Back again for Chapter Two of Book Five! Let's get into it. Not wasting any time at all. My old speed is back by the way, we're back on weekly updates people! Or at least, that's what I'm shooting for.

Enjoy. And let me know what you thought.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters (except the OC's) Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Heroes Of Olympus, Or Trials of Apollo. All of that belongs to Rick Riordan.

2. Never Trust Girls With Cat Masks

Talon

Oh no, you're not getting me with this shit. Not me.

You already got Matty boy, Goth Girl, the Kelp Man, and even freaking Malachi, which I'm sure was a very articulated tale to follow, but you ain't getting me.

Trust me, you don't want to follow this through my view. You'll get more than you bargained for. Master always told me your mouth'll get you in trouble if you ain't careful.

You still here? Damn, you want me bad huh?

For your own good, turn back. I got a big freaking mouth, and a lot of opinions. I'm gonna tell you what I think, even if you don't like it.

Think you can handle it?

...

Alright then. Shit, I guess you want me to have a turn. Might as well take it.

So you wanna know what I think of the situation at hand? It's fucking crazy. Excuse the language, but you'll have to get used to it. I got a potty mouth. Have ever since my knee-high days. Fuck is probably my favorite word. Right behind partner, and maybe whiskey. I love whiskey.

We're all having a good time, the Hallmark couples are all gathered up on the couch, and I'm playing it solo in my little section, all's good. I'm having a blast, opening gifts. It was the best Christmas I've had...ever. Yeah, ever. Master didn't do none of that, and we didn't know what that was on the Island, so it's actually the first real one I've ever celebrated.

Then this chick in a cat mask shows up.

Barges in and drops this shit on our laps. Ouranos is over in Japan, something about a castle, and oh yeah, my dad is over there too. But here's the real kicker. Ready? Their friends.

Yep, my dad won't reach out to me, other than send the weird ass vision from time to time, but he'll form a bond with some stranger. Makes perfect sense.

When I find him, he's got a hell of an explanation to give.

Right after we said our goodbyes, new girl Asuka pulled a Malachi and teleported us. Hers was a different kind of wacky though. Instead of blue light like it is with Malachi, she puts up an orange wall and wraps us in it. Like a freaking blanket. It didn't feel like it blinked us, it was more of a slow process. I mean, it was instant I'm sure, but it looked slower than you'd think. It approached us and formed a dome, then sucked us up into the sky and plopped us down in another country.

We were held completely in place. There was no wiggle room, nobody was jostled around or falling out of the train, we all remained perfectly still. It honestly reminded me of those damn shrooms, or whatever the hallucinogens do to you. I ain't messed with them, not really my type of deal, but I've heard you see some really crazy shit when you're on them. This was kind of similar.

As soon as we felt a thump on the bottom of the fire train, I knew we landed. It was soft and easy, but it made a noise like a car being dropped from a tow truck, weight against immovable surface.

Asuka willed the orange wall to disappear with a hand wave, and when it left, it revealed the most...beautiful freaking sight I'd ever seen.

I don't say that shit lightly. Beautiful ain't a regular in my vocab, so when I use it, you'd better believe whatever I'm complementing is drop dead lethal. I can only remember three occasions before this. Mary, the shore of the Island, and Sera when I first met her.

Japan was...breathtaking, to say the least. That only begins to describe it. We had landed in a wide, massive landscape, facing uphill towards an even bigger mountain. White at the top, but a gray spiral everywhere else. It commanded a legion of trees below it, covering it's very bottom. They were all shining green from the damp condensation of the fading morning. It was a little warmer here than at Camp, maybe by a few degrees or so. It was chilly, but if you needed to, you could tough it out in a t-shirt for an hour.

The hills were wide open in a straight line, like a golf fairway, with arrays of trees on either side. Starting to regain their leaves, but the cold weather had frozen them, keeping them from their full potential.

A gust of wind entered the fray and blew against us, tickling the leaves too and rustling them. My eyes were protected against it's attack, so I just kept staring and scanning, drinking it in as fast as possible, because I figured shit would hit the fan pretty soon.

Everybody else, save for Asuka and Sera, had to bring a hand up and cover their face. Eyes getting all dry, couldn't blame em.'

Goth girl was wincing and looking away, "Well, at least there's no snow."

Percy blinked like crazy, "Are you guys seeing little dots all over the place, or just me?"

Sera smiled and closed her eyes, loving it. "I think it feels amazing! It is so pretty too!"

"It's the cold time of year." Asuka informed, "Usually the trees are colorful, and the sun is shining. I like it better that way."

"What, cause of your mom's powers?" I asked, "Sun and all that?"

She nodded, "Yes."

The way she said it, I already knew damn well she wasn't fond of me. Got off to a rocky start, so hey, not exactly rocket science. I mean, I ain't her biggest fan either, believe me. I don't know her, I don't trust her, and I don't like people that hide their damn face. Can't get a read on them.

And don't say I'm being a hypocrite. I do it for the same reason. Not saying she's dumb for wearing that thing, but I just get the feeling that it ain't for hiding her emotions. I think she's hiding her face from people. Who? Not sure yet.

The wind died down and shifted into a soft breeze. Malachi brought his forearm down slowly, his eyes squinted. "We are in Japan, yes?"

"Yes." Asuka confirmed, and pointed towards the mountain, "That is Mt. Fuji, where your father is located."

"You didn't say Talon's dad was in Mt. Fuji." Percy said accusingly.

Annabeth nudged him, "She said he's in the highest peak in Japan. That's Mt. Fuji."

"Precisely." Asuka said.

Percy blushed, "Oh...my bad."

Sera lifted a white eyebrow, "But why are we so far away? Why not go straight to Mr. Nikandreos?"

Annabeth stared at the mountain, "To not draw attention. If Ouranos is here, we can't jeopardize his location."

Asuka's mask bobbed up and down, I could damn near see the look of respect through the wood. "You are the smart one, I see. Yes, that is the exact reason. We used a good bit of chi in teleporting, so I have no doubt that Ouranos already knows we are here."

"I kept my aura suppressed." Malachi said, "Percy did as well, and theirs are naturally suppressed outside of battle." He scanned her up and down indifferently, "The only one he would feel is yours."

"Which is good." She said, "Perhaps it will be enough for him to brush it off."

"He hasn't confronted you thus far?"

