Percy's POV:

I wake as if it's an emergency, as if sleeping had become a dangerous thing. And let's be real sometimes it is. My heart beats fast and there is a buzzing in my brain and together I leap from the, bed? Now my brain is trying to process everything that happened... Was it last night? I can't really be sure. Next I gaze at the room I was put in.

It has been built with Red Pine Wood and has been aged slightly. One large window behind the bed allowed enough light to enter the home that everything was slightly lit up from the moon. Still night. The room was quite spacious with a a rustic carper on the floor, a plain drawer placed against the wall, with the the white bed I laid in. I looked out the window seeing that the house is partially surrounded by a garden path. The house itself is surrounded by a well kept garden. Grass, flower patches and trees have been placed in a stylish way. Yet, beyond that was the wilderness drenched in foliage and the distant view of mountain tops.

What the hell? What now?

Okay, last thing I remember is leaving the huntresses after... I swallowed a ball of spit that crawled it's way into my throat. I can go home... But, I was stabbed.

Immediately my hand slapped my chest where the wound was just as my eyes scanned my chest. Or where the wound should have been. I ran my fingers over the spot and felt nothing. I know that if I am placed in water then I heal incredibly well but... This doesn't make any sense. I was stabbed through my chest and there is no sign that it just happened! At all! A dream maybe?

I quickly checked myself and found tiny nicks in my skin where I was pin cushioned. Except the one in my shoulder... In that place was a a star shaped scar that has yet to heal. A scab had formed. I flexed my shoulder and winced with a shudder of pain. Nope, not a dream. Definitely, not a dream.

Sooooo what the hell!? Mentally freaking out does not look good on me.

The door behind me creaked open, on instinct I grabbed and uncapped Riptide in one fell swoop while looking for my flute. Just in case I couldn't handle whatever it was and needed to get away unscathed. I patted my shorts but, couldn't find it anywhere... No no nononnono, where is it!? I didn't have to freak out with the door sliding open.

I got into my stance one that was ready for a fight and one that would let me run if need be.

The door opened revealing a women with tanned skin, brown eyes, and blonde hair. She is extremely gorgeous, to the point I questioned if it was Aphrodite or not. She also wears shimmering gossamer robes. She tried to look mortal but, I know exactly who this is.

"Psyche!? What the hell!?" I dropped my guard and relaxed in her presence. Although still holding Riptide because I have no idea what is going on.

"Oh, you're awake. Would you care to join me for a cup of tea?" She just completely blew over my tantrum like it was nothing. She gestured out the door with a kind smile on her face.

"Not until I know exactly what's going." I refused to take another step. Even though her tea was to die for. Literally.

"I suppose that's fair. Please take a seat." I didn't. I just glared, "Very well. As you can tell I brought you here." She calmly walked over to the bed and made herself comfortable.

"Why?"

"Yes, that. I wanted to talk to you before you made your way to your family. I'm sure you can very well surmise why." I don't like what she was getting at.

"I didn't even get very far before I was stabbed-" Suddenly it clicked, "You. It was you..." My hand crept towards my chest. I knew it felt familiar.

"It was the only way to get you to stop. Anything less than that and you would have stubbornly fought your way all the way to your moms. I was left with no choice than to forcibly stop you."

"So you used that!? That moment!? You made me relive one of the worst days of my life! Why!? Because you wanted to talk!? You know what that day did to me! By gods you were the one that saved me from bleeding out!" I shouted, struggling to keep my tears from seeping out. Throughout my short rant she didn't once flinch or show any sign of regret.

"You were the one that stopped the bleeding. Very clever of you to freeze your own wound shut. How'd you figure out to do that?" She leaned slightly forward smirking a little.

"This isn't about that." I seethed through clenched teeth.

"I agree. This is about something else entirely." She stood up without a care and made her way out. I hate it when she does that. So of course I followed her to the kitchen. There lay on the table a kettle with an assortment of tea and a couple of cups. Plain but, that didn't really mean anything.

"Don't skip over the subject like it was nothing! Why did I have to see that day all over again!?" I shouted once more because god did that feel awful. I felt the knife before I saw it. I couldn't even look into the eyes of the wielder. Yet, I knew it was my friend from so long ago. The eyes that were once filled with so much purpose and love; was now replaced with bitterness and hate. The only thing that showed any resemblance to the old friend was the shell the bitter soul inhabited. My old friend was gone.

