of the day."

A comfortable silence set in as I digested his words. "None of those are your fault, Percy. Zoe especially knew the risks and died valiantly so that we, so that you could stop Kronos. As did all the others," I told him and he scoffed. "It doesn't make it any easier," he added dejectedly. I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and he looked at me, "It never is. But you can't take away their sacrifice because at the end of it, they made peace with their decisions. You must make peace with that too."

Another silence. "How do you do it? When you lose a hunter, how do you stop the overwhelming guilt from settling in?" he asked me, his eyes searching for something. I took a pause, not really sure how to answer. "Well, it still affects me. The Hunt is my family. My sisters and sometimes my children," I told him. "But I don't let it dictate my life. I think that is the main difference between you and I," I said finally.

He nodded and let the silence embrace us again. "I'm afraid to lose them. To lose you and the Hunt. And I'm afraid Estelle blames me for how fucked up her life is now," he chuckled dryly. I pulled his face toward mine and gazed into his eyes briefly, "She would never. You have given her family here and will always be there to protect her. I know that much." He nodded, satisfied with that answer.

"Hahaha," he laughed lightly, making me look at him weird. "Apollo really is right. Talking about it makes it easier. And with you, it's easy. I'm hard pressed to admit it, but you might be one of the best friends I've had in the last five years, Arty." I smiled warmly at that. 'Yes. I suppose we are friends. My only male friend,' I thought.

"Since when do you talk to Apollo?" I asked him. "After rescuing Rebecca and the whole camp thing, he and I just talk. He's really not such a bad guy you know," he said and I immediately scoffed. "Apollo is everything I hate in the male species, Percy. I would hope you don't pick up any habits from him," I added rather bitterly. "He's just like everyone, Artemis. He has his own issues too," Percy, to my surprise, defended him.

I raised an eyebrow at him, "And pray tell, what does that mean? What mortal he's going to impregnate next?" Percy held up his hands in surrender, "Not my place to tell, but you should talk to him. He is your brother after all." I just rolled my eyes at him and the silence claimed us again, though this time it was comfortable.

"What happened with Orion?" Percy asked out of the blue, making me tense and clench my jaw. "That is none of your concern," I spat at him, but to my surprise he held his ground. "Hey, we've been talking about me all night. It's only fair that friends share with each other," he said, stressing friends ever so slightly.

I sighed again. 'He trusted me with his thoughts and feelings. I suppose it's only fair,' I thought as I began the story. "Well, I admired his skills as a hunter first and foremost. That's what caught my eye. But after you have been traveling with the Hunt for the past three months, I wouldn't say that he and I were friends. Not like you and I are," I told him and a smile graced both of our faces.

"And then he tried to rape one of my hunters, effectively losing any shred of respect I had for him," I finished with venom. Percy stayed silent for a while. "I'm sorry Artemis. I had no idea that was what happened," he said with clenched fists. "Now you see why I was so hesitant about granting you the position of Guardian," I finished in a whisper.

The final silence of the night set in and Percy stood to leave, offering me his hand. I hesitantly took it and he smiled softly. "Thank you for sharing that with me Artemis," he said and I smiled back. "Likewise Percy." He gave his charming half-bow and signature smirk, "Goodnight Milady." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him, "Goodnight Perseus."

3RD PERSON POV

After Artemis and Percy's conversation, the next few days went the same as they always went. Percy tending to his duties and training both himself and the younger hunters. Idle chats between the two happened in passing and at meals, but both of them enjoying the further bond of their friendship.

Apollo came and visited with Percy to talk more about the two's issues and had become fast friends. Rebecca also enjoyed the brief visits from her father. The young ones continued to improve their skills and Lora soon learned all Percy could teach her with her ax. Percy even promised Estelle she would learn how to use a sword once she turned eight.

Now the day finally came for Percy's mission to assassinate Krios and cripple Tartarus' ambush forces.

THEO POV

I gathered my weapons and supplies once more and triple checked everything. 'Riptide? Check. Frostbite? Check. Katana? Check. Throwing Knives? Check. Greek fire charges from Hestia? Check. Nightshade is always on me. Emergency rations? Check. Armor and Trident? Check. Okay. Let's go,' I thought as I exited my tent.

I walked to the dining tent and summoned dinner before my meeting with Artemis. The girls all gave me a swift nod and we agreed that I would see them at Camp Half-Blood for the confrontation with Hyperion.

"Come in," Artemis called after I knocked on her tent pole. She turned to look at me, but I could see the underlying worry etched onto her face. "Milady," I said with my smirk and half-bow. I could feel her roll her eyes which turned my smirk into a full, lopsided grin.

