"Come on Percy," I heard a voice say, "Wake up. Don't you have to be somewhere?"

"Wuuh…" I blurted out, wondering where I was, "Wuuhs gwain on?"

"Calm down Perseus," The voice said, I could recognize it as a girl's, "Just relax and wake up."

"Mom?" I blurted out, still disorientated, "What's going on?"

"I'm not your mother, Perseus." She said, "Now get up. You hit your head hard on the ground and you've been out for a while."

"Hestia?" I asked as I opened my eyes, realizing who it was due to her blazing red-orangish hair.

"Yes little hero," She said, emphasizing on the little part, "Now get up, you've got someplace to go."

"But why should I?" I whined, "I don't want to train anymore."

"You have to, Perseus." She said, smirking a little, "You're immortal. Best you do something with your life."

"But why train?" I asked, "Why not get a profession? Something like marine biology. Or maybe cancer researcher. Something for normal people."

"I'm sorry Perseus," She said, playing with my hair for some reason, "Normal things aren't for us. Greek myth never dies. Neither do monsters or wars."

"What do you mean by wars?" I asked, still resting on the ground.

"Our kind always has wars," She said, stroking my face a little, "World War 1 and 2. The Civil war. All the major wars were started by our kind."

"But why should I train for them?" I whined again, "I don't want to train for another war. I've had enough of wars."

"So you can be our hero," She said, smiling softly at me, "My hero. Don't you want to be needed?"

"Why should I be a hero?" I complained, "Nobody cares about me."

"I do, Percy," She said, holding my face in her hands, "I do care about you. And if history has taught me anything, it's that we'll always have wars and we'll always need heroes. And I know we'll need you."

"I guess I have no choice, do I?" I asked her, knowing that she wouldn't give up. She shook her head, smirking a little as she ruffled my hair, "Thought so."

"Could you please look away, Hest?" I asked before taking off my shirt, "Gotta take a shower. Can't let you see my body and faint from shock."

"I bet there's nothing under there to faint over." She teased, "I bet it's just baby fat and ribs."

"If you're so sure about that, then there's no need for you to look away." I said, not caring as I took off my shirt. I was so sure that she would shut up and I thought so too, until I turned back and noticed that she was sleeping.

"I guess she didn't get enough sleep," I said taking out a sheet from my backpack and draped it over her. I smiled a little as I took out Thanatos' watch. I started teleporting before I remembered something.

"Gods don't sleep." I said out loud, as the shadows encircled me completely.

"Who are you talking to?" I heard someone say. I turned around to find Orion lounging on the grass, again, smirking up at me.

"I was… Nevermind," I said, waving it off, "Where's Theseus?"

"He's waiting for you at the forges." He said, "I'll walk you there, come on."

He got up and walked with me to the forges. We walked through the dirt path in silence. A really awkward silence for me. A really long one. I was about to say something when I heard a loud thud right next to ear and, thanks to my reflexes, I rolled away. I looked back at the tree and noticed an arrow notched into the tree. There's was another whizzing sound by ear which made roll into a pile of leaves.

"Orion?" I yelled loudly, "Are you okay?" I didn't get a verbal answer, instead I got a hard whack from a sword. I took out Riptide, rolled out of my leaves and confronted my attacker, who happened to be my brother, Orion.

He thrust his sword towards my head which I blocked and returned with a swing. He blocked it and attacked me again. We kept on playing this game until I realized that I could win this fight easily. I summoned some water from a nearby stream and willed it go behind Orion. It was about to hit him before an arrow came out of nowhere and lodged itself in my shoulder, the pain distracting me from controlling the water which fell with a splash. On instinct, I blocked a strike from Orion.

"Did you really think it'd be that easy?" I heard a voice say from behind my attacker, "The same trick doesn't always work twice." It was Theseus, and he was carrying a bow.

