"Fight me!"

The last of the half-bloods left, they waved and I waved back. There was some potential in them, especially that boy from cabin seven. It's odd, you would expect Apollo's kids to be more into poetry, medicine and what not, never seen one so obsessed with swords before. It's a nice change in pace, it's usually cabin six and five who are the fight nuts around here.

"Fight me!"

Though he has a strange obsession on proper technique and refuses to deviate from the manual, in a real battle improvising is better in the long run; fights can last between seconds and you don't really have time to memorize sword strikes. You need instincts and experience.

"Fight me!"

I tried to petition Chiron for a small trip to monster infested areas, but he dropped that idea faster than he can shoot. It isn't a bad idea, I get where he is coming from, the scent of demi-gods can rouse monsters, a group will drive them crazy. But it will give them hands-on experience, and between the two of us there's no way anyone will get hurt.

"Fight me!"

I wonder if I can pitch it again, maybe with the backing of other camp counselors. I know that guy from the Ares cabin will love this idea. But my main opponent would be-

"Don't ignore me!" She hit my leg and I almost dropped the swords.

"Argh! You little!" I wanted to grab her and almost did, then I remembered where I was. It's the duty of the sword instructor to inspect all the swords to make sure all of them are up to standards. I can't have another poisoning again, I love the people in cabin eleven but they can be such a pain in the-

"Stop ignoring me!" She tripped me and I dropped all the swords, thankfully they all fell to the wayside. It's only thanks to my reflexes that I was able to come out unharmed. Her on the other hand, she's-

"Fight me!" She hit me square on the shoulder.

Just fine.

"Hey, that was dangerous!"

"I am danger!" She cupped her fist. "You face the servant of madness! Berserker!" She yelled at the top of her lungs, even Clarisse would find it loud.

I resisted the urge to throttle her, honestly this has been going on for five days now and it got annoying two days ago. But why don't I fight her? It's simple, Luke Castellan doesn't fight little girls, I may be a lot of things but don't get me wrong; it's not a moral thing, I have standards. If it was one of the hunters then fine, sure those brats had it coming, but she on the other hand was a normal little girl. Well, normal to the naked eye.

She is around Annabeth's age when she first arrived here, somewhere between seven or eight. Blonde hair and blue eyes, she wore a mini jacket and small jeans. I would call her Annabeth lite if that wasn't where the comparison ends. Though she kinda looks like her far away, personality wise you would never believe she was the daughter of Athena. If anything she acts like Thalia, now that I would pay to see. A very gutsy Annabeth, picking fights and taking names, that is just the most adorable-

She hit me in the shins. "You're thinking something stupid again!"

"You know, you would be a lot cuter if you stopped hitting me."

"I don't wanna be cute!" She kicked me in the chest, I would be lying if I said that didn't hurt. "Fight me!"

I was very tempted. But Luke Castellan doesn't lose his temper, if I could handle a cabin full of dyslexic attention deficit kids I could handle this. An angry little girl with too much time on her hands, that's basically Clarisse or anyone in cabin five and maybe ten if this week's shipment of beauty products gets delayed again.

"Fight me!"

"Are those the only words you know?"

"Yes! Fight me!"

"Ugh."

I know what you're thinking—why not make her someone else's problem? I gave it a try, but as it turns out, even the seasoned babysitters at camp can't handle her. You'd think a couple of demigods who've fought literal monsters could manage an eight-year-old girl. However, she's proven to be the loudest, meanest, disrespectful, and overall the most challenging eight-year-old they've ever encountered. On top of that, she has a peculiar habit of disappearing; it's the weirdest thing. One minute she's there, and the next she's gone. No one can find her, except for me—she always finds me so she can-

"Fight me!"

Yeah that. The situation became so dire that even Chiron, with centuries of experience, started developing gray hairs. In his own words, 'I'd never seen such an active girl before,' which is his polite way of saying that she's too much even for him. Eventually, Mr. D 'promoted' me to be her personal babysitter, given that she was always after me to begin with. That lazy purple ingrate-

"Ow!" She kicked me in the ribs.

"Fight me!"

"Alright that's it! You're getting a time out!"

I grabbed her by the elbows, she's lighter than I thought.

"Unhand me!"

"I'm going to tie you to a chair."

"Ah! Child molester! Pervert!" She squirmed in my grip.

"Hey! Stop saying that! Don't make me the bad guy here!"

She kicked me in the chest, and punched my face. I endured it all, but my patience was reaching the breaking point.I held her under my arms like a sack of potatoes.

"Let go!"

"Not until you learn some manners."

Then everything turned one eighty, she overpowered me, flipping me to my stomach, her arms twisting mine.

How did she-

"Ack!"

"Got you!" She was grinning like a maniac, I knew she was strong but not this strong.

She twisted my arms harder before years of training kicked in, I flipped over and used my weight to pin her down. At the end of the day I was a grown man and she was a little girl, call it unfair but I'm not going to underestimate her. She elbowed me in the stomach and I felt today's lunch almost go backwards. God's she was strong, I would have thought she was Hercules reborn if she wasn't so annoying.

When she realized the weight problem, with both hands she pushed off the ground bringing me with her. We were airborne five feet in the air, in a matter of seconds she escaped my grasp and I fell to the ground.

"Ah ha!" She was pointing at me. "I won!"

"Great…. Now can you leave me alone?"

"No! I want a proper fight!"

I resisted the urge to cover my face.

It's going to be one of those days isn't it.

That's when my knight and shining armor entered the sword arena. Golden curly hair tied in a braid, gray eyes that marked her as the child of wisdom. She was wearing her orange half-blood t-shirt and blue jeans, holding a quiver in one hand and a bow on her back.

"Luke! I heard screaming an-"

"Fight me!"

"Oh… Right."

I got off the ground and dusted off the dirt, then I grabbed the little girl's hand before she could pick up one of the swords.

"No."

"Fight me!"

I try to pull her away, but the opposite happens, she almost dislocates my shoulders. I keep forgetting how strong she is, maybe because she looks like a little girl. I release my grip and massage my shoulders, man it hurts. Annabeth must have sensed it, she walked towards me but I bid her away.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." I lied through my teeth.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." I rolled my shoulders.

"This is getting serious Luke, you're losing sleep. The other campers can see it too."

Really? I don't sleep at all anymore. At least that stops the dreams.

I did notice bags in my eyes, I guess my body isn't adapting to my new-

She tackled me, the force was so strong I fell.

"And you're not helping!" Annabeth yells, not something I expect from the calm and analytical child of Athena.

"Fight me!" She jumps on my chest, her tiny hands turned into fist. It looks adorable from this angle, it stops when she starts wailing on me. Annabeth must have noticed my pain and decided to help, must have been humiliating seeing a little girl beat up a grown man. She hugs her, lifting her off the ground, her legs kicking.

"Let go of me!"

I let out a few coughs before standing up.

"Luke. She's-Hey watch the hair!"

"Sorry Annabeth. It's just been stressful because…..Well obvious reasons." I looked towards the munchkin to get my point across.

"It's more than that Lu-agh!" Her fist almost met Annabeth's face. "Everyone is on edge, Chiron says the god's are troubled."

Of course they are, why wouldn't they be.

"The sky is thundering. There are rumors of another war."

"They say that every solstice, there is nothing to worry about Annabeth." I patted her shoulder, did my best to avoid the barrage of fists coming my way.

"How do you know that?"

"Remember the last time the-" manchild "- king of Olympus was angry. Just a couple of storms off the coast, it lasted only for a few weeks. We'll wait this out, like we always do." I gave her my reassuring smile, something that has calmed her since childhood. She smiled back, then stopped when the girl started kicking her torso.

"I think you should let her down now."

"Unhand me you wankers!"

"Woah little lady. We don't use that language here." I pointed at her face and she tried to bite my finger.

"By the way, has Chiron found her family yet?"

"No, we don't even know her real name." Annabeth sighed, how pitiful, not even Chiron could get any information on her. It's obvious she's a runaway, it's not a new thing here but they never come here this young alone. Someone must have guided her here, but none of the satyr's recognized her. What they do know is that she is a demi-god, how else could she enter the bounded field. They said she must be the daughter of a powerful god, because her scent is overwhelming, possibly one of the Olympians. For now she is undetermined, therefore she is under my jurisdiction, let's hope that's all they know.

"I told you I'm Berserker!"

"That's not a real name!" Annabeth had enough and placed her on the floor. She automatically charged at me, I side stepped but she stomped on my foot. I cringed, trying my best not to show pain on my face, Annabeth didn't buy that.