How quickly your love turned to hate, as if you didn't even fight it. You let that negative emotion swallow you and pour acid into your soul. I fought for the good memories, the reasons to be kind. I fought to keep us from being swallowed by our demons. Yet, you walked straight into their mouths leaving yourself behind. Leaving the real you behind and coming out with a twisted sickness enveloped in a delusion. For me, it was only that day did I notice something wrong. What does that make me? And so, my heart still so desperately wants to hold only sweetness for the memories of who we were, but everything is tainted with the depraved betrayal that came forth.

"Can't you tell? You didn't just see it. You lived through it." Psyche answered without the slightest hint of deception. She made her way around the table and put her ass on the table. "And you came out stronger. Even the scar on your chest." She traced the milky white line with her finger.

"Stop that." I bristled grabbing her wrist.

"Percy what would you have done if you weren't here right now?" She inquired getting her arm free.

"I want to see my family." I promptly stated taking my seat across from her. Still upset that she used that day.

"And you will. I promise you that, but before you do: we have much to discuss." She gestured towards my cup and I cautiously took it.

"I don't think we do." I said putting the cup down and crossing my arms in front of my chest.

"If that's the case then you wouldn't mind telling me why you will only talk to me?" My breathe hitched, "Yes, nothing to discuss at all." She expressed with a touch of sarcasm.

"Why do you even care?" I boiled not wanting to look at her.

"Because you do. Because I'm the goddess of the Human Soul. Because if the roles were reversed you'd do the same. Because I know you won't mention this to anyone else. Because you believe you shouldn't burden anyone with this." She spoke delicately knowing full well that that was the truth. I didn't know what to say back. "Percy... You've gone through so much pain and suffering all on your own. And it has only built since last time." She finished, carefully selecting a fruit-ish tea. Finally picking one and filling her cup with hot water.

"...I don't remember much of last time yet, I do recall that you could hardly stay in the same room with me." I spat remembering how she could barely even look at me. Most of the time she would talk through the door.

"It was- how should I put this? Overwhelming to say the least... You were young and even at that delicate age the amount of strain and pain you were put to was a lot. Too much for me to process then and there." She spoke taking extra care at spying the contents of her tea cup.

"So you left me to heal myself while in misery. Thanks." I, in turn, eyed the selection of tea to avoid looking at her.

"For someone so young to go through so much and still come out strong and unconquered is a feat in of itself... And it has only piled on since then... Has it?" Out of everyone to came to my aid that night why did it have to be the one goddess who seems to understand?

"I want to see my family." I said not wanting to say anything further.

" *Sigh* Fine, but I will drop by later and we will talk about this." Psyche ordered.

"...How long was out I out for?"

"Same as last time. Three days." With that she snapped her fingers. I plopped onto the ground hating that I didn't actually get to try some tea. Still... I can't be mad at her. She is trying to help after all but, why burden anyone when I'm about to die in a two and a half years anyway.

UGH! I gotta stop with this negative mindset! I wanted to talk to her! Not now though.

It's always been the same for me. Every single time I fall I get up and move on. Every. Single. Time. It varies in time but, I have yet to stay down. Pain is temporary. The fight is never-ending. And I will continue to fight until the bitter end. There is no point on dwelling on the damned when I could make the best of it right now! Like seeing my family for the first time since forever! Then camp!

Now... where am I?

Third Person POV:

Camp was growing uneasy.

The walls of the cabins that were so stifling in the summertime, they seem so insubstantial against the chaotic onslaught of reds and oranges. It felt completely unnatural of how the summer disappeared. In an average year they would be out of camp and going to school or training, not this time. The black clouds are as full and dark as they are early. Already the roof is creaking and we'll have to be out there with in the icy wind in order to get going with their training. From the porch are leaves more colorful than an Aphrodite closet and more wild than than Dionysus at a party. Some would get their gear and ready for patrolling the borders of camp, while other's tried to avoid the obvious elephant in the room. Apparently it wasn't a topic that needed much discussion; to the campers at least.

The anxiety is like accidently brushing shoulders with Thalia; not enough voltage to kill but, sufficient to keep things uncomfortable. They guess that's the downside of knowing things are awry instead of living in blissful ignorance. But what is there to do other than breathe, walk, and figure things out just a little at a time?

Although, they haven't managed to actually figure anything out. Everything revolving Percy's disappearance has been kept on the down low. On the so down low even Tartarus is having trouble finding it.

And it's been a month and a half. A month and a half of theories. A month and a half of gazing over at the hill. A month nd a half of just waiting. Which is hard to do when ADHD and dyslexia constantly bombard them with something. A new thought, a new theory, always something. Seriously what happened? It's killing them not knowing.