"He has not. I have only seen him from afar." It was her turn to scan him, "He looks nearly identical to you. Is there a reason for that?"

Malachi's expression darkened, daring her to get hostile at his answer. I felt my own arm tense up, ready to grab my gun. If she freaked out at Malachi being Ouranos's son, then we could have a fight on our hands. Now I don't have aura sensing, at least...not in this state, so I don't really know for sure how strong she is. But judging on Matt and Percy's comments earlier, she's damn strong. Enough to take all of us on and hold her own at least.

"He is my father."

I tried to look for the smallest movement in her body language, but found nothing. She didn't even flinch or twitch. I was taken back by that to be honest. Maybe she had an expression, but I couldn't freaking tell because of that damn mask!

Finally, she replied, "Ah, well that makes sense."

We were all a little surprised by the reaction, and I took the chance to push it a little further.

"Wait, you're cool with that? You ain't suspicious of his loyalty?"

Lifeless eyes stared back up at me, "Not at all. He would not be here if he weren't loyal. Or sitting with you all opening gifts."

Well...shit. Alright then.

"I am not loyal to him." Malachi growled, "I'd love to kill him, if given the chance."

"That may very well happen." Asuka said, "The plan is to hike to the mountain, then up it. Take rests if needed, use as little chi as possible. It will not be fast, or easy, for that matter, but it's the quietest and most effective way to do it."

Percy's jaw dropped, "We have to climb that?"

"You have god like powers, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth scolded, "You won't even break a sweat."

"I know, but it's gonna take...so long."

"It shall." Asuka agreed, "But it will be worth avoiding a fight."

"Agreed." Malachi said, "We should get Talon to his father first, then worry about Ouranos."

I was shocked he'd put that before getting revenge on his piece of shit dad. That's something Malachi's wanted for years and years.

"Dude, you don't have to-" I started, but he cut me off.

"You've wanted this for so long, my friend. You deserve to find out the truth. To face the mystery."

Sera put a hand on my arm and rubbed it, "Talon, it is okay. We are in no rush, and we'll be there every step of the way. I will even hold your hand if you wish."

I couldn't help the grin that stretched across my face. Sera was sweeter than a damn mango covered in honey. Always been that way.

"That means the world, princess." I looked at Malachi, "You too, man. You're the...damn best friend I've ever had."

He smirked, "I won't hold your hand, heh, but if Nikandreos is not the man you imagined, I'll be by your side to stand against him."

Percy shrugged, "Heck, count me in too. I was ready to fight Zeus with Jason, I'll fight Nikandreos with you too, bro."

Annabeth sighed, "I don't know why we're assuming Nikandreos is a dirtbag, but If we are, I'll count myself in too. You're a lot to deal with Talon, but I've always got your back."

I nodded gratefully at her. I didn't really know what the hell was going on, or what kind of circle jerk this was, but it was a special moment. So I better just keep my damn mouth shut and absorb it, because I'm lucky, very lucky to have such good friends.

My eyes found Goth girl through the tint of the sunglasses, and she shrugged. Like it was obvious.

"You even have to ask, idiot?" She tapped a finger to the Heavenly Diamond knife on her waist, "If that deadbeat tries anything, I'm going in first."

"Appreciate it." I probably should've said more, but her and I have a sort of simplicity in the way we talk. We have an understanding. We ain't the best of friends or anything, but we'll kill together if we have to. And she's a damn good person to fight beside.

Asuka was looking all over the place, completely baffled by the cheesy moment. I could tell she wanted to say 'what the hell's going on?' so badly.

I had to apologize, "Sorry bout that. I know that was straight from a kids cartoon, but that's how we roll. Fight like demons, reassure each other like Powerpuff Girls."

The shinto demigoddess just shook her head, "Yes...I see. Well then, we should begin the hike if we want to get there. Follow me."

Asuka moved ahead at the front, with me following close behind. She's a swift little thing, I'll give her that, because I'm having to jog just to keep up with her walking pace.

"So he's at the top?"

She replied without even looking my way. "Near it."

"What's he look like?"

"A man." She answered curtly, "Tall, well built, short hair. Like you." She glanced at me, then I could've swore I heard a small snort come from her. "Well, perhaps not the tall part."

I growled. "I'll have you know I'm above average. What are you, like five-one?"

"We use centimeters as measurement. But I am five-five."

Eh, sounds about right. "Ah, but you admit I'm well built. Can't deny that, can you?"

"For you, it's not bad."

I wanted to get pissed, but oddly enough, I didn't feel mad. I kind of got excited that she could hold her own with a little banter. My kind of girl.

No, not like that, genius. You know what I meant. Still don't trust her, but she's sassy, so at least I can have a little fun messing with her. Goth girl's getting kind of repetitive these days.

"So...what did he say about me?"

Asuka didn't answer, but I noticed that she had started walking slower, and her face was aimed upward now, towards the sky.

"Hey, did you hear me?" I was getting annoyed. Hell, if she didn't want to tell me anything, she should just give it to me straight. I'd leave her alone. Maybe.

She shushed me and put her arm out, like a squad leader signaling for the troops to hold. We all stopped in our tracks.

Her finger stretched out towards the clouds, "Do you see that?"

I glanced upward, and saw wide gray clouds, over us, over the mountain, all over the place. I figured they had been there the entire time.

"The clouds?"

Malachi apparently had been paying attention more than me, because his tone was just as grim as hers. "They were not there before..."

The wind had picked up even further, now blowing everybody's hair like crazy. The grass swayed nearly to the ground, and the trees all around us dipped low from the pressure. It only seemed to get harder with each second, like the worst riptide you could imagine.

We were all silent, simultaneously staring up at the sky for any movement. But nothing happened, at least not for several seconds. We endured the insane wind for a moment longer, then it gradually died.

Died to the point where it was still, not even the slightest breeze. The trees and grass picked themselves up and stood straight, relaxing back in a comfortable position. Just some wishy washy weather, nothing to worry about. Besides, if Malachi sensed an aura anywhere, he would've done something by now.

I snorted, "See, nothing. Just a little odd-"

"Get down!" Asuka shouted suddenly. I felt her wrap her right arm around my midsection, and with abnormal, overwhelming strength, forced me down to the ground on my belly. The others followed her orders as fast as they could, or I assumed so. I saw them flinch in my peripheral before the chick slammed me.

As soon as the thought entered my head to yell at her, I felt the ground shake, then heard the explosion.

