Hours later, I only looked up when the sky started to set. Hazel was sitting cross-legged on her rock. She seemed to have packed up ages ago, and her art was lying down, drying up. She paid no attention to that, instead stayed deep in thought. Her head rested on her hand, facing my direction. She stared beyond me, lost in her mind.

I moved my finger from left to right in front of me. The winds followed, blowing gently against my piece of art. I was mostly done, and I like how it is. There was Leo, fumbling with some pieces of mechanics. I think I portrayed him quite well. Dirt and oil was on his face, and his fingers were black as ink. Calypso kneeled next to him, chatting with Piper and Jason while staring at her boyfriend. Hazel, Frank and Reyna were talking a few metres away from them with Hazel's head on Frank's shoulder. His hand was frozen in motion, playing with her hair. Reyna was in her hunters' outfit, drenched in sweat but never looking freer than before. I painted Nico stubbornly in the shadows as Will tried to pull him into the light with a large smile on his lips. The last was always the hardest. I drew Thalia at the corner of the canvas, sneaking up to Jason with a mischievous smile. Lastly, I drew a picnic mat, large enough for all of us to sit on. There, in the middle of the drawing, I painted Annabeth. Annabeth was the last one I was drawing, I didn't bother with myself. She was the hardest to draw. I painted out her stunning golden curls, the intelligent grey eyes I fell in love with, and her most unique features. I hid nothing. I didn't not paint the scars. In the picture, I painted her with a blueprint, and a pencil in hand. While others laughed, she had that cute pout I always loved as she scanned the blueprint. With one last decisive stroke, I painted one last falling leaf of the tree in the background.

"Beautiful, Sephie." Hazel said suddenly. She had gotten up and was looking over my shoulder. "I guess all those art classes paid off."

"I always hated going." I recalled. "But now, I can't fathom why."

"Annabeth would be so proud. I know I am." These days, she uses the Mist to show herself as her own skin. I think I got the correct shade in the painting. "We should hang this up. I got the perfect spot in our room. Oh, Sephie. Frank would love this."

"Thanks." I knew her compliment was genuine. And I couldn't help smile. "What about yours?"

"Do you want to see?" Hazel lifted a finger. Her painting vanished in the shadows and appeared on her hand. She set it up in front of me. My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat. "Hazel…"

For the drawing was of the three of us. With a big fire behind us. It… was the day our lives changed. "It was a grieving day for us." Hazel said, sniffling slightly. "But just because we hate it, doesn't mean we should forget that day. Our friends deserve to be remembered. I…wanted to be reminded of that." Around the painting, she had written all their names in clear white paint. Somehow, they all fit. "It was the day we were reminded the Gods were of no use, that we needed to do things for ourselves. It was an important day. It feels like no time has passed, hasn't it? But it's already been two years since they died, and I feel like we never got the opportunity to truly grieve for them."

"Hazel, this is amazing." It didn't matter how sad we looked. It was magical. Better than any photo would depict it. Surreal.

"I guess." She mumbled. "I was stuck on what to draw. As soon as this came back to me, I couldn't help but paint it out. Every name here… they were someone. Our friends."

"Hey, at least we'll never forget them." I said with a half-hearted smile.

"Yeah, that's all that matters." Hazel nodded.

I picked up my canvas and sent mine and hers to our room. Hazel and I lounged around in comfortable silence, as we both thought back on what had happened.

"We should make this a hobby." She said idly, swinging her paintbrush. "Every time we get to relax like this, we paint."

"I'm down for it." I said. "Not so sure if Frank would though."

"No one could say he would become an artist." Hazel shrugged. "But that's okay. He can just watch us."

"Yep." I agreed. "That's probably best." Even Frank himself knew he was hopeless at art.

"You wanna go?" Hazel asked. "It's getting really dark." The sun had set by now, Helios was done with his duty. The stars lit up the sky. I couldn't find most of the constellations. The Huntress wasn't in the sky. At least it means that Zöe isn't dead.

"Sure." Side by side, we walked back to the palace.

In our room, the only light that came was from the windows and some of the plants that glowed brightly at night. Hazel climbed into one of the bed of mosses as I lingered outside. Something felt wrong… but I couldn't pinpoint it. It might be the Flame. I hate her. I want her to die, to avenge Enigma, Jaz and Cop.

… but why did I also have this urge to protect her when I don't even know her?

