PLEASE READ

Okay here is the next chapter to my book.

It's more of a filler/explanation chapter and the next will be Percy's POV probably.

Some of you may like Jason, and I do, but I needed a reason for Piper and Reyna to be... available if you will.

Also OOC-ness is common. So don't complain if someone is OOC.

Disclaimer - I don't own PJO or HOO

Warning - May contain cursing, sexual references and gore in later chapters. Rated T for now.

ENJOY.

Chapter 3

Just a little heartache

Piper

Everyone was curious to see what Thalia had that everyone should apparently read. And she didn't mind that it took the attention off of her, but Jason didn't like it one bit.

Just thinking or looking at him leaves a bad taste in her mouth, like when you eat something really hot and can't taste anything for the rest of the day. She was so happy when he chose her over Reyna but, in the end, both Reyna and Piper were consoled by Percy.

Percy…

Not even a day and she already misses him. He seemed unimpressive when she first met him compared to Jason but he had the whole package. Lean, surfer muscles, void black hair, perfect tan and deep eyes that shine with emotions and roll like the ocean itself.

On top of that he was a kind, compassionate and utterly selfless individual. While he had the whole package Jason only had the physical aspect. He has blonde hair, deep blue eyes and is tall and muscular. But he can be cruel, heartless and selfish; he only cares for his own power and fame.

All the love she had for him was removed and replaced with hate, sadness and slight disappointment. The love she had for him moved to someone it shouldn't have. She began to love Percy, the fun-loving, selfless and even more broken person than anyone else.

He was always a fun-loving and selfless person but after everyone shut him out of their lives he was even more broken each time it happened till, finally, Annabeth shattered the remnants. He may still be kind and happy but he will never be the same, he will never be as trusting to anyone anymore because of Annabeth.

Like with Jason her name leaves a burnt taste in Piper's mouth. They were good friends, border lining sisters in everything but blood, but Annabeth became extremely prideful and selfish about a year after the twins came.

That was the turning point. In that year after they came to camp they won over everyone by then and said people fawned over them and completely shunned Percy. Annabeth always had to be the best, date the best and be in the spotlight no matter what so she left Percy to sate her Hubris, same with Jason.

"It's a note left by Percy" Thalia's voice dragged Piper out of her memories and back to the world of the living, most looked at her in shock and disgust, others uncaring and a few, like Zeus had a look on their face that said 'Should've known' or 'Obviously'.

Outbursts came from the Santiago crew (As Piper now calls them). Some were like 'Why we reading about that loser' or 'I am way better than him' guess who said that.

After a few more outbursts later her mother decided to intervene "Shouldn't we read them and then get on with normal activities" you could literally feel the power she put into her voice. It was daunting as another charmspeaker.

Others nodded in agreement and mom smiled brightly at everyone, entrancing them into doing what she, and undoubtedly the non-traitors, wants. Lady Hestia motioned for Thalia to open the letter and she did and slipped it out.

Clearing her throat she began reading.

Dear readers

I know I was banished for reasons you believe true. I was banished because the twins tricked you into believing whatever they told you about me and you hung off their every word because they were the new heroes, the next leaders for you flock of sheep. Only a few didn't.

Those few who didn't smiled while others scowled at being called sheep… even if they are theoretical sheep.

I am grateful to those few who stuck by my side while I was being betrayed, for those who believed and cared for me through thick and thin and didn't just use me to get what they wanted.

The loyalists (Non-traitors) glared at the nonchalant traitors. They look indifferent but you could see the slight shame in their eyes.

I now know why loyalty is a fatal flaw. Not that I would destroy the world to save my friends but my friends would destroy me. I can never forgive those that betrayed me.

That is another part of why loyalty is horrible. After being betrayed I don't feel any love for you traitors, only hatred and sadness.

More glares were directed at the traitors, but they were lost in their own thoughts.

When you need me, I won't need you.

When you need someone to love you, I won't love you back.

When you need me to save the world again, I won't fight for you.

