I watched a building bustling with activity. Children ran from room to room with baskets of clothes, zooming in with my scope I saw that many had bandages on their limbs. A boy working in the building's garden walked with a limp and I swear he had a look of fear on his face. I sighed as I set my weapon down and lit a cigarette. I had spent the better part of the day observing the orphanage which I found out was in a more rural area of the state. The building was surrounded by a heavy layer of Mist and it was easy to see that the children were being mistreated. There were also a few malnourished horses which pissed me off.

As I smoked I turned onto my back and made sure my woobie was still draped over me. A poncho was on top of that and that was covered with leaves and branches. I laid my head on my ruck, which was aptly camouflaged and placed in front of me for a small bit of cover.

"Seven hells, this thing is bigger than I thought" I sighed and put my cigarette out and set a timer on my phone for five hours.

I set it down and closed my eyes, drifting off into a light sleep.

I found myself drifting through a dark and stormy sea. An island shrouded in darkness right in front of me. On it was the lumbering of something massive. A thick shadow walked into view and I saw a meaty hand reach out and grab something, bring it up and then heard the sound of crunching. The crushing of bones and grinding of teeth. Then it turned towards me, its large round big eye reflecting a glimmer of gold as a nasty grin appeared.

Suddenly my eyes opened and I saw a Grey Wolf sitting and staring at me. I quietly shut my eyes and unholstered my pistol from my hip and pointed the barrel at it from under my camouflage. I then cracked one eye open and flipped the safety off but was startled when it looked directly into my eyes.

"Demigod, cease" A womanly voice entered my mind and pushed the wolf away and pointed my pistol at it from a kneeling position "I am not your enemy" it continued as it padded towards me

"Anything that talks that shouldn't has ended up being a monster, so in my book, you're just that, a monster" I said aiming at the beasts head

"I am not! I am Lupa, Mother of Rome!" She said slightly backing off "Why is Mors here, I smelt Diana, and Zoe, not him!" She growled her hackles raised

I glanced behind me and saw Thanatos standing behind me.

"Good question, why are you here?" I say as I flip my weapon on him and back away

"I am here simply to prepare the souls for collection" Thanatos said looking at me "Souls that you will deliver" He finished putting his tablet down and sitting down on a rock

"I see, and you're not going to leave?" I asked to which he shook his head

"I cannot, these souls are fated to die soon, so I must be there to collect them" He explained to which I cursed

"Of course, you always do," I gritted my teeth as I looked back at the wolf and it tilted its head. "So, why are you here 'Lupa'" I said, noticing her posture still on edge. "Don't worry, he's not here for you or anything. He's here on business" I reassured her as I sat down and pulled a bottle of rum from my bag and cracked it open

"I smelt Diana and Zoe in this area when I was watching the Orphanage. I thought they were going to brave the Mist and I came to warn them" She said and I shook my head

"Nope, that's my job. Though I was unaware that I'd be killing people. Maybe burn their operation to the ground but not straight up kill them" I said looking back at Thanatos

"Y-Your job? Did Diana ask you to run yourself onto a spear?" Lupa asked shocked "You should stop now, that place will twist your reality and you'll find yourself a slave to their mortal whims" She advised while laying down "Come with me, I can train you and bring you to a safe place" She offered but I shook my head

"Nah, she asked me to do this, apparently I'm the only one who can pull it off." I said with a sigh as I took a swig of rum, the bottle about half empty "Besides, how can I refuse Zoe? She did promise me a date when I got back" I joke but Lupa shot to her... paws?

"Zoe would never agree to such a thing! She is a huntress! Her vow to forego Men cannot be broken so easily" Lupa accused

"Please, I'm Father Percy! The greatest Exorcist known to humankind! I've already banished demons all across the country!" I proclaimed as Lupa stared at me

"You're the demigod Jason spoke about?" She asked and I gave a wide smile

"See? My reputation precedes me!" I said haughtily

"He did say you were a bit of an odd one..." Lupa mumbled to herself "Either way, you cannot go into that place, you will be fooled, that I can assure you"

"Nah, I can already see through it, it's just a bit thicker than expected. Should probably push the Operation to tonight" I say looking up at the setting sun "Which means I should prepare now" I comment as I take another swig and cap the bottle and put it away

I pick my kit up and put it on, checking my mags and equipment. I pulled out an MRE and made a quick meal. As I did Lupa and I continued to talk, with Thanatos chiming in on my end every once in a while.

"Why are you so adamant in doing this Percy?" Lupa asked looking at me eating a dried cracker "You have nothing to gain" I was silent for a minute before looking up

"Sometimes, you don't need to get anything. I couldn't live with myself if I knew these kids were being abused. In Afghanistan I'd see that kind of shit every damn day. It pissed me off that I couldn't put a bullet in every one of those fuckers that did it. Terrorists would strap the kids with backpack bombs. Kids that trusted their parents, blown to pieces. For what? Ideology? A message?" I shook my head "I swore then that if I had my way, I'd save the kids that were truly abused. A punishment for messing up is one thing, but being beaten to an inch of your life for existing is too far too much" I reach up and grab my pendant which causes Lupa to tilt her head again "I may not be too fond of how loud they are, or how bloody annoying they can be, but we were all there once. And I won't have their innocence taken from them anytime soon. They should be able to live full, happy lives" I finished as I looked at her to which she seemed lost in thought

"Percy, you say that you were in that place, surely you can't mean..." She trailed off and I nodded

"Yeah, Sergeant Perseus Jackson, First Battalion, Thirty Second Infantry Regiment, Son of Poseidon or Neptune in your case I would hazard a guess" I said seriously as I finished my meal and put my helmet on

"..." She said nothing, but I saw that she was looking at me with something akin to pity "If you are dead set on doing this, can you please find Katya? She went in trying to find a young demigod such as you are doing now. She will know who she is looking for, as for your target, you are looking for a child of Mercury. The child is most likely on the third floor of the manor" Lupa said and I nodded as I loaded up my magazines and slung my rifle onto my back

"Thank you Lupa, I'll get them all out safe and sound" I said as the sun set fully and it was beginning to become dark

I pulled out a pad of face paint and quickly applied a light coat, as to cover up my skintone. I then lowered my nvgs and powered them on in the quickly fading light. I gave a smile as I started trekking through the woods towards the Orphanage. Thanatos stood up and followed me at a distance. As I stalked down, I eventually ran into a sign that read 'No Trespassers' which caused me to smirk as I walked on by it.