"Maybe….. I could look after her for a while."

I was waiting for her to say that.

"Are you sure, she isn't the most-" I blocked her punch, then the other arm too.

"Your tired Luke. You haven't been resting well. Everyone in cabin eleven knows it."

Really now? How convenient.

I grunted, narrowly dodging another blow. I acted as tired as possible, it took weeks but eventually I got the hang of it. I slacken my facial muscles, my eyes downcast, then came my body posture; if it weren't for the whole half-blood thing I could have been an actor. I allowed her to land another hit just to complete the illusion. She punched me straight in the face, I backpaced a bit while rubbing my cheek.

"Luke!"

Annabeth came to my side, inspecting me for injuries. She glared at the little girl who just stuck her tongue out.

"Its-I'm fine. Ja-Just let me get my bearings." What I said wasn't a lie but it worked just as well.

"You're in charge of so many things Luke, you have a lot of responsibilities. You need rest."

That was true, I am the camp counselor for cabin eleven, I'm in charge of a whole group of half-bloods with a nasty habit for pranks and thievery; along with the undetermined, I keep a tight shift and do my best to make sure there is a right amount of tomfoolery. I'm also the main swords instructor, and the most senior of the counselors; I have an example to uphold. As well as training, guard duty, border patrol, a member of the senior counsel, and the pavilion organizer. If it wasn't for me food fights would happen every week.

"But she can be such a handful."

"It's okay, I have little brothers, remember?"

That was a sad tale, there are other stories similar to hers here, but that doesn't take away from the tragedy.

"Even so, this is a demi-god kid."

"Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained." She smiled, it's funny, a daughter of Athena taking risks. I take my cue.

"If you think so Annabeth." I stood up, cracking the muscles in my back. "I do have errands to run and I can't do that while…." My eyes drift to the girl.

"It's ok, I will watch her." The munchkin gave a malicious smile. "I will think of something."

"You always do." I placed the last of the swords on the rack and waved them goodbye, the yelling didn't start until I was halfway across camp.

I'm sorry Annabeth. Like you said I have a lot of responsibilities. After all, I am the lightning thief.

I walked directly to the Big House, if I ever want the energy to perform high tier spells I need to connect to the Leylines . It took weeks of scouting but I finally found the source, it was pretty obvious now that I think about it, right under the Big House. I could feel the anticipation in my hands, it would be even more perfect if Chiron wasn't there but I have an excuse. I climb the steps of an ordinary house, funny that something so mundane is the administrative center for buildings that mimic the Parthenon. Chiron walked out to greet me, he was wearing something a tenure professor would wear, but what was more interesting were the horse parts. He smiled, he always reminded me of a kind uncle, like many people he is basically their second dad.

"Luke! This is an unexpected surprise. Come my boy, I just started brewing tea."

I could smell it from here, the herbs smell like lemon, mint, and jasmine. I could taste it in my mouth.

"Sure. But I came here for something else." I rubbed my bruised cheek and Chiron's eyes widened.

"Oh! Don't worry, I will ready the infirmary."

"It's fine, I can do it myself."

He opened the door for me, I walked into the mainroom, it was a quaint place with a fireplace, a bookshelves and a couch. Chiron galopped to the medical wing while I fell on the couch. Truthfully I was exhausted, that little girl had more energy than a starved hellhound, and those things were vicious. I wonder how Annabeth is doing?

Chiron came back with a packet of ice, I quickly brought it to my cheek.

"She really packs a punch."

"I'm sorry my boy. I would take your place if I could but….."

Yeah I remember that day, Chiron was galloping all around camp asking for the missing girl. We eventually found her, she ambushed me above a tree. Chiron gave her a stern talking to, all that did was make her run away, I never seen anyone out run Chiron before. They ran circles around camp until Chiron tired, after that she stole his bow and then shot sticks at me. The sticks didn't hurt as much as my pride, I was in the middle of sword training that day, it's hard to train a group of half-bloods if they didn't stop laughing. Honestly that girl deserves a severe spanking.

"You really don't know her name?"

"Sadly yes, she wasn't too forthcoming with information. I do know she is from England or Scotland, the accent is very faint ."

"What? How?"

"When I showed her a map, her eyes would subconsciously wander to the English channel. She also has a fondness for the tea I imported directly for England. Then there is her…Colorful use of language."

"What the? But why would the god's-can they even leave America?"

"Technically yes, it is still considered Western Civilization. But their main power base is here in the United States."

This is news. Interesting news.

"It's possible, but considering her age, how did she come here? From our talks she knows nothing about half-bloods or anything Greek. I wondered how she was able to find this place, and if the satyr's say is true her scent would attract the worst of monsters. Yet she came here practically unharmed. "

I remember that night, when we were all eating in the pavilion a little girl ran in front of the campfire. 'I am Berserker, the servant of madness! And I am here to fight you!' She pointed at me and we all laughed, we stopped laughing when she ripped a column off the floor; she tried to play whack a mole with me. Mr. D thought it was so funny he sipped wine by mistake, it added extra years to his sentence .

"Maybe one of the god's sent her here?"

"Maybe. Only time can tell if she says anything more. Did she?" He raised an eyebrow.

"The usual, 'Fight me,' 'Fight me,' 'Fight me,' 'Fight me,' 'Fight me,'." My voice started to sound irritated.

"I know your patience is wearing thin, but I may have a solution. I just need more time to implement it."

Could this be good or bad? Hmmmm, I need more time to think.

"I don't wanna know it yet, don't want to get my hopes up." I start to move off the couch.

"Of course and please, remember she is still a little girl."

"Yeah. Yeah I know." I waved him off before getting up. I walked through the hallway holding the bag against my cheek. I scanned the walls until I saw the basement doors, my eyes wandered the area. Mr. D isn't here thankfully, still trying to petition Olympus to get his sentence reduced. The only powers I sense are Chiron, the Apollo kids in the infirmary, Argus, whatever that thing is in the attic and the oracle; that crusty old woman, I am so tempted to destroy it once and for all to end her misery. I opened the basement door, the basement is the least magical place in this house, it's mostly a storage for our ambrosia and strawberry preserves. The stairs creaked as I stepped down, I flip the switch and only a few lights turned on, budget cut's Mr. D said.

Now where is that thing?

I walked past the strawberries and the jars filled with that golden stuff. It's getting hard to locate, all this ambrosia is saturating the room with magical energy. I can't pinpoint the core of the Leyline , it's like finding a needle in a haystack.

Come on, come on! I don't have all day!

There was too much stuff in the way, I should break the jars but that would make me the obvious suspect. I have to do this the hard way, don't I?

In a gold flash I summoned my crook and started tapping the floor. It's a long cane made of gold and lapis lazuli, it's probably one of the most expensive things I own. It itself has a long and rich history but I don't like to think about it, I like to think of it as a very long magic wand. Controlling the mist has never been one of my strengths, but this thing makes it easy.

We don't teach magic at camp, Chiron says it for our safety, though that doesn't stop the children of Hecate. They're all self-taught and the magic they use is either weak or uncontrollable, it's one of the reasons why the use of magic is seen as taboo in camp; the safest thing they can do is enchant weapons. Though that's not enough to get their own cabin, all the minor gods are relegated to cabin eleven. I asked Chiron about it and he said the god's did that on purpose; it was a power play combined with the messy politics of Olympus. I didn't understand it back then and I barely understand it now.

I kept tapping and tapping but I'm receiving no feedback, I'm wasting too much time, Chiron will start to suspect something. I shook my head in defeat, the crook disappeared in my hands.

I need to think of another excuse tomorrow.

I opened one of the jars and with a finger I scoped a drop into my mouth. Ambrosia, the food of the gods, its usually in cube form but this is unprocessed, a golden glowing honey like substance; not quite nectar but close. When consumed it could heal the worst of injuries, but a single drop is all I need to stop the pain in my cheek, I don't even have to worry about bacteria or anything, it's safe to eat this off the floor. Supposedly it's supposed to taste like your favorite food. For me it tastes like a cold fig in the desert night, I could feel a wretched nostalgia take over me. When I closed my eyes I could see the dancing, the singing, my brother was there and my love Nefert-No!

I dropped the bag of ice and walked back until I hit the strawberry preserves. I grasp my head, I have to drown out the noise, the screams, the laugh, her face. I was sweating, my eyes dilated, it felt like my head would rip apart.