"What th-" I said before being interrupted by a swipe from Orion. I turned my attention back to Hunter and tried to find an opening, but the throbbing in my shoulder made it hard to keep on fighting; especially now considering that Theseus was still shooting at me. I kept on blocking all the blows Orion was giving me and waited till there was a break in his pattern.

I noticed that his right side was open and I was about hit him there when Orion jumped back and exchanged weapons with Theseus. Great, I thought to myself, now they're in their element. I clashed swords with Theseus and we fought. I was striking at his head and chest, making sure to block his blows as well.

He rolled under one of my swipes and was about to slash at my neck. I ducked under it and turned around to duck under an arrow for Orion before turning back and blocking another swipe to my chest from Theseus. I kept on blocking Theseus' blows and shuffle my way towards Orion, but it was getting difficult to hold the two of them on my own, especially when sporting a throbbing shoulder. I could feel a burning sens-

Wait! I thought, burning? I can control fire.

I knew what to do now. I kept on parrying the blows, Orion's arrows missing their marks by an inch but they still hit me. I kept on fighting until I knew I wouldn't be able to take it anymore. I felt another arrow hit my back and that's when I did it. I summoned the fire to my arms and let it loose. I surprised them both but I couldn't hurt them because the fire kept on going in all directions.

"Where'd you get the fire from?" Orion asked, jumping back as a burst of fire neared him. He let his bow hang loose as he looked at the fire in awe.

"He must have gotten it as a gift?" Theseus said, also resting his sword at his side. I was going to attack them but I didn't have it in me anymore to fight. I let the fire disappear as I fell to the ground, wanting to sleep a little.

"Woah!" Orion said as he held me under my armpits, "Easy there." He said as he carried me to a large boulder and made me sit on it.

"I think we pushed him too hard?" Theseus said.

"You think?" I said sarcastically.

"Why don't we take a break?" Theseus said, ignoring my remark, "He's got a lot to adjust to today."

"I can't wait to get him for archery," Orion smirked evilly at me, "I best be off, got to prepare and all that."

"Sure hunter," Theseus said absent-mindedly, "I'll take care of him till then."

We stayed like that for a few minutes, me, resting on the rock and him, staring at something in the distance. I was about to say something before he took off running through the forest. I looked at his vacated spot for a while before rushing towards him.

I followed his footsteps. Turning right here. Skidding left there. Ducking under braches. I could hear him breathing and that's what mattered. Nothing else. We ran around like this for a good twenty minutes before he came to a stop in front of an abandoned shelter.

I bashed into his back.

"Sorry…"I mumbled, but my apology was ignored.

"Did you pay attention to where we were going?" Theseus asked.

"What?" I asked, not sure if I heard right.

"Did you pay attention to the large boulder we passed?" He asked as he still stared at the shelter, "How about the giant palm tree with a heart on it? Or the hanging banana bunch that almost hit your head?"

I was shocked silent. I hadn't noticed any of the things he had said. Not a thing.

I was about to make up some lie before Theseus interrupted me.

"You should always pay attention to your surroundings," He said, "Regardless of repetition or speed, for everything changes over time."

He went inside the shelter and called me in. The entire shelter was bare except for a trapdoor under our feet. He opened it and I could hear the sound of rushing water fill the shelter.

"It's used to power the machines at the furnace," Theseus stated, "Lord Hades is very green these days."

I nodded and was about to make an off-handed comment before I was pushed through the trapdoor and into the rushing waters. I heard a splash following mine but I didn't look back as the water currents were too strong.

The underground current led us to a lake, where Theseus and I sunk to the bottom. He walked slowly towards the center before turning around to face me.

"I'd like you to create a hollow tube directly from the surface to right in front of my eyes."

I stared at his face for a full minute before he repeated it again. Well, I thought, best do it now so I can go back to camp.

I concentrated on the water around me and tried to bend it to my will. I could hear the distinct sound of water rushing here and there but I paid no attention. A small beam of faint sunlight shone in front of Theseus.

