AN: Okay, this is going to be one of the odd chapters because this was started over in the one-shots and I didn't know how to convert it to another's POV without it losing some detail. So here's Connor's pov and you will never have it ever again. Also, this is officially the shortest chapter thus far. Sorry for the delay in posting.

Connor was making sure everything was just right, the drinks were still doing fine, the plates of food were still pretty full, and everyone was slow dancing, looking pretty happy. He could see Will and Nico dancing awkwardly, talking more than actually dancing because they were both embarrassed. Percy and Annabeth were in their own world, as usual. Cassie and Malcolm were dancing too. Alice was dancing as well, which was a surprise to Connor, especially when he saw that she was dancing with Ethan from the Tyche cabin.

A successful party.

He grinned and popped a grape into his mouth.

"Not dancing?"

He almost choked, but managed to swallow. "Um, yeah, no. I missed the beginning of the song. If I asked someone to dance now, we'd get a minute together and then…" He shrugged and glanced at Katie.

She looked good. Really good. "So why bother?" She folded her arms.

"No, that's not exactly what I'm saying." He shrugged. "I have the order of the playlist memorized. If I wait another four songs, then a better song will come up that I would want to dance to."

She looked a little surprised, but she smiled a little. "Worth the wait?"

"I think so, but I suppose it's all a matter of opinion."

She glanced up at him, then put a hand to his forehead. "Are you sick? You're being sincere."

He gently swatted her hand away. "No, I'm explaining why I didn't ask you to dance. I should check on the fireworks." He calmly walked away, despite the racing of his heart. He really said that, right?

"Not funny, Stoll!"

"Not joking, Gardner!" He kept walking, his heart in his throat and his stomach flip-flopping as he waited for her to respond.

Nothing for a second..

Then, "Don't you dare be late." It was softer than when she has responded with their usual banter.

He fought a grin, heading over to where the fireworks were set up for the show later tonight.

Nissa was guarding them, talking with one of the guys from the Ares cabin.

"Better not interrupt," He murmured to himself, then glanced toward the party. The slow song had ended. He contemplated what to do now, since the food and drinks were still holding up well and the music was all set up. He wasn't like the Aphrodite kids, wanting to set people up, or like the Apollo kids, dancing until their feet fell off.

He sort of slid back to the sidelines of the dance, surrounded by people and yet…completely alone. Katie was dancing with some of her siblings. His siblings were dancing with other people. Couples were everywhere.

One unassuming couple caught his eye. Jamie and Petunia. He knew they weren't 'together' and that they were still just getting to know each other. They were friends, not a couple. He also knew that Petunia was extremely reserved, frightened, and quite possibly depressed. He was worried about her, but she seemed comfortable after the first week and a half here. She wasn't expressive, and he had never seen her smile. Not even a hint of one.

She was a serious rival to Nico, who was notorious for being moody and grumpy.

Not that he held a candle to her straight-faced composure, not anymore.

Actually…

Connor glanced over at them, smiling a little. He had been worried about Nico, that first winter that Nico had come to camp. Disappearing after learning about his sister's death…and at a time when disappearing was generally equated to betrayal…then when he did come back being so…gloomy. Connor knew he wouldn't be able to reach Nico no matter what. Nico had made that plenty clear before. Maybe Connor should have tried to reach out, but it was probably for the best that he hadn't. Nico was happy now. It had all worked out.

Maybe that's what would happen for Petunia. Maybe it would all work out.

He looked over watching Jamie sort of coax some sort of conversation out of her and then run with it was she responded mutedly.

Then Jamie said something.

Petunia's head tilted back slightly and she laughed.

The ground erupted in delicate white flowers, spreading as far as Connor could see, around campers' feet, over to the rock wall and around it, spreading toward the cabin like a wave.

The power in that seemed to strike everyone, and they looked toward the Demeter kids for an explanation, and toward Connor to see if this was part of the plan.

Nico's smile had died, and he looked like he had all the blood drained from him. "Di immortales…"

Everyone else just sort of shrugged it when Katie faked a smirk and a shrug.

Jamie was staring at the flowers, the smile on his face growing bigger and bigger, oblivious to the obvious terror Nico was feeling.

Petunia was blushing, but she bent at the knee to pick some of the flowers.

Connor slid closer.

"Lily-of-the-valley, right?" Jamie said softly, his voice gentle.

Connor felt like he was intruding, more so than usual.

She nodded.

"So…I guess your happiness really is returning…" Jamie rubbed his neck.

She became a bit more red in the cheeks.

Geez oh pete, just kiss. Connor tried to keep himself from looking like he was listening to their conversation. Something caught his eye, or rather, someone caught his attention as they walked slowly their way.

Nico grabbed Connor's arm. "Get Petunia out of here. I'll talk to my dad."

Connor looked over, his mind screaming because this was the last song before the one he wanted to dance to with Katie.

But there she was. "Follow me," She muttered.

"Jamie, Nia," He hissed toward the two. "Less flowers, more escaping."

Petunia looked up sharply, completely somber and terrified again, and quickly moved toward them.

Jamie's face hardened into a protective look and he quickly brought up the rear of the group.

"If anyone asks, we're running an errand for a surprise later tonight." Connor cracked his knuckles. "Actually, better just leave the lying to me."

"No, me. They'll believe it more," Katie argued in an unusually soft voice.

He glanced at her, then nodded. "Right. Jamie?"

"Gonna tell me why we're…running this errand?"

"Nico's dad decided to visit."

"Couldn't he at least wait until Halloween?" Jamie muttered darkly, grabbing Petunia's hand. "Stay by my side, no matter what happens."

She just nodded a little, glancing at Connor.

Connor just nodded slightly. "Katie?"

"I just need to grab something from the cabin, then I need you to do your…magic trick."

He felt a chill go up his spine. "I've never done it with this many people before."

She watched him a bit as they continued toward her cabin. "Can you still carry other's burdens?"

His eyes widened and he glanced at her, trying to figure out how she knew about that.

"Good, then you can carry some of my strength and energy."

"That's different than sadness, or pain, or anger…" Connor worried.

She shrugged. "Then steal my strength and energy. We need to get to New Rome. And you're our only shot."

He wished he could steal something a lot easier. Like a damn kiss.

Oh to live a simple life.

He frowned, focusing. "It's goign to take a second, get your weapons."

Jamie nodded and dashed off toward the Hermes and Hebe cabin with Petunia.

Katie ran to the Demeter cabin.

Connor settled himself near the hearth. "Please, let me not fail…" He breathed, sensing the line where a portal could be opened easiest. "I never ask for anything, Dad, just let me get them to safety. Let me give them time to succeed in keeping Petunia safe." He then started muttering in latin, the spell he still needed to use to open the Crossroads, a sort of travel unique to Hermes and his children.

Katie was the first one back. She didn't say anything, and was fairly silent when she approached him.

He mostly knew her by the subtle smell of honey and orange blossoms, which was from her favorite lotion.

She gently touched his shoulder, then gave it a little squeeze.

He couldn't bring himself to steal any strength from her.

Jamie and Petunia arrived as he managed to open the portal.

"Grab on," He muttered, clenching his teeth and he fought to keep the portal open. Then he pulled them forward.

And they tumbled onto a battlefield in front of one of the most ruthless fighters in the third cohort.