Author's Note - Hello everyone! Welcome to the next chapter of Through the Mist! For those who have stuck through this story this far - thank you so much for all your support. It's made me really happy being able to read through everyone's reviews!

I wasn't too sure of this chapter - I proofed read it a few times and it seemed a bit rushed for my taste, but hopefully you all enjoy it! Any feedback is welcomed! Thank you again and enjoy reading!

"And that's pretty much what's happened so far."

Percy was sitting on one of the hotel beds, his back resting against a few pillows as he held his phone against his ear. After everything that happened in a short length of time, all he felt like doing when he was discharged from the hospital was to call Annabeth. "I'm not really sure what to do next," He continued, "I guess I'll just go ahead with what Hermes said and try to find the kid in the sketch, but who knows how long that'll take. Forks might be small, but it's still going to be a lot trying to find someone I don't even know."

It was quiet on the other end for a few moments, and then she replied. "Personally, from the details you've given so far, I feel like you're right about it possibly being myths from some other sort of mythology. I wouldn't be able to pin down what type of mythology from what was given - I'd probably have to be there myself - but that's what I think. I know that it might sound a bit cliche, but I have a feeling that you might be dealing with some sort of vampires and werewolves."

"Vampires and werewolves?"

"Yes. Just think about it. You had that encounter with that squid saying something about strange, large wolves - and then if you turn around to the stories you heard during that bonfire, they were something about victims being drained of blood, right? While things may feel scattered, if you narrow down the details to just those two things..." She trailed off, sounding thoughtful. "I'm not sure, but there really isn't any other explanation. You even said that the Cullens have a similar feeling of an Empousai."

Percy found himself nodding along with her, even if she couldn't see him. "Yeah, that does make sense. So hypothetically, if we're right about vampires and werewolf, how does this kid fit into all this? From the way Hermes described, he seemed normal."

"The key word there is seemed. You should know by now that not everything is as it appears." She sounded slightly amused and he laughed.

"Point taken - I guess he could be anything in that case." He shifted, changing his position to laying down, and he set his phone to loudspeaker as he rested it near his face."I'll figure it out. How are things going over, there, though? With your family and all that."

There was a sigh on the other end. "Same old. You're not missing too much, honestly."

"You sound pretty tired." He noted, frowning slightly.

She hummed lightly. "I am a bit. I won't lie. But don't worry. There's definitely been worse."

Before he had the chance to respond to that, he nearly jumped out of skin when something rapped loudly against the hotel's window. On the other end, Annabeth must have either sensed something was wrong or heard the sharp intake of his breath. "What's wrong?" She asked as he slowly stood.

There were a few more taps against the glass - these weren't as loud as the first, but he felt his hand curl around Riptide as he went forward to investigate. "Hang on just a sec." He replied back before cautiously pushing back the curtains.

The sight on the other side of the window was not what he expected, but it was familiar. There was a shoe with wings in front of him. It fluttered in place - reminding him of some sort of bird. As he looked a bit closer, he could see that something was sticking out from inside the shoe and it almost seemed as if was patiently waiting for him to open the window. He had to admit that he was a bit reluctant to. The last time he encountered a shoe with wings didn't go so well. Especially for a certain satyr...

"Percy?"

Annabeth's voice drew him away from his thoughts. "Sorry I'm still here. Everything is fine. I think Hermes just sent me a message... his messenger smacked into the window. I'll call you back if anything else happens. Try not to worry."

It honestly wasn't the weirdest encounter they've had so she seemed to take it in a stride. He could hear a few voices on her end now and for a brief moment, she muffled herself to talk to someone before returning to the call. "Okay. Talk to you soon."

After saying a quick goodbye, Percy focused back on the shoe and opened the window. It didn't waste any time entering and it settled at the edge of his bed. Being able to inspect it more closely now, he discovered that it was carrying a small, scroll like paper. He took it, pulling the string wrapped around it off and carefully unfolded it. As he initially guessed, it was a message.