A bright orange light flashed at the top of my vision, the area rumbled, vibrating the shit out of my brain and probably knocking it out of place. The sound wasn't anything I didn't know, just shy of a dynamite excavation, but a bit more than a C4 explosive going off.

We waited for another rumbling, but when it didn't come, we all stood up at the same time, seeing the results. The blast, or whatever it was left a raging fire in front of us on the cold grass. It billowed high and swayed back and forth, dancing without a pattern.

Asuka took her arm off me and waved her hand casually. With her movement, the fire obeyed its apparent master. It died in an instant, decreasing in size and leaving the air cold again. When the concealing wall left, we saw two figures standing on the horizon, at the beginning of the hill ascension towards the base of the mountain. The fire had distorted them, but as the air cleared, they were visibly tall, one a good bit taller than the other, with longer hair, and unarmed, while the shorter one had a gigantic weapon.

Asuka visibly tensed next to me, and for some reason I just knew her eyes were getting wide. "No. Oh, God, no..."

"IT'S HIM!" Malachi shouted at the top of his lungs. "GET READY!"

I could only wonder what the hell was going on, but the next thing was happening. I just knew that whatever it was, if it had Malachi shaken, I'd better be ready to freaking rumble. I ain't slow, so I immediately willed my guns to come out into my palms. Just a millisecond was all it took, and I felt the wooden handles brush against my skin, then gripped them tight. Already fully loaded, and they felt as comfortable this time as every other.

Lightning came down on the horizon and scooped up the shorter figure on the right, then shortly after, the taller one simply melted into the ground. Both were probably instant. I could only make out the slight movement at the start.

On either side, the figures appeared again, much closer, like farmers herding cattle, they were parallel from each other, covering as much ground as they could with the two of them. Goth girl had her sword in hand, glowing a hot pink, while Sera's hands were covered in frost. Percy's sword Riptide emitted green, misty light, and Annabeth whipped out the Drakon sword she'd grabbed. We were ready to go.

I finally got a look at one of the bastards, and...it surprised me. The one on our right side, closest to me, was Ouranos.

Ouranos, taller than he was on Mount Othrys, holding that damned spear with one hand and the rest propped up on his shoulder. He'd changed, the sped up aging process taking it's effect. He looked very similar to Malachi now, albeit a little older. If my buddy had an older brother, this is probably what it would look like. Or damn near it.

But with this new age, Ouranos had gained a couple of traits that were distinctively his to differentiate the two. For one, he still had that shit eating, smug smirk on all the time. And two, his hair wasn't as smooth or straight, his was choppier and messier, coming up in a few places at the top of his head, and coming down across his forehead from one side to the other, almost like a left part. A far cry from the middle part Malachi wears.

I shouldn't have, but I took a quick look at the other figure, the one behind us. From what I could see, I'd never met this guy before, if that's what he even was, and not some alien creature that crash landed from another planet. He was taller than any of us, standing at a good seven feet, with chalky, white skin that resembled ashes, from head to toe. He wore those things that Japanese people wear. Ah, I don't know what they're called. They look like togas, but...eh, you get the point. It only exposed some of his chest and one of his arms, covering the other. At his sternum, sat a tattoo of the moon, golden color.

Below his long, snow-white hair, on his forehead, there was the exact same symbol, just smaller. Huh, wonder what that meant. God of the moon, maybe?

Wait...didn't that chick say something about that?

Either way, he was clearly helping Ouranos, so he needed to be taken out.

"Well isn't this a nice surprise." Ouranos said, his voice still the annoying chalk scratching whine as always. "Everyone's all here to see me." His face scrunched, "Except Matthias. Where is that boy?"

"So this is where you've been hiding." Malachi said, not answering his father's question. "Japan. Like a coward."

"Like someone that wants to win, son." Ouranos corrected, "I see you've even forgotten the basics of my teachings. Patience is always key. If I hadn't come here, I wouldn't be as strong as I am now, and not in such good company." He gestured to the tall, ash skinned stranger, who didn't comment.

I could tell by Malachi's face that Ouranos had gotten significantly stronger. If age equals power, and Ouranos is now technically older than his son, then the power gap has been closed by a wide margin.

Not to mention that damn spear. Seven some feet of Heavenly Diamond. That thing's a walking insta kill.

Finally, the stranger moved to point a long finger at Asuka. "You're that little kunoichi. Emiko." His voice was deep and smooth, his laugh was even weirder, like if a laugh could sound eerily perfect and rehearsed. "What have you done, bringing all these strangers here?"

What the hell did he just call her?

"Emiko?" I whispered, "What the-"

"Shut your mouth." She snapped under her breath, just loud enough for me to hear. There was venom in her voice like none other so far. Whatever this Emiko business was, she was dead serious about it.

The others were clearly confused too, but didn't make any movements to give it away. What the hell was that all about? See, this is exactly why I don't trust her! Why would she go by a different name? What's she got to hide?

"The better question, Tsukuyomi, would be why you're teaming up with this snake." She nodded at Ouranos, "He'll only betray you."

Oh, so that was Tsukuyomi. Okay, maybe the fake identity made a little more sense now. Tsukuyomi killed her mom, so maybe she's trying to avoid him and stay safe. Having a different name helps. Okay, I'm learning.

"He's going to help me, and I'm going to help him." Tsukuyomi said, "That's all you need to know."

"Whatever he's offering must be incredible, to spark fire in a god that hasn't done anything for decades."

Tsukuyomi smirked. His eyes freaked me out, now that I could see them clearly. They weren't normal. Instead of having irises, he had a pair of cream colored eyes that stretched all the way to the corners of his sockets, leaving little room for the background.

"I wouldn't worry about it. You won't be alive for much longer. I'll kill you and send your head to Castle Izanagi. The perfect message."

"So that's the goal? The Kusanagi?" She said, and I had no idea what she meant.

"I said nothing about the sword." Tsukuyomi corrected. "But I'll take it too, soon. Out of that filthy hand of Goro's."

There's that name again. Goro. Asuka mentioned him before in the Big House. Apparently the dude was leader of this castle place. And that sword...she said something about a death katana. Could Kusanagi be its name or something?

Hell I don't know. All I know is that these bastards wanted to fight, so we'd bring it to them. I ain't about to roll over and surrender just because some moon god teamed up with Ouranos.