"I am Luke Castellan! My father is Hermes, my mother is May. I was born in Westport, Connecticut. My friends are Thalia and Annabeth. I am alone. I am Luke Castellan. My father is Hermes-" I repeat that mantra over and over, just until the voices stop and she was gone. It felt like hours had passed and I was sobbing on the floor. The light in the windows turned to evening. I've been gone for too long, I have to clean myself up, Chiron is probably looking for me. Wobbling to my feet I leaned against the wall.

I am Luke Castellan. I am Luke Castellan. I am Luke Castellan.

My head was still throbbing, like hydra venom was in my veins. My scar started to ache, a pain I haven't felt in years. I wanted to throw up, and my stomach agreed with me. It took longer this time, maybe Kronos is right, I have gone insane. I swallowed some spit and forced myself up the stairs.

I expected to see Chiron but no one was here, not even Argus. The Big House was empty, that wasn't normal. I raced to the restroom and washed the sweat off my face, I had to look fine. In the mirror I traced the black lines below my eyes, they got deeper. I don't know how to fix that, maybe with makeup? I should probably ask Silena.

I jumped, someone was knocking on the door.

"Hello? Who's in there?" I recognized that voice, it was Castor from cabin Twelve.

"Castor?"

"Luke! Luke is that you!?"

I opened the door to see a very disgruntled demi-god. Like his twin brother he looks plump with curly blond hair and violet eyes. Those two were the only one's in Mr. D's cabin, despite being the god of partying he is surprisingly very faithful, I never met anyone else like them.

"Where the heck were you man!?" He sounded angry.

"What?"

"You were gone for hours! We had to form a search party!"

That isn't good. This is going to cause major hiccups in my plans. I need to think of an excuse fast!

"...I was here."

"In the can?"

"...Yes."

I could see his thoughts in real time, disbelief turned to frustration then acceptance to joy. He had a big goofy grin and was on the verge of laughter.

"Oh man…..Just wait until they hear this."

This would probably be a blow towards my reputation, but that was better than the alternatives. Still it does raise a few questions.

"Did they really form a search party?"

"Huh?" That brought him out of his thoughts.

"I mean….. It's flattering and all but, isn't that excessive? I could handle myself pretty fine."

I did go on a quest and could reasonably handle myself in the wild, Chiron knows me by now, forming a search party was unnecessary.

"Oh. It wasn't for you…At first."

"Huh?"

"Well….." He scratched the back of his head. "You know that girl you're babysitting?"

He didn't need to say anymore, so I nodded my head and walked out the restroom. I saw Chiron at the center of camp talking to a couple of half-bloods and-

"Luke!" Annabeth ran towards me, her hug almost tripped me.

"I'm sorry Luke! I wasn't looking and she-I didn't know she would. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was teaching her archery and-"

"It's okay, I understand." I ruffled her hair, I could see a tear in her eye.

"Hey, no more tears. You're stronger than that." I gave her a reassuring smile.

sniff* "Okay." She smiled and my heart felt lighter.

"Luke!" Chiron trotted to us, his face was stern. "There you are, I guess I will call off your search." He didn't even have to say anything, I knew what was going on.

"So is she gone? Gone?"

"We thought she would be with you, but I suppose that's isn't true, is it?"

"Yes." I sighed.

"Ah…. Then, we must continue."

"Do we have too?" One of the campers complained and others joined in. "It's not like she likes it here? And no one can watch her for more than a minute." "She punched me in the face." "She called me a arse git?" "She doesn't listen to us." "She broke my sword." "She is disruptive during lessons." "She scares me."

"Everyone! Everyone! Please!" Chiron was in lecture mode, we all knew what was coming. When Chiron gets in this mode he isn't going to stop until he has his say, and if anyone talks over him then it's stable duty for a week.

"I know you're all upset. But please think about it. She is a little girl, far from home, in a place she doesn't know, of course she will act up. You Matthias, you were the same when you first came here."

The boy blushed red.

"Bethany, Alexander, Travis, Katie, Pollux, Laurel – all of you have shared the challenges she faces now. I understand, it's a tough journey. Just like you, she arrived at this place, filled with fear and solitude. The path ahead might be difficult and marked by pain, but in this community, we are more than just companions – we are family. Together, we support and uplift one another, that's how we not only survive but thrive. As heroes, it is our duty to extend our hands to help her navigate this journey. Through thick and thin, we stand united, bound together for better or worse."

The weight of his words, carried by his voice and tone. It made me feel ashamed, doubt crept in – had I chosen the wrong path? Was I wrong? I closed my eyes but I still felt the fire inside, it was a flame ignited by my father, fueled by hate, fear, and above all, hurt. Glancing towards Annabeth, I noticed wonder in her eyes. Soon, she will look at me with different eyes, and I don't know if I can face that.

…I've made my bed, and it's time to lie in it.

"But where do we look? We searched the whole camp?" A girl from the Aphrodite cabin said.

Chiron looked towards me, I know it's in my head but I think he was looking through me. He smiled. "Don't worry, remember the pattern. If you need to trust in anything, trust in that."

"Are you saying she's going to come after me?"

"Well….. Yes. It's only a matter of time until she appears again. Sorry my boy." Chiron shook his head.

"It's fine I got used to it." I shrugged it off but I could feel Annabeth's eyes on me.

"Well you shouldn't Luke! This is in no way normal." She pouted, it was adorable.

"Nothing about our life is normal."

The next hours were a blur, talking with the search team, seeing them giggle as I told them where I was, giving offers to my father, eating in the pavilion, seeing Mr. D come back sulking. Not even that can bring my spirits up.

"All hail the gods! To Lord Zeus and Olympus!" Chiron toasted.

"All hail!" They all raised their cups, I tried my best to keep my hand from trembling. How do they not know, their gods don't love them, why are they cheering? They see humans as pawns to their game, we are nothing but slaves to their whims. I raised my cup high and said words even the gods can't hear.

To a world without gods.

The juice tasted bitter in my mouth.

After the meal it was lights out, no one is allowed after dark, less you become harpy food. I herded cabin eleven back to their bunks, I allowed three hours of leisure time before I enforced the curfew. I'm outside the bathrooms, waiting to escort the last of cabin eleven back. It's night now, the only thing illuminating were the torches and even then they were being snuffed out. Camp is a different place when it's dark, the silhouettes of statues and equipment are more frightening. I was leaning against the wall, flies buzzing around my flashlight.

"I'm done." A little girl around eleven, Jasmine was in her pajamas, her towel over her shoulders.

"Where's your sister?"

"She's almost done." Jasmine eyes wandered to the sky, no stars. Everything was silent, except for the crickets. I decided to break the ice.

"Did you have fun today?"

Her eyes wandered back, they were alight with joy.

"Yes! This place is so much fun! It beats boring old Dakota by a mile."

I smiled, it's all nice to see the newbies experience the demi-god life. It gets progressively worse as it continues.

"Luke….Ummm, is Trish really my sister?" She mumbled.

I shrugged my shoulders. "She could be? You're both undetermined; you might as well be sisters."

"But what if one of the…Gods choose her and she's not?"

Why should that matter?

"Ah. I see, you're afraid she might leave you?"

She couldn't look me in the eye and nodded her head.

"Well I had the same problem with Annabeth. We were put in different cabins but we never lost touch. Jasmine it doesn't matter who your parents are, family is who you make of it." I made my smile as reassuring as possible. "If you still want to be sisters, then do it. Just always remember to treat them like family."

She giggled. "Then…. Will you always be my brother?"

All thoughts stopped in my head, I studied the little girl. She came to camp by satyr, from what I heard she didn't come from a stable home. Very quiet when she first came here, it took weeks for her to open up. It's the same story with most demi-gods, the gods abandon us then claim us when we finally show some worth. It's always troubles kids from broken homes and they almost never live past adulthood. We live a cursed life, and to make things worse they toy with us, dangling love and affection like it's something to be earned. Chiron was right, we need to support each other if we want to survive. We're all we have and need all the help we can get, even if it's small.

"Of course. I'll always be there for you." I ruffled her hair just like Annabeth's.

For all of you.

"Jas! I'm done!" Trish ran out to hug her sister, Jasmine almost dropped her towel; they both giggled as I escorted them back to cabin eleven.

"Lights out everyone. And that means you too Kevin!" The small boy whined from the top of his bunk, everyone laughed. This is good, always leave them happy. With the clap of my hands all the lights in the cabin died. I should go to bed too. My bunk is to the far left, it has a sign with the words counselor nailed on but someone scratched it off and replaced it with Buttmonkey.

Oh Conner…. I hope you like stable duty tomorrow.