Percy,

I'm in a bit in a hurry. I've been called back to Olympus to run a few errands so I will not be around investigating here for a while. Before I take my leave, however, I wanted to disclose something I found a bit odd.

After you left the hospital, I decided to snoop around a bit more and I may have overheard a few of the Cullens speaking about your accident. I didn't believe it to be too strange at first, but then I may have eavesdropped for a bit longer and found out that they're meeting a group of those La Push folk soon to investigate the incident further. It seems like your suspicions were correct. I had to leave before hearing the fine details, but I do believe we're in the midst of a few local myths from what I did catch. I recommend you looking into this meeting if you're able. My messenger should be able to lead you to them.

Hermes.

As soon as he finished reading the message a few times and went to set it down, the shoe leaned over and snapped it up. Literally - the front half of it had suddenly grown into a mouth with small razor sharp teeth and it started munching away on the paper as if it were candy. He was quick to take his hand away from it. It seemed satisfied with the paper, but he wasn't taking any chances. "I guess you and I are heading out." He muttered. The shoe ignored him for a few moments as it focused on eating its snack and when it was finished it took to the air, beckoning him to follow.

One would have guessed at the beginning that following a flying shoe would be an easy feat - but that wasn't the case for him. Hermes' messenger was seeming to have a difficult time remembering that a small vehicle like the one Percy was driving isn't off-road material. It would habitability leave his line of sight and try to lead him off into the woods. It was rather distracting and he was secretly relieved that it seemed to be leading him away from heavy traffic. It'd be his luck if he fell victim to another road accident.

Eventually, it came to the point where he had to park his car off to the side and follow on foot. As he expected, the fluttering shoe lead him straight into the nearby woods. It'd flap circles above him if he fell behind - almost as if it were annoyed that he was taking his time picking his way along an invisible path. After getting whacked in the face with branches a few times and bitten by mosquitoes, he finally noticed that the birds overhead had gone quiet and he the tension in the air was almost tangible. His bird-like companion had stopped, and now was perched on his shoulders. Its wings rustled nervously, and he kept his hand around Riptide as he proceeded forward.

He could hear voices up ahead, and decided to stop and crouch near a tree and some brush. Out in front of him was a small clearing - a meadow of some sorts, and a bit of distance away he could see a gathering of people. Scratch that, mostly people.

There were wolves nearby too - and not just your average everyday wolf. These wolves were huge. Large enough for a person to comfortably ride them if they were able. Mrs. O'Leary still towered over them, but even so - he'd never seen anything like them. As he peered a bit more closely, he could pick out a few of Cullens circling around something - they were talking lowly - too quietly for him to hear them - and were looking down at something near their feet. Percy hesitated for a moment. He had a gut feeling that everyone's head would snap in his direction if he tried to move closer - or move at all for that matter.

The messenger on his shoulder shifted its wings again - seeming content in not being of any help at all and he tried not to sigh. He was going to have to try and creep forward if he wanted to hear what they were saying - he was also wondering what in Hades they were circled around. Of course he couldn't see from where he was.

As soon as he moved, though, he regretted it.

Everyone's heads snapped up - not at him, though, as he expected, but at something else. There were a few exclamations of surprise from the group out in the meadow, and before he could even conjure up a solid thought, something black hurled toward him at a breakneck speed. He thanked every god above that he was able to somehow fall flat to the ground as the object smashed into the tree next to him. All that grueling training had been worth it. He doubted that he'd be alive right now if he hadn't had it embedded in his system.

When he had the guts to rise and turn over to see what had tried to kill him, his heart almost stuttered a bit at what he saw. It was a sword - pure black in color. Usually the sight of a sword wouldn't of really bothered him, but seeing a sword effortlessly pierced deep within a tree where your head once was? That was enough to put anyone in a bit of shock. "Percy! What are you doing here?" Crap.