"Are you ready?" she asked me. I shrugged, "Ready as I'll ever be." She closed the distance between us. "This is serious Sea Sponge! You're going into a camp of 300 monsters and a titan. Alone." I couldn't help but feel happy about the worry laced in her words. "I'll be fine Moonlace. Relax." I told her. "Don't call me that!" she tried to yell, but I could tell it was half hearted.

"I'll have the mental link up at all times. If you need anything-" she began but I cut her off. "I know, Arty. I got this." I told her as I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She bristled at the touch slightly, but nodded.

Night settled in and I scouted the encampment from a tree top. The layout was similar to a week ago. 'Three separate patrols of four monsters each. Take out each, place charges, repeat,' I thought before settling into motion. I isolated the first patrol and vapor traveled to another treetop to intercept them. I notched three arrows and took a deep breath. 'Oh boy! Here I go killing again!'

At the twang of the bow, I vapor traveled down as the arrows hit their marks. I snapped the neck of the last member, an empousai, and moved quickly to place two charges of Greek Fire. I vapor traveled back to the perch and repeated with the two other patrols.

After the charges were placed, I stretched my senses to find Dr. Thorn, the manticore. He was exiting Krios' tent. 'Okay. Blow the charges, in the chaos that ensues, flash down and kill Thorn, and then take on Krios,' I thought and took a deep breath.

KABOOM! The charges blew perfectly and the monsters were in pandemonium. Just as Thorn was gathering his wits, I fire traveled in front of him. 'Subtlety isn't really necessary anymore. Plus this'll save energy,' I thought as I threw a throwing knife and charged with my katana. A second after the knife pierced his forehead, the katana struck his heart and he burst into dust. Only a stangled, "Meep!" was heard.

At this Krios charged out of his tent, armor on and sword drawn. "WHAT'S GOING ON?!" he bellowed as I stepped out of the flames. "That'd be me," I said smugly and he narrowed his eyes. "Who are you demigod?" he asked as he gripped his sword tighter.

"I have many titles. The most significant being Bane of Gaea, but I can add you to that list if you'd like." 'Artemis would kill me for being so arrogant,' I thought briefly as a smile graced my face. "Jackson," he confirmed. "My brother will be disappointed that I was the one to end your miserable life and not he," he said with a smug grin.

"Don't worry. That sap-head is next," I said as I drew Riptide and Frostbite. 'Okay. He's the Titan of the South, Constellations and Stars. His power is going to be amplified since we're directly beneath his domain,' I thought as we both readied ourselves.

The duel with Krios was harder than the one with Hyperion in Manhattan. I attested that to being directly underneath his domain. His technique was flawless. Each blow from one was matched and parried and counter by the other. Truly an eternal and deadly dance. His strength overpowering mine, but my speed superior to his.

"What's the matter Jackson? I can't believe this runt bested my brother and the Titan Lord!" he mocked me as he parried another strike from Riptide and dodged a subsequent strike from Frostbite. I growled in response and upped my speed further, but still unable to find an opening.

He feigned a diagonal slash and I bit, resulting in a heavy fist to my left ribs. The crack was sickening as all the air vacated my lungs and I was thrown 20 feet into a tree. Groaning and blinking out the spots in my vision, I charged with new vigor, my anger and frustration fueling me.

I coated my blades in flames and ice and we began the waltz of combat again. After 30 minutes of grueling exchanges resulting in various cuts and bruises on both myself and the Titan, my opening came. I had just caught a kick that swept my feet out from underneath me. I raised my swords in an "X" shape to block the killing blow and planted my feet on his chest, causing him to stumble back and giving myself enough momentum to roll back.

I sent shards of ice coated in Greek fire at him, which he dodged and blocked most, but enough struck to slow him down. I slipped into his guard, slicing his wrist so he dropped his sword, spun and delivered a roundhouse kick, reinforced with my Earthshaker powers, to his jaw. He sprawled back as I felt the creak in my bones, but rushed to have my swords at his neck.

Gold ichor ran from his cuts and pooled around his figure. His mouth and nose were a bloody, golden mess as he rasped for breath. "This will change nothing, Jackson. Tartarus will rise and Olympus will fall," he spat at me, leaving golden specks on my tattered clothes. "Well Krios," I said in between heaving breaths, a few ribs undoubtedly broken. "I don't think the stars are aligned for you," I finished as I cleaved his head from his shoulders in a crossing motion.