"There's more of us." I said, my thoughts spilling out into my mouth. "Two on Seven." I smirked at Ouranos. "Not exactly fair."

Ouranos mirrored my expression, "Oh, I'm not too worried. Now tell me, where did you say Matthias was? Quite odd for him not to be here."

Harper glared at him, and I noticed her knuckles were white against that pink sword's hilt. "Might want to worry more about us. Who knows? You might not be as powerful as you think you are."

"Oh I think I am. I think my progress is moving along perfectly."

I waited patiently for the talking to end. I was ready to jump at him straight away. I didn't know that other guy, or what he was capable of, but if he was a god, we'd better take him seriously. But for personal reasons, I know my target. We got the numbers, if need be, we can split off and take on both of them at once.

Out of nowhere, I got the weirdest sensation in my head. It felt like someone was tickling my brain. It only lasted for a second, but it made me want to reach inside my ear and scratch the horrible itch.

I wasn't even about to question it, until a voice echoed in my head, like a low volume song coming through a pair of earbuds.

Talon, can you hear me?

It was Asuka.

I don't know how I did it, but I spoke back.

What the hell? Are you talking to me through my mind?

Yes. Listen carefully, because we only have a few seconds.

Damn, you can do everything, huh? Teleportation, telepathy-

Shut up! There's no time! Listen, be ready to make a sword for me. When the fighting starts, create it, and hand it off.

Okay- wait, don't you have powers? Like aura blasts or something? Just use those.

I...can't.

"Show us then." I heard Malachi say in the background, "Show us this new power."

"Im waiting on you, son. You feel stronger too. Want to tell me what happened?"

The conversation continued in my head, and Ouranos's blabber became ambient.

Whaddya mean you can't? You want to hold back now? At the worst time possible?

You...don't understand. I just can't. Not in front of Tsukuyomi.

I wanted to break the mind link thing and just talk some sense into her the old fashioned way. Does she not get that one of us could freaking die here?

What, are you shy or something? Break out the sun powers, woman!

I will use them on you if you don't shut up and do as I say! Make me a sword when the fighting starts! On three, okay?

I didn't answer, I just tried my best to hold back a snicker. I just realized we were pretty much arguing without even making a face. I can just picture that chick without the mask, glaring a storm at me while she gives me hell in my mind.

Stop smirking! She shouted, her voice getting a level deeper with the volume. Answer me!

Okay, okay! I laughed in my head, I'll make you a sword. Don't get all wound up.

I could tell she broke the mind link when the weird head itch flashed again. I could've swore she said "insufferable" as she left, which made me feel good.

Malachi and Ouranos had finished their little back and forth who knows how long ago, and now we stood in awkward silence again. Ouranos's eyes shifted millimeters between all of us, his smirk never leaving his face. I had no idea what that Tsukuyomi was up to back there, but he stood still too. Somebody had to make a move, otherwise we'd just look like idiots, which we probably already do.

I knew what it was. Usually, a defensive position is the better position when starting a fight like this. That's what they were waiting on. Since there's only two, they want to see how we're going to split up, where our power is going to be divided, who's going to be fighting who. It was smart.

Without moving my head, my eyes shifted over to see Asuka's fingers. If she broke the link, she's gonna give me a signal, and a finger count is the only one I can guess for.

Called it. She moved her index finger up slightly, then the middle finger, and as soon as that ring finger came up, I jumped back.

The trigger reacted fast, as it always does. Only takes about two pounds of pressure to pull it, and for these, you'd better be careful. Shots rang out from both ends and hit Ouranos in the chest, bouncing off harmlessly.

"Damn!" I cursed, and quickly remembered Asuka's order. The image of a katana came to mind, but then I realized I'd never seen a celestial bronze katana before. See, if you don't know by now, I can't create things I've never seen before, so that's a real bitch. I don't want to create a plain katana, because that shit's like a toothpick to these guys. One tap of a finger and it'll shatter.

But I had no other choice, so I just went with the regular katana. I grabbed the gun out of my left hand and held both in my right for a second, while the sword plunged itself seemingly out of my skin. Asuka's hand was already dipped low before I could even tell her. She caught it mid-air, turned around, and charged Tsukuyomi.

I felt the wind burst behind me from Tsukuyomi's missed blow. Asuka had dodged out of the way, and they began a little dance, with her not using any visible aura. She'd go to such lengths to keep herself hidden from this guy? I didn't understand.

"Help her!" I shouted to goth girl, "We got this!"

She nodded and used that Love sword to come in from the side and get things started. Without word, Sera and Annabeth joined her. Okay, guess it was all the girls versus that dude, and all the boys versus Ouranos.

Jackson nodded and came forward to help Malachi, who had morphed a lightning spear in his hand, locking it with his father's, just below the pointed end.

Electricity crackled all over the place. Both fighters seemed to be of equal strength, straining their bodies to an equal level. Ouranos's face was red, but he was smiling like a lunatic, while Malachi's face was as tight as a tick's bite. The bastard really had gotten stronger.

"Finally!" Ouranos cheered, "After all of that waiting, all of that nonsense, I get to let loose and test this body!"

"Careful what you wish for!" Percy roared, and came up beside the psycho with Riptide, swinging it down and hitting the dome of aura Ouranos had built around his body. The blue outline shattered at Percy's strike, like butterflies in the air, it swayed away with the wind and left Ouranos exposed.

Malachi and Percy went to town, delivering an onslaught. Skill wise, they were the best of us. Both had been training for a long ass time, and were naturals in combat. Malachi had a swiftness and efficiency about him that made him the perfect fighter. Every attack was precise, and with a graceful ferocity. While Percy was literally like water. Whatever he'd learned from that half-brother of his, was paying off. I've never seen someone move so similar to a crashing wave before. If Percy came forward, he came forward hard and struck quickly. If he needed to veer back and dodge, he did so quickly and sharply.

I damn near got caught up just watching the two fight, and realized I was sitting on my ass, doing nothing. I had to get in there.

When Ouranos released his aura in a spherical burst, sending Percy and Malachi stumbling back, I jumped next to him and pressed the barrel of my revolver right to his temple, pulling the trigger without hesitation. It did jack shit, and just ricocheted off his skin.

The bastard smirked and slammed his forehead against my gun, knocking it out of my hand. I didn't even see the kick until I felt it right in the gut. One of the weird things about my powers is, I can't feel any pain. None at all. Doesn't matter if you hit me with a car, a rocket, or an earth splitting punch. I won't feel it. This was no different.