"Good job," He cheered, "Now try and make it bigger."

I concentrated even harder till it was the size of Theseus' head. He walked through it till he stood in the centre, his arms still in the water.

"Larger." He said, keeping an eye on me.

We kept on going at it till it was large enough for him and me to sit comfortably. I was resting on the dry seabed, my legs still in the water, staring up at the clear sky.

"Your control over your main element is astounding." Theseus said as he stood over me.

"I've had practice," I said as I closed my eyes, "Wars and all that."

"Don't fall asleep just yet, brother," Theseus said, nudging me with his toe, "Achilles and hunter still need to teach you."

"Not now Hestia," I mumbled, recalling what had happened in the morning, "I want to sleep."

"Do I look like a woman to you?" Theseus asked as he shook me awake. I looked at his face for a few moments.

"You really do not want to know the answer to that."

Note to self, water will not be held back when you're knocked out. I got a refreshing shower that afternoon.

Half an hour later

"You missed it again!" Orion yelled at me, "How many times have I told you? Always use the index finger and the thumb."

"I'm about to use my middle finger for something else," I mumbled a little as I took up another arrow.

I had already gone through half of the arrows already. And none of them had hit the board. Orion chalked the first few misses to being a son of Poseidon, stating that even Theseus had missed on his first few tries. And also that a buttock had been changed forever.

But he was getting a little mad now.

"At least hit the board this time," Orion pleaded.

"Fine!" I yelled, shooting the arrow without aiming at all. I looked at it as it soared through the air, almost jumping for joy as it flew towards the board.

THUNK!

It hit the bark right above the board.

"Close enough!" Orion yelled before running off to god knows where.

"Damned hunter," I mumbled as I took out my watch, "As hyper as the god of the sun."

At the River Styx

"Good Afternoon Perseus," A ghost like silhouette said as I stood next to the polluted waters, "I see you've already exerted yourself well enough with your brothers."

"Same to you, Achilles," I said as I stared at a bobbing Barbie doll, "Theseus is worse than Chiron." I said off-handedly.

"He was always the stick in the mud," Achilles said as he joined my side, "The straight arrow that always had a plan."

"I wish he wasn't like that…" I said, "I want him to be a little carefree."

"There's a reason behind that," Achilles said, "Just like there's a reason behind each and every one of those little things swimming in the river."

"And what is that?"

"A broken promise." Achilles said, "Or a broken heart."

I nodded my head and looked at Barbie doll, its body reduced to just its head. I watched it till it disappeared amongst the rest of the trash.

"I know I must be asking a lot," Achilles said, "But why did you come here?"

"Is it relevant?"

"Not at the momen-"

"Then I'm sorry, my dear sir, but I'd like to keep that information to myself."

"I understand."

We stared at the river for some time before Achilles clapped his hand loudly, "I've already been informed that your invincibility had been taken away. Is that right?"

"Yeah, damned cow lady." I mumbled.

"Well, I kindly invite you to take another bath." He said, his body becoming a little solid, "The training your brother has prepared for you will require high amounts of durability and speed."

I nodded, knowing that this would happen. Damn Theseus! Why should I have to train? Why should I have to take another dip? And how can I take a dip?

"You've got many people, Perseus" a part of my brain said, "But you chose to ignore quality over quantity."

"I guess I need not remind you of the rules?" Achilles asked, "Considering you've already gone through this."

"Yeah, yeah." I replied, taking a step towards the river. I closed my eyes and jumped, only the thought of a few people to accompany me. Nico and Hestia leading them.

I found myself in the middle of the river, tumbling through the currents. Not knowing what was up or down. I could feel the burning sensation in my head. I struggled to breath, close to sucking some of the foul water.

"I know you can fight it," Hestia's voice said, "You're stronger than any other hero. You can do it."