Especially for three individuals. Especially for the two who had to deal with the loss of Jessica just before.

Grover, poor Grover. He could barely contain himself during the funeral. He is a very emotional goat man. A friend's death and another one that sacrifices himself. Too many scenarios just fly through his head before he can deal with it. What if he was captured? Tortured? Or worse? He couldn't handle it if something else happened. Not after Jessica.

Now to make matters worse, something happened only a few days after that gloomy day. Sometime in the middle of the night Grover awoke with strike of pain across his chest. Something so dreadful and agonizing his screams were heard throughout camp. Earlier he felt how upset and angry Percy was but, he couldn't do anything about it. Oh but this? This was completely different. Never before has an empathy link expressed physical pain to the other.

Thus when the others came they thought he was under attack, however they only found him clutching his chest on the floor. Prying Grover's hands away they weren't met with an injury. Or blood. It took a few minutes to calm him down yet, when he came through the name that escaped his lips only left more worry. "Percy..."

It doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened. However, it was a genius that didn't take the news so well. The thing about Annabeth is that whatever she feels towards the sea-spawn has nothing to do with falling in love but, respect. Respect is more than passing pleasantries, more than nice words. It takes effort to look at the other and take in who they are and show them you regard their point of view with compassion and seriousness. It is listening without judgement, getting to know them with as few assumptions as possible. It is in careful understanding conveyed by empathic words and deeds to show the depth of feeling you hold for them. Some one who can challenge the other to be better In this way respect is foundational for trust, just in the same way that trust is foundational for true love. Though love isn't in this case.

Percy was the only person who wouldn't judge her before he got to know her. Calling her out when she should be, listen without judgement, and really get to know her before the barrage of assumptions. A bond of trust that is nay indestructible. Respect goes a long way. And it wasn't only that, not many people had the guts to stand up against gods. Or tell them and whoever else that was wrong a piece of his mind. So hearing that the person she respects the most is in pain isn't pleasant. Annabeth was going to make a stupid decision when she was stopped by her friend.

Thalia wouldn't let her friend get herself killed over something as ludicrous as this Guardian Angel or whatever. He made his choice. In fact she couldn't quite get what the hype was all about. Rumor after rumor... and she was getting pissed. Annabeth wasn't being helpful and Grover decided that he needs a break. All she wants is some decent information. Is that too much to ask for?

Soooo, after a month and a half when someone walks out of the sea just before the sun set... All Hades brakes loose. The alarm went off and kids got ready in full battle armor. Chiron got out from his chair and raced towards the sea with the tsunami of campers.

Who else could it possibly be? In the lead was Annabeth followed closely by Charles and the other head councilors. Meeting after meeting got them hyped up to actually see him after so long.

As everyone neared the beach, what they saw wasn't exactly expected. In fact everyone stopped just to gaze at the scene in front of them.

There, standing barely above the lapsing waves was Percy with his side towards the uneasy crowd. And he wasn't alone. A she was standing in front of him looking absolutely magnificent. It was clear that they were having a conversation. Yet, strangely enough it was calm and serene. The waves calmly prattled along the shore as the quiet conversation continued.

A moment passed and as everything seemingly wrapped up the lady cupped her hand on Percy's cheek sending a wave of gasps through the ease dropping crowd. Mostly the Aphrodite cabin. A chuckle escaped the lady's lips and before anyone knew what happened she disappeared in a cool breeze.

Percy took a deep breath and turned towards the campers. A small smile graced his lips and he waved at everyone. A small wave like he didn't know what else to do.

"Just wait a damn minute!" Thalia's voice rung through as she finally made her way forward. She shoved her way past in full armor with a burning passion.

"Thalia wait." Annabeth tried to stop her but, Thalia wouldn't hear of it. She continued past everyone and strolled right up to the son of Poseidon stomping her feet. Which evidently faintly sounded like the roll of thunder.

"Where do you get off?" Thalia blew up right in Percy's face despite the un-wavered slight smile on his face. "You have a duty to fulfill being a child of one of the Big Three . Everyone here somehow sees you as a leader," Percy's smile actually wavered, "So where do you get off putting yourself on a pedestal that demands attention. Then run away to gods know where doing gods knows what." Thalia spouted.

"I'm sorry what?" Percy had no idea where she was coming from. He pried his eyes away from Thalia for just a second to look at Chiron. He stood tall and strong but, his eyes gave everything away. No one knows. Not the full story at least.

"It's obvious that the only person you care about is yourself. Otherwise you you would have made sure that things turned out differently... You're not fit to be the leader." Thalia declared glaring at Percy.