When I reached the garden of the building, I saw a man in a kevlar vest standing out of the door looking into the night. I frowned as I skillfully crawled to the shed with the horses. Outside of the fence was a hole big enough to get through. Apparently the caretaker didn't notice it or it was made recently. I dropped low and drug myself through the hole taking care not to get my weapon stuck in the dirt. Once I was in the shed, I pulled myself up and found myself in the stable with a black horse and a crate next to the hole. I moved around the crate and peered out of the stable before quietly moving back behind the crate and crouching low.

The security guard was walking into the stables and dropped off what looked like slop to each of the three horses.

"Stupid animals, can't even eat properly. This is the finest grub you'll get so eat up so we can sell ya off. We got some buyers lined up in a month so don't go dyin on us got it?!" He yelled as he turned around and started to walk off after dropping off the diet mud

I quietly placed my rifle down and after he passed the stable I was in, I jumped the gate. I wrapped my arm around his throat and covered his mouth with my gloved hand. Once I was in place I kicked his knees and forced him onto the ground where he struggled, trying to pull my arms off. I could feel him screaming as I flexed my arms and cut off the circulation to his brain. After he fell unconscious, I grabbed his head with both hands and secured his torso with my legs. I then twisted his head to the right before cranking back to the left, making sure to keep the twist a straight line before hearing a crack echo softly into the night.

I dropped him onto the ground as I stood up and retrieved my rifle. I then felt a gentle nudge on my shoulder.

"Hey dude, you got any food? I'm starvin here" Another voice echoed in my head.

I dropped to a knee and raised my rifle and scanned the area. Only seeing the black horse looking at me with beady eyes.

"No one else is here dude, just that dead dude there" The horse huffed and I stared at him in astonishment "Fuckin, ells, another dense asshole" He cursed but I narrowed my eyes

"Keep your voice down, I'll get you food when I finish the mission" I whispered causing the Horse to go wide eyed

"Wait, you can hear me? Wait... you're a son of Lord Poseidon!" He said excitedly "Milord, you have to get us out of this shithole" he said and I growled

"Quiet, I'll be back, don't worry, just... sit tight. I have other things to accomplish first" I promised "and don't call me milord" I stated as I turned and hopped back over the fence and threw the body into a dark corner

"You got it Boss" he amended and I felt a headache coming on

I quickly put in a pinch of dip into my lip and continued on. I reached the back door and gently tried turning the handle but it was locked. I fished my lock picking set and set to work. It was a tad more difficult than a standard bullshit master lock but I still pulled it off and as I opened the door, I turned on the IR Flood Light so I could see. The amount of Mist in the building was staggering. I could see why demigods and mortals alike were brainwashed. Even Artemis didn't dare go near much less let her hunters.

I bit back a curse as I stealthily moved through the room which seemed to be a kitchen. I saw remnants of broken plates and glasses, so I made sure to avoid it where necessary. After clearing the kitchen I crouched next to the door and put my ear to the door and heard the footsteps of someone outside. I pressed myself to the side of the door and put my weapon down, drawing my knife instead.

A moment later the door opened and another man walked into the room. I quickly put my hand over his mouth and stabbed his windpipe to keep him from screaming. I ripped it out and quickly stabbed him again in the temple, killing him.

'Ugh, I was planning on not killing, but I can't be discovered, and I had no fucking clue they'd have security guards. I might have to find the security room if they have cameras' I thought bitterly as I pied the door and slowly moved through the short hallway.

At the end I saw a flight of stairs heading up and another door. I cursed slightly and turned left to see the living room. Inside was another guard looking at a set of artwork. However at that moment he chose to turn and I assume spotted my nvgs.

I quickly made an image and forced my will upon the Mist to make my next action absolutely silent. With that I pulled the trigger on my weapon and the man dropped to the floor.

There was no sound, no impact, just a soft thud of the guard hitting the floor. I suddenly had a terrifying respect for how powerful the Mist was.

I cleared the rest of the ground floor then returned to the door and staircase. I opened the door and saw a staircase to a basement. Advancing through I saw flashing colors and turned off the flood light. Keeping the image in my head of a silent gun, I turned into the room. Crouching to stay hidden.

There I saw Katya, in nothing but her underwear dancing on a table for a group of guards and what I assumed to be staff of the orphanage. I scowled heavily as I raised my weapon and one by one the perverted assholes dropped to the ground. Katya, not even noticing in her hypnotic state, continued to dance. I slung my weapon and walked over to her and dispelled the mist around her.

She stopped, held her head and when she noticed her state of undress opened her mouth to scream. I jumped forward and covered her mouth.

"Stop, stop, it's me, Percy. Relax, you're safe, you're fine. It's Percy, Lupa sent me" I repeated as she struggled and eventually she calmed down enough to stop fighting "Okay, I'm going to let go now Katya, don't scream please" I said and she nodded

I removed my hand and found a fresh sheet and handed it to her. She accepted it gratefully and covered herself, tears dripping down her cheeks.