When you need a true hero, I won't be there to save you.

Slight nervous eye twitches and fingers happened. The only people who twitched were the ones who had actually seen Percy in a real fight while the others were left staring at the others in confusion.

I hope you know what you lost because it won't be coming back. I was at the top of the building; you all gave me the push to send me over the edge. Percy Jackson is dead, only my legacy will remain. Even if tainted.

Yours truly

A man once known as Percy Jackson, a man betrayed

A pin-drop silence descended onto those who heard the words of the notes. Piper could tell that those that were once Percy's friends and Jessie were having second-thoughts.

Piper didn't hate Jessie because she stole Jason, which was Jason's choice, Jessie just showed Piper the truth that Jason never loved her. Jessie is a very nice person, but can be easily guilt tripped and is too trusting with family and friends, like Percy.

Jessie and Percy for the first year were like a big brother and little sister, he taught her all he could till Annabeth became extremely bitchy and possessive of her 'Fame magnet'.

Jessie came to resent Annabeth for stealing away her big brother and went to her twin for help… which she shouldn't have. Unlike Jessie, Blake is a selfish and arrogant pig that will do anything for fame and power. Jessie has a bit of his hunger for fame and power, not much but enough to influence her choices. But her more prominent feature is her loyalty, which unfortunately extends to her full-brother.

So together they devised a plan to get Annabeth away from Percy but Blake had ulterior motives. Percy was the hero, so he broke him; he took his home, family and friends from him and goaded Percy into attacking him by insulting his mother.

Jessie was going to stop Percy getting banished but as said before she is very easily guilt tripped. Blake told her that if she did anything she would be betraying her twin brother who took care of her his whole life.

The night after the banishment Piper and Jessie were talking on the beach. Piper couldn't hate her for stealing her extremely loyal (note the sarcasm in large quantities) boyfriend. She didn't like him but was instead convinced that to get Percy back she had to date Jason. And guess who convinced her… the little prick Blake Santiago, her twin that wants best for her (note more excessive uses of sarcasm).

The only reason she is still near him is because she wants a family member she knows.

"Why do we need that loser!" a cold, kind of squeaky and premature voice erupted from the Poseidon table "I am so much better than him!" Blake now stood striking what he thought was a heroic pose, and it would have been if he wasn't five feet tall.

Piper noticed that a lot of people began to actually notice how irritating he can be, ever so slowly, but noticing nonetheless. Riptide appeared in his hand, a way for him to try to be more heroic and amazing. It did the opposite.

He could barely hold the sword at waist height and his scrawny arm was shaking slightly with the effort. It was a sad sight and a lot of people noticed that he looked and sounded really pathetic.

To most, other than Pipers, surprise was that Jessie was looking distastefully at Blake from where she sat at the table, a new jade trident necklace adorning her neck.

A voice that sounded like Lady Hestia reverberated inside Pipers head 'Please stay after everyone else leaves'. Pipers head flicked to where Hestia sat and she noticed a bunch of other people also looked her way.

'Why?' thought back Piper. 'I'll let Thalia explain when the others are gone' Hestia looked at each person that she was communicating with mentally before settling for staring Piper in the eye.

'Can Jessie come too?' Hestia's features tensed up and her stare turned cold 'Why do you want to bring that traitor?' she hissed mentally.

'Please?' begged Piper 'Let her come and she'll explain' Hestia looked as if she were debating it and eventually gave in 'Fine'.

Piper saw Jessie's head whip to face Hestia and she nodded and averted her gaze from Hestia to Piper. Piper sent her a reassuring smile and turned back to Zeus, who was finishing his announcements while all this was going on.

"-You may go to your activities!" he flashed out in an overdramatic boom of thunder and lightning. The other gods followed after saying goodbye to their children. The only gods that stayed were Artemis, Apollo, Hermes, Hestia, Athena and Aphrodite.