I listened to her encouraging tone for awhile. I closed my eyes, relaxing at the sound of her tone. I stayed like that for a few minutes, taking in the warmth of her speech as I focused on the small of my back. I knew that being repetitive about it would only kill me later, but I couldn't argue with results. The last time I had the curse, my mortal point was safe where it was.

I was spat out of the river in, what appeared to me, a few minutes. I gasped for a few moments, trying to get in as much air as I could.

I got up to my feet, only to jump back in shock. Achilles was thrusting his spear at me. Repeatedly.

"I see Theseus has trained you well." I jibed as I dodged another thrust.

He kept on attacking me for a few minutes, grazing me on a few occasions. I was pushed back, almost close to the edge of the river before I felt a wooden pole near my feet. I noticed it was a spear and kicked it up.

I tried blocking Achilles' thrust with it, and then realized that it wasn't wide enough. Attacking the normal way also failed, so I swung it like a baseball bat. It clipped him on the shoulder, before breaking in the centre.

"What the Hades?" I cried before Achilles had the sword at my neck.

He stared at my face for a few moments, before laughing loudly. He kept on laughing for a few moments before calming down enough to speak to me.

"A baseball bat?" He said, "A baseball bat swipe? If only Chiron was here."

I glared at him.

"Be here tomorrow at 3," He said, slightly more serious, "You really need some help." I nodded my head and took out my watch.

"I better leave," I said, shaking Achilles offered hand, "And I'll be here."

At Elysium

"No use sneaking up on me," Charles said, his back towards me as he worked on another sword, "I got mirrors everywhere."

"Wasn't planning on it," I said, peeved that he had caught me.

He turned around and beckoned me forward, "I heard about the fire," He said.

"Hestia gave it to me," I said, "You jealous?"

"Are you mad?" He said, a smirk on his face, "Now I can test my flamethrowers out."

"What?" I said as he brought up some strange contraption, "No."

He took a step forward.

"Put those things back!" I yelled.

Another step as he aimed it to my face.

"Charles!"

He pulled the trigger and a large banner popped out, the word "BURNED" ironically burnt on it.

"Screw you." I said, "Screw you to Hades' underwear."

"And you complain that I'm coming on to you." He chided.

He then started to teach me about forgery. All the tools and metals involved. The time. Everything. He even taught me a little about controlling fire. We were at it for about two hours before I had to leave.

"The sun's going down." I said as I brought the flames from my hand to a close, "I think it's time I return."

"No problem," Charles said, "Just be back here tomorrow."

"Will do," I said, bringing out my watch, "Say bye to Silena for me."

At Camp Percy

Nobody for miles….

I looked around and paced around for a bit. Waiting for the blood in my body to stop rushing around. Damn adrenaline!

I walked for a few minutes till I sent a fireball to a patch of grass.

"You know," A voice said from behind me, "Anger really should be restrained."

I turned around, trying to see who was behind me. I heard a swishing of cloaks but there was no one behind me. I turned around again. Still no one. I repeated this for a while… Till I heard something.

A giggle.

I feinted to the left and quickly turned to the right. I saw who it was. Hestia.

"You really should be careful," I said, placing my hands on my knees from dizziness "I could've nicked you with my sword."

"You can barely stand," She smirked, "Do you really think you'd be a match for me?"

"Too much spinning," I complained, "And besides, we all know how easy you are."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" She said, placing her hands on her hips. A fire in her eyes as her hair bellowed in the non-existent wind.

"I meant," I chose my words carefully, "You are very pacifistic. I can hardly imagine you picking up a sword."

She eyed me. Trying to find something to prove me wrong. I tried to focus on her, but I got lost.

"Well then," She said, summoning a picnic mat, "Why don't you recount to me your glorious day while we have dinner?"

"Far from glorious…" I said taking a bite out of a sandwich as I told her the rest.

We stayed up late but we, well at least I, didn't notice time pass by. I was too preoccupied.

I was liking Hestia more than I should…