"P-Percy? Is it really you? I can hardly see your body..." She whispered, her voice trembling and I nodded

"Yeah, I know. Now relax, you're fine. The ground floors have been cleared. You need to head out into the horse stables outside, there is a black horse, hide there until I return with the kid" I told her which she nodded before running into me and hugging me

"Thank you... thank the fates, thank Jupiter" she cried into my chest as I escorted her to the main floor after I cleared the basement

Katya sniffled in fear as we walked. She also stuck close to me as if I was her safety blanket that'd protect her from a nightmare.

"Okay, Katya, go through the kitchen, be careful there is glass on the floor. When you get to the Stable, hide there until I get there. You'll know it's me when I say the number three four three, when you hear that, say studios and I'll know that everything is alright" I ordered and she nodded

"The kid is a son of Mercury, sandy blond hair and blue eyes, Lupa said he was on the second floor" she informed me giving my kit one last squeeze before moving out towards the door

Letting out a sigh I spit onto the dark staircase of the basement then raised my rifle and started ascending the stairs. Each board creaked quietly, then when I made it to the second floor, I quickly cleared it. Each door leading to a kids room. At the end of the hallway I found the kid's room and walked over to him.

As if on que, his eyes shot open and I muffled his scream.

"Shhh, shhh. I'm a friend" I whispered to which he stared at me in fear. "I'm getting you out of here. Grab what you can and head out back to the stables, you'll meet another friend of mine, whisper the words three four three, and she'll respond with studios." I explained again and he nodded "I'm going to let you go now, don't scream" I finished as I let his mouth go and I moved back towards the door and posted up as he quickly grabbed a few things and tapped me on the shoulder

The kid kept quiet as I brought him to the stairs and he walked down. Giving one last look at me. Finally he left and I proceeded up to the third floor. Checking each room I found the master bedroom with a fat old man with a girl tied to a chair next to his bed. I narrowed my eyes as I skulked up to the fat man.

He had a pair of underwear on his head and I felt an unbridled fury in my chest. A familiar tug in my gut made itself known and I latched onto it, using my demigod powers, I manipulated water into my hand before I forced it into the man's lungs. His eyes shot open as he tried to struggle but as I had cut off his breathing he only helplessly collapsed onto the floor, waking the girl who only let out a small yelp.

Once the man had stopped moving I made sure he was dead before drawing my knife. The girl shut her eyes tightly, her body trembling.

"You're going to be alright. Your prayers were heard" I said smelling a strong scent of grapes

Her eyes widened as tears welled up in them. I cut the ropes and knelt next to her, offering a canteen of nectar.

"Sip it slowly, it'll make you feel better" I said to which she nodded as she sipped from it

As she calmed down I sluthed around the room and found some damning evidence of human trafficking and other heinous activity. Out of spite, I used the Mist to turn a blank piece of paper into a letter from a terrorist group, wanting to cement this operation as highly illegal. I also found the security camera terminal and deleted all footage from when I entered and shut them down. Once I was done I walked back to the girl and she looked at me.

"A-Are you an A-Angel?" She asked, her voice small and I shrugged

"I'm just doing my job, come on, let's get you out of here" I said as I started walking away

However the girl grabbed my hand and looked at me pleadingly.

"M-Mr. Angel, please save the rest" she said and I sighed and nodded

"Let's get you out of here first, the adults have been taken care of and the authorities will be here to take care of the rest" I reassured her as I led her down the stairs, my weapon still raised, just in case someone was still prowling around.

We made it back to the stables without incident and when I reached the door I stopped.

"Three four three" I whispered then waited

"Studios" Katya responded as she peaked her head out of the stable along with the kid "Percy, is that another kid?" She asked and I nodded

"She's a special one, so she can't go to camp. Was tied up. So only one place I can get her to for safety" I explained

"Alright, I trust you Perce" she said as I unlocked the the horse stables and the three horses walked out however as they exited I saw a set of wings on each of them

"Pegasi..." Katya said in awe

"Hey Boss, where do you want us to go?" The black Pegasus said and I pointed to a Jill in the distance

"One click in that direction. There will be a wolf there waiting. She won't hurt you" I say and the horse nods and they take off

I crawled through the fence and helped the three through as well. The young girl was still staring at me expectantly. Sighing I pulled my phone out and dialed the police anonymous hotline.

"This is 911 what is your emergency" a voice said over the phone

"There is a human trafficking ring at the Golden Gild orphanage, there are about forty kids being abused and sold off. Please come quickly" I said

"Understood, the police are on their way" the person said before I hung up

I didn't need any more questions.

I turned towards the Mist covered building and snapped my fingers, wiping away all physical traces that I was present. Leaving the altered evidence and the bodies as the only thing that spoke of my being here. Once that was done, I helped the three back towards the hill where Lupa was sitting.

She, and the three Pegasi watched as I led the two girls and boy back up. Thanatos was also sitting there. He acknowledged my return before he disappeared.

"Percy, I see you were successful" she said impressed

I shrugged as I spit the dip out of my mouth and lit a cigarette, turning off my nvgs.

"Just doing my job. Glad it went as smoothly as it did. Though Katya will need a new set of clothes" I said calmly "Can I assume that I can leave these two to you?" I asked and Lupa nodded "You two, creme and Grey, help Lupa out. Black, stay with them, I'm sure you'll find me after that but if not, just ask Lupa" I said but the black pegasi just huffed

"I know where you're at Boss. I'll bring the crew back, but I could use some donuts for helping out these two" he said and I felt my eye twitch

"A horse that likes donuts, now I've seen everything" I muttered but nodded "Sure, you got yourself a deal" I responded as Katya helped the Blond haired boy onto the creme Pegasi and then climbed on herself still wearing the sheet

The group then left as I assembled my gear and offered the girl some food from an MRE. She ate it gratefully as I waited for the police to arrive. When they did, I stood up and shouldered my ruck.