Jessie walked over to Piper and said "He Pipes" she sounded kind of nervous and could you blame her? Being stuck in a room of people who probably hate your guts is not the greatest vacation spot.

She sat down next to me and Aphrodite came over. "Hey hons" she said and gave them both sideways hugs after sitting in between them. Jessie was shocked and Piper could tell what she was thinking.

'I thought she would hate me?' that was Pipers theory and it was proven right when Aphrodite saw the shocked look. "I'm the goddess of love, not just sexual love but family love and others. I could tell exactly what was wrong and I don't blame you hon" Aphrodite said softly.

"Yo-you don't-t?" stuttered Jessie, too surprised for her own good.

"How could I? You have a twin brother that never really cared for you, no mother, a moody ass for a father and finally a big brother that loves and cares for you but was taken by a selfish bitch" said the love goddess. By now everyone still here was listening in but the three sitting at the hot pink table didn't notice.

"You tried everything you could to get him back. You were tricked by someone who used your hope and trust against you, someone you trusted only to have it thrown in your face. I could never blame you dear" she finished softly.

By now Jessie was crying hard and being embraced warmly by the goddess. "Shhh… it's okay to cry hon. it's okay to cry" the goddess whispered into Jessie's ear.

"I just-I just want s-someone t-to-to care" whimpered the distraught daughter of the sea "I want someone to care… that's all I ever wanted" the tears came back harder and Piper looked around at the surrounding people.

Various faces plagued with emotions surrounded them. A few like Artemis and Athena had apathetic expressions but you could see the understanding in their eyes. Most like Thalia and Reyna wore sad smiles and others were out of scene full blown grins, guess who.

Here are some clues.

They love stuff that isn't theirs.

They like driving (preferably stolen vehicles).

And they are both cheery and, compared to other people, very lenient.

That's right the Stoll brothers. Oh and Apollo and Hermes.

"Y-you don't h-hate me-e?" stuttered a nervous Jessie.

Thalia sat next to her as Piper moved to let her "I know what it's like to lose someone important to you. I lost Jason when he was two then we lost Percy after the Titan war. When I got Jason back it wasn't the same, he wasn't the same".

"We got Percy back two years ago and I was never happier. When I was brought back to life Percy nursed me back to health even though he didn't even know me. And now he's gone again" Thalia pulled Jessie into a sisterly hug that totally shocked everyone.

Thalia was more of a touch me and I'll break off your fingers and shove them down your throat kind of girl.

"I knew there was something about you that I liked" Thalia pulled back and smiled at her cousin. "Now we should read the other note he left" Thalia pulled out a similar, less bulky note from her jacket.

The hem of her jacket slipped up her arm and Piper spotted Percy's necklace on Thalia's wrist. "What's that?" asked Piper, pointing to her wrist.

Thalia glanced at it in surprise and her mouth formed an 'O' before composing herself. "It's Percy's camp necklace. It was in the first notes envelope and I must have put it on my wrist and forgot while reading".

She didn't explain or take it off and instead started to read.

Omnipotent

Dear family and friends

Only you cared for me. Only you strived for what is right. Only you stuck by my side through the worst time of my life. You comforted me, you protected me, you loved me and most of all you gave me a home and a purpose, something worth fighting for.

Everyone smiled sadly and a few people like Piper and Aphrodite allowed some tears.

To each of you I have written a part of this letter and you can read it out loud or to yourselves, I'll label which part belongs to whom.

Thalia looked at everyone who nodded to read it out.

Thalia

Despite being a member of the hunt at first Thalia I love you deeply, I care for you so much that words or gifts can't comprehend how much. Ever since you came back to the realm of the living you have been family even though we knew so little of each other. You were, and hopefully always will be, a constant in my life and despite all the fights we've had I would do anything to protect you, just like you protected me. Please be safe for me, I love you pine-cone face.

A few tears ran down her face as she hastily swiped them away, not used to being seen so emotional. 'I love you too Perce' she thought 'I will always love you'.

