As soon as Dionysus had gone, Percy's mind began to race.

The conquerors of the gods? How could demigods take on gods? Not to mention in their lifetime they defeated ALL of them? On two separate continents? Then again…

He couldn't put the pieces together. It felt like the information was there. A fact that could not be denied. Now no one could question whether they had done it or not. They had to. Even the gods say they did it. But something felt wrong. It was a fact with no background. It was empty. It was undeniable but it could not be proved. Nor could it be disproved.

Percy rubbed his temples and tried not to think about it too hard. Something about it bothered him but he couldn't figure it out just standing there. He needed to be near the sea. It was calling him. Maybe it could give him a clue or at least just help clear his mind.

He looked towards the rest of the group. Everyone seemed to be lost in thought. Almost like the entire group had just been put in some sort of trance. But one by one they all came back to reality.

Percy looked towards Annabeth. She was lost in thought. Agitated.

"How something could this big be so easily overlooked?" she finally blurted out. "It doesn't make sense. It's like we just took the entire thing for granted."

"Maybe the gods didn't want people remembering this happening." Replied Nico. "It doesn't show them in too bright of a light. You know. Here they seem to be people to be scared of, not so much to admire."

Annabeth thought about that for a moment. "I'm going to go check some stuff out." She pulled Daedalus' laptop out of her backpack and ran back to the Athena cabin.

Thalia was the next to speak. "I don't think that the gods would have told us this without good reason. Maybe we're thinking about it wrong. "She glanced at Nico. "I have a really bad feeling about those three …in a weird way. They're friendlies but…I don't know. Something's different about them. But anyways." She put her bow over her shoulder. "I have to get back to the hunt." And she ran off into the woods and was gone.

At some point in these conversations Chiron had left somehow, though Percy had no clued how he could have missed that. Nico and Percy were the only people left standing. Nico was the first to speak.

"Do you think I could sneak my way into the Isles?" he asked.

"Are you kidding me?" Was Percy's reply but when he looked at Nico he could tell that Nico was not joking around. He might actually go and try.

"I don't know Nico…I don't think that is too good of an idea. I don't even know what happens to people who try to get there without earning the right. But it can't be good."

"Well they managed to leave so there must be a way to enter."

"I don't know Nico…This can't be good."

"Well are you interested or not?"

Percy thought about it for a moment. Of course he was interested. After all he had just seen there must be a way to contact them again. He had so many questions and I'm sure they would be able to give them answers. Why he felt that way? He didn't know. But he also felt everyone else who witnessed what happened felt the same way.

"I feel like something's going to happen. Nothing to do with quests or prophecies. Something small. Something that has dire consequences if it's not taken care of…" Nico murmured. "I don't know what's going on but I don't think it's the last we will see of them."

"Yeah…" Percy replied as he looked out towards the sea. "Let's talk about it when we all get together after lunch. I'm sure the rest of the people feel the same way and will want to be in on this too."

Nico didn't seem to like the idea of a lot of people being around him but he agreed.

"See ya." He waved and disappeared into the shadows.

Percy was now the only one left in the spot where they witnessed three demigods take on an army. The scene repeated over and over in his mind until he thought that he would go crazy if he stayed there. He began walking towards the sea out of habit. He needed to clear his mind. And the feeling that something was going to happen. It had nothing to do with their actions, but he felt that those three had not returned to the Isles of the Blessed. They must have gone somewhere else. He didn't know why. Just a hunch. But he knew his hunches must have meaning.

Percy stepped into the water and immediately felt better. His mind cleared and he strode deeper and deeper until he was completely submerged and let the current carry him around to wherever. He liked it when he could just float around with no worries and he had plenty of time to just relax. Nothing mattered. It was the greatest relaxation he could ask for.

"Son of the sea god! Son of the sea god!" cried a somewhat high pitched voice.

Greatest relaxation my ass thought Percy.

Percy turned towards the area from which he heard the voice and moved into the general direction when a dolphin almost crashed into him out of haste.

"Please help my mama, oh son of the sea god, please help!" the young dolphin cried.

Percy smiled and nodded while grabbing on to the little dolphins fin. The little dolphin's size did not do him justice in comparison to the speed at which it carried Percy. Though Percy did want to help the little dolphin and his mother, he still couldn't help but think of the three mystery men who saved the camp. Specifically, the one in blue stripes who managed to talk to him in his mind. Someone had to know something about him, but who?

In no time at all the little dolphin brought Percy to a larger dolphin that was stuck in a sunken ship.

"While we were swimming around the wreckage, one of the doors slid closed and now my mama is trapped! We tried and tried but we couldn't get her out. Please help, sir!" whined the young dolphin as he desperately tried to slide open the door.