However, doesn't mean that I won't go flying from the force of it. Which did happen. I fell on my back and slid about ten feet before stopping on the grass. In my bottom view, I saw Ouranos deflect Malachi's spear with his own, a powerful parry that staggered my buddy. Dual lightning shots came next from his free hand, hitting both Malachi and Percy in the chest, knocking them back the same as me.

Ouranos loved it, a grin stretched wide on his face. I imagine he's feeling pretty damn smug right now, having a chunk of his old power back, able to fight us again. Can't really blame him, if I were an ugly baby for months, I'd be pretty pissed off too.

"Let's see how you handle this with that 'invincibility' of yours."

He lifted the Heavenly Diamond spear beside his head, ready to bring it down on me. I prepared myself to kick off the ground and roll out of the way.

But from my left ear, I heard a shout. Asuka's shout. "No!"

I wasn't ready for it, but in a flash of instant speed, Asuka came and bashed her shoulder into Ouraons's midsection, sending him tumbling and rolling like a tire off of me and onto the ground. It kicked up grass and dirt alike.

Holy shit, she's strong as hell.

But she didn't have to do that. She didn't have to do that shit. Making me look weak.

I got up and glowered down at her, "You ain't gotta do all that! I can't get hurt!"

Couldn't see her face, but I imagined she was gawking at me. "What? What on Earth are you talking about?!"

"Save your strength for that one over there." I said coldly, "I'm fine. Part of the program, I can't feel pain. Little gift from my deadbeat dad."

If I was an outsider, I would've slapped my own damn face and told myself to be grateful to the chick. She helped you, and you didn't even trust her to begin with.

But that stupid part of me is whining because I had to be saved. That bullet didn't do a thing to Ouranos. What good am I anyway without those damn powers from my dad? That's what it's gonna take to actually do something here, otherwise I'm useless.

Useless. I hate that.

Asuka didn't know I was thinking all of this, and I wasn't about to apologize, because that damn whiny part of me took over the sensible part. She had her fists clenched, and looked like she was fixing to blow up on me. But as soon as the yelling was about to start, she reached forward to pull me. "Look out!"

Too late. I turned around and there it was, Ouranos's spear, right in front of my face. Asuka's hand wrapped around my shoulder just as the sky-colored weapon reached the tips of my hair.

She pulled me back, and the spear missed my head by just an inch or two, but didn't miss my chest.

Like it was in slow motion, I saw the very tip of the spear knick the middle of my chest. The cloth of my shirt ripped and I felt a sharp pain sting in the area. It felt like I'd been cut with a normal weapon, and not a chaos embedded one, which I thought was weird.

But either way, I knew that was it. Heavenly Diamond kills demigods permanently. No, it doesn't kill, it erases them from existence. No afterlife, no underworld, nothing. You're just gone, completely. And...I'm a demigod. I'm fucking dead.

I closed my eyes and waited for the end. I fought back the damn emotions, the regret of not being able to say goodbye to everyone, of not doing the things that I should've done, past or present. I just tried to think of the future, and the thought that Ouranos would die one day. If that's my last thought, I don't mind going out.

But it never came. The wind made a shrill noise at Ouranos's strike being completed. I heard a few screams and Asuka's gasp next to me, but that was it. I saw the darkness of my eyelids, but still felt control over my body. The sting from the cut was even there. What the fuck?

I'm supposed to be fading away right now. Dead. Gone, for good. What's going on?

Carefully, I opened my eyes, and saw that everything had stopped, even the fighting next to us with Tsukuyomi. Every eye was on me.

And the closest pair of eyes that I could make out was Ouranos's, and he looked like he'd just stumbled on a Martian colony in outer space. His mouth was open, and his eyes were wide. Something had taken him by surprise, for that smirk not to be there.

Then I saw what he was staring at. My chest. The cut he made.

Slowly, I tilted my head down and took a look, afraid of what was there. If it was enough to shake Ouranos, and for everyone to stop fighting, then it must be bad.

I was prepared to see some damn third arm growing from it, some glowing light, maybe even my own heart sticking out through the blood. I didn't know, or care, I just knew it would be brutal.

But when I saw it, I realized why everyone was so shocked, because it shook me too. It wasn't a third arm, or my heart, my bone, or any kind of gore. It wasn't even that bad of a wound to begin with. There was only a little blood.

But not red blood. Golden blood.

Ichor. The blood of the gods.

"Somebody help! Help!"

The little boy kept screaming for somebody to come, but nobody heard him. They were far away from the reservation, and even the echoes of a child's shout couldn't reach it.

He screamed once more and looked down at his unmoving friend. He'd fallen twenty feet or more, and surely broke every bone in his body. To the boy still on the roof, he was dead. He had been dead for a minute or more, but he didn't want to believe it.

He wiped away his snot and tears, "I'm coming, Talon! Just hold on!" Quickly, but as carefully as his little arms and legs could manage, he climbed down from the roof of the rotting house, retracing his steps the way he ascended. There was a small pergola that stretched over what was once a back deck. He stepped on it and jumped the rest of the way without hurting himself.

From inside the house, a high pitched voice shouted, "Mateo? What's wrong?!"

Mateo had started crying again, "Talon's hurt! He's hurt bad!"

Immediate footsteps could be heard. They were small, but pounding their way to leave the house and see what was going on.

From the front door, a small, blonde haired girl erupted and looked around wildly. Finally she found Talon lying there, his legs folded in an odd position, his arms flat beside him, the hat and sunglasses his master gave him fallen off his head.

"Oh my God!" Her voice broke. Both children were sobbing now.

Mateo leaned down, his hands shaking, lip quivering. "W-What do I do? What do I do?!"

"Get help! Go get Mr. Colter!" The girl screamed.

Mateo didn't move, he was still in shock.

"Now!"

He snapped out of it and scrambled to his feet. As fast as his short legs would take him, he ran into the distance, still screaming for help to anyone who could hear it.

The girl got on her knees, her blouse rubbing against the orange, flaky sand. But she hardly cared.

"M-Mary..." Talon mumbled, eyes blinking slowly.

Mary nodded, hands finding Talons's hair, "I-It's me. I'm here, Talon."

He said nothing else. He knew he had fallen and hit the ground, but he couldn't remember how it happened. It was all a blur. He didn't feel pain though, which was weird, but he'd been dazed.