'Not my best pun,' I thought and chuckled dryly, only to wince in pain. I turned to face any monsters that were ready to launch a counter attack, but to my surprise they fled in panic before the fight ended. 'Oh thank gods,' I thought.

I fire traveled away to a nearby lake to recuperate my injuries. After slugging down some nectar and a square of ambrosia, I stayed on guard for another hour. After no threats came, I drifted off quickly into Morpheus' realm in exhaustion.

~Dream Sequence~

'Can't have one peaceful sleep now can I,' I thought bitterly as I entered Morpheus' realm. I was thrust to Camp Half-Blood. The Seven were sitting around the War Room, planning for Hyperion's inevitable attack. Annabeth leading most of the discussion. 'Some things never change huh'

"These are the likely areas that Hyperion's forces are lying in wait," Annabeth said as she gestured to the map. "Gods damn these Ancient Laws!" Jason yelled in frustration. "Just be glad we can be here as part of our domain of Heroes, Jace," Piper said to him trying to calm him down.

"So we'll have Hephaestus Cabin set up traps here, here, and here," Annabeth continued. "Those bastards won't know what hit them," Leo added with an impish grin. "Apollo Cabin and archers posted on the roof of the Big House and in the trees. Maintain your high ground as much as you can and remember we'll have Lady Artemis and her hunters as well," Annabeth continued.

'Everyone looks so determined,' I thought as they finalized their plans. "Can we really count on Theseus or Theo to handle Krios and his forces?" Jason voiced his concerns to my irritation. Everyone around the room looked skeptical, but Chiron had my back. "Theseus will hold up his end. As the Guardian of the Hunt, he is more than capable."

'Always got my back, old friend,' I thought warmly as Annabeth spoke up. "Do you know him personally, Chiron?" Chiron had that knowing look in his eyes from his centuries of mentoring, "I have met him a handful of times. He's quite capable my dear. Worry not."

The dream shifted and I was on Half-Blood Hill near Thalia's Pine. The camp in ruins and corpses littered the field. "This is what awaits you, Jackson."

"Tartarus," I spat. "It is inevitable little hero. They will fall and you will have a front row seat," he said and laughed. 'I hate that laugh,' I mused. "We will see Tar-tar Sauce. I've bested you once, and I'm only stronger now," I replied. "Arrogance is unbecoming of you demigod. I can't wait to see you suffer," he finished.

~Dream Sequence End~

ARTEMIS POV

'I haven't heard from Percy since he left. Gods, is he okay? Did he do it? That Kelp-Head was supposed to contact me!'

I was broken out of my worries by Thalia. "Haven't heard from him, Milady?" she asked, heavily laced with concern. "No, my lieutenant. I haven't," I replied, not putting any of us at ease. I took a shaky breath. "Come. We have our mission to complete," I said, but my voice lacked conviction.

3RD PERSON POV

Artemis and the Hunters arrived at Camp Half-Blood at 10AM the day of the attack, and Hyperions's forces were nowhere to be seen. Artemis and Thalia went to the Big House to greet the Seven and Chiron. "Lady Artemis," Chiron addressed her. "I didn't see Theseus with you," Chiron added nervously, causing the Seven to panic slightly.

"I have not heard from him since he set out 2 nights ago," Artemis replied. "We cannot dwell on that. He is still alive, I can feel his presence as Guardian, but I fear the worst," she added to the already somber mood.

Annabeth quickly got Artemis situated and informed on the plans and soon headed outside to get everyone in position. 'If he's going to attack, he would do so close to midday where his domains are strongest,' Annabeth thought and bumped into a young hunter.

ANNABETH POV

"Oof! Sorry little one," I said and helped a young hunter off the ground. She was maybe seven years old with luscious brown hair and bright blue eyes. "It's okay!" she said cheerfully and looked up to me.

'Why does she look so familiar?' I thought before introducing myself. "Hi. I'm Annabeth Chase, Minor Goddess of Strategy, Architecture, and Heroes. What's your name?" I said as sweetly as I could. The bubbly little girl held her hand out to shake and I did so happily.

"Estelle. Estelle Andromeda Jackson," she said cheerfully and I froze. "Jackson?" I choked. "Yup," she replied, popping the "p". "Like, Percy Jackson?" I asked tentatively. "Yeah! That's my big brother!" she said, only to catch the attention of the other Seven and Chiron. Before I could interrogate her, the conch sounded three times. Hyperion was here. She ran off with her bow to her post away from the main fight.

THALIA POV

I raced up a tree as the first sound of the conch and saw a force of about 400 monsters with Hyperion standing smugly at the helm. 'Percy, you fucking Kelp-Head, you better get here,' I thought as Annabeth began shouting out orders.