If I could stay in that time forever, I would even thank the Fates. However, I had to continue my work. I really won't deny it. The next few days, I discussed with Saturn a little side project I was planning. He agreed to let me do it solo.

Hazel also couldn't wait. The dragons' deaths had left us restless. She left to get revenge of her own, leaving a note for Frank. When she passed it to me, I couldn't help noticing how thick it was. Love letters, no doubt, for Frank. I rolled my eyes but couldn't wipe my smile off as she ran off, preparing to leave. No need to ask me not to read them. She was leaving for Athens. Was she going to invade it? No. Gah, definitely no. Why would she? Athens isn't to fault, those people didn't need to die. Well, most don't. I mean… no one would mind if we just completely destroyed the statues, shrines and temples for the Gods, right?

She was going to leave after that. We had gotten reports how the Gods were fighting back now, and she has plans to deliberately show herself in hopes of finding the Flame. The last time Frank reached out to us in our dreamscape, well, he wasn't that happy. Saw the Flame, he said. He mentioned I wouldn't be very happy, but I wasn't able to find out why before I woke up. He went from that village to the next immediately, wanting to get it over with.

As for me? Well, right now, as I thought through this, I slipped out of my chiton and into my battle armour, still gleaming from its wash. The last time I wore it things had gone… bloody. Yeah, bloody. That's the best word to describe it. Vague but enough.

Themis saw me out as I met her round the corner of my room. I slowed down my speed from lightning speed to normal walking speed as she handed me a piece of parchment. Don't ask me how they got paper, I have long learned not to question these things. I quickly scanned it.

"Our spies have reported that the Flame comes from a place not from here." Themis said neutrally. "In other words, she comes from the future, perhaps about four thousand to five thousand years to the future." Around my time then. I crushed the parchment with my hands, my hands sending tiny sparks of lightning. One of them managed to put the piece of paper on fire and it burned away.

Themis observed me, but made no comments as I stewed. Who was from my time and had such power? Power that was always equal to one of the primordials? "The future? Well that isn't good."

"Yes. They claim that she knows this war's outcome." Her eyes narrowed when she thought I couldn't see her. "Now, she has become… confused."

"Oh? Is that good for our side?"

"You tell me, Prodosia." My fingers combed through my hair as she stopped walking. I did too, metres in front of her. "They say she says you do not exist in times of history. That the stories she has known do not include any of you three. So who are you?"

I breathed through my lips. "A part of me always wondered what would happen when you eventually figured it out. Took you a whole year. Really. Even Góissa, the most optimistic, could not say you were smart." I spun back, smiling with my teeth. "You tell me, Themis." My voice was as calm as the ocean, as deadly as it too. "Who am I?"

"You do not belong in this time." She said, staring back steadily.

"Góissa, Ekdikó and I are your allies, because we believe the Gods do not deserve to rule. We have seen their rule, and we have seen how horrible they have done it. Now, we have our own encounters with the Titans. All of you can improve, and I believe together, we can create a better world." I narrowed my eyes. "Without the Gods."

"What time did you come from?" She called out as I opened the gates of the Solar Stream. I paused. "We are no Flame, Themis. We are more powerful, more experienced. Do not mistake us to be the Flame. But…" I gave her a two-finger salute. "Let's just say as our ways change, I probably belong in the same time zone as our dearest Flame." I stepped through, letting the familiar feeling rush through me as I was teleported away.

As I opened my eyes, no one seemed to see me as I quietly made my way out from the shadows. It was best if they don't see me anyways, not if I want to finish the job quickly.

With a quick snap of my finger, I quickly activated Omichli's power. Yes, I still have it. Forgot about that, huh?

When I looked down at my body, only the tree trunk behind me greeted me. I was completely invisible. Perfect.

Soundlessly, I weaved my way round the allies of the Gods. I mean, nothing would make me happier than to kill them, but it was better this way. Better when I revel in their complete shock after doing what I'm supposed to. (Definitely not because… what I saw reminded me of the Battle of Manhattan. The look of helpless defeat. Knowing you were at impossible odds but still have to try either way because you don't want the people you care about to die. No definitely not)

As I ghosted past the people, I could hear their whispers, their doubts wafting through the air. The grief as they learn that their friends wouldn't be making.

It should make me sad, and it did. But it also made me furious. The war would be ending soon, the Gods weren't so suicidal they think they can win, even with the Flame's help. Honestly, it might have even ended sooner if the Gods just stopped holding onto that foolish hope. Once they did, we could convince Saturn to stop the deaths. But our hands were tied at the moment, we can't just say such things when there's a war happening. Just like I can't ask for the Hecatoncheires to be free knowing how they would help the Gods win.