"Come on, we got some walking to do" I said but when the girl stood up, she collapsed, her legs giving out the adrenaline finally leaving her body now that she was safe

"S-Sorry Mr. Angel" she said but I shook my head. I dropped my ruck and attached my rifle to the top, then put it back on. I then picked the girl up

"Don't be, it was a scary situation, just rest alright? I'll take care of everything" I said as I started walking back to the magic pathway

I found the entrance, which looked like some sort of fey archway, pressed the button and walked in. I flipped my nvgs down and turned on the flood light, making my way back towards Camp.

The return trip only took ten minutes for me. But when we emerged from the crack in the boulders, it was already night of the day. I snuck my way back towards camp, once again avoiding the harpies and eventually came up to the door of the silver cabin. I put the girl on her feet and was about to leave but she stopped me.

"W-Where are you going?" She asked, scared but I just pat her on the head

"You'll be safe with them. Ask for Zozo, and she'll make sure you never want for anything again alright?" I tried to reassure her but she was trembling "I'll be right here when the door opens alright? That better?" I ask and she nods

I knocked on the door and dropped into the prone, my body pressed up against the stairs and wall of the cabin.

In moments the door opened up and I heard a sharp intake of air.

"U-Uh h-hello? My name is Tonia, M-Mr. Angel said I would be safe here? U-um... Zozo?" She said uncertainty causing a small disgruntled tone to sound

"Ahem, yes, thou shall be safe here Tonia, mine name is Zoe. Did that Boy ask thee to call him that?" She asked slightly angry but Tonia shook her head

"N-No! He was super nice! He made all the bad men go to sleep and saved the rest of the kids like me! He even talked to the winged horses and wolf! He gave me a drink that tasted like my mom's cookies and made sure I wasn't scared! He answered my prayers and protected us. A-And it was hard to see him! Like he didn't want to scare us with how he looked, he has to be an angel!... right?" She asked sounding scared but I heard a small resigned sigh from the huntress

"Well when thou put it that way he does sound like one, doesn't he? Come in, thou must be hungry" Zoe said as she ushered Tonia into the building then looked out into the camp "Percy... T-Thank thee" she said quietly to no one in particular as she closed the door

Knowing my job was done I skulked back to my cabin. Once inside I let out a heavy groan and a loud sigh as I dropped my gear onto the ground.

"Seven hells, that was tense. Glad everything worked out though" I said aloud as I dropped my kit and helmet, pulled out the bottle of rum and polished it off.

I then crawled into the bed I had prepped and decided I'd sleep in tomorrow. Surely I earned that much. I drifted to sleep swiftly only to be woken up early in the morning by an angry knocking on my door.

I climbed out of my bunk and trudged over to the door. I opened it and stared at Zoe who looked furious.

"What?" I asked shortly as she walked into the cabin and slammed the door before holding a knife to my throat

"Why was Tonia not wearing undergarments!?" She whispered with a violent anger

"The old fat asshole had tied her up and had them on his head." I explained tiredly "We did not have time to search for anything so I made the call. Problem?" I continued to which she dropped her knife

"No, I was just concerned is all" she said to which I shrugged "did thou kill them?" She asked

"Yes" I replied putting a pinch of dip into my lip "Any more questions Zozo?" I grumbled

"Yes, plenty" I sighed and gestured to a chair as I grabbed a water bottle and spit into it,

Zoe sat down and stared at me. Her piercing gaze trying to bore into me.

"Well? Ask your twenty questions, I'm a busy man" I stated as I starting wiping the face paint off

"Why did thou not provide her with clothing when thou were heading back?" She accused and I rolled my eyes

"The authorities were on their way. She was unable to walk, and we needed to leave. Do you think I'd do something as vile as lay a hand on her after I spent days awake working on a plan to dispose of those perverted bastards just to do something like that?" I shot back turning to look at her with barely restrained frustration

"...well..." She started but I glared harder

"I did not take this mission to be accused of shit. I did it because those kids had the chance to be free and away from their abusers. If you have a problem with that, then be my guest, leave me out of the rest of your problems" I snapped as I turned away and started changing out of my uniform and into showering clothes

"Boy what do think thou art doing in my presence!" She yelled and I spit into the bottle

"Last I fucking checked, this is my cabin. So how about you take that stick out of your ass and either chill out, or you can turn around and walk your happy ass out of my room. It makes no difference to me, cause apparently I'm SO untrustworthy. Despite risking my life for you twice now" I shot back causing her to go wide eyed "Just because your hot doesn't give you any fucking right to accused good men of shit they didn't fucking do. I've known good dudes who've been torn down and killed themselves for people like you, and guess what, we all would do it again, and again because it's thanks to us that you all can live in this peaceful country." I continued my rant as I put on my crocks and threw a towel onto my shoulder

I then walked out leaving her in her spot. I made my way to the showers and threw the hottest setting on and felt the water running over my head. I felt power run through my body and I blocked it out, hating every second of this ability that could have saved countless lives. I shook my head as I washed up and walked back, drying off instantly.

When I returned to my cabin, Zoe was still sitting in the chair but she looked to be conflicted about something. I walked passed her and pulled my bottle of whiskey out and offered it to her.

She stared at me quizzically as if asking what I was doing.

"It helps take the edge off. It's my last bottle, so I'll need to break out the margarita mix after this, but if that's more your speed..." I offered but she grabbed the bottle and looked at it in apprehension "What? Not a drinker?" She took the comment as a challenge and opened the bottle and took a swig

I gave a grin as she coughed as the contents passed by her lips. She glared at me but it just made my grin wider.