Nico

You, along with Tyson, are the little brother in my life that I would give up my life for. We would get in arguments, try to kill each other but in the end no one touches the other without paying the price. You are my brother in everything but blood, and I love you more than any blood brother could. Stay safe little brother.

A watery smile stretched across Nico's pale face 'I'll miss you big bro' he thought.

Katie

We never spent much time together but you were, and always will be, one of the people I love the most. After the Titan war we grew much closer and then again after the Giant war we grew much, much closer. I know your sad, and I know your scared for me but don't be. I want you to be strong, and I want you to move on with your life, have a family, have kids and kick some ass. Just be safe for me little sister.

People were laughing slightly and Travis cautiously wrapped his arm around an emotional Katie's shoulders and to his surprise, she leaned her head on his shoulder.

The Stoll's

There's no point in giving you one each since you do everything together and you're bound to tell one another so here it is. All our time pranking others was some of the best times of my life. I don't regret anything, even when we spray painted the Aphrodite cabin pure black, did the same for the insides, dulled the lights, changed their perfumes and switched all their clothes for dark and dreary colours, I don't even regret getting punished with cleaning, stable and kitchen duty for months for that, I will never regret the fun we had. And while I'm gone, pull some pranks for me, just to lighten up the place.

"We swear" said twins stood with hands over their hearts and swore to do as he asked. They got a few giggles before they were violently yanked into their seats by Katie and Piper.

Thalia put down the paper she had and continued reading the next one.

Clarisse

Our relationship was anything but smooth at first but it progressed after the chariot incident into more of a friendly rivalry bond. I saw you when you were happy with Chris and then depressed and angry after the Giant war when he was wrongfully taken from you. I was the only one to see the once strong, proud girl cry onto my shoulder. Don't let crying make you seem weak, it is a sign of mental strength. By crying it shows that you have the balls to show your emotions to the world. If anyone says crying is a sign of weakness kick their ass for me, for yourself and for others, I know you can do that, but make sure you kick it hard. I love you just as much as I love the others, be safe.

A completely un-Clarisse-like watery smile stretched over her face. 'I grew to love you' she thought 'And you most likely will never know'.

Hestia

After the Titan war you cared for me and Nico like we were your own sons and then after my mom and Paul were murdered during the Giant war you once again healed my heart and took care of me. Be safe and remember 'Hope survives best at the hearth', keep hope safe because I have none left. I'll miss you and will always love you mom.

Hestia was openly sobbing and got pulled into a hug by Nico. "I'll miss-s y-you t-too son" she murmured.

Artemis

I valued all the time we spent together. I am grateful that you tried to teach me archery even when Apollo, his children and Chiron gave up on me, it would have saved you a lot of trouble if you gave up as well though. I'm grateful for you taking me hunting when we found Fable, my faithful wolf. And I am even more grateful that despite your man hating, and the reasons are mostly valid, you went out of your way to care and stand up for me. I'll love you just as much as the others.

It was hard for Artemis to keep a stoic face, and no matter how much she tried she couldn't stop the salty water leaking from her eyes. 'Damn you Percy Jackson' she thought 'Damn you'.

Apollo

I'll miss you. You are and always will be my cousin and I will miss you greatly. The morning rides in the sun and pranks we pulled are some things that I will miss, heck I'll even miss your haikus. Do as the Stoll's and pull some pranks for me, some on Zeus and Poseidon would be nice.

Apollo smiled a dark smile, which being the sun god ended up looking like a solar eclipse. 'Don't worry cuz' he thought 'I'll pull the greatest pranks on them'.

Hermes

I'm happy that you forgave me for my failure to save Luke's life. I'm sorry that I couldn't do more but know this and never forget it; he sacrificed his own life for others. He is a real hero and he always will be. Maybe you can help Apollo with his pranks, I'm sure he would love to have the assistance of the god of pranksters himself.

Hermes smiled just as darkly as Apollo at the end but during the whole paragraph he couldn't help but think 'You were both heroes'.