Mary sat with him for twenty minutes, going on thirty, and only moved when she heard the galloping of a horse.

She turned her head and saw a black steed making its way toward her, two riders on its back. One tall, and one short, hanging on for dear life.

She waved her arm around, shouting, "Here! We're over here!"

The horse closed the distance quickly and its tall rider jumped off before it even stopped, Mateo coming with him.

He was the Mr. Colter she referred to. Tall, thin, and old, but a terrifying figure if you got in his way. His hair was dark gray, shoulder length, upper lip hidden with a thick mustache. He wore a gunslinger outfit. An old leather duster that clung to his thighs, with faded, dusty blue jeans and cowboy boots.

Of course, bobbing back and forth were his guns. Two sandalwood revolvers held in a thin strap, dozens of bullets in between them.

"What happened?" He asked, his voice calm and gruff.

Mary's sobbing had long calmed down, she was able to explain her side of the story. "I-I was in the house and I heard a noise, then Mateo screamed and-"

Mateo interrupted, unable to stay quiet. "We were on the roof playing, and Talon fell!" He sniffed, "I'm sorry, Mr. Colter, I didn't know it would happen!"

Colter shushed them both, "Hush. It's not your fault, neither of you, but you shouldn't have been out here in the first place."

He assessed his student's wounds, and raised an eyebrow when he found absolutely nothing wrong. He inspected his body up and down, saw no blood, felt him for broken bones, and found nothing. Talon was fine.

He said nothing about it, just scooped him up and held him in one arm while he got on the horse. Mary and Mateo came rushing over, shining, worried eyes looking up at him.

"Is he dead?"

"Is he gonna be okay?"

"He'll be fine." Colter said, and reached out his free hand. "Come on, we're going back to the rez."

They grabbed his hand, and with a casual tug, he pulled both children off the ground and onto the horse.

Talon saw his master above him, but didn't say anything. He only worried what he'd hear when they got home. He knew he was in trouble.

That was the first time Mary had touched me like that, in that loving way. When she thought I was dead. I should've been dead. It was a two story drop at eight years old, I at least should've been hurt.

But I wasn't. Nothing happened.

When I saw the golden blood, I began to question that moment, and every other moment after that. The following day when I told Mateo to shoot me and see if it still worked. It's almost funny to think back on the way he refused to the ends of the earth to pull that trigger. That is, until I threatened to beat him up. That bullet from his mama's pistol bounced right off my shoulder.

Or the time when that snake bit me and I just laughed, jumping in anthills like they were puddles, poking knives against my gut and nothing happening, or when those bandits came and tried to rob us. Their bullets bounced off me like shower water, and I took them all out at just ten years old.

And then master would get on to me for using his teachings. Didn't understand until later that the old timer was just worried about me, invincibility or not.

It sucks to think about some of the shit I said to him, and how that turned out. How he died. Mary. Mateo. All of them.

I just thought it was part of the gig. Just one of his gifts. I had no idea this entire time, Ichor flowed inside me.

But I've never been hurt before. No blade could cut me, and no bullet could go through me. It's never been tested against Heavenly Diamond before, until now. And I know the answer.

But what the hell does that mean? Why the hell am I bleeding Ichor? That's a god thing.

Ouranos didn't say anything about it, he just widened his eyes further and pursed his lips with concentration. His arm jutted out with the spear coming back towards my chest, stabbing this time.

But Asuka was in front of me before both of us could blink, slamming her katana into the spear and pushing it to the grass.

Mere seconds after contact was made, the katana shattered into a million pieces. The chaotic aura was too much for the mortal steel to withstand, and it fell in shards all over the place, leaving Asuka with an empty hilt.

She tossed it aside and jabbed a straightened hand at Ouranos's neck, quick as light. The bastard almost didn't dodge in time, in fact, she grazed the side of his face with what I guessed to be her fingernails, because he had a new line of red marked across his cheek.

I could tell Ouranos hadn't expected her to be that fast. And he didn't expect Percy to trap him in a wall of water either. He controlled the frost and the dew on the grass to create a cylinder of water, wrapping it around Ouranos like a straight jacket. Asuka took the opportunity to knock the spear right out of his hand. I couldn't believe it. Within seconds he'd been disarmed.

She caught it from the air and immediately turned around, letting go of it and letting it spin in the air. I wanted to ask her why the hell she did that, but then I saw where the spear was aimed at. Tsukuyomi's head.

He noticed it just in time and weaved out of the way. With his hand, he did something really freaking spooky. Harper, Sera, and Annabeth's shadows elongated to his will, and he controlled them like play doh. They emerged from the ground and wrapped themselves around the girls, trapping their arms to their sides.

What business does a moon god have controlling shadows?

Harper and Sera struggled, but it wasn't much use. Whatever hold he had, it was firm. With his free hand, he summoned the Heavenly Diamond spear to his palm. "You're no ordinary warrior from the castle. Who are you really, Emiko?"

"I am nothing more than what you think." Asuka said, "You've been dormant so long you can't even handle a little kunoichi."

Tsukuyomi simply cocked his head, hairless eyebrow spots tightening with concentration. From his back, two long, black tendrils sprouted, flattening out into wings. Huge, bat-like wings, leathery, and without fur.

He released his hold on Goth Girl, Sera and Annabeth, putting his effort into Asuka, or Emiko as he knew her. He flapped the wings a single time and reappeared right in front of her.

Asuka was ready to dodge, but Ouranos came up behind her and grabbed her shoulder, much like she grabbed mine earlier. It wasn't meant to be an attack, it was a distraction.

Percy and Malachi were on him in a second. Percy tackled his stomach and they both went rolling on the ground, while Malachi was in the air, planning a follow up attack.

The other girls were coming to Asuka's aid. But Tsukuyomi had already swung. I was way behind, still in shock at the Ichor on my chest. I had no time to process, or even try to help her before the spear came up on her face.

Her back was facing me, and I saw the cat mask come off for just a second. It was flying in the air above her head, and it had a long crack on the left side, from the jaw to the eye, almost split in two.

I was in the wrong angle to get a view of her face, but I did see the back of her head. It looked like she'd just gotten out of the salon. Her hair was a wavy, tousled bob cut that came down to the beginning of her neck and past her jawline. Thick, well taken care of, and as dark as Goth Girl's hair.