Percy easily managed to open the door and let the dolphin out.

"Is something troubling you?" Asked the dolphin. "I am but a dolphin but I have been around an awfully long time."

"Not unless you know who the mystery three that appeared at Camp today…" replied Percy while absentmindedly staring at the wreckage. "They just appeared and saved the camp…Doing things that I have only seen gods do. Yet they said they were demigods. And Chiron said they were supposed to be in the Isles of the Blessed. And they…"

"I know the Olympians are unable to tell you, but maybe Nereus can shed some light on the situation…"

Percy stared at the shipwreck. Suddenly it hit him as to what the dolphin just said. He spun around but the dolphin and her son were gone.

Percy wasn't sure as to what to do. It wasn't summer so in all technicalities he could tell Chiron he was going to go home and then head over to San Francisco. Yet that would take such a long time since he couldn't fly there on an airplane and the risks of going there in the first place was just too much.

He realized that he had subconsciously taken himself back to camp when he found himself standing on the beach. Unfortunately the ocean had not, in fact, cleared his mind. He let out a deep sigh, more so out of pity for himself than frustration.

"Well, now. Don't feel too bad. After all, the sea has many friends."

Percy turned to the left and found Nereus standing before him. Except this time he was not wearing the pajamas and bathrobes. He wore khaki pants and a buttoned down dress shirt that was tucked in neatly. He even had a nice leather belt to complete the casual professional look.

There was a moment of silence where Percy tried to think of a way to catch the Old Man of the Sea.

"Ah, you don't need to try to catch me. I've already been caught by a…brother of yours. Nice fella. Awfully cunning though. You never do know what his plans are. Even to outwit Athena in a contest of strategy. And beat Mars in a contest of war.

"Mars? As in the Roman god?" asked Percy. It was the only topic he could formulate a question quickly. He regretted it instantly because he realized that was his only question.

Nereus chuckled. "It's alright. I will answer all your questions. That kid reminded me of how I used to be. What I represent. I'm almost ashamed I've been sitting around on that beach for a hundred years."

Nereus paused and took in a deep breath of sea air. Percy noticed he looked happy. As if all his problems and worries were taken away.

He finally began talking. "So, Percy, what is it that you want to ask me? I do not have to abide by the rules of the Olympians as much as they have to abide by their own rules. Though, I still have to abide by some. For example, I can't tell you his story. Nor can I tell you his name. But, I guess telling you his nickname wouldn't be so bad, now would it?"

Percy stood in disbelief. Nereus had changed so much. He looked confident instead of ashamed. He looked comfortable and content. In a way, he even looked more powerful.

"You know, kid. I'm pretty lucky. I get to lounge around the beach all day instead of going to Tartarus. It's pretty nice. And because of it, I kinda like those Olympians. Even though they're annoying little brats."

Percy couldn't help but laugh. This new countenance was too much. But he realized he would probably have to get to the point. It was almost time for dinner and he had promised to meet up with his friends and talk about the situation.

"So, um. You said he was really smart? Anything else?" Percy managed.

Nereus smiled. "Yes. Brilliant. I actually respect the kid. Well, I guess he's a grown man, but not for long." Nereus winked. "He's out pulling strings right now. Getting back to the world of the living. And it would be a good thing too. You half bloods are going to need people of his caliber. "

"People keep saying that. But I don't know what they mean. I don't even know what to call him. And how could he speak into my mind? How was he able to control lightning and make storms, and earthquakes, and even a tsunami!"

"He's a mind. Think of Daedalus with demigod powers instead of just being human. He figured out much during his lifetime and when he did, he shared it with his squad."

"Squad? You mean the guys in yellow and black?"

Nereus laughed, "Yes. The guys in yellow and black. Anyways, he was feared by many of the people around him. Well, for a good reason. As nice as Poseidon makes himself out to be to you. He's actually pretty dangerous. I mean, you've met his sons, haven't you? Just how nice are all those Cyclopes'?"

Percy couldn't deny that. He had met plenty, and other than his brother. None were very nice.

Nereus continued. "Now think about those people when they realized his brilliance. Who knows what he would use it for? You can never read him. He's like the sea. On the surface it may look serene, but what's going on underneath the surface. Nobody knows. And those who dare jump in to find out better know how to swim."

"So he's dangerous? Are the other two dangerous too?" Percy was worrying now. What were they planning to do by trying to escape out of the underworld? Correction. Now that they have escaped.

Nereus sat down and began sifting the sand through his hands. It looked like a little hobby.

"No, he's not dangerous. All I'm saying is that you should never stop questioning him or his motives. He respects that. Also, watch out for his words. Many times they carry a subtle meaning. He isn't an enemy, to you all at least."

"He's an enemy of the gods?" Percy guessed.