In the midst of nearly dying he had forgotten about everyone out on the meadow. Carlisle stood there, his brow furrowed in that familiar concern he had saw back at the hospital. The older man glanced to where he was on the ground, and then at the sword piercing the tree, seeming to realize quickly what had just happened. "Are you all right?" The others were beginning to gather, some glancing warily at the sword - which seemed to be at a standstill for now - and others were looking at him. It was going to be hard to talk himself out of this one. He doubted they'd buy the whole "just hiking in the area" story.

Percy stood up slowly - there were no wolves in sight now, but he had a guess that they weren't too far away. He was about to speak when suddenly the black sword began to shudder, almost as if it were trying to wedge itself out. Just like that, all attention was off of him and directed toward the sword.

After a moment, it seemed as if the sword had taken note of its predictable as it was unable to release itself.

Foolish Greek! An angry voice bellowed from the sword, I will slice your bones to dust! Release me from this wretched tree at once!

None of the others seemed to have heard the voice - they were just watching as the sword gave a final twitch. Upon habit, he had almost responded something along the lines of "why would I do that" to the sword - he was just too used to that sort of thing. "Um," Percy said instead, finally, "I'm sorry if I interrupted something…"

It didn't seem like they were buying the whole "I just happened to be here" vibe he was trying to give off. He didn't blame them - he'd be a bit suspicious too. Carlisle still had a touch of sympathy in his gaze, but he too seemed on guard. "Come join us back at the house, Percy. Edward, Emmett grab the sword. "

Arguing would have made the situation even more suspicious and he ended up following them back to their home. The sword made its displeasure of being "man-handled" all the way back to their home. It seemed to know that he could understand it because it threatened him directly quite a few times. Sometime during the chaos, Hermes' little messenger had disappeared - leaving him by himself in this sticky situation.

"Damn, this sword is going to end up tearing my arm off," Emmett complained, up ahead of him. Both him and Edward were struggling a bit to keep the violent sword under control as the group finally made it to the Cullens' yard. The two seemed to be fairly surprised that the sword had enough strength to make them struggle.

Bloodsucking beasts, The sword hissed, I will have all your heads!

Geez, give it a rest. He grumped to himself, not expecting there to be an answer.

Almost instantly, though, all of the sword's fury focused on him. You finally dare to speak then, Greek? Tell these soulless barbarians to un-hand me at once! If you do so, I will grant you a swift death.

Uh, no thanks. I'd rather not die. Percy dared to glance toward the sword - which was now almost vibrating in frustration.

During the exchange, he noticed that Edward staring at him - with a strange expression on his face. He appeared to be a bit puzzled and he glanced from him to the sword for brief moment, before his gaze settled upon him once more. "Are you… speaking to it?" There was a question mark in his voice - almost as if he wasn't sure if he had heard something correctly.

It wasn't really how he wanted things to go, but now he figured that he might as well cut to the chase. He had a feeling that they were already suspicious that he'd seen something they wouldn't have wanted him to see. The one called Jasper had been watching him for most of the time back - he had an uncomfortable feeling whenever he felt the other's gaze on him.

Unfortunately, the distraction was enough for the sword to break free and suddenly it shot up in the air, the tip of its blade directed at him. Draw your sword, Greek! I can smell her from here.

What was it with swords being able to smell Riptide?

He wasn't sure if he imagined it or not, but he thought he felt Riptide shudder a bit in his pocket. Forgetting briefly that there were others around, he raised his hands a bit in a "hey calm down gesture" when the sword hovered in a bit closer. "Hey man, you can't just go around trying to lope people's heads off without introducing yourself."

The sword paused for a moment. That's true. It mused, thoughtfully, It was rather rude of me now that I think of it. I simply haven't had the chance to engage in a true battle for millenium or so. As much as I hate to admit it, you Greeks are always fair matches.Thankfully, this seemed to calm it down and it lowered itself back to the ground, its blade now facing downwards. There seemed to be writing engraved into it, but he couldn't read it from where he stood - and it faced toward him as if it were looking at him. I am Black Fang.