I finally reached the place I was looking for. My gaze was fixated on the building, watching as the guards walked in sync, guarding their stock carefully. This is for you, my friends.

Slowly, I rose from my hiding spot, taking small and meaningful steps. I copied one of the signature movements, twirling a black dahlia, black flowers that Hazel grew, mixed with all those colourful ones. A special meaning, I'll let you guess. Hint: it is closely related to my chosen name.

And with each step, I slowly unravelled the Mist, from bottom to top. By the time I reached one of the guards, a satyr, they had already seen me. Now, I have never met them in my entire life. I do not know them. They don't know me. But oh, they do not need to know me to recognise me. They just need to know my mask.

The satyr who I faced quivered in fear as I, quite civilly I might add, say, "hey."

All I did was lightly tap his nose with the flower.

Of course, there are things that happen that the naked eye cannot see. I transfered a lightning bolt to his body through our physical contact, incinerating his body. No screams needed, he disintegrated like any monster would. I hid my smile behind the dahlia, pretending to inhale the scent as they scrambled, trying to get away from me.

"You don't have to sound so eager, my friends." I said jovially. Spreading my arms, I continued, "there's more where that came from."

All the guards were, as usual, on second late. An electric surge rushed through my body, as I sent lighting bolts crashing down at them. Their screams were abruptly cut off.

"Don't bother!" I shouted, turning to where a crowd of at least twenty creatures were gathered. "You will get your turn as well!"

I swept the hand that held the single, delicate flower in their direction. Because of how close they were, one powerful lightning bolt was enough. A large fire blazed in my eyes as the lightning struck near nature. I flicked my finger, sending a jet of water strong enough to douse the fire. I made a promise to Grover once, after all. I will keep that promise.

Turning back to the building they all died for, I smirked. More will be joining them soon. I raised the flower high in the sky, curling my fingers to its petals. With a smooth movement, I crushed it, reducing it to a useless pile of nothing. Tossing it near the building, I vapour-travelled at least twenty miles away. Even from so far though, I could feel the heat as the entire place suddenly just imploded. My hair was sent flying from the tight braid and I nearly flew off with it if not for my natural instincts. I commanded the earth to form around me and shield me, waiting for the bomb to stop. Nice right? That's why I always say looks don't matter and not to underestimate anything.

As I stepped out of the shield, my hair stuck on my face, I was feeling pretty good. That has to make the Gods look, right?

Maybe I was too depressed before, thinking my luck was too bad. But I could feel it right now.

I whirled around, hand on Kósmina's hilt, pulling it out. I never knew whether it was a human or creature, so I rarely took out Riptide. Besides, that sword… holds a lot of memories.

And there he was. I felt my heart thump with anticipation as I licked my lips. He was… just like Poseidon. Just like my traitor father. He even carried his trident the same way. I relished the feeling that I will finally be able to get revenge. Heck, I might not even need Hali's help.

"Neptune, God of the seas." I said in greeting.

His face didn't change, cold and impassive. "Prodosia. I see you finally show your face." I cocked my head. There was something… off about that sentence. I couldn't tell what. Phrasing? Tone? Accent?

"Finally? I should be asking you that. The Gods don't really care about us do you, if you're willing to not do anything as we come by." I smiled even brighter as his knuckles turned white from gripping his trident so hard.

"We are Gods, Prodosia, not suicidal."

"Like that is some excuse. Now you come only because that would affect you." I pointed back at the burning building that once held all their food stock.

"Do not put words in my mouth, Prodosia." He warned.

"You are right." I nodded, surprising him. "We should not waste precious time arguing. I must be off. Cities to conquer, temples to pillage, if you get my meaning."

I made a show of turning around before I hesitated. "You can choose to fight me now, Neptune, but you can also choose to try and save the survivors. I left a message with them, shall I tell you?" I didn't wait for his response. The clouds rolled in as I unleashed my hold over my aura for a second. It started to rain as I brought my hands up. "I will not stop." I said, fairly calm as lightning and thunder rolled. "I will never stop until they are avenged! Listen to me, Neptune, listen well and remember. I will not stop. I will continue bringing death and suffering, close to the doors of Olympus. I will not stop… not unless the Flame surrenders herself."