Thalia pulled out the next page from the envelope and began reading.

Will

We never spent much time together but I know that in no time you will become a master swordsman, though I can't say the same for me and archery. I learnt helpful things involving plants that can heal and sooth or kill and weaken from you and some music that will be nice to keep my spirits up. Hope you enjoy your life sunshine.

Will laughed lightly at the nickname Percy gave him a while back. It brought back good memories.

Aphrodite

Even though you promised to make my love life a misery I can't thank you enough. You consoled me when Annabeth left me and taught me of the pain that is love. Love is almost always tragic, anyone would be lucky to be happy with their loved one. For instance, Zeus and Hera don't get along, mainly because Zeus is prideful and Hera is selfish. My mom and Paul, they loved each other but in the end their happiness was for nothing and they were murdered because of my mom's son, me. And Helen and Troy couldn't be happy because of an arrogant king's greed and lust. You also taught me the other side of love, the love of family and friends. I love just as much as the rest.

Aphrodite, being the unperturbed and emotional romantic she is, was sniffling loudly. 'The first man I ever truly loved' she thought 'I love you to Percy, and I will never stop loving you'.

Leo

You remind me so much of Beckendorf that it's funny really. Unlike the other children of Hephaestus you have a funny, sarcastic and competitive attitude. Just like Beckendorf. Do some pranks, have fun with your life and don't give up in what you believe in. And I hope you make Frank proud and Hazel happy.

Leo was proud that Percy, his idol, had complemented him and given him advice. He wrapped his arm warmly around a sniffling Hazel's waist and drew her closer to him.

Hazel

I remember the day we met and the quest we went on with Frank like it was only yesterday. You will always be my little sister and my love for you is like my love for Katie, indefinite and immaculate. I hope Leo makes you happy and you have a great life little sister.

'I'll miss you big brother' thought Hazel 'I'll miss you too' she snuggled closer to Leos comforting embrace and buried her head in his shoulder and let a few tears spill.

Piper

I know that you are still sad of what Jason did but you are an amazing girl that anyone would be lucky to have and Jason doesn't know what he's missing out on. You will find someone to love you, someone that cares for you and not for the fame you have. Be proud of who you are and live life to the fullest. You're a wonderful girl and know that love is what you make of it, I love you.

Sniffling Piper was hugged by her mother, the women who loves the same man as her. 'You're one of a kind Percy' she thought 'I love you Percy'.

Thalia pulled out yet another note and continued reading. 'Who knew Percy could write so much' she thought.

Reyna

You are one heck of a girl Reyna. You are strong, caring and independent and anyone would be lucky to have you in their life. Don't let people taunt you, don't let people think you aren't good enough because you're more than good enough; you're the best of the best. Go for what makes you happy for once instead of the good of your people, be selfish and indulge in your wants. Take care and know that I love you as just much as I love anyone else.

Everyone scoffed when he told her to be selfish and indulge in her wants for once. 'Hypocrite' they thought, and a few even voiced this aloud. At the end Reyna was wearing a very un-praetor-like teary face and sad smile.

'I love you kelpie' she thought 'Yet you may never know'.

Rachel

First I want to make something clear. After you supposedly 'dumped' me after the Titan war I had one thought 'But, we were never going out', we never officially started anything so I'm confused. Anyway our relationship changed to a best friend-like relationship and I'm happy for that. You cared for me even after I tried to kill you when we first met. I hope you live a good life as the Oracle and make sure the prophecies aren't too bad and life threatening.

This paragraph brought some giggles but a few of the girls threw jealous glances at the blushing Oracle.

Grover

Where should I start? You were with me from the very beginning. You went with me to the underworld; we (Her, Clarisse and me) had to save you from getting married to a Cyclops in our second quest, our third quest with Bianca, Zoe and Thalia to save Artemis and her, the quest into the labyrinth and the defense of Manhattan. Your one hell of a Satyr and I know that as the Lord of the wild you will do more than anyone else can. Save the wilds for me, take care.