I climbed to my bed but first checked to see if it had been pranked or not. It's always good to double check, something that applies even to battle. After finding nothing I jumped in, pulled the covers over and waited. It took two hours for everyone to fall asleep, the last one Judy had a nasty case of insomnia. Magecraft was all I needed to get her to sleep; even added a little charm for good dreams.

When I was sure they were asleep I prepared my things then left the cabin. My eyes could see more than most, the dark was nothing to me. So were the harpies, I was right next to Aello but she didn't sense a thing.

"You need a breath mint. Also I know it was you who ate my graham crackers."

Nothing, the stupid bird looked at my direction for a few seconds then flew away. I never understood why Chiron hired them, though in hindsight it was probably Mr. D; Chiron would never willingly allow any of the staff to eat the campers.

I walked to the woods, I could see the dryad's and satyrs partying and well as other things. I wonder how the other campers would think if they knew their friends… Nevermind, I never really took stock in the satyrs in the first place. If it weren't for some notable ones I would have believed they were all animals. The dryads are even more useless.

I walked until I was outside the bounded field, I should be out of the camp's jurisdiction. I circled around the coast until I was near a rocky beach, surprisingly there were no monsters, they usually prowl close to the border but none were in sight. The border patrol would hunt them for sport or training, I know the Ares cabin captures monsters as a rite of passage. I stopped by a clearing, the sea was calm, its waves barely touched the rocks. The only light was the moon coming through the clouds, it reflected beautifully on the water. I took off my helmet.

"Berserker."

A ruffle comes from the trees, the little girl drops down on the sand. She looked wild, sticks and leaves in her hair. Her jacket was gone, she was wearing a white sleeveless shirt and dirty cargo shorts. She was bare footed, her hair looked like it hadn't been combed in months; impressive considering I just saw her today. She wore a cocky grin, and what I think is peanut butter stains on her cheeks.

"You took too long." There was snark in her voice.

"Camp half-blood is the domain of the Olympians. A battle there would attract their attention."

"Hmmmmm. The kami's of this era are capricious; one might assume they'd derive pleasure from such entertainment."

Getting the god's attention is the last thing I need.

I prepared all that I could for this fight, Backbiter was in its sheath, I'm dressed in greek armor made entirely from celestial bronze. I wore my father's shoes, a magic ring that turns into a shield and plastic bottles of ambrosia tied to my belt. All I needed to do was put on the helm, I clutched it to my sides. I watched her like a hawk.

"But then again, I too would be worried if I found wolves in my fields. Especially foreign wolves." She skipped across the sand, I took a few steps back; I can't get too close to her.

"So you're a wolf now, you certainly act the role."

She laughed, it would have sounded innocent if I didn't know what she was. She gave her class away, so she must be confident in her skills, confident enough that she thinks she can beat me. Berserkers, besides the mad enhancements are actually more detrimental in a fight, as Annabeth says brute strength bows to wisdom. If she wanted to intimidate me she would have chosen one of the knight classes.

"I did prey on the yokai of these lands. Not much of a challenge." She reached into her pocket, my hand touched the sword hilt.

She pulled out a fang, it was as big as her hands.

"Peculiar beings, they turn to dust after I kill them. This remained as the sole remnant after I separated it from the creature's maw." She studied the fang, her hand moving it in different angles.

I relaxed myself, my hand dropping to my sides.

"I think this is the most words you said without saying 'fight me'. Was it all an act?"

Her eyes turned cloudy, less like Thalia's and more like mine.

"No. In my other life I never had a childhood and could never live as one. It's rather enjoyable, observing everyone scurrying about, and all because of me." She giggled, it reminded me of Annabeth when she was a little girl.

"So you're some old guy trapped in a little girl's body?"

The entire world was silent, all that was heard was the wind in the leaves and the sounds of waves.

"...I never wanted to be in this war."

Huh? I start to feel goosebumps on my skin. The air shifted?

"From what that woman told me. We were supposed to be woven with our host, combined in perfect harmony… But she was too young, I overwhelmed her and her soul was consumed."

Her eyes turned violet, this wasn't like Castor or Pollux, it's not even like Mr. D's. It was Thalia's, electric, raw and dangerous. My entire body was on edge, my blood itself told me to run.

"Only I remain and this child is dead because of me." She sounded hollow, I could feel the despair in her voice.

"I will only say this once. Surrender and fall by my blade." From her hand a long katana glimmered to life. It was longer than her entire body yet she could lift it with one hand. Gold white hilt with two balls dangling on its bunt. She pointed it at me, it shone silver in the moonlight. The craftsmanship was impeccable, cabin nine can only dream of making this sword.

"With this wish I shall save this child's life."

Her eyes didn't look angry or sad, she was resigned. I felt sorry for her, I really did. But I couldn't die now, there was too much at stake. Curse this war.

I've made my bed, and it's time to lie in it.

"What's her name?"

Berserker closed her eyes, she sighed, accepting what she must do.

"Sadie Kane."

I will remember her.

I placed the helmet on my head, the helm of darkness, the symbol of Hades. I vanished, my shoes grew wings and I flew in the air, unsheathing Backbiter I slashed at Berserker. She was just standing there, her eyes closed, her sword not moving. I aimed for the neck, one clean cut. I will try to make this as quick and painless as possible.

But she moved, the girl ducked under my swing. That can't be right, I'm wearing the helm, it should have hidden me. I went for another, hovering in the air I performed a downward slash. But my sword hit the sand, Berserker side stepped, the sword slashed inches from her face cutting a little piece of hair.

How!?

It was her turn to move, all I saw was a silver light. In that instant I activated my shield, the ring morphed in a bronze aspis, it's sheen so clear it was a mirror. The impact rang like a dull bell, the force sent me flying away to a nearby tree. It bent the wood, splinters flew everywhere. If it wasn't for my armor my own ribs would have crushed my heart.

She wasted no time; she lunged after me. On instinct, I ducked to the ground, and ten trees toppled behind me. With my shoes, I glided across the ground, circling around her. She slashed wildly through the air; had I been even slightly higher, I would have been slashed to ribbons.

How is she seeing me?

Her eyes remained closed; I, however, wore the Helm. It should have been impossible. The Helm of Darkness, a divine construct, has the power to conceal the wearer's presence across all five senses. It could also do so much more but I could only unlock two of its abilities. Perhaps if I were one of Hades' children, but I am too bright to hide in the shadows; by my nature the helm is incompatible with me. The most I could do is hide my presence and the third ability, it worked just fine in camp so why isn't it working now?

Maybe she's sensing me through something else?

"There!"

I limboed under a silver light that almost bisected my head. Damn her reach; her sword was too long. Backbiter isn't even half her length, and reaching her with that speed seemed impossible. I would be killed in seconds. I decided to take a gamble; I had to bait her. Using my shoes, I dipped in and out of her range, knowing I needed a specific strike for this to work. I deflected her sword with mine, and Berserker and I engaged in a constant back-and-forth. I kept attacking relentlessly, yet she was always on the defensive. It took some time, but I noticed a pattern: she only knew my position when I attacked her. The moment I left, she continued to slice wildly. It seemed her vision had its limits.

I had to be quick. I threw a rock while my shoes swiftly carried me behind her. She sliced the rock, leaving her back wide open for me. She didn't know I was here. Once I moved Backbiter, she flinched, and her sword rushed in my direction. I caught the sword with my shield and swung mine. It should have sliced her shoulders, but with one leg, she pirouetted, bending her body into a crescent moon, and the slash missed. She was more agile than I had thought.

She jumped away, and I cursed in Greek, that rock thing won't work a second time. I decided to stick with the original plan. Closing the gap, I swung Backbiter low and flew away when the sword got too near. I focused my attacks on her legs until she performed a downward slash. This was the moment. I lifted the shield above my head, allowing the sword to hit it. With her speed and strength, the sword should be stuck on the shield. Using my wings, I sped towards her, the sword grinding against the aspis. She had nowhere to run now. I slashed horizontally, there's no way she can dodge this.

Then she dodged it.

She allowed herself to be carried by her sword. I watched as she somersaulted over me, using the shield as a lift. Her sword broke free from my shield, and pieces of celestial bronze chipped away, ruining its mirror surface. She rolled on the ground before assuming another defensive stance. I can't believe this girl, but it should be expected of a heroic spirit. Though maybe not a Berserker. Is she even a Berserker?

The Berserker class casts a wide net; technically, anyone can become a Berserker. All they need is an event in their life where they lose control, and that's practically every warrior ever. Even I am not exempt from this; after meeting my father for the first time, I lost control of my emotions and attacked every monster in sight. She on the other hand is too sane to be a Berserker. She adapts to my moves and is very careful, the exact opposite of how a Berserker should be. She should be fighting wildly, but I can't feel a smidgen of bloodlust on her.