Watching the look of recognition and apprehension cross his face, I smirked. "You know who I'm talking about. Tell her to surrender, else I will never stop. It does not matter if she can destroy the Shadow Titans, she can never defeat me. Maybe she can buy you some false security, it hardly matters. What I want, I will get. The Gods cannot stop me, nor can the Flame."

He turned pale as I sighed. "One day, Neptune, you and I will meet again on the battlefield. I will have my revenge and it will taste so sweet. Unfortunately, it will not be today. Take your warriors, bury your dead. I have enough honour not to attack you while you are grieving."

He said nothing as I left, mentally congratulating myself for a job well-done.

I didn't immediately return to Titus though. I made it so that I would visit Kydilla every couple of months. If you want to ask, how do you know the date? Well, I don't. But Hazel does. She made it her job to count everyday, following the day we left, until the calendar is finally created. She's the one who reminds us of events.

Before I made myself known, I looked around the village. It has prospered. A lot. Gone were the signs of drunken men and dirty roads. Aura had started a plan to build over water to save up space, and a way to protect the oceans either way. I had shown my approval in my own ways.

When she spotted me, Aura's eyes lit up. She had changed a lot this past year, not just on the inside. She now no longer hid behind the shy girl facade, not that anyone believed that anymore, and started dressing more daringly.

Before, she wore a simple chiton. Never meant for battle. Now, she dressed like a queen. A circlet of gold was adorned on her brown hair. She wore battle armour, comfy yet stylish. I designed it, Hazel helped make it happen. "Persephone!" She squealed, leaping into my welcoming arms. I twirled her around three times before gently putting her down on her feet. She beamed at me happily.

"How are you, my child?" I asked calmly.

"Amazing. I love being queen!" She laughed. Aura had grown up in that one year, growing more muscles. Her youthful features changed and she matured. Her hair grew longer and she once asked me to help her cut it until it grew back to her normal length, before I helped plait it. Mum used to do it for me, and now I taught it to Thyia to do so with the children of Kydilla.

"That's nice to hear." I smiled. "Where's your mother?"

"Mama is helping to oversee the new stream of people seeking asylum." She reported. "There's quite a lot. They all hope to be spared from the war, and think Kydilla is best for it." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, nervously biting her bottom lip. "I try to help all of them." She wrung her hands. "I even work with Charí and Eretreucia but we are losing land space to build houses for all the people, but I don't want to drive them out."

I grimaced. Eretreucia, my third city. If combined, they still do not have enough land area, something is seriously wrong.

"Do not worry, Aura. Everything will be better. Mmm… for now, redirect all the people to Parigoria. I am sure Amey and Elpis could use the extra hands. You just focus on land space, and do not hesitate to use Hali if needed to." Aura nodded, hand reaching up to brush against that shard. "Thank you, Persephone."

"You're welcome, Aura." I kissed her temple.

"Will you tell me what you have been doing these past few months?" She asked as we went on a walk. Hey, I have ADHD. Don't blame me.

"The Flame made her appearance." I said tightly. "I haven't had the time to find out her identity, but I know enough. I've started leaving threats where they can find them. So far they are ignoring them but I can be patient. Oh, and I met my first God. Would you like to guess who?"

"Jupiter?" She tapped her chin. "Wait, no. He's their leader, and going against you would be suicidal. He wouldn't do that. Neptune?"

"Right on the dot." I made water confetti rain on us. Aura giggled as her hair dampened. I quickly dried it.

"Will you be very busy then? I like it when you visit me. During the war, well, I never know when you might get hurt. You rarely visit me or drop me a message." She avoided me, but I saw enough in her posture.

I sighed. How similar she was like Emily, constantly wanting my attention. She was different from Emily though. She wants my attention because we rarely see each other. She wanted to see me because she was worried for me. Emily wanted my attention because she grew used to me being around her. She's so spoilt, getting what she wants when she wants it. Constantly happy every time, everyday, so thick-skinned until she doesn't realise that the people around her are suffering. I doubt she even read my letter when I let it slip that my friends died. I love Emily but… I'm starting to doubt she reciprocates those feelings.

"I'm sorry, my child." I said to Aura gently. "I can't always be here. You have a duty to this land, and I have a duty to win the Gods. But for now… I have nothing on my list."

Her eyes shone bright and she smiled. If it was Emily though… she would whine that she wants me to stay with her forever. See the difference? I wait for the day Emily finally matures and learns some empathy. "Really? That's great!" Aura grabbed my hands. "Let's go then!" I allowed myself to be dragged off.