Now normally, I ain't into shorter hair like that on a girl, but somehow it looks decent on her. Kinda reminds me of Malachi's hairstyle, only thicker and darker. More feminine.

And don't mistake that for me thinking it's hot. Weirdos. I said decent. Okay? Decent.

Anyway, at least she didn't die on us, so that was good. The spear missed her face and hit the mask instead, so at least it's good for something. She tried to grab it out of the air, but it disintegrated to ash.

The split second that her face was exposed sent Tsukuyomi into a trance. He stared at Asuka wide eyed, like he'd seen a ghost.

"You're..." He started, but never finished his sentence. Harper, Sera, and Annabeth were behind him. Harper swung the love sword and slammed it against Tsukuyomi's neck, sending the god hurdling in the air.

On the way, Sera created ice pillars that erupted from the ground and acted like pinball obstacles for the freak. One would hit him and push him into the other. It was funny for the second it lasted, but Tsukuyomi had enough.

In mid air, he roared. "ENOUGH!" He reached out and stabbed the spear into the ground, using the momentum to spin around and slam his long wings into the ice, breaking it and clearing up space for him to stand.

"You alright?" Goth girl asked, gaze switching from Asuka to me rapidly, her expression crazed. Couldn't blame her, I'm bleeding freaking Ichor and our tour guide almost died.

"All good here." I looked at said tour guide, who now had both hands covering her face. "You?"

She didn't say anything. What the hell?

Behind us, the fight between Percy, Malachi, and Ouranos raged on without a care in the world. Ouranos wasn't quite ready to take them both on yet, but he was still holding his own, even without the spear. Soon though, he'd be overwhelmed. How was our chance.

I wanted to jump in, but the shaking ground stopped me. I wondered if Percy had started an Earthquake, but then I realized...it was coming from Tsukuyomi.

His face now twisted with rage, hateful eyes bore into Asuka's hands, he aimed the spear at all of us. "You...You're alive. After all of these years...YOU'VE BEEN ALIVE THIS ENTIRE TIME!"

"What is he talking about?" Sera had to yell, the ground was full on vibrating now at his anger. It felt like the worst turbulence you could imagine, but we remained standing.

Asuka said nothing. Her knees were buckling, she looked like she wanted to fall on them and cry.

"Emiko?!" Annabeth yelled, which was a smart move. She knew the fake identity meant something, and I think it had to do with whatever was going on now. I mean, clearly it did.

"Oh, that's not Emiko." Tsukuyomi growled, shaking his head. His voice had gotten deeper and louder. It stretched far and wide past us, into the forest and mountains, shaking them as well. "She should've died a long time ago."

What could he be so pissed about. What was going on?!

Goth Girl visibly gulped, "Guys, his aura's getting huge. Like bad huge. We need to cut him off, now."

The fight with Ouranos had stopped, and they were all looking at Tsukuyomi too, wondering what was going on. I imagined he hadn't gone over this with Ouranos, because one look at him would tell you he didn't have any clue we didn't.

Tsukuyomi's shadow began to stretch, but his size remained the same. It grew until the grass was black at our feet, it grew until the sky seemed dark, it even grew to hide Mt. Fuji in the distance.

I took another look at Asuka, who was still and immovable. Whatever this was, it had a big hold on her. She wasn't in a condition to fight right now.

So it's time for me to be useful.

I ain't a prayer. I've never begged a god for anything, but right now, I needed a little favor.

Father, Pops, Dad, whatever the hell you want to be called. I need a little help here.

Nothing.

Uh, I need to do something here! This guy's gone crazy!

Still nothing.

I wanted to shout and punch the ground. Of course that deadbeat doesn't do shit, even in a moment like this. Fine. I'll do it, even with my useless shit, my weak self, I'll be the first to punch that bastard in the face. I don't even care if it does jack shit to him, because at least I'll have done it. Something.

No further than my one step forward, I got an answer.

Protect her.

It was a voice. A man's voice, clear as day. I didn't even need to have anything to compare it to, I knew it was him. I just knew.

Golden light flowed in my hand, and my guns fell to the ground. I lifted my arm and looked at what he'd given me.

Three feet of condensed, straightened aura, in the shape of a sword. It was hotter than fire, and it's waves of power brushed against my skin like a heartbeat. I shivered with excitement at the new rush of power.

Protect her.

I didn't even know the damn girl. She's annoying, and she's hiding secrets. But...we need her. At least for one thing. I might as well do her a solid. She'll owe me later.

The golden light illuminated the new darkness, covering half of it and expanding with every step I took.

Tsukuyomi glared at me, and shifted the spear's aim to my eyesight. I didn't give a shit. I was ready.

I imagined all the attacks I'd go for, maybe test the water a little bit and see what he's got. But before long, I'd have to end it with a finishing attack. He's taller, so a jumping stab or swipe won't work. I'll have to go from below.

However, it happens. Whatever. Then I'll turn to Ouranos, and slice that bastard open.

You can imagine how excited I was for this. But I got interrupted. By the sound of horses.

Horses...

The horse's clopping stopped and Talon was placed gently on the sand by Colter. Now conscious, he was able to stand on his own.

The old gunslinger practically had to push Mary and Mateo away from coming in his abode. He assured them Talon would be alright and shut the door in their faces.

Talon sat down at the fireplace grumpily. "Why you gotta treat them that way? They're just worried."

Colter shook his head, a humorless smirk flashing on his lips. "Boy, you got a lot of nerve talking to me that way after breaking the rules. You know not to go outside the rez!"

Talon's head ducked, and his hat hid his face. "I'm sorry. I know it was dumb, we were just bored."

Colter reached out and plucked the hat from his student's head, much to the annoyance of Talon.

"As a matter of fact..." Colter muttered, and decided to take the sunglasses too.

"Hey!"

"Don't hey me, I know what you're doing. Trying to hide yourself." He pointed a scolding finger. "Not today. You're gonna look at me when I'm talking to you. I gave you these anyway, I can do what I want with em."

Talon grumbled.

"Now why were y'all out there? And why do you rope Mary in with your antics? She's a good girl."

Talon's little face bent with rage. "I told you we were bored, and Mary likes me!"

Colter almost smirked, but fought it down. "Boy, you're too young for that crap. Mary's nice to everyone. Her mama was the same way."

Much to his mentor's amusement, Talon's ears got red. "Like hell I am. You don't know what you're talking about, old timer!"