Was she lying about her class? Is she really a saber?

We didn't move. If I didn't attack, she wouldn't know where I was. We were at an impasse; I couldn't match her speed, and she couldn't see me. Berserker furrowed her brow, her eyes still closed, and her face frowned. She began to twist her sword, moving it like one of those showoffs in the Athena cabin. It rotated around her fingers, impressive considering its length, but I didn't see how that would help her. Then I noticed it—little purple sparks glittering around her sword, spreading into the air. Like a fire, it followed the wind, and soon the entire beach was covered in purple stars. I felt electricity in the air, and for a second, I thought it was Thalia. Berserker's turned in my direction, and I could feel the blood leave my face.

She found me!

I flapped my wings but Berserker was faster, her sword was mid swing when it came down upon me. All I could do was raise my shield; her blade fell like lightning. This shield was made by Charles Beckendorf, son of Hephaestus, the god of forges, and the counselor of Cabin Nine. He personally apprenticed under his father and is the best smith in camp. The shield was crafted from celestial bronze from his own father's forges and enchanted with the best defensive spells camp has to offer. Chiron himself called the shield a rival to Thalia's Aegis. I further enhanced it with my own magecraft, magic from the Age of Gods. It took seconds for it to cave in, bronze shards shattered upon impact, glimmering like golden stars. But it was enough to move her sword a few inches, nipping my wrist instead of taking my whole hand off. I parried the next blow with Backbiter, gripping with both hands to hold off her monstrous strength. She was good, really good. In camp, they called me the best swordsman in the last three hundred years; Berserker was on a whole other level. And she did it all with her eyes closed.

She's adapting!

The girl is starting to get used to my fighting style. Predicting what I'm about to do, I almost missed that last parry. The worst was her speed, my mind can't react fast enough; I'm running on pure instinct and experience. She parried me, and my stomach was wide open. It was only thanks to my shoes that I was able to back away fast enough. Her sword tip sliced a thin line across my armor, thankfully only armor deep.

She crossed that gap in less than a second. The tables had turned; now she was the one attacking, and I was the one defending. She's getting faster and faster, I am barely holding on.

"This is the end."

Her sword slid down to Backbiter's hilt, and with her monstrous strength, she flung Backbiter from my grasp.

No!

I saw the silver gleam as her sword thrust, heading straight for my throat. Without thinking, words spilled from my mouth, a slip of the tongue, something out of pure instinct. The heavenly word for fire echoed in the air, and in a femtosecond, the ancient language appeared. It turned into a blazing inferno as it was pierced by the blade. The explosion propelled me away, skipping on the sand until I hit grass. My entire body was sore, my left side was badly burned. It hurt like hell, as if the fires were still within me.

What the!? Where?

My head turned around, and there was a giant firestorm consuming half the beach. Chunks of sand turned to glass, and rocks were dyed black; it even spread to the trees. Berserker was nowhere in sight. I knew that wouldn't kill her, but I dared to hope.

I couldn't feel anything in my left arm, I couldn't even call it an arm anymore; it was more like a piece of burnt meat. Even my bronze armor was melting into my skin. I dashed out of there, hiding in the forest. I sat down, concealed behind a group of trees with a clear view of the beach. I uncorked the unprocessed ambrosia and splattered it all over my arm. The golden liquid dripped down my hand into the ground, and flowers and grass grew around me, expanding until they reached eye level.

The feeling started to return and with that pain, I couldn't even move my fingers. I added healing magecraft, whispering words and sacred names. The burns were disappearing, and the arm was reforming, usually this would take hours but I didn't have that luxury. I peeked behind the tree desperately looking for Backbiter, I scanned the shoreline until I saw a shallow glint of bronze. It was impaled on the rocks, the waves crashing on its metal. It should be easy with my shoes.

Then, out of the fire, Berserker appeared. She walked calmly on the beach, the flames doing nothing to her. Purple would be an accurate word to describe her; she was dressed in purple armor and whatever that cloth and rope were. The only things not purple were her gauntlets and greaves, black mixed with gold. A heart symbol adorned her chest scarf. Even her hair had turned completely purple, becoming more silky in texture. She was walking towards me, the pain in my arm flared.

I'm not ready yet, I can't fight her with one arm.

I could barely keep up with her then, and now it would be impossible. I sped up the magecraft and poured more ambrosia. I wasn't careful, and there would be consequences, but that was then and this is now. The nerves were coming back; I could kind of lift it, but that wasn't enough. I needed more time. In a desperate attempt, I activated the helm's third power—the only one that came easy to me because we all need to be feared sometimes.

It spread like a calm wind that blew throughout the beach. It started slow at first, then came the rhythmic waves, growing stronger and stronger. Birds flew, and animals ran; a single spider took wind off my shoulders. The tree behind me trembled, all its leaves ran. The grass under me stretched in a desperate attempt to escape. The waves stopped coming onshore, and the great fire snuffed itself out. If I wasn't wearing the helm, I too would have run away screaming. That still didn't stop the fear from what I saw. Berserker trembled, her closed eyes now opened, an electric violet. She grit her teeth in frustration.

"For this child, I would fight Enma himself." She stopped trembling and a madness entered her eyes.

She pounced in my direction, and I ducked behind the tree before it was cut down. Her blade sliced through it like butter, and for a second, the tree didn't know it was cut, only to fall three seconds later. I rolled off to the side and flew across the beach. She truly was a Berserker if that didn't bother her; no one sane could willingly move under pure terror. It was all for nothing, my arm isn't healed, I have to make do using the one. Backbiter was in my sights, I almost grabbed the handle before an arrow drove me away.

She has a bow!?

She unleashed a barrage of arrows, and I had to employ drastic maneuvers to evade them. Despite her wild aim, the helm's invisibility remained, likely the sole reason I wasn't already riddled with arrows. I darted up and down, weaving through the air, but one arrow managed to slice the side of my leg. The situation was becoming overwhelming; I needed to retrieve Backbiter. In my haste and carelessness, an arrow struck the side of my head, hitting the helm. The impact was forceful enough to fill my vision with stars, and the helm loosened, falling into the rocks and disappearing in the waves. Another arrow pierced my shoulder, followed by one in my ribs. As my vision cleared, I saw another arrow pass through both of my wings, and I plummeted into the sea.

My back was the first to feel the rocks, and the saltwater stung on my arm. I screamed before swallowing seasalt, it tasted disgusting. It was over; I was too weak and injured to move. My left arm was destroyed, my back crushed, and my body bleeding from the arrow wounds. I think I'm suffering from a concussion. The sea was drowning me, my head barely above sea level, constantly crashing on the waves. Berserker is going to be here any second now to deliver the final blow. There was nothing I could do, nothing except…

I took another gamble and spoke the heavenly words. This could cost me more than my life. With my good hand, I covered my mouth and prayed no one was listening because what must be said must never be heard. With hesitation, I spoke my name, the name of Luke Castellan. A name etched into my very being, the origin of what I am. To know one's true name is to gain power over them; to know your name is to gain power over yourself.

"Heal yourself, stand and fight her!"

My body obeyed; it defied natural laws, and I was whole. That didn't mean my wounds disappeared; they just weren't my problem anymore. Despite all the pain, my body stood, and I ran towards Backbiter. Arrows shot past me, but I could see them now. I dodged and ducked until my hand gripped Backbiter's hilt. I pulled the sword from the rocks, my body gaining unnatural strength—or more accurately, the full potential of my strength.

I screamed as I ran towards Berserker, holding Backbiter with both hands, cutting and deflecting her arrows. Some managed to hit, but pain wasn't a problem. I had to close the gap; my shoes couldn't fly anymore.

Like a maniac, I jumped towards her. She readied her blade and struck. Backbiter and the katana vibrated so loudly it echoed across the beach. I could see her strikes, as if my eyes were on overdrive. I closed the gap more, I could finally see her movement, the elegance of her blade, she truly was a genius. I laughed, the joy was real, never before have I fought anyone with such mastery, not even Ares could compare. Despite the pain, the risk, the fear of death, I enjoyed this. This fight truly pushed me to my limits, if this is how servants fought I can't wait to die.

"You're good."

I parried one of her strikes and would have poked her eyes out if she hadn't tilted her head. She was smiling too, the same smile she wore in camp, a childlike glee.

"So are you."