Hazel POV

Now, if you ever asked me what was the most thrilling thing that has happened to me, I would definitely say it was finally meeting Pluto again, while my beautiful masterpiece burned behind me. I'm sure in his eyes, he would see a young, innocent girl standing in front of a raging fire, her smile anything but.

How did I get here, you might ask. Well… I might have gone a bit overboard with my revenge for the dragons.

After I left my messages for Frank with Percy, since I knew she knew all the best hiding spots for things, I left for Athens. I admit, a part of me wanted to see Minerva, see the girl Percy liked to search for in her dreams, but a bigger part of me just wanted to be a voice for those who lost their voices. The Dead. So what did I do? I went to the most popular city of Greece, and sneaked into the Gods temple. I lounged around for a while, admiring the beauty of the place, and contemplating what I was going to do. Then, I set my plan in motion.

Commandeering the Mist, I imagined all the humans out of the temple. It was a revenge for the Gods, not humans. For once. Then, I imagined all the statues in the middle room which coincidentally was the largest room. After I did so, I couldn't even enter the room.

Which was no problem for me.

I sneaked out of the temple, and managed to make a stone pillar from the earth so tall, it brought me to the top of the temple.

That's when the fun started.

"Halt." Someone commanded in Greek. I whirled around, hair flying behind me as I squinted at the dark figure that just appeared, standing at the edge of the temple.

"Pluto." I mock-bowed in greeting. Deep inside me, though, I squealed like some lovesick teenager. I had no intention of killing him now, why bother when I can kill him in a much better way? Still, I was going to love this.

Pluto, in my opinion, still had a bad fashion style. He was so young, maybe around Percy's age, but he carried himself like he always did. Cold, distant, foreign, and impassive. None of the characteristics of a loving father. I suppose it's lucky for him I do not need one.

"Góissa." He took one step closer, his hand around a silver, double edged sword. No helm of darkness. "Put your hands down."

I looked down at my hands that were spewing Mist. They drifted down to my feet, laying out a field. All ready for me to use.

"Why, Pluto. I didn't know you cared." I smiled brightly. "Never thought you were one to avoid deaths. After all, it helps expand your empire. Do you not like that?" Do I have a death wish? Nope. Do I wish to insult the God of the Underworld? A hundred percent.

Pluto's face darkened, not that it was hard. "Surrender, Góissa. Things do not have to be harder than they are right now."

"I can almost believe this is our first meeting, Pluto!" I mock-gasped. "Do you truly not know much about me to think I would surrender just because you decided to deign me with your presence? No. In fact, I'm only more determined." I smiled at the ground. "Heads up."

Before Pluto realised what was going on, I slammed my fist into the ground. The whole ceiling shook and when I got to my feet, it was like the entire world was shaking. While he had been so busy with talking to me, I had identified the material the ceiling was made of and slowly weakened it little by little. A bit like what Annabeth did at Arachne's cavern, only I was the one who weakened it.

"Catch me now, Pluto!" I yelled as the ground beneath me imploded and I fell backwards. I smiled as Pluto hurried to the hole, watching me fall. I waited and waited and waited until I no longer saw him, and twisted my body, leaping sideways, grunting as I landed on a falling piece. Hard.

Okay, maybe I do need to practise on what to do when you're falling from a five hundred foot building, but now wasn't the time. Focusing on my own shadow, I pulled myself into the shadows, merging to be one. The coolness was all around me, closing in on me, but I didn't care, instead leaping out almost instantaneously. As I landed on my feet, I smiled, listening as my work crushed the statues and shrines I had oh-so-nicely laid down to be crushed.

Crash!

Smash!

Mrreow!

I winced. Pretty sure a statue didn't make that sound. Sorry little kitty! Should've checked first. It's just that Percy is better at checking for life sources, I check for the people who are about to die.

"I would almost be impressed," Pluto's stunned yet reluctant voice drawled out. He stood with his hands behind his back, facing the temple. The Acropolis, if you needed the name. "If I didn't know this is child's play to you."

"I am truly honoured to know you know my feats." I quickly bowed. "But it won't exactly help you, now, will it? I'm rather disappointed. Really, I am. It took you so long for you Gods to show your faces, and when you do, you don't even attack."

"I do not doubt I will lose." His eyes narrowed. "Somehow, you are stronger than us Gods. That is a mystery, as you clearly are not Xan."