Colter leaned back, "Where did you learn to say that shit?"

Talon deadpanned, "Gee, I wonder."

"Ah, good point. Look kid, if you're bored, go train. Shoot the gun a little, but not when Mateo's around, I don't trust him all that much."

"That's it! Training! It's always training and more training! We never do anything fun!"

"Survival ain't fun, kid."

Talon propped his head in his hands. "What am I even training for? Ain't nothing to fight."

"I made a promise." Colter said, thinking of that day. "I'd raise you, protect you, and teach you to fight. Someday you'll have to."

Talon didn't understand, but he didn't argue. It would never end, like always, Colter had an answer for something.

His tone softened, "Master...why didn't I get hurt?"

Colter pretended not to hear, "Huh?"

But Talon repeated, "How come I didn't get hurt? When I fell."

Colter lowered his chin, wishing he could make the kid go to sleep and just walk out without having to explain.

"It should've hurt." Talon insisted. "It didn't. But it should've."

Colter searched his cob webbed covered brain for something. But the truth was, he didn't even know himself. When Mateo told him the news, he expected Talon to be on the brink of death. He was a demigod, but a young one. A fall like that would still be painful at the very least.

Nikandreos left this out. He didn't tell him about this, and he should've. Because this changes everything. What can the kid take? If he's invincible, why drop him off here? He'd do fine on his own.

Talon desperately wanted an answer. The kid wore those damn sunglasses all day every day now, and Colter rarely saw his brown eyes anymore. Now they were tender, pleading for something to make sense.

He sighed, "I don't know what it is, kid. I really don't. It has to be from your dad."

"My dad?"

"Yeah, he was...special. Different. He had a lot of power. Passed some of it onto you."

"That's what it is?"

"Yeah. I think so."

Talon nodded, either too trusting in Colter to question further, or too overwhelmed.

But he did ask one more thing. "Master?"

"Yeah?"

"Is this...the only time I'll have fun? Am I gonna have to fight for my whole life?"

Colter stared at the fireplace. If he looked at the poor kid, he might feel a sting in his eye.

"I sure hope not."

The memory came and went like a passing cloud, I saw his face and I went back. Back to my little body, full of the energy I wish I still had.

The horses clopping from that day mixed with the present and I looked up to see a legion of the animals forming a circle around us. On their backs sat men, one for each, in full samurai armor, katanas drawn.

Maybe seven or eight of them, I couldn't tell. But they looked pretty damn cool riding in. No horse was different, they were all white, with brown saddles and blue reins. They even had the same symbol on their armor. A sword being dipped into the ocean.

It didn't take a genius to figure out these were the guys from that castle place.

The sudden reinforcement warded Tsukuyomi and Ouranos off, now standing side by side in front of us. Tsukuyomi's giant shadow has died down, and he quickly handed Ouranos's spear back to him.

I guessed they were with Asuka, so now we really had the numbers on these two. We'd probably have killed them before, but now it was definitely happening.

"Stand and fight!" One shouted, pointing his sword at the two.

They didn't look very smug now. Tsukuyomi was prepared to keep going though, but Ouranos put an arm out in front of him.

He glared at us, "We'll be seeing you."

I knew what was gonna happen, but it was already happening before I could say something. Ouranos disappeared with a flash of lightning, and Tsukuyomi melted in the shadows. They were both gone.

"Damn it." I mumbled.

"We'll get another chance." Malachi said. "At least now we can focus on your father."

Annabeth was staring at my cut, "Talon..."

"I know, Blondie, I know. Trust me. We'll talk about all of that shit later. But first..." My eyes found Asuka, who hadn't even moved her hands yet.

I walked over to her, "Get yourself together, your friends are here."

"Make another mask."

I tightened my lips, "What the hell-"

"Please."

Something about the damn way she said it convinced me. Damn, I'm really losing it. Getting too soft. I can't handle this freaking girl. First she barges in and ruins Christmas, then drops a quest on our laps, then actually shows she can give a little back talk when needed, proves she can fight, and then...hides her face? Tsukuyomi says something about how she should've died a long time ago?

It has me in a different kind of confused thought process. Old me would've just ignored her, or told her to make her own damn mask. But nice me wants to listen to my pops, because you know, he's such a good dad.

And that plea. It sounded too much like Mary. Fuck it, I'll say it. She doesn't sound like Mary at all, her voice was more like Sera's than anyone's. Sweet and soft. While Asuka's is a bit deeper, like Goth Girl's, and has an interchangeability of volume to it like a born leader.

But when she said please, it got light and desperate. Might've been me, but she sounded like fucking Mary.

And I gave in.

"Fine." I willed a replica of the mask to pop out of the golden spark in my palm, and there it came, landing in my other hand. Before I could even reach out, she snatched it and shoved it on, too fast for me to see her face, or anyone to see it.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." I eyed the samurai, who were still turned the other way, scanning for any more threats. "Now, you wanna introduce us to your friends?"

"Just remain calm and act normal. I'll do the talking."

"Aye-Aye."

The man in front of the wide triangle they'd formed sighed, "They'll be back, but we'll be ready."

The others nodded and agreed in soft grunts. The man pulled the reins towards us and his horse shifted around.

Like classic samurai armor, it covered his entire body, even a wooden half mask over his face, with a wide, neutral mouth. It was just like the ones they wore back in the day, so we could only see his nose and eyes.

The eyes didn't look very happy. They found Asuka's, "So, Emiko, you've brought powerful strangers into our home, and gained the attention of Tsukuyomi and the god that killed young Toru and Daiki. Care to explain yourself?"

(000)

And that's chapter two. Lot happening here, and a big old twist with Talon. Let me know what you think in the reviews, I'd love to know your theories and see how close to the nail head you get.

And yes, we're getting that Talon POV, finally. Love writing him, so it's going to be very fun further exploring his character. Hope it was a good start here. I think the difference between his and Matt's perspective is pretty obvious by the way they talk alone.

Just in case you didn't recognize some of the names from Talon's flashback, Mateo is his old friend that he met again and killed in Book One, Mary is his old girlfriend that was killed by a monster in front of Talon, and Colter is Jack Colter, his old mentor that Ouranos (possessing Malachi) killed.

Zeus's training is next, so stick around to see what Matt's learning next chapter. Ought to be out next week, which is crazy to say, but I've got that writer fire ignited once more, just like the good old days.

Until Next Time.