She struck again with even more ferocity. I must be going mad because it only made me more excited, even when it almost took my head off. It's battles like these that really put things in perspective. It was during my battle with Ares that I learned my true name. Mid-fight, before he delivered the final blow, I had an epiphany. A singular thought came to my mind, and through that, I was able to beat the god of war. It was a rule, or more likely an idea, at the core of who I was.

"Humans cannot become gods, and gods cannot become humans."

The barrier between this world and the divine. It is the reason I never used the powers of Rider; I know I am handicapping myself. But if I am going to fight, I will do it as a man. With all the faults and all the pain that entails, I will not become like the gods. That is my creed and my hate for the divine.

"This has been fun. But it has to end, as all things do," Berserker gave a sad smile, then purple lightning wreathed her sword. I couldn't help but laugh. Out of all of us, she was the first to give in. The first to succumb to the divine. She couldn't beat me as a human. In a way, I won. I blocked with Backbiter, but I knew that wasn't enough. The last thing I saw was the moon before everything turned black.

I saw Kronos, he snarled and hissed.

"You fool! You absolute fool! You damned us both!" The titan raged in his prison, and the walls of Tartarus shook. I would have been afraid before, but I don't cower anymore. He acts more like a petulant child than the bane of Olympus. Describing him, though, is taxing on my mind. I can't tell where one part ends and another begins. I know he was severed into a million pieces, but what he is now is an amalgam of limbs and other things I can't describe. It's like someone took a bunch of action figures, melted them, then merged them together into one hideous abomination. The lord of time was that times a million; he is wider than the horizon and taller than the sky. Made me doubt he was ever humanoid to begin with.

"You pledged your oath!"

"I never betrayed you."

"You did! You lost to that brat!"

"I vowed to fight your enemies. To devote my heart and soul to your cause."

"You didn't give your all in that fight! You allowed her to kill you! By not unleashing all of your power!"

"I will not fight as a god. Even for you, I will never cross that line. Even if it costs me my life."

I knew I was being an idiot, to say that to the titan lord. I could hear the insolence in my voice, the arrogance of it. But I was human, I am Luke Castellan, I'm stubborn to my core; I just saw it as being true to myself. In the end it killed me and frankly I was ok with that.

"And now you lost. And now you are dead. Your heart, your soul is mine!"

The titan king reached for me, a million arms gathered to grab me. I may be lying when I said I was content, I didn't want to die. The high must be gone because the weight of what I did came crashing down. I only wish I could see Annabeth one last time.

"You lost me time. A thousand years of torment is not enough for the time you wasted me!"

He was going to devour me, like his children. But they were gods and I am human, I could only imagine what will await me.

"You are absolutely right." Another voice ringed throughout the prison.

Someone kicked me in the stomach and I was thrown to the ground, I felt like puking.

"He is an absolute idiot. A fool of a servant who would die for his principles. Ridiculous. The dead have no power." She sounded harsh, like she wanted to spear me in the chest.

"You." The titan lord snarled.

"But I wasted too many resources on him. You as well. He can't die yet."

Kronos grumbled, and that woman's words managed to reach him. I struggled to stand; my arm was still a burnt crisp, and the arrows were still impaled in my body. But I saw her, tall with long purple hair tied with a blue ribbon. I had no idea what she was wearing—a long black coat dress thing with a large zipper. Besides that, she was entirely naked except for a tiny metal codpiece; I could feel my face turn red. But the other half of my attention was on her legs, made of metal with spears and sharp high heels that looked like swords. They were the only reason I had to look up at her.

"He's mentally ill or maybe somewhere on the spectrum. I shouldn't have chosen him as my servant." She looked at me with disdain, like I was dirt underneath her, sword feet things.

"Who are-"

"I'm calling you a retard!"

I didn't know how to respond to that, sure I have ADHD and dyslexia but that's the norm for demi-gods. I don't know whether to feel offended or surprised.

"You're not capable of thinking for yourself. It's time for me to take control."

A red mark appears on her ribs, half a heart separated into three parts. I instantly knew what it was, my legs ran, I had to stop her.

"Wait-"

"By my command spell."

I flinched, I could feel the magic race throughout my body.

"Throw away your ideals and fight like a god."

"AARRRHHHHHH!" I collapsed to the ground, screaming at the top of my lungs, the light was burning my soul. I could feel myself being consumed, the muck of my restraint and willpower breaking against the light. I was on fire, I was fire, I could feel infinity—the sky, the sun.

"Live in your own hell." Those were the last words I heard before I was expelled from Tartarus.

When I awoke I saw the moon, a mere reflection of my light. I was laying on the beach in a pool of my own blood. Disgraceful, I stood up removing this ridiculous armor and all these Greek trappings.

"How?" Berserker turned around, she looked surprised.

Why should she? This is only natural, I can't die in such a boorish way. When I die the heavens will quake and the very gods themselves will mourn.

Berserker jumped from the tree line, her sword lunged at me. In a flash I was somewhere else, wiping the sand and blood off my form. I picked at the orange camp half-blood shirt, it was covered in blood and filthy, but what irritates me more is what it represents. Half-blood, the very notion. What am I, a breed of dog? A mutt!? I burned the thing, the fires couldn't hurt me, I wore the flames like clothes as they burned away all the dirt and arrows on me.

"Now where is…." I summoned my crook and flail, symbols of my authority. My right to rule as king.

"Who are you!?" Berserker shouted, she took a defensive stance.

I spoke the divine words, hieroglyphs appeared in a long stream in the air. In less than a second, all my injuries were gone. My hand returned to normal, and the arrow wounds closed. I flexed my back and twisted my neck; the pain was gone. Even the dark lines under my eyes disappeared. I ran my hand through my hair, golden like the sun. I am the sun. I am an absolute existence.

"You… Are you Caster!?"

"A Caster?" I huffed. "Do not confuse me with the priests and charlatans. To even compare me is an insult, I am above all those. But to boast is unbecoming of a king." I tied the flail to my belt; I'm shirtless now but I didn't feel the cold, that is for lesser men. I tapped my crook on the ground, the land itself feels asleep, its Leylines were untapped.

"Going by the rules of this childish war, you may call me Rider."

She glared at me, insulting.

"Did I give you permission to look upon me. Forbiddance to gaze upon my splendor!" I unleashed the sun, a light so bright it would have blinded most men. Berserker shielded her eyes with her gauntlets, as though that would stop me. The very ground itself started to melt, the trees were set ablaze. Berserker started to sweat, her gauntlets heated.

"Such tenacity. To even stand in my presence is an achievement. As an award your death will be painless." I raised my crook and a beam of light shot to Berserker. That laser holds the heat of the sun, compressed into a single line. I aimed for her brain, it would be merciful, painless, let it never be said I am not kind. But the audacity, this girl dodged my gift. She slid downward and raced towards me, her blade shining red from the heat. I wondered what would give way first—would her blade melt, or would it strike me before it did. I decided to wait and see.

She jumped in the air, her sword lunged downward. It stopped midway, a barrier of hieroglyphs blocked her strike.

Interesting. Such fire in you.

The girl was hanging midair, using her brute strength on my barrier. To my surprise I saw cracks in the words.

"Fascinating." With a wave of my hand I caught her in a beam of light, it was so wide and fast she couldn't escape. The girl screamed, her form was set on fire. In the end she was launched to the wayside, body still ablaze.

I stopped the light, and the world dimmed. There were no stars in the sky. I should feel insulted, but I'm not; mankind has managed to achieve a light bright enough that it could block out the stars. Such tenacity—the will of man is still so fierce that it could defy nature. I can't help but smile.

"I'm not done!" The girl stood, and I nodded. I would be disappointed if she did die.

Purple lightning erupted from her sword, the wind itself howled. I could feel the divinity from her, lightning and storms. This was going to be an enjoyable fight. I respond in kind.

From my spirit a mighty Sphinx emerged, its body was made of cosmos, its wings made of gold. It was a giant whose roar commanded the wind and flame. Wearing the regalia of my land, it was a creature of beauty and terror.

"Wehem-Mesut! My friend, my servant! Your pharaoh commands you!"

The Sphinx roared, and the land itself quivered. Berserker herself was almost blown away. I laughed; it's been so long since I heard such joy from the king of the Sphinxes.

"We have someone who wishes to challenge the power of the pharaoh. Best not leave them wanting!"

The mighty creature charged, it swiped its claw at the Berserker. To my joy she blocked it, her sword and strength were enough to stall his paw. Amazing to see a little girl fight a giant, it was a tale from the myths itself. With my power I turned the sands into a golden throne, it was covered in hieroglyphs singing praises to Egypt and Ra. It was a seat fit for a king, so naturally I obliged; it was a nice throne to spectate this battle.