"Black Fang?" Emmett wrinkled his nose a bit after he translated, "What kind of name is that? And how can you talk to it?" He was glaring at him now with a look of accusation, "We still haven't gotten an answer as to why you were there."

"Emmett…" Carlisle cautioned. They all seemed to be looking at him expectantly now, though.

Percy felt his shoulders sag a bit, knowing he was caught as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I was just a bit curious of what was going on. I had a gut feeling that something a bit off about this place and may have accidentally stumbled into something I shouldn't."

Black Fang chortled - now floating near him. You are not a very good liar, friend.

Carlisle raised a brow, "I may believe the part of curiosity having brought you here, but that still does not explain how you can understand what this sword is saying."

"Carlisle." A new voice made them all turn as a new arrival came. It was a man - a bit on a the tall side, and there was a stern look in his eyes. In front of him was a younger boy of whom he had a strong grip on. Percy quickly recognized the boy - he looked exactly like the one in Hermes' sketch. The boy looked like he was ready to kill someone, but as soon as his eyes fell upon Black Fang his eyes widened momentarily in recognition.

"Sam? Who is this?" Carlisle frowned at the boy - who simply glared daggers in return.

"We found him back in the meadow when all of us left - he seemed to be searching around where that sword was," The man nodded toward Black Fang, "He was quiet for most of the trip over here, but snapped that he'd "hunt all of us" down when we first captured him."

While they were going back and forth, the boy was now looking at him. He appeared to be a bit confused, and his voice made everyone go quiet. "Shouldn't you be dead?" His question was directed at Percy. Everyone tensed a bit.

Percy resisted the urge to say "probably". There were too many times where he should have died. "What?" He didn't even have to pretend to be confused.

"I saw you," The boy insisted, "No one should have survived a crash like that."

Everything seemed to happen at once as soon as the he said that. Percy barely had time react when a massive wolf launched itself out of the forest - pinning the guy to the ground as it snarled in his face. The boy shouted - mostly in surprise, but angrily too, and punched the wolf in the nose - causing it to rear its head a bit back and bare its teeth. "Leah. Stop." He heard Sam command over the commotion.

Leah?

Another wolf joined the fray - this one being larger, russet one, and it grabbed the one trying to tear into the boy roughly by its scruff, ignoring it when it tried to snap its jaws around to bite it. As it was dragged away, the kid had scrambled up to his feet. Somehow during the chaos, he had managed to grab Black Fang's hilt and was now pointing the sword at them. He was roughed up and was bleeding a bit. "It wasn't me who caused that crash," The guy growled, "Idiots. It was one of your kind." He pointed Black Fang toward the Cullens. "I was trying to chase them down, but they ran into the car. Which is why I'm confused as to how you're alive," He gestured toward Percy, "I wasn't able to stop, but anyone in that vehicle should have died."

There was a deathly silence after that.

Nobody really seemed to know what to do with this predicament… there were just too many things happening at the same time. Finally Carlisle sighed - he seemed to be drawing what patience he had left to remain calm. "I believe there is much that needs to be explained. However, I think we should start with you, Percy," His golden eyes flicked over to him, "As much as I don't want to accuse you of anything, I have a feeling that you haven't been entirely truthful and may know more than us of what may be going on."

All eyes were on him once more - even the two wolves were now settled, their eyes upon him. Percy frowned. "I don't know everything-"

Carlisle raised his hand, stopping him, "That's fine. Tell us what you do know." The guy seemed to be on his last tether now. They all were. He couldn't really blame them for being on edge either - he hadn't even flinched when the wolves had appeared. Any normal human being probably would have wet their pants.

"Okay," Percy sighed, finally relenting, "I'll try to explain the best I can…"