"Why art thou like this? Thou are angry one second then calm and joking the next. Thou have no consistency with thine emotions, unless thou are fighting" she asked passing the bottle back and I shrugged as I took a swig myself

"No point in staying angry forever. You can hate someone but that won't make them go away. Sometimes you still have to work with them, and constantly being angry over things like that just tires you out" I say leaning back, spitting the wad of dip into the water bottle and capping it "Not saying I hate you or anything, I can hazard a guess that you have your own trust issues." I said calmly as I offered her the bottle which she hesitantly took and knocked back another gulp cringing at the taste

"But is it not more tiring working with one you hate?" She questioned looking at the bottle a red flush appearing on her cheeks

"It's trying to be sure, but it's easier to ignore the things you dislike to get a job done. No one's perfect and searching for that perfect someone will just turn you bitter and cold. If I focus on the negatives of people I meet, I'd have no one I can rely on. In the Infantry, if you hate the guys to your left and right, you only have yourself to rely on, and you will break. You have to have a friend to lean on. Cause when bullets are flying by your head, explosions are going off, you don't have time to focus on the things that someone said two days ago, you just focus on your next task. The next objective, and getting there with your friends and enemies in one piece" I say as I grab the bottle and finish it

Zoe leaned back and let out a heavy sigh. Not one of frustration but one that alluded to letting out a pent up ball of stress, she then gave a small, yet beautiful smile.

She obviously couldn't hold her liquor which was slightly amusing.

"If, down the road, I decided to rely on thee... would thou be there?" She whispered and I shrugged

"I'll be there, yeah, but it would all depend on you. I'll help as much as I can" I said as I stretch and lean back on my bunk "Besides, I'd never turn down such a beautiful girl like you" I say offhandedly causing her glare at me, but I could see a small smile on her lips

"Shut thy mouth Boy!" She tried to be intimidating but it just came off as cute

"Whatever, you should head back to your cabin... or breakfast" I said but as she tried to stand up she stumbled

I jumped forward and steadied her as I sat her back down.

"Well looks like I'll have to walk you over" I joked to which she looked away embarrassed "Just let me get changed and we'll head over" I turned and quickly got changed into something more comfortable, putting my jeans and shoes on, I put a shirt on and a hoodie

I then walked back to Zoe who was swaying in her chair and I offered my hand. She hesitantly took it and I helped her up, threw an arm over my shoulder and walked her out of the door and to the pavilion where the girls in silver saw us and glared heavily. The other campers were staring slack jawed, even Chiron was blinking in bewilderment.

Artemis, who was sitting next to Chiron, was watching with slight amusement, as I sat her down at the Artemis table.

"Alright, there you go. Be safe you hear?" I laugh as I pat her on the shoulder and turned around

"Don't you dare touch her boy! I'll have your head on my wall!" A different huntress said and I spun around and offered a one finger salute

The girl bristled with anger as I walked away and sat at my still very lonely table and got a simple breakfast. I sacrificed a portion and dug in, devouring the food in minutes I then swirled my glass of alcohol around and sipped it. Enjoying the taste of cold whiskey.

"Yo, now that Percy's awake, we can beat the hunters right?" I heard someone say but I tuned them out

I glanced at Zoe who was trying hard to regain her composure but the alcohol was ruining the look. The flush on her cheeks as she told the girl from before off saying that she was fine. I then spotted Tonia who was eating her meal fervently.

I gave a light smile and finished my drink.

"Perseus, may I speak with you?" I heard Artemis say as she walked up to me with a look that said I had no choice in the matter

"Sure, I don't mind" I said as I stood up and followed the goddess

We continued across camp until we reached the arena. I had a sneaking suspicion so as she stopped walking I drew my knife and blocked a strike from her.

"Very well done Perseus" she said an evil smile gracing her face as she kept probing me with knife strikes

I blocked and deflected most, though the ones I couldn't I maneuvered so they'd only give me light cuts.

"Lady Artemis, why are you attacking me? I have done nothing wrong and have even completed the task you gave me" I ask as I take another cut to my cheek

"Well, I received a message from an old friend. Saying that you had left early yesterday morning. She also told me that you planned to take my lieutenant on a date. Now, put yourself in my shoes, when I hear that a male is going to take my lieutenant on a 'date' then the next morning she shows up to breakfast intoxicated. It doesn't look so good now does it?" She explained, cutting my arm "So, think of this as a small punishment for not correctly reading the situation"

I grimaced as I focused up and started countering her attacks. She was obviously holding back, and she was using the incident she just described to test me. I decided to show her what I was able to do.

As she made a thrust, I lightly grabbed her wrist and clenched my fist. Twisting the knife out of her grip, I pulled her close, hooked my leg behind hers and pushed her back. She tripped over and fell onto her back as I slammed my knee onto her chest and put my knife at her throat.

"Satisfied Lady Artemis?" I ask looking at her

"Very, I'm surprised you understood my intentions" she said as I helped her up

"Reading between the lines is an essential skill in the Infantry. Implied tasks and all" I said as she nodded

"You performed your job well. Lupa has nothing but praise for your handling of the complex situation. Though she did comment that you talked with Thanatos. Might you explain that to me?" She asked as I cleaned my wounds

"It's nothing, he collects the souls of the dead, and I am able to see him. That's all" I replied as I looked up at my cut hoodie

"Very well, I shall leave it at that" she said as she kicked me in the balls

I collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain, and falling to my side as I curled in on myself.

"Fucking bitch" I gasped causing Artemis to laugh

"That's for hitting on MY lieutenant and insulting my hunters. Do remember your place next time boy" she said cheerfully as she walked away

"I'll remember this!!!" I shouted at her to which she looked back and smirked

"I hope you do Perseus, I hope you do" She replied before leaving the Arena

After a few minutes I found myself staggering to my feet and shuffling out and back to my cabin. I fell onto my bunk and climbed under the covers. Wanting the day to be over already.