The Hunters and camp's archers rained down cover fire like there was no tomorrow. 'Well if we lose, I suppose there isn't,' I mused in between volleys. But the arrows weren't enough to slow them down. Ares and Athena Cabins lead the main charge as some of the monsters perished in the traps set up by Hephaestus Cabin. I noticed the younger campers were hanging back and offering support, but the campers were getting pushed back too quickly.

"Atalanta! Phoebe! You two and the older hunters with me and Artemis!" I called and summoned my spear with Aegis to join the carnage. Hyperion still hadn't moved from his place to my dismay and a snuck a peek to make sure Estelle and the young ones were still well out of harm's way. 'Good. Percy would kill me if anything happened.'

3RD PERSON POV

"BRING ME PERSEUS JACKSON!" Hyperion bellowed across the battlefield much to everyone's (minus the Hunt, Chiron, Nico, Clarisse, and Chris) confusion, as they haven't seen the hero for some five odd years. The sounds of the battle raged on. The campers and the Hunt managed to briefly push back the monster force as Thalia, Artemis and company joined, but again they were quickly to be overrun.

The infirmary was only adding bodies to it, as more campers and hunters fell, and the battle was looking grim. Then across the battlefield, the temperature dropped to below freezing, bringing everything to a screeching halt. Thalia and Artemis smirked along with the other hunters, as everyone else was baffled.

Suddenly, flames erupted, scorching a third of the monsters and vaporized them instantly. The ground began to quake everywhere but where the demigods stood. A lone figure emerged from the woods and sauntered toward Hyperion. He stood an intimidating six foot two inches, decked out in deep ocean blue armor with sea-green trim and the symbols of the Guardian of the Hunt on the chest piece.

In his hands, he clutched a trident as beautiful as the one Posiedon wielded himself. The Guardian of the Hunt had arrived.

THEO POV

"I'm not Jackson, but I hope a Grandson of the Sea will suffice," I called out to Hyperion. I slowly approached the Titan of the East, freezing the ground around me, and sequentially shattering it with small quakes with every step, until I was 10 meters from the Titan.

"Who are you demigod?" Hyperion asked and I chuckled as I shouldered my trident. In a hushed tone so only the two of us would be heard I said, "Come on, Maple Syrup. It hasn't been that long." To further drive my point home, I flashed my eyes to their normal sea-green for Hyperion to see.

His eyes widened and he gaped briefly. "Jackson. No matter what form you take, I will have my revenge today. For my brother is coming to end all you demigods." At this I chuckled. "You mean Krios?" I asked smugly.

Hyperion hesitated, but I continued. "I paid your dear brother a visit two nights ago, Hyperion. I'm sorry to say, but I rescinded his invitation to this party." Hyperion's face twisted red with anger, "I WILL END YOU!" Again, I chuckled, "Bring it on, Aunt Jemima." And I charged.

ARTEMIS POV

'Gods damn him! He had me worried to death!,' I thought but couldn't help the smile on my face as his entrance rivaled one of my fathers. As Percy arrived, the tides of battle shifted into our favor. Though the campers didn't know Theo was Percy, his appearance inspired new vigor in the defense of the camp.

Before I could watch their showdown, I had to fight my way through the horde to them. I danced my way through the monsters, turning everything to gold dust as I fought toward them. The clang of metal resounded through the air once more and several booms of thunder could be heard. 'Thalia must be having fun,' I thought briefly as I cut down another six empousai.

I finally made my way to Theo and Hyperion who were duking it out on equal terms. I would have been impressed if I had the luxury, but I quickly joined the fray to assist my Guardian. Theo was a natural with the trident given his heritage, matching Hyperion's spear blow for blow, thrust for thrust. Theo managed to hold his attention while I dashed around and got cuts in between the chinks in his armor.

Hyperion was wise to strike near midday as his power only grew as we clashed. Theo wasn't unscathed, but his wounds were minor. Cuts between his armor as he dueled Hyperion with that mischievous glint in his ocean blue eyes.

Unfortunately, Hyperion was growing stronger the longer they dueled. Hyperion tried to blast him with fire, the tip of his spear smoking. Imagine his surprise when Theo simply absorbed the blast and sent one right back at him. 'He's having far too much fun in this fight to the death,' I thought, only to be pulled out of my musings as Hyperion caught Theo with the butt of his spear and sent him flying back.

"Theseus!" I yelled and then growled to charge Hyperion myself. With his superior reach, I could only dance around his strikes without landing any of my own. I then made the mistake of over extending and received a hulking fist to the temple, sending me sprawling and my vision spotty.