"He killed gods in his lifetime Percy. Many of the Olympians do not like him. Do not trust him. Others however, think that he could be of further use."

"I thought gods couldn't be killed? Don't they just reappear after a while?"

"Now isn't that a scary thought?" replied Nereus. He looked older. "We don't know how he did it, but those gods are as gone as Pan."

"And what can I call him?" asked Percy. "I think I'm going to see him again. I don't know why, but I just know I will."

Nereus grinned. "Oh you will, very soon. You can call him Navy. That's what most of his friends call him. Including me."

"You're his friend?"

"Yes. We spend a lot of time fishing together. He doesn't hold any grudge or dislike to any of us…older gods. He actually asks us a lot of questions and looks to us for advice. It's quite flattering really. Anyways, it's time for dinner. Get ready for a surprise." Nereus smiled. "Well, if you need me. Just ask a Nereid. They'll know where to find me." Percy then watched as he strode off into the water.

Percy stood for a moment watching how the sun reflected off of the ocean and then walked back to the dining area. There would be plenty to talk about after dinner.

Right before he got to his table, he noticed a lot of people standing in a big circle. Out of curiosity he wandered over to check out what was going on.

Percy froze.

He could barely see it through the crowd but there was no mistake. Three kids. With three different colored shirts. One blue, one yellow, one black, all wearing khaki pants and then skate shoes that copied the colors of their respective shirts.

They were younger, maybe around sixteen or seventeen at most. They looked just like typical teenagers. And they talked like them too. The one in black was shyly talking to a couple of people from the Hephaestus cabin. The one in yellow looked like he was flirting with the girls from the Aphrodite cabin and Navy looked perfectly relaxed talking to a group from the Athena cabin. Percy thought he could make out them talking about the layout of New York City and all its flaws.

Chiron showed up quickly followed by Annabeth and gasped when he saw the three of them standing there.

He slammed his hoof and told everyone to get to their tables as it was time for dinner. And somehow no one had heard the bell.

Percy watched as the three of them walked up to Chiron casually and introduced themselves. Chiron told them to stop joking around but they all seemed to not have a clue as to what he was talking about. They told him a satyr had told them to come here while they were out camping and a monster attacked them.

"Do you know what table you belong to?" asked Chiron

"Yes sir!" replied the kid in yellow. "Navy over there is a son of Poseidon! Dim over there is a son of Hades! And I, Seth, am the son of the best one, Zeus!" He shouted the terms but the deep resonance of his voice from his older self was gone. Now he sounded like a jock from high school who liked to make the class laugh by messing around with the teacher, but in a way where there was no harm done to anyone other than maybe cramps from everyone, including the teacher, laughing too hard.

"Eyy man, who said it was yours who was the best?" Grinned Navy. "I'd like to see you try to take me on, bro." He playfully brought up his fists out and playfully jabbed at Seth.

"Bring it!" Laughed Seth as he returned the jabs.

"Guys…enough…we don't want to be in trouble…guys? Oh come on…" weakly intruded the one named Dim. He tried to bring their fists down but they just pushed him back, and continued messing around and throwing playful insults back and forth.

"Enough!" demanded Chiron as he easily separated the two of them. "To your tables. Percy take Navy over to your table, I'll take Seth to his." He then walked off pulling Seth along while Seth struggled to get back into the play fight with Navy. Percy couldn't believe what was happening, but Chiron had an amused look on his face. Maybe he knew something Percy didn't.

"Well? Are we going to the table or not?" Percy turned to the right and found Navy standing there with his hands in his pockets and a friendly smile on his face.

"What are you guys playing at?"

"Wha?"

"You save camp and now you're here a decade younger?"

"Dude, I don't know what you have been smoking, but I want some. Where do you get yours?"

Percy had no idea what was going on, but he led the way over to his table.

"Wicked, man. We can eat whatever we want? Hmmm." Percy watched as Navy thought for a moment and then watched a seafood banquet appear in front of them on the table."

"So you don't remember anything?"

"Huh? I remember everything."

"So what's your story?"

"Whoa man, I just met you. I don't think you want to know my story."

"As in you don't remember it do you?"

"Uhh. Well. It's fuzzy. Everything seems so new. It's cool though. I'm in a place with lots of food and there are plenty of people so I can't get lonely. Oooh, someone is about to speak."

Percy looked to the right and saw Dionysus standing. He looked tired and he didn't seem to care about the situation in the least. "Well, we have some new campers and yadda yadda. Not like I care. Oh and tomorrow will be Capture the flag, the Hunters will be here so let's not try to lose too badly." He then sat down.

"Capture the flag? Ohhh wicked. That's my favorite game!"

"I don't think you know what we mean."

"Oh, what do you all mean then?"