Artemis' POV:

'Well then, that was an interesting interaction' I thought to myself as I watched Perseus stagger back to his cabin and slam the door behind him.

The thought of his face contorted in pain was amusing, but I had to teach him not to go after my hunters. Even if he had no ill intent. It was precisely because he did not mean to insult me or my hunters that I let him off with only a kick to his nether regions.

I looked down at Zoe who was mumbling something in her drunken sleep. Her hand clutched around the flower pin that was her former power. I had heard that Perseus returned it after she made a comment about it.

'A sweet gesture no doubt, but at that moment was he trying to curry favor or just being a decent mortal' I thought to myself as I tucked Zoe in

Zoe was the biggest man hater in the group, yet she faltered in the face of this boy. I'm beginning to think it's because they act similar. Zoe is annoyed endlessly by his teasing and taunting, but when she accuses him of certain things he bites back. Usually in the most unexpected of ways. Where most males would grovel, plead or try sweet talking their way out. He shoots back with a stern look and a firm grasp of the situation. Coupled in with the random acts of kindness and compassion it's making her feel confused about how to act around him.

Percy on the other hand isn't afraid to deal back what's been dealt. He doesn't treat anyone differently when it comes to defending himself or others. If Zoe were to try and kill him, he'd hit back and kill her himself. Thankfully he thought ahead on that fateful day or the situation changed before either side could get a good hit in. He doesn't let himself be belittled and he treats everyone the way he would want to be treated.

"And he knows how to fight? Isn't afraid to throw himself into harms way..." Artemis gave a small smile as she looked down at Zoe "Maybe you found that one boy who is worth everything" She said with a joking tone in her voice

"L-Lady Artemis, are you talking about Percy?" Tonia asked as she looked at me with a bit of fear

I knelt down next to the young girl and nodded.

"Yes, he is a very nice person isn't he?" I asked and she smiled and nodded

"Yes!" Was all she said before I ushered her out to the archery range with the other girls

Dinner soon rolled around and no one had seen Percy the entire day. I was a bit concerned that I was too harsh in his punishment but when I looked around I saw that the hunters were pleased that I had embarrassed the man. Except Zoe, she looked unconcerned as she swirled her goblet around in thought.

"Hey! What did you hunters do with Percy!" A girl with blond hair yelled slamming her hands against the table

"Watch your tone! We've done nothing to that pathetic boy!" Phoebe said with a sneer "Afraid we're going to kick your asses again?"

"Annabeth, we have to find him!" A Hephestus kid said "He could be our only hope in beating them!"

"He's by Thalia's Tree" Zoe said calmly which shocked the other girls "But it won't matter if thou have him on thine side or not" She said with a smile "We will still win"

"Zoe, how did you know where he was?" I asked and she shrugged a small habit I see she picked up from Percy despite only being here for a few days

"I spoke with him earlier, said he needed to pick some more alcohol up. He's probably eating up there" She said

"Connor! Go!" Annabeth yelled and a hermes boy sprinted out and towards the camp border

I looked at my brother Dionysus and saw him holding back a smirk. An uncertain feeling welled up in my chest. What were they planning? How could one Demigod change the outcome of an absolute? That's when I remembered, this wasn't just one Demigod, this was a trained individual. Competent in combat, and made calls that most wouldn't. It could also be that they planned to have him take the flag by himself and leave the rest of the camp to defend.

From what Lupa told me, he was trained in stealth tactics and adapted his camouflage to the location. He also couldn't use his guns in this since it would severely harm my girls, and his knife didn't have the reach of a sword much less a bow. Even so, I felt it important to tell the girls something.

"Girls, use the smoke arrows tonight" I said "And against Perseus, use blunted arrows, not the boxing gloves, make him understand that his is a losing fight." I smiled, which the girls returned

Zoe just looked skeptical, having already fought Percy she would know best how he acts.

"Zoe, anything we should worry about from Percy?" I asked and She nodded

"Plenty, milady... the most important, would be not to push him too much. When it comes to his life, he will fight tooth and nail. Look out for his legs as well, he likes to trip people up" She said counting on her fingers "His tactics as well, he thinks wildly different from most demigods. His guns should be out of the equation but never assume with him. And be careful, he can sneak past the harpies... like a ghost, from what I know he's only known our world for a few weeks, but he is already proficient in getting out of places. He is immune to the Mist, and can control it as easily as he can control water. He reacts fast to situations, and will pull back when he needs too" She explained causing the girls to frown

"The way you speak of him it sounds like he's a child of Athena, Hermes, Ares, Hecate, and Poseidon all in one" Atalanta surmised and Zoe nodded

"And I forgot, he is an accurate shooter. Do not let him get his hands on thine bows" Zoe finished and the girls all looked uncertain

I too felt astonished that this boy was trained so well. Lupa had told me he was a Sergeant at Fort Drum, but not much more. Eventually, dinner finished and we made our way into the forest for capture the flag.

Phoebe's POV:

'This will be too easy! And we get to humiliate that boy who dares put his hands on Zoe!' I thought smugly as we took our positions.

We were waiting calmly when the conch sounded, signaling the start of the game. At the same time, for the oddest reason 'Barbie Girl' was also playing through the forest. We were stunned in place.

"Who is doing this?" I asked but no one could hear me "HEY!" I shouted which got some attention "WHAT'S GOING ON!?" I looked to Zoe who was frowning

That's when a group of campers ran in and threw bottles at us. The bottles themselves broke and scattered a strong perfume onto our clothes.