"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU LITTLE HUNTRESS!" Hyperion raged and poised for a finishing blow.

THEO POV

'Ribs? Definitely broken. Head? Swimming and pounding at the same time. Well that can't be good,' I mused only to shake the spots away and hear, "I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU LITTLE HUNTRESS!"

Then my vision went red. I vapor traveled to intercept the strike meant for Artemis and received Hyperion's spear through my left shoulder. Grunting at the pain, I had the spear in a vice grip and planted my foot firmly in Hyperion's chest with my Earthshaker powers and sent him flying back. 'Leg is definitely fractured now,' but I didn't have time to dwell on that.

I launched my trident at Hyperion, who managed to slip his head out of the way, but not before it clipped the side of his head, leaving a gash along his face as it ripped his helmet off. I channeled my ice powers in the throw and frost began to form in the wound. Yanking the spear out my shoulder, I heard the squelch of blood being purged from the wound as I pulled out Riptide and Frostbite.

Coating the twin swords in Greek fire, I began my onslaught. Cut after cut began forming and cauterizing on the Titan of the East's face and torso. I could see the fear in his eyes as I pressed onward relentlessly. I crouched and spun, slicing behind his kneecaps, making him drop to his knees in front of me and coated my blades in ice.

"This changes nothing, Jackson," he gurgled through the ichor pooling in his throat. "Funny. Your brother said the same thing," my voice colder than the ice on my blades. "Go dress my pancakes, ? ﾝﾜﾅ?ￏﾁ άείνων," and I separated his head from his shoulders with a satisfying *THUNK*. [roughly translates to ever-flowing shit]

Before I could relax, I saw Artemis stirring and turned my attention to the rest of the battle to hear a scream. A hellhound had snuck up on Thalia and bit into her right shoulder, sinking through to the bone. As I ran over, a silver arrow pierced its eye, striking the brain, but not before tossing Thalia like a rag doll.

I would've been proud because Estelle was the one who shot it, but I was too worried for Thalia. It didn't look good. Her arm was dangling by her side, hanging from the now-visible tendons and ligaments. Some of the hunters and campers retched at the sight, but I pressed forward.

Ignoring the solemn looks as there was no way it should have been repairable and she would have to step down from the Hunt. I pulled all the water from the vegetation from a five meter radius and coated her arm and shoulder in it. My hands glowed bright orange as I called upon my powers of the hearth to heal it.

I ignored the hunters and campers running forward to see as the remainder chased the remaining monsters down. Pulling more energy than I ever have I willed the wound to mend. Slowly but surely, the ligaments and tendons reattached and the muscles shortly after those. I coughed up blood from my own wounds, plus the energy expenditure. The wound began to close, only to leave the vicious bite marks in their place.

ARTEMIS POV

I came back to and saw the monsters fleeing, but Theo was hunched over a downed demigod. I couldn't see who it was, but as I ran forward I saw it was Thalia. I watched in complete awe how the wound that would've put her out of the hunt mended itself back together,only leaving the bite marks.

"Theseus," I gasped as my head played a tennis match between Thalia and Theo, trying to comprehend what I just witnessed. "H-how?" Thalia gasped through pained breaths. "Hearth…power… harm and… heal," Theo managed to get out in labored breaths as more blood flowed onto the now withered ground.

"Theseus," I called, but as he stood, his injuries caught up with him. "I...okay… nap… now," he managed to get out as he collapsed backward into unconsciousness.

"APOLLO!" I yelled to the sky as the rest of the campers and hunters sprinted forward to see our now fallen Guardian.

ANNABETH POV

Theo showed up at the last second and turned the battle to our favor. I watched in awe and slight terror as he stood toe-to-toe with Hyperion. As the battle came to close, I saw him rise from Thalia's side and collapse.

"BROTHER!" I whipped around to see Estelle run past me to Theo's side. His armor retreated into his necklace and he lay motionless on the ground. I looked between his body, Thalia, Artemis, and now Estelle. Before I could piece together what was going on I heard gasps from those gathered. Theo lay there, but as I watched his dirty blonde locks, now with loose strands mangled around his face, slowly darken at the roots and spread. Raven black hair with a silver streak, the same streak that I have.

"Percy," I gasped.

AN: Whew! That was a long one! Hope I picked up the fight sequences a little bit! They're by far the most difficult to write! I hope y'all caught my Rick and Morty reference in there somewhere and I think the sarcastic quips were clever! Stay tuned for the next chapter! Reviews are always welcome!