AN: I'm back! I don't think I wrote with the 5 stages of grief, and I wrote it with multiple friends, so... I can't really change it. Also, this story's on multiple places that my friends also sent it to, so... too late...?

Anyway, chapter 3! And mandatory disclaimer: Don't own no nothing. Except my account, of course.

Chapter 3

(1093 words)

Leo was in the forest where Calypso was buried. Again.

But this time he didn't see her at all. This time, a man he didn't recognise was awaiting him.

"Who are you?" As Leo went closer, he realised that it was not a man exactly, but rather a faint shimmering image. Tall and imposing, he had a beard styled like a spear blade. He was in white silky robes, and his cold eyes were scanning Leo.

"Leonidas Valdez, what a pleasure to meet you. The very boy who destroyed Gaia. Working with the gods didn't work too well for you, did it? I heard about that little incident with your lover." At this, the stranger smiled. "I saw her in the Underworld. I'm a judge for the dead, after all. I'm King Minos of Crete, Son of Zeus. I have come to recruit you in my plan to resurrect me and defeat the gods, once and for all."

Leo racked his brains. King Minos. That evil tyrant?

"Oh, I know what you're thinking. Let me show you something." Minos produced a sphere, much like Archimedes', and it projected an image. It was blurry, but as it focused, he could see his friends, laughing and enjoying their time together.

"Do you think they care? They stand with the gods, and look what the gods did to you, after all you did for them. The gods have no mercy. They are your enemies. But me? I am no enemy. You'll benefit by joining me. I have many loyal subjects as well as an army of willing monsters and the dead. If you join me, I will make you a lord. I will help you to utilise your strength to the maximum. You will be powerful beyond imagination. But most importantly, you will get your revenge."

Minos paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "I do hope you will consider my offer. This is your chance to avenge your lover's death. If you do intend to join me, be in the woods behind Camp Half-Blood by dawn the day after tomorrow."

With that, the dream faded away.

~.~

Leo had always believed that to stand with the gods was right. After all, he'd all but had that information burned into his brain for his entire stay in camp. It was difficult to choose to go against them. But he kept remembering what the gods did to Cal. He was stuck in a dilemma.

Finally, a few hours before dawn arrived the day after the next, he made his final decision.

He reached under his pillow, and took out Cal's necklace. He'd kept it there as a reminder to never give up, but since he was ditching camp… Leo unclasped the necklace and slung it around his neck, before clasping it again. The weight of the necklace against his chest was foreign, but it felt right.

Leo slipped out of bed quietly, making sure not to wake any of his siblings up. He crept out of camp, the way he'd done for so many of the foster homes he used to live in, and ran.

~.~

Leo was waiting around in the woods for Minos. It was five minutes before dawn. Suddenly, he heard some rustling.

Was Minos early? But he was a ghost. There wouldn't be any noise. Why would anyone be in the woods at this time? Unless they were here to do a secret deal with another super powerful ghost, of course (though unlikely, not impossible).

He saw a hulking figure, and as it approached, he recognised the baby face.

"Leo?" Frank was surprised. "What are you doing here at this time?"

"What are you doing here now?" Leo asked exasperatedly.

Frank beamed. "I came to check in on you all. Reyna's covering for me. Thought I might pay you guys a surprise visit. What are you doing?"

"I..."

"He's coming with me." The shimmering image of Minos appeared. Dawn had sneakily arrived while they had been conversing.

Frank looked at Leo, then back at the ghost. "Who's this dude? He doesn't look like a good guy. What are you doing with him?"

"Fool. He's come to join me in my scheme to overthrow the gods."

"Leo?" There was uncertainty in Frank's eyes. Even though their conversation had been brief, Frank must have noticed something off about Leo.

Leo stared at him coldly. "He's right."

"But…" Realisation dawned on Frank. "No… Leo… This isn't right. You don't want to do this."

"I do. The gods are ungrateful and selfish and they hurt me even though I helped them to win a huge war. I'm sick and tired of helping and worshipping them. So, I'm going to help destroy them. And no one will get in my way."

"No! No… you can't do this… the gods are our family! They make mistakes, but we can't just betray them like that! You can't do this. I… I'll fight you!" Frank tried to shapeshift but was unable to in his panicked state. He whipped out his bow instead.

"I didn't want to do this, Frank. But…" Leo fired up one of his hands and walked towards Frank, grim determination coursing through him. He flung a fireball at Frank's bow, and it lit up.

While Frank was distracted with the fire, Leo darted forward and quickly plucked the fireproof bag he had made for Frank so long ago out of Frank's jacket. He loosened the string, and pulled Frank's lifeline out. Frank only realised what Leo was doing when it was too late.

"Leo…" Frank shook his head, still horrified. "No…"

Leo held the lifeline to his lit up hand, all the while staring directly into Frank's eyes.

Immediately, Frank felt like the Fates' cold hands were wrapping around his throat. His oxygen supply was cut off, and he could feel his life force draining out of him, flowing away from his soul like a steady stream of water. He started choking, grabbing at the hands around his throat, to no avail. His hands uselessly grasped at air, unable to stop the choking sensation.

All the while, Leo looked on coldly, while Minos merely seemed amused by Frank's demise. Only half the stick was left.

"Leo… it's… not too late… turn back…" The stick was down to a quarter of its original length, and Frank was so weak that he'd collapsed onto his knees, straining desperately to persuade Leo. His face was pale and dripping with perspiration.

"I'm sorry, Frank. But no one's going to get in my way."