"Xan?" I pondered about that but shrugged. "If only the Xan can defeat you, Pluto, then your dear Flame is a Xan. Thank you for the information. I do not know what a Xan is, but I have no doubt Saturn does."

"You do not call my father by his title." He speculated.

I laughed, spreading my hands. "Why should I? I respect Saturn as a being. I respect that he can be a leader." I smiled secretively. "Want to know a secret, Pluto? I'm not that impressed. I know, if Prodosia had her ways, we would have already won. However, it is clear Saturn had trust issues. Slowly, we have gained his trust, but it has wasted time. You should rejoice, truly, that Prodosia has decided to leave leadership to Saturn."

"She… is your leader." He noticed.

"Ekdikó's and my leader. Yes. In a way, we all are leaders. We all lead armies." My smile became one of reminisce. "I commanded them with Ekdikó as we all listened to one leader. Not the Gods, not the Titans. Only Prodosia. Because she forever has our best interests at heart. Oh, Pluto. If only you did not do what you have done, you would have also liked her. She hasn't failed to charm anyone she set her eyes on."

"What have I done?" He asked, eyes searching for mine. Searching for an answer I would not give. An answer the Gods can never be ready for because of their narrow mindedness.

"Oh! I spoke out of line." I shrugged nonchalantly. "It hardly matters. Now, shall we spar?"

I did not wait for his response. I leapt at him, drawing an imperial gold sword straight from our room. Amazing what the Mist can do.

Pluto blocked my attack, eyes narrowing. I didn't give him the luxury of time, swinging the sword at his shoulder. He quickly parried the blow but I used the opportunity to use the momentum and somersault over his back, driving the sword down his back. He moved away as if lightning struck him.

I waited, victorious. Oh, you have no idea the absolute joy and satisfaction you get when you finally manage to land a hit on your enemy.

Pluto drew his hand back from where he held his back tightly, eyes widened in shock as golden blood ran down his fingers. "How?" He asked in complete shock.

"I barely attacked you, Pluto! Just two attacks, and you are dead if I wanted you to be." I smiled happily, going back to my stance. "Round two?"

I didn't let him recover, instead lunged forward, my sword high in the sky before I brought it down in a swift strike. Pluto was still a god though. Quicker than any human might have done, he deftly deflected the attack, managing to slide away. I watched in annoyed amusement as his injury already stopped bleeding. Stupid quick healing.

Lunging again, I swept at his legs but Pluto leapt out of the way, attacking me from the side. I ducked down low, bringing my sword up to counter his blow. We were locked down in an X. His sword on top, trying to push mine down while I tried to force him to let go. "You cannot win me, Pluto." I stared straight into his eyes as he started to grit his teeth with the effort. "You cannot win. Not when you have everything to lose and I have none." I jerked my head back. Pluto's eyes widened.

The whole of the Acropolis exploded, the pieces flying everywhere. We broke contact, him going to find any hurt human as I quickly pulled out Azure from under my armour. The gem glowed brightly, a sign of what just happened. "No wonder Sephie has you." I whisper, slightly out of breath at the amount of power I exhausted. A large block of wood came flying at me but I aimed Azure at it, letting its destructive powers do the work for me. "No wonder." I shook my head again. "Only Sephie could control you and bend you to her will. I completely forgive her for any of the random lightning bolts that would hit me while we were testing our powers. Oh, Azure, you are like Poseidon's and Aeolus's bad temper mixed together with Zeus's powers. Let Sephie have you, this is the last time I'm borrowing you." I got up again, shaking the dust out of my hair. Azure floated next to me. I grasped its chain. Azure stopped levitating, falling in my hold. "Find Sephie. I'm sure she's missing you like I would miss Gi if she wasn't here." Gi, luckily, was in my pouch along with Omichli. Percy had lent me Azure when I made a comment about how it must be nice to have Azure do everything for her. Never again.

As for what she's doing… well I don't know. She just asked for a black dahlia and didn't come out of the room for twenty-four hours. I couldn't even see what she was doing because she hid herself in a cocoon of wind, so thick it completely blocked my view. Unfortunately, it also blew everything away.

Azure flashed brightly one last time before vanishing from my view. I'll leave Percy with that teleporting stone. I so prefer my Gi.