"I will" said Satyr silently promised his friend.

Tyson

My baby brother. No matter what anyone says you will always be my brother and if you are betrayed you will always have me by your side, no matter what. I know you may be sad but be strong and continue to lead the Cyclopes as their general and continue to make master pieces out of metal, like you can do in your sleep. Take care little brother, I love you.

Tyson smiled a large peanut butter encrusted smile and he had tears leaking out his singular calf brown eye.

Chiron

In my tragic life you are my teacher, my adviser and most of all, you are like the father that I never had. You would give me advice for any situation and help me with everything you had, you trusted me through thick and thin. In my life till I was twelve I never had a father figure in my life until you were there to fill the gap. Train heroes to be good, selfless and humble instead of boastful, selfish and cruel like Heracles and The Santiago twins to name a few. Take care Chiron I hope the Stolls don't trouble you too much.

Chiron smiled proudly. His most powerful and skilled, yet humble and kind student has become so much more than just a regular hero. He became the greatest hero ever born.

Thalia pulled out what she hoped was the final piece of paper and began to read.

Last but not least, Athena

I saved the most confusing one for last. At first we didn't get along at all but after I proved that I am not my so called 'father' we got along very well and I'm glad you gave me a chance to prove myself. I know that you wanted what was best for your daughter and I can understand that. You're a great person Athena, you care and you fight for what you believe is right. 'Always have a plan' right. Well I don't have a plan; I'm just going to go where my feet take me, basically I'm going to 'wing it' per se. Take care of yourself Athena and know that I love you just as much as the rest.

Athena tried to keep her emotionless face but it kept breaking. 'I used to never be effected by petty emotions but now' she thought 'Now they control a part of my immortal life. Damn you Jackson, damn you'.

Jessie

Don't ask how I got this in here after it was already sealed or how I know that I saw everything that just happened. I understand what it's like to lose hope in finding a family but the people surrounding you can be the family you need and want. Know this sis, even through all that I still love you, I buried those feelings deep down but after watching the scene occur they resurfaced. Know that I will not stop loving you even when you stop loving me. Take care sis, I love you.

Most people were shocked and confused about what he wrote but decided to let it go and smile largely along with an ecstatic Jessie. She wasn't expecting to actually get told anything but she was happy that he still loves her and she will do anything to get him back.

Life is what you make of it. Never give up, never give in and never ever go for second best. Know this; unlike those traitors you can always call upon me, I will fight for you and the innocent. I will never forget those who never forgot me. Even if I'm not there, know that I will always protect you.

People glanced around nervously wondering if he could do that. Little did they know that he could do much more than that as of now.

Yours truly

A man once known as Percy Jackson, a man betrayed

It was completely quiet for a few minutes as they digested that information and Piper couldn't help but think…

Piper

During that reading she felt pure love coming from Thalia, Clarisse, Reyna, her mother and herself. She felt family love from Katie, Hazel, Hestia, Jessie, Tyson, Chiron, Hermes, Apollo, Rachel and Nico.

She also felt a more guarded love coming from Artemis and Athena. Piper was sure, using her mother's abilities that she inherited, that those women, and her, were in love with the same man.

And the worst thing for Piper is that her mother loves the same person as her.

"We should do our training to make it seem like nothing is wrong while we process this" said Hestia, taking charge of the quiet and awkward situation.

Most nodded and began to walk off, even the gods didn't flash but walk, until stopped them. We all turned to her and she asked to see Reyna, Artemis, Athena, Aphrodite, Piper and Clarisse to stay behind.

They did and Thalia pulled a leather bound book out of her jacket. 'Seriously what else has she got in there' mentally exclaimed the women.

Sooooo... what did you think?

Did you like how I portrayed the characters?

Did you like the pace it was set at?

Did you like how I went with his sister?

The theme?

And all that stuff. Please Review and tell me what you liked, what I could improve upon and any ideas if you want. Creative criticism is welcome but please no flames.