The Sphinx must be bored. He swipes the other claw, and Berserker jumps. She runs up his arm, and my friend releases a torrent of cosmic beams from his body. With each step she takes, another beam is made. Speed is her only advantage. The Sphinx scratches his body, rolling in the sands in order to get her off. With its roar it summons the harsh winds to blow her away. The girl is barely hanging on by a thread,

She's aiming for the neck. But will that be enough?

My pet takes flight taking the girl with him, with a whisper of the heavenly words I created a falcon from the hieroglyphs. It perched on my arm, its talons ivory with gold feathers and sapphire eyes.

"You will be my eyes." The bird nodded its head and took flight from my arms. With this, I could see the fight from the skies while sitting on my throne. The familiar flew above the clouds. My pet soared higher and higher, above the storm and into the clear sky. The Sphinx was roaring, beams of cosmic energy erupted from his body, like a blue LED disco ball. I commanded the bird to fly closer, I looked all over his body, Berserker was nowhere in sight.

Did she fall off? No.

If that were true, then the Sphinx wouldn't be this agitated. I saw a flash of purple lightning, dancing all around my pet. If it weren't so serious, I would have thought he had fleas. The Sphinx screamed in pain as she slashed more and more of its body. A futile effort, Wehem-Mesut is born from the cosmos; the moment she did, it would immediately heal. Though that didn't mean he couldn't feel pain. He let out a giant beam from his head, tearing the storm in half, moving from the ocean to land. I could feel the impact on the ground, creating a large crater and starting forest fires.

No my friend.

With a wave of my crook, the fires spun out. They were indirectly made by me, so it is my responsibility to take care of them. Other things besides us live in these forests. I am not some savage that takes and destroys. I am a king, a peacemaker, a builder. With a snap of my fingers, I could burn this entire forest to the ground, but that is the easy road. It is more impressive to create than to destroy. In a few days, I will allow this forest to grow once more. It will flourish under my rule.

A powerful thunder echoed in the sky, it felt like the force of a thousand lightning bolts. I could feel its presence from here, it almost made me afraid. Berserker must have released her noble phantasm. For a second I thought it was Zeus's master bolt but that was safely tucked away in my temple. The sky was covered in purple lightning, so powerful that my familiar was destroyed by proximity.

Well done.

I could feel the Sphinx's life fading. Through the clouds, the giant fell, his golden feathers drifting in the wind. Like a meteor, he crashed into the forest, creating a huge wave of dust and leaves. I stood up and clapped my hands. A great fire arose from his destruction, pushing back the sea itself. When all was over, there was nothing but the roars of fire. I could sense Berserker isn't dead, but she is close.

"It's time for the climax."

With a click of my hands, I was instantly adorned in my regalia. A white cape draped around me, complemented by a golden necklace adorned with lapis gems. Golden armor covered my hands, and my pants transformed into baggy attire, seamlessly connected to my sandals. The only part of me left bare was my chest, but that was to be expected. I adjusted the golden Ankh on my shoulder, I need to look ready for my battle.

Berserker limped out of the forest, huffing deeply, her hair was a mess of violet and her armor was burnt black. She trembled her sword hand, pointing it right at me. I only smiled.

"You have proven yourself Berserker. You gain the right to fight me in person." I twirled my crook, a wall of hieroglyphs circled around me.

The little girl growled, she glared at me with all of her hate.

There's still fire in her. Perfect, this will be enjoyable.

"Y-You! Will never win!" Her hair billowed in the air, her eyes radiated a fierce purple glow, and lightning burst forth from her form. Gathering colossal amounts of divine energy, she let out a primal scream, causing even the wind to retreat from her presence. She truly looked like a Berserker now.

She jumped at me, but halfway, she slowed down, as if her body was in slow motion. While she was occupied with the Sphinx, I erected a multilayer barrier, strong enough to withstand the collapse of a skyscraper. She hissed and growled, effectively trapped by the barrier.

Is this all you can provide?

She screamed and her hand did something I thought impossible, she grabbed the bounded field and started crushing it. I could see cracks and seams appearing everywhere.

"Amazing." I really meant it, it shouldn't be possible unless…

With a snap, she shattered through and lunged at me, her sword mere inches from my face. However, I remained calm; I am the sun itself. The blade halted just centimeters from my skin, and I could see the surprise in Berserker's eyes. She attempted to break my field, but I swatted her away with my crook. My avatar enveloped me, casting me within a majestic golden titan with a falcon's head. Behind me, the Eye of Ra emerged radiating with a terrible light that set the forest ablaze. Uraeus herself circled around the eye, proof of my divine might.

"Is this your noble-"

"No. This is my right as king. The power of a god!"

My avatar's eyes glowed, and Berserker fled before being blasted away. I pursued her into the forest, the sheer presence of my avatar setting the trees ablaze and turning everything to ash.

She slashed lightning at me, with a wave of my hand they dissipated. I summoned the storm and the wind, the tempest blew away the trees and the rain fell like knives. I flew into the air, taking my rightful place in the sky. Despite her attempts to harm me with arrows they proved futile, bouncing harmlessly off my avatar. With a wave of my hands, I summoned a beam of light that tore the forest in half, the explosions battered the landscape. I never felt so powerful before, what was I thinking fighting as a man. This is true strength.

"Is this your all, Berserker? I expected more from the one who slayed the Sphinx?"

Golden lightning struck me, on the ground was Berserker, in her hands was a golden axe. I couldn't even be bothered, nothing she could do can hurt me now. The Berserker jumped in the air, her axe prepared to cut. I merely raised my hand, to my surprise the axe broke through.

What!?

It sliced through my avatar's arm, I screamed in rage as it exploded into light.

That ingrate!

With my other arm I grabbed her mid-air, I squeezed her until she too dissolved into light.

Huh!? An illusion? No. It was real.

Four arrows pierced my avatars back, I turned to see two Berserkers; one with a bow and another with a spear.

Clones!?

The arrows sailed with the force of the wind, piercing through my avatar and impaling my arm, rendering it sluggish. The very idea of these projectiles affecting me was repugnant; I am a god, and this avatar is but a reflection of my might. How dare they attempt to dismantle it. Using the Eye of Ra I shot a million beams at my attackers, the resulting explosions created a stream of craters.

An arrow shot my avatar's eye, blinding it.

How dare they!

I flew to the Berserkers, breathing a stream of fire on the ground incinerating all in my path.

But the one with the spear advanced, she climbed to the tree-tops and with a powerful arm shot the spear straight into my avatar's mouth. The weapon erupted into shards of ice that exploded my avatar's head.

Insolent specters!

I spoke, and a wall of hieroglyphs etched in the air, altering the rules of reality. Gravity reversed, and everything was lifted into the sky, creating a canopy of rocks, trees, sand, and dirt. Amidst this chaos, I observed the Berserkers. From my core, I unleashed falcons that soared towards the enemy servants. A hail of arrows took down half of them as they exploded in golden light. A group caught the weaponless one, they flew straight at her, incinerating her. The remaining falcons pursued the bow-wielder, pressuring her, and then, invoking the magic of chaos, I conjured a mighty tornado that crushed the girl. Before her demise, she offered me a smile, only to be swiftly incinerated. It was at that moment I detected a surge of energy to the north—a radiant purple light.

The true Berserker!

My avatar teetered on the brink of collapse, the Eye of Ra dimmed but retained just enough power to vanquish her once and for all. The celestial construct conjured its own crook, and I soared towards the radiant source. At the mountain's summit, two Berserkers awaited—one wielding a flaming sword, and the other harnessing the storm's power into her blade. The one gathering energy must be the real threat, yet the clone was the first to confront me. Her fiery blade couldn't harm me, but she proved relentless, blocking every maneuver and managing to slice one of my fingers. Fueled by rage, I summoned two miniature suns from my crook, releasing beams of light at the clone. Despite my efforts, she deftly evaded every attack. In a fit of anger, I swung my crook at her, and in retaliation, she slashed at me, piercing my torso where my true form resided.

"Enough!"

I grabbed her with my avatar and the fake laughed, and it took me a moment to comprehend the situation as I turned my gaze to the sky. The night was clear, and the real Berserker had harnessed the entire storm. She had accumulated so much lightning that it could obliterate this mountaintop ten times over. I chided myself, recognizing that my anger had once again clouded my judgment.

"[Vengeful Lightning of the Ox-King]!"