"Just what these high strung girls needed!" A girl by the name of Drew Tanaka yelled while the group of three ran back the way they came

As they did, we gave chase. The dark woods shifted as my foot caught on something and I fell to the ground unceremoniously. I got up and looked back not seeing what could cause me to trip. As I leaned in closer I saw a cord tied between two trees.

I opened my mouth to yell when everything went black.

Atalanta's POV:

'Those damn Aphrodite sluts! Dousing us with their fucking stench!' I thought bitterly as the song continued on echoing through the woods

I ran through my designated route, hiding in the trees when I saw campers running through the woods. It looked like a group of Hermes kids carrying a bag of supplies. I smirked as I notched an arrow and shot at them. The boxing glove slammed into the side of the boy carrying the bag. The other two shot into different directions, without hesitation.

'They think splitting up will save them?' I thought as I was about to chase them but felt myself drawn to the bag

I dropped down and quietly and opened the bag with a smile expecting something that I could beat the boy up over. However as soon as it opened a cloud of powder blasted into my eyes. The sounds of fans whirring coming to a drone to the infuriating music that was playing.

As I was struggling to clear my eyes, I felt a punch to my stomach and doubled over. I then felt my arms raised as something was shoved over my shirt. I tried to pull it off but it was stuck like it was coated in a weird glue. I also noticed my bow and quiver were gone.

"YOU VILE MALES!!!" I shouted as I heard laughter below me fading away. I stumbled around as I cleared my eyes and made it back to our flag. "Tonia I need to borrow your bow"

"U-Uh Erika! It's a camper!" Tonia shouted and I looked around trying to find the camper but a boxing glove arrow flew towards me and the next instant everything went black

Natalia's POV:

'What is going on!?' I said to myself as I hid in a bush trying to make sense of what I saw

I saw several huntress' trip to the ground only to be knocked out by a moving shadow. After that I moved away and saw Jessica blasted with powder only to have an orange t shirt put on her and her weapons stolen.

I looked out of my hiding spot as I saw the shadow moving through the trees. I signaled to my sisters and we notched the smoke bomb arrows. This must have been that Percy boy that laid his hands on our Lieutenant. We released the arrows at him and I quickly notched a blunted arrow and sent it immediately after the smoke volley. I ran towards the cloud and when I got near a blast of light hit me in the eyes.

I jumped back as I felt a swish of air across my face, my vision dancing. However I felt a presence next to me and in the next instance all I could hear was a sharp ringing. I turned and ran in a random direction. I felt a tree and hid next to it in a crouch.

Eventually my hearing and sight cleared up and I went to stand but my legs grew irritated. I also felt it in my hands and as I looked down I saw I was in a patch of stinging nettle. I backed away and in an instant it grew worse. I started itching everywhere, like I had slept in a patch of poison Ivy.

I spent a few moments trying to ease myself of the pain when I had a pit form in my stomach. I looked up and around. The music had stopped, the forest was quiet and eerie as I heard the creaking of trees.

When did the music stop... where did I run too?' I thought as I attempted to get my bearings when I heard something wisp past me. Not a projectile or a person but I heard it. I looked around frantically. 'Was it the wind'?

A creepy sigh sounded around me and I fired my bow in the direction of the noise. Yet nothing happened. I then saw a figure move through the forest. I loosed another arrow at it but only the sound of wood creaking sounded out. I creeped forward to retrieve my arrow, glancing around at the creepy eeriness.

"What the hades is going on..." I whispered and at the moment I grabbed my arrow a pair of white eyes opened next to me

I screamed.

I screamed until I was pulled forward and a knee connected with my stomach and I doubled over onto the ground. Scrambling backwards I looked around and saw nothing. No one was there. I was alone.

I found my body shaking and I was hyperventilating.

'This can't be... no... were the hunters... calm down... it's just... What was that!' I heard another creak in the distance and my confidence shattered 'Where are my sisters!'

"Phoebe!!!" I screamed but no one called back "Atalanta!!!" still no response

I crawled to a bush and hid. My body trembling from the lack of sound or combat. That's when an arm shot out of the bush and grabbed my collar. It lifted me up kicking and screaming.

"LET ME GO! I DON'T TASTE GOOD! ZOE!!!! ARTEMIS!!! SISTERS!!! PLEASE!!!!" I screamed abandoning all dignity before my consciousness left me

Zoe's POV:

We were being dismantled. Guerrilla tactics and unconventional warfare. It was Percy's doing. He must have advised the campers how to create a situation and use it.

I stepped over a trip wire and continued towards Zeus' Fist, using the stars as my guide. The ambient music of a creepy forest echoed through the woods.

"ZOE!!!!" I heard Natalia's voice echo out in pure fear

I guarded myself knowing it was Percy's plan. A trap to lure me away from the flag. He had taken control over the forces of camp and united everyone. There were no assault teams, just wicked and terrifying groups who were running with a child of Hermes, a child of Aphrodite, and an Ares kid. They carried bags of flour which were rigged with fans that would blast it into any hunter that opened them recklessly. Once blinded, the Ares kid would incapacitate them and get the Aphrodite kid to force a camp Tshirt onto them. After the Hermes kid takes their bow, they would stumble around until another hunter would find them and shoot them thinking it was a camper.

Percy Jackson, I had seen him engage a group of five hunters, I think Natalia was among them. They shot him with the smoke arrows but it seemed like it didn't do anything to him. He shined a bright light into their eyes then shot something that disorientated them. I saw three hunters get knocked out instantly from the smoke and two ran in opposite directions.

"I just don't get it... how can he see at night, through smoke?" I muttered as I saw the campers flag guarded by Clarisse

"HEY! We got one!" She shouted with a wicked grin

"About damn time! Hey Lee, you're up!" Annabeth yelled with a similar smile

"GOT IT!" Lee laughed as he switched tracks on a phone that looked like Percy's "Trespassing! Here we go!"