I moved my hair away from my face, quite happy with the results. All around the destroyed Acropolis, debris laid. Broken statue heads, half falling shrines. It was all shattered from that one exploding lightning bolt I kept at the very centre of the room, waiting for the chance to unleash it. In other words, it was like a bomb that I could activate at any time.

I made my way out of the debris, and firmly planted my feet on the entrance of the Acropolis. Hundreds of humans were gathered around, but one look at me made them scatter, like a stack of paper against a tornado. All that was left was Pluto who glared murderously at me. I fluffed my hair. Amazing work. "You cannot win me, Pluto."

"I do not try to. Góissa, whatever spat you have with the Gods, do not let it harm the humans. They have nothing in this. They are innocent!"

A spat? A spat?! That's all he can say? Five hundred deaths. A spat? My anger boiled. "Easy for you to say." I cried, jumping at him again. He could barely keep up with the flurry of attacks as I unleashed my anger on him. "Your family is immortal." Whap! I hit his shoulder. "Your friends are immortal." I hit his left arm. His face showed great anguish. "Your family cannot die." I drove the tip of my sword in his gut. Pluto coughed out blood. Or rather, ichor. "You will never understand loss. Not like we have. You Gods act so high and mighty, but you are nothing compared to us-" I almost said demigods in my fit of rage. Luckily, I caught a hold of it and firmly pushed it away. "I will kill you, Pluto." I seethed. "I will kill you. Kill every last of your siblings and allies. I do not care about my deal. No matter what, you will die. Who knows? Maybe if you all die beforehand, Saturn will not find the need to create that weapon."

His eyes widened in an unspoken language. "So you know. So do I. Everyone knows, Pluto. Surrender now, it will not have to come to that."

"We Olympians never give up." He lunged. I expected him to drive his sword into me, but he did something even more stupid. He latched onto my wrist.

I waited, as did he. We both stared at where he grabbed me. His hand was cold, pulsing with the aura of the dead, but nothing happened.

"Um…" I paused. "Being a God, I'm assuming you tried to do something very dramatic, but I'm guessing it failed. So… mind telling me what you just did?"

"How did it fail?" Pluto murmured. "It only failed with the Shadow Titans. They weren't even alive. Are you a Shadow Titan?"

"Ew, gross." I shook his hand away. "Do you think Shadow Titans have a brain? They were born from pain and torture. I hate them. I mean, I understand why they would capture the Minotaur, but the Dragon? The blackbird? The turtle? Do not ask me if I am a Shadow Titan because I do not want to be born from pain."

"But you use them." Confusing danced in his eyes as he straightened.

I shrugged. "They aren't alive so I don't give a damn if they die. Besides, it's not like I would go to Tartarus to free them." I recalled the haunted look in Percy's and Annabeth's eyes. The way they held this cautious stand every time, no matter what, like they were never sure when something might attack them. How they stuck close to each other no matter what. Percy needed Annabeth. And the Gods cruelly took that away from her. I fisted my hand. And I'm talking to one of them right now.

Pluto wasn't expecting as I raised the sword, and swiped it across his face. By the time he reacted, I had already drawn ichor. "We are enemies, Pluto." I seethed. "We could have been a normal family, but you took that trust and stepped on it, crushing it completely. You destroyed my past, my present, my future, and I will not let you do it to my second chance. I will be the one to kill you. You could not even bother with Nico. Your son! Your ambassador. He went through hell because of you and you didn't even bat an eye as Zeus killed him. Which is exactly what I am going to do to you." I suppose it was a relief for me that I was so mad I talked in Latin.

He couldn't understand a thing. "How did it not affect you?" He asked in bewilderment. "It should have killed you!"

"Thank you for that piece of information." I cocked my head, my temper fading as fast as it had come. "So a touch from the God of the Underworld kills, yes? But I am immune to death. The Fates would not let me die. I have not aged a day since this war. Neither have my friends. Your death-touch will bring nothing but confusion!" It was a sad truth. We have not grown at all. I was stuck in a fifteen year old body, Frank his seventeen year old body, and Percy her eighteen year old body. Not aged a day, besides the amount of scars we got from the harsh training and minor accidents. I had been right to say the Fates refused to let us die. Sometime, from here and there, they had granted us immortality.

Pluto deftly dodged despite having two life-threatening injuries. His hand grabbed onto his sword again, and parried my attack. "Why?" His face was in my sight again. "Why do you fight for my father?"

I kicked him away. Tears appeared at the edge of my vision. "Because I would rather die than fight for the Gods."