"You're right. I'm not fit to be a leader," Percy spoke matter a factly, "But it seems that you have filled in that role quite nicely. Just what I would have expected from a daughter of Zeus."

"What are you trying to say punk?" Thalia threatened stepping right into Percy's personal space.

"You are fit to lead and I'm not. Simple as that. So if you don't mind I'm exhausted and would like to get to sleep right about now. I'll tell you all about everything tomorrow." Percy stepped around her stretching his arms out over his head.

"You are going to spill it now." Thalia ordered grabbing him by the shoulder and shoving him to the ground. Percy instead, spun with her and caught his balance before he could fall

"What's your problem?" Percy asked rolling his shoulder.

"My Problem? You. You are my problem; kelp head." Thalia answered grabbing her spear from her back.

"Why?" Percy made no move to counter.

"Isn't it obvious?"

"No. Well not to me it isn't." Percy shrugged.

"You left!" Thalia screamed aiming a kick directly at Percy's chest. He jumped back, "You left Annabeth, Grover, Luke, Jessica, Me, and everyone!" She rushed forward trying to punch Percy in the face but, he side stepped, "You broke a promise!" She spun around sweeping her spear around intending to smash his shins in. Percy only jumped over, "And not just once!" Thalia lifted her spear thrusting forward only to have Percy spin around the tip and grab hold of it, "What do you have to say for yourself!?" She clenched her teeth and unknowingly sent an electric shock through the spear zapping Percy on the spot. He shook for a second prior to letting go.

Even though Thalia didn't mean to, she wasn't going to apologize, "I'm sorry." Percy on the other hand managed to say it, flexing his fingers.

"You're... sorry. Sorry? Sorry doesn't cut it!" Thalia jumped forward and landed a drop kick squarely on his chest forcing Percy onto the ground, "Haven't you had enough of making false promises? It's because of you things have turned to shit! You hurt Annabeth, Grover, and everyone!" Thalia stepped on Percy's chest pinning him down.

"Damn straight I did and you want to know something? It's. All. My. Fault." Percy chuckled propping himself on his shoulders, "Jessica's death? My fault. Grover kidnapped? That too. You turning into a tree? Yea. Even the thing with Luke could also be linked back to me probably." Percy pursued. He grabbed Thalia's foot and shoved it off of him proceeding to spring himself on his two feet.

"You son of a-" Thalia charged forward sticking her spear into the floor and using it as leverage to kick Percy once more. Percy on the other hand with drew Riptide and stared her down with a stoic expression. The kick landed. In spite it being harder than the previous one Percy only slid back a couple feet. Thalia didn't relent and thrust her spear towards the sky with a shout. Storm clouds gathered in an instant and Thalia slapped point on the ground sending a strike of lightning at Percy.

Before the lightning could hit Percy dodged to the left a millisecond before he was struck. It only managed to singe a part of his leg. Percy propped himself up and dashed forward avoiding a smack from her gauntlet, sweeping his leg Thalia was knocked over. As she fell Percy rolled to the side standing low and ready.

Thalia grunted and removed her helmet standing up and throwing it at her foe. He dodged it however, it gave her the second she wanted to lunge and slice his side. He didn't budge and willed the sea over to wrap his side healing it in an instant. "That's cheating." Thalia seethed.

"Says the one who threw lightning at me." Percy didn't wait for a retort before dashing forward and swinging in a downward arc. Thalia quickly countered by raising her spear up and swiping left knocking Riptide to the side. Out of complete instinct Percy brought his hands behind him and thrust them forward with the will of the sea. A wave came crashing around him rushing towards the unsuspecting Thalia.

The water thundered forward, but stopped only a foot in front of the daughter of Zeus who brought stood at the ready to take the brunt of it. Percy stomped his foot sending a shock wave across the beach. The daughter of Zeus lost a part of her balance but it was enough to let Percy get in close. He pointed the tip of Riptide at her throat still holding a stoic expression.

"That's enough!" Chiron finally called rushing down earning a singular aww from the crowd. Probably Clarisse. Percy withdrew his blade and walked away towards his cabin. Only to be followed by one other camper. Charles.

"Percy wait! Dude wait!" Charles called out jogging to his side. "What the hell was that for?"

"She needed something to blame. So let it be me. It'll save everyone the trouble of having to deal of a pissed off lightning rod."

"So you're saying that was intentional?"

"Absolutely. Trust me, having the anger of someone focused on one thing is a lot better than thrashing out on everyone." Especially if her father is an egotistical maniac with a self image problem.