The creepy tone changed instantly, and before I knew it, a new song was playing. The four demigods charged me, with Annabeth and Clarisee leading the charge. I scowled as I fired arrows at the charging demigods.

Clarisse screamed as she took the arrows for the other two and swung her electrified spear at me. I dodged back and shot a smoke arrow at their feet. Flanking around I sprinted towards their flag but a spear was embedded in my way as Luke Castellan appeared from the woods with a dark smile.

"Nicely done Castellan!" Clarisse shouted as she ran out of the smoke and made several wild thrusts with her spear

I kicked away and landed at the base of the rocks. I climbed up and swiftly grabbed the flag and jumped off, hitting the ground hard. I rolled off the shock and sprinted towards our side of the river.

"LEE!" I heard Annabeth yell as the song once again changed

'Maybe they are using the music to signal Percy?!' I thought as I neared the border and I saw a figure sprinting through the woods with our own banner 'It's Percy!'

His silhouette was broken up to the point where I could barely identify him, even if he was sprinting. That's when I noticed a beam of moonlight focused on our small area. Lady Artemis was giving me the advantage. I smirked and doubled down, I would slam his face into the water. I have to show him I can still kick his ass.

However I saw him reach up and pull something and his camouflage dropped to the ground his normal kit nowhere to be seen. He looked up and I saw a wide challenging smile cross his face as he picked up speed.

I ended up reaching the banks of the creak before him, but a wall of water splashed into me forcing me up and backwards. As I was falling I braced for a hard landing but I felt someone catch me.

"Whew, I made it in time to catch the angel" Percy said smugly as he set me on the ground and took back the campers banner as the conch sounded

What followed next was a group of campers who had picked up his equipment, all cheering. Hooting and Hollering as if it was their last night on earth.

I watched in stunned amazement as Percy threw something into the sky and the cheering from the campers' side increased. I should have felt angry that he'd use such tactics to defeat us. But I knew he would act differently, he wasn't any knight in shining armor, and he would not heed any preconceived values if it cost him the win.

'Nobody's perfect...' I thought as I stared at him again

After he fixed his equipment he was lifted onto the shoulders of his fellow campers and carried away.

"Zoe! Everyone's already been transported to the Apollo Cabin for treatment!" Percy yelled as he was carried away and I nodded to him "Alright let me down!"

"Not Happening Jackson! Not after this win!" Clarisee denied him as he continued to protest

I found myself smiling in amusement, which took some time to control.

I walked back towards the camp with the enthusiastic campers, the hunters already leaving the Apollo cabin and while sulking, looked fine. Well, mostly, Natalia was a bit shaken up, if her insistence on bush monsters was anything to go by.

I led the hunters to the bonfire where Chiron, who was looking slightly pleased, had set up an after party for the campers, with the help of Castor and Pollex. The two demigod sons of Dionysus were looking excited as they handed people drinks of juice, soda. Several Nymphs were floating around looking high in the atmosphere. Though one did give me a smug look and stuck her tongue out at me as she floated over with a glass of what looked like whiskey towards Percy.

Speaking of which, he was now located in the center of the campers who were all trying to talk over each other and get him to join their side for capture the flag in the future. He got his drink and when the now flustered nymph left he scanned the area and spotted me. The pleading look he gave me to save him was cute. I just returned the gesture Phoebe got from him earlier in the day. His look of betrayal was enough to get me to double over laughing.

"Zoe, why are you in a good mood? Our streak just broke!" Phoebe said, a bandage on her head from being hit by something

"Oh it is nothing Phoebe. I just find it humorous that the boy who led his side to victory is trying to escape his punishment" I giggled as I pointed out the pained expression of Percy trying to endure everyone trying to talk. "Besides, next time when we kick their asses, it'll just feel that much sweeter won't it?" I say to which she smiles

"Yeah, we aren't going to lose to these lousy campers again" Atalanta said with a crack of her knuckles

"Well, aren't you girls going to celebrate?" Artemis said as she walked up to us a red cup in her hand causing everyone to go wide eyed "What? Even I party every once in a while. Though I will say this is more rowdy than I like personally" She admitted

"R-Right... were always out hunting that we never really relax" Natalia said nervously

"Besides, there are games you can beat the other campers in" A familiar voice said

I turned to see Percy standing there with his glass of Whiskey. He had an easy going smile and a glimmer of light in his eyes despite the paint on his face.

"Like what boy!?" Phoebe scowled and he just held up his hands in a placating gesture

"Well, over there we got Jarts. We got a game of volleyball going, Beer Pong, which is my favorite, then there is corn hole" He said pointing at a lot of accuracy based games "I get that you may not like us campers, or me specifically but that's no excuse to not have fun" He commented "I made a bet with Chiron, were allowed to party as long as we want if we won. All drinks are allowed, Mr. D even got in on it in his own way" He explained pointing at Lord Dionysus as he opened a bottle of wine and poured it into a glass

"Unfortunately my brother made a bet with father and me. He said that should Percy lead the camp to victory then he would get to drink for two nights. If he lost, he'd extend his own punishment by another fifty years" Artemis scowled to which Percy shrugged

"Not in my plan, but a party isn't fun if someone is excluded" He said as he spotted a satyr "Well, that's my partner for Beer Pong, if you ladies need anything please let me know" He winked at me and left

I felt my fist clench as I looked at Phoebe.

"Phoebe, you and me are partners, were going to kick his ass at his own game" I said to which Phoebe gave a grin

"You read my mind sister! Let's go!" She responded and we ran off with the other girls towards the table of staged cups unaware that someone was smiling fondly at us