"Well, you'll see tomorrow."

"Ooooh Mr. Mystery here. Alright, alright. I can wait. I guess I have to wait to find out who the Hunters are too?"

Percy laughed. Navy was so relaxed; he seemed like a completely different person. Yet in the back of Percy's mind he thought that he would have to go talk to Chiron about the situation.

Once dinner was done Percy showed Navy to the cabin which they would now share. Navy looked thrilled at the design and the feel of the place. Percy felt kind of happy too. He wasn't going to be alone anymore and his roommate seemed like a pretty cool guy; if this wasn't some plan.

Percy didn't know what to do with Navy but he still had to go talk to Chiron and the other people about what he had seen. Navy was alright with this since all he really wanted was to go to sleep. Apparently he felt exhausted but Percy could really tell that he had fallen asleep before Percy had even left the cabin. Percy prayed to his father to not let Navy go and get himself into trouble for the hour or so when Percy wasn't going to be watching over him.

Percy wandered off to find Annabeth and everyone else who had already congregated into a group by the time Percy managed to get there.

Chiron noticed Percy's arrival and everyone greeted him. Thalia was there too, and everyone looked puzzled.

"How does no one else seem to have noticed them the first time around? How are they younger now? Do they not remember anything?" Annabeth continued asking questions without pause and everyone stood listening, since she was repeating all the questions that had been bothering them all day.

"I don't know about how no one else saw, but they have been reverted back to an age before many of their adventures. Right when they entered my camp the first time. Dionysus vouched for that."

"So their memories have been taken too?" asked Nico who had appeared out of the shadows without anyone noticing.

"Not really. Their time has been taken. Their memories no longer exist. Since they have not yet gone on their adventures to acquire them." Chiron paused looking at everyone's' faces. "It's not the easiest thing to explain or understand…That's the only way to explain it, though. Their time has been turned back."

Annabeth was the first one to speak after a moment of silence.

"But, isn't the only god who can control 'time'…Kronus? We just got rid of him…"

"Ah but there is another, the one who controls all time itself, Chronos. And he is not to be confused with Kronus!" replied the Centaur. "However, to be able to manage to get a hold of that god…Even I do not know how to possibly get in touch with him."

"Gee. I sound scary!"

Everyone turned around to find a grinning Navy leaning against Chiron.

Chiron flinched, "How did you!"

"Aww don't worry about it, man. I just wanted a cool entrance, that's all."

Navy was grinning but Percy noticed a strange twinkle in his eyes. He knew something, and he wasn't going to tell anyone. Or maybe, Percy thought to himself, he was thinking too hard. If the gods had vouched their time had been reversed, or whatever it was. Then he really shouldn't remember anything.

"Dang, I'm sorry I didn't want to make an awkward moment. You all are just talking about me and I couldn't help but wonder why. I still don't really get it. I'm just me, Navy."

Everyone stood in silence for another moment, Nico was the first to speak.

"How did you manage to sneak up on us without anyone noticing?"

"Oh that." Navy was staring at his feet. "I come from a poor family. Most of the time I had to steal to get my food. After a while, you get pretty good at sneaking around."

"Very good." Stressed Chiron in what sounded like a mix of pity and disapproval.

"Anyways, the real reason I came here." Navy had turned to Chiron.

"The real reason?" inquired what now sounded like a tired Chiron.

"Yeah. I want to complain about security in this place man. I was sleeping and was awoken by some redheaded girl with green smoke coming out of her eyes and mouth. She kept of reciting some poem. Not cool, man. I thought you said we couldn't use drugs while here?"

"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH HER?" cried a Chiron who looked truly panicked.

"Whoa, calm down. Nothing. I just tied her down with my blankets and ran here. What else was I supposed to do? I can't just carry a deranged druggy through camp to get to you all."

"Is she hurt?" Chiron suddenly got a lot calmer. Which made Percy a little worried. Chiron seemed to see no danger in it.

"Naw, she's just bound down. Hopefully she'll fall asleep and sleep it off." Shrugged Navy.

Chiron chuckled. He seemed to find it amusing.

"You just tied down the Oracle of Delphi!" cried Annabeth. Who seemed also to be on the verge of breaking out laughing.

"Oh my. Oracle, oracle…Hmm." Pondered Navy for a moment. "Ah, I know! I should probably apologize to Apollo, eh?"

Everyone just stared at him.

"Well, I guess that's a yes." Navy looked up at the sky. "Hey, err. Apollo! Sorry about that. Totally didn't catch that. Don't flay me, aight man? I promise I'll buy you a beer or something? Or maybe I'll be your wing man at a party?"

Somehow, Percy thought that apology would be just fine for Apollo.

Chiron cleared his throat. "Well, I guess we should go untie her."