She swung her sword, and a purple light engulfed my avatar. I found myself enveloped in a torrent of electricity, tearing my avatar asunder, and every fiber screamed in pain. I shouldn't have toyed with her; I should have employed my noble phantasm from the beginning. If this persisted, I would meet a thankless death. But, I am Ramses the Great, the greatest pharaoh of Egypt. In this second life, I shall not be denied.

With a scream that echoed through the cosmos, I declared, "I am the sun! As I've said, so it shall be! Rise, [Mesektet]!"

The sun itself rose from the lightning; night turned to day, and the world burned. I stood on my ship, a divine construct embodying the sun. Mere pieces of it were enough to destroy one-quarter of New York; the entire ship could annihilate the city in a matter of hours. There was no forest anymore, just an ashen landscape. The sea itself boiled, and the shore evaporated. If I unleashed its full might, I could set the atmosphere on fire. Not even Zeus's master bolt is enough to rival the ship's destructive might. It was moments like these that I truly felt like a god.

As I sailed through the sky, I graced the world with my light. The rising sun could be seen from horizon to horizon. Berserker should be dead by now; no one, not even the gods, can face the full might of the sun. At that moment my body collapsed, I had used too much mana, I struggled to lift myself with my crook. I need to end this phantasm quickly, it's draining me dry, anymore and I will die from mana exhaustion.

Then in the corner of my eyes I saw a streak of purple lightning. From the skies Berserker landed on my ship, her body badly burnt, smoking with embers.

"Impossible! How did you-"

She brandished her blade, and in an instant, I summoned a barrier of hieroglyphs to block her path. She sliced through the magical inscriptions as if they were mere paper. Despite my continuous attempts to cast spells, her sword effortlessly cut through each one. This shouldn't be possible unless she was a…

Mystery slayer. Of course.

She closed in on me, and I am out of mana, leaving me with no choice but to wield my crook. However, she skillfully deflected it, sending the staff flying from my hands. Her movements were erratic, the madness had consumed her entirely.

"I will save her. I will save her. I will save her. I will save her-"

She sliced through the last of my barriers, my heart was racing by a mile.

A weapon! I need a-

Only now did I realize that Backbiter was on my hips. I had to fight like a mortal? That thought made me hesitant; then she was already upon me. Her blade sliced through me dead center, and all I could recall was the sensation of falling, then darkness.

I awoke on the beach once more, the moon casting its full glow over the night. The air was thick with embers, and the unbearable heat surrounded me. My body felt numb, completely drained of energy. I lay on a scorched shore, the seaweed all dried up, and the rocks dyed black. Berserker stood before me, her sword poised at my neck. Despite everything that had happened, I couldn't believe I didn't follow my rule.

"Humans cannot become gods, and gods cannot become humans."

I let out a sad laugh, finding it ironic that the moment I ascended to godhood, I ended up losing. Tears mixed with laughter, a peculiar blend of emotions. Maybe I'm broken.

She tightened her grip on the sword, poised for a lunge. I could see the madness in her eyes, like looking into a mirror. Those were the same eyes I had after Thalia's death.

Here ends Luke Castellan son of Hermes. Hero, friend, brother, rebel, and a fool who thought he was better than the gods. Annabeth, I'm sorry.

"Luke!" A familiar voice echoed from the distance. The rhythmic sounds of hooves accompanied it. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, Berserker was gone.

"Luke!" She grabbed hold of me, crying her eyes out.

Annabeth? What are you doing here?

"We have to get him out of here!" That was Chiron's voice. Hands picked me up and I passed out from the pain.

I awoke in the infirmary, my body tightly bandaged. A startled Apollo kid mistook me for a ghost, leading to some screams. After the initial shock, one of them rushed to fetch Chiron. The centaur, in his wheelchair, was wearing a pink bathrobe – I always wonder how he could wear normal clothes. I really wanted to hate him, he is a lapdog of the gods, but he really did care for me, even more than my own father. Isn't that sad, that a stranger loves me more than my own blood.

"How long was I out." My voice was rough and it hurt to talk.

Chiron pouted, hesitating to speak. "Six days."

"That's almost a-"

"Don't talk my boy." He gave me a glass of nectar with a crazy straw. I reluctantly drank it, it tasted like figs.

"You suffered from severe burns and nerve damage. I exhausted all my medical knowledge but I'm afraid I couldn't fully heal you."

I paused before continuing to sip.

"You are very lucky Luke, you managed to witness and survive a battle between two gods. No human alive can boast that." He gave a reassuring smile.

Yeah gods…

"I….I couldn't heal the scars on your chest. The damage to your internal organs is severe, and you may never be the same again. Nectar and ambrosia can only do so much against the divine. I'm sorry."

So that's why I'm having trouble breathing.

My limbs feel sluggish, and I can barely move my fingers. The most I can manage is turning my head; beyond that, there's nothing. For a moment, I even wondered if I was just a torso. If it didn't see my legs, I would have thought I was severed.

"Even with ambrosia I fear recovery could take months."

I coughed, the nectar went down the wrong throat.

I don't have months! I have an army to lead, I have things to plan! Olympus won't destroy itself! I have to get my revenge on the gods-

"Argh!" I felt a spike of pain in my chest, the sword wound was throbbing.

"My boy! Luke! Someone get more nectar!" Chiron screamed. I could hear the heart monitor beeping faster. Everything became a blur of movement, Apollo kids in nurses' outfits, and Chiron yelling. I blacked out again.

As I regained consciousness, the soft glow of the moon lit up the infirmary. The room was quiet, with empty beds and shadows. I saw a girl sleeping, her head resting on my bed while she sat in a chair. Strands of her golden hair gracefully curled against my leg. Her eyes were sullen, was she crying?

Annabeth.

"She is the reason you're not dead." Another voice whispered from the shadows. I tense as Berserker rematerialized in the shadows. She probably came here to finish the job. I instinctively moved my hands but the pain brought me to reality.

"She and many others. You are loved by so many people."

She gestured towards my left, and I noticed bouquets of flowers and get-well cards. There were also other gifts – necklaces, a sword, , a comic book, gauntlets, a kids drawing, and a piece of paper with the words "I.O.U. Love, the Stoll Brothers." I couldn't help but giggle, it still hurt though.

She stepped into the moonlight, and Berserker turned into a little girl again. Her jacket hung off her shoulders, and her clothes appeared torn and burned. She wore worn-out sandals that probably belonged to the gift shop. Her crystal-blue eyes shone in the moonlight, her golden hair sparkled blue. Despite her young appearance, her face looked older, fitting.

"So many children, and they all look up to you…. I know you plan to betray them. That you will break their hearts."

She stepped closer, her eyes turned a deep violet.

"And when you do. I'll be there." The threat didn't need to be said but she was wrong.

"Everything I do... I do for them," I said, and I wasn't even lying. There is no future under the gods; most of them will die neglected and alone, just like Thalia.

Berserker looked conflicted, her eyes wavered from me to Annabeth; she knew I wasn't lying. Her noble phantasm, if it's true, told me who she was. Someone not too dissimilar to me, we were both toys of the gods. Berserker closed her eyes and shook her head, she turned around and walked to the wall.

"I will save her, nothing will stop me. Till we meet again Luke Castellan." She dematerialised into thin air.

Till again Minamoto-no-Raikou.

Annabeth only stirred in her sleep, and I couldn't help but smile. To me, she will always be that little girl we found hiding under that sheet of iron. It took three more days before I could walk again. Berserker is gone, she has truly left. Most people in camp thought she died in that forest, and I let them believe that. What else can I do?

I spent my days listening to Annabeth's stories and playing chess with Chiron. I also watched a lot of 'Little House on the Prairie'. It wasn't all a waste; Chiron's tongue gets looser when he's playing chess. Apparently, something is going down in Olympus. Strange phenomena are happening all over the states. I don't know what this means for my plans, but I will wait and see.

I walked down to the basement and flipped the switch. Mr. D finally fixed the lights. Like the past few days, I tapped my crook. I was beginning to think it wasn't here until I felt a slight pull. A flood of mana filled me; it was like I was drowning in water. I struggled to breathe, then my eyes opened, and I could see for miles. I could feel everyone in the camp's bounded field.

I could see Annabeth; she was practicing sculpting and accidentally carved the nose off. I could see Jasmine and Trish playing in the lake. I could see Charles hammering away, and the Stoll brothers pranking the concession stand. Chiron and Mr. D were playing pinochle; the god looked in my direction for a second before returning to his cards. I could see more—the forest, the lake, Daedalus's labyrinth, the strawberry fields, and...

Thalia's tree, a great pine that is the core of the bounded field. I said hello through the Leyline. I shouldn't get my hopes up; she's been silent for years. There's no way—

"Hello!"