I found myself standing outside of the crack of Zeus’ fist, the moon was high and I checked my equipment one last time. After making sure I had everything, I crawled into the crack and dropped into the secret tunnels. Turning my nods on, I started walking, following wherever my personal Yellow Brick Road took me. 

I felt it safe to leave the camp in Chiron's hands and the other campers who took the oath. My job was to kill time until I knew the spies had been found. Then upon my return, I needed to deal with them. 

Letting out a heavy sigh, I threw some music on and started on my journey. 

Clarisse'sPOV:

‘What in Hades did I agree too?’ I thought as I walked back to the Ares Cabin keeping a stern yet somewhat depressed look on my face ‘Having to play actor for two weeks, to suspect my brothers and sisters of being spies’ 

The thought alone made me curse as I slammed my fist against a wall, startling some of my siblings. Watching them scamper over their bunks to take cover brought a grim smile to my face. 

If it weren't for the fact that Jackson was an actual fucking soldier, I'd never have agreed to this. But he seemed sincere in protecting everyone, even swore on the Styx that he wouldn't sell us out to Kronos. 

I picked up my spear and headed out, my siblings watching me cautiously. 

‘So far everyone seems normal, at least for the Ares Cabin. But we'll have to see what happens when Chiron announces his ‘death’ tonight’ I thought as I reached the arena and found Silena pacing with her spear in her hands.

Her eyes lightened when she saw me and a smile crossed her face.

“Clarisse! You made it!” She bounced over to me and gave a tight hug “What did Chiron want you for?” She asked but I just sighed hugging her back

“I can't say, but he said it'd be announced tonight.” I cast my eyes down slightly feigning slight sadness 

“W-What happened?” She asked fearfully but I shook my head as I hardened my gaze 

“It's fine, let's get back to training” I said as I slapped her lightly with the butt of my spear eliciting a small yelp from her 

“So mean!” She yelped 

We spent around an hour working on her form and when it was over, we started talking. 

“So, is Percy like, out on another adventure? Over the few weeks since he's first got here, he's been gone most of them. Or in the infirmary, for one reason or another” She giggled 

I felt my shoulders tense. Why would her first topic be Percy? No, I'm letting Jackson's words get to me. 

“I don't know… I haven't seen him recently” I lied, I felt a tad guilty but it needed to be done. 

“Oh… Perhaps I should ask Chiron” she said with an easy going smile, yet when she opened her eyes I saw a small glint of worry, or guilt, I couldn't tell 

“Whatever, but if he's busy don't bother him alright?” I said and she nodded before running off 

“Clarisse, I know you saw what I did” I heard the familiar voice of Travis say and I whipped my head to the side to see him hanging upside down on the stands “Somethings def sketch”

“Don't you dare suspect her!” I growled but Travis crossed his arms 

“You know what the boss said, trust no one outside of that room. If she isn't a suspect then you have to prove it. I've already had a few people ask about him so I've noted down their names and dodged the question. Strangely is the same few people who asked while he was out” he said with a smirk “But I doubt they are all bad, some just want learn from him” 

“I know what he said, but… ugh it doesn't matter! She would never betray me or the camp!” I replied but he raised…? his hands above his head 

“Just remember, suspect everyone, trust is something that should be earned. We'll know more tonight after you know what” He gave an easy smile which infuriated me

“How can you take this so lightly! Just accusing people like that!!” I growled leveling my spear at him 

His face turned serious.

“Clarisse, most of the people I accuse are the unclaimed, I only accuse Silena because she shows some of the same signs. We're not him, we just want to live, yet I constantly hear the unclaimed talking about wanting to change things. But it's only the first day. We have to get our A game on if we want to catch them all” he said before he flipped onto his ass and looked at me “Cya” he said throwing a white bag at me

In a moment flour covered me from head to foot. I heard laughter and footsteps running out of the Arena.

“TRAAAAAVIIIISSS ILL KILL YOU!!!” I screamed bloody murder as I leveled my spear and charged after him 

Chiron's POV:

I sighed as I stood up during dinner. Everyone was chatting happily while eating. I saw Conner and Travis talking with some of the unclaimed while Beckendorf was chatting with his cabin mates about a new build. 

Will was reading a medical book and Clarisse was tearing into her food. 

The moment I stood up and cleared my throat everyone quieted down. I looked around and saw many confused faces. 

“Pardon me everyone, I know that this is sudden, however, I have an important announcement to make.” I said feigning a solemn attitude 

Everyone looked at me with worried eyes. 

“Perseus Jackson, the one who returned the master bolt and led the campers to victory against the Hunters, has been killed” I said causing many campers to gasp while I saw a few from the Hermes cabin hide their mouths, however I saw a confident glint in their eyes

I mentally marked them and kept looking around. Then my eyes locked onto Silena. She looked shocked and I saw fear in her eyes as well as sadness. 

“Yes I know it is a shock to everyone, but unfortunately that is the life we all live. If anyone wants to talk you are all welcome to come to the Big house” I said “We will have a ceremony tomorrow afternoon to honor his life, I hope you will all attend, even though he was not known well amongst the campers” I said to which many people nodded with small amused smiles at the mysterious demigod of poseidon 

The next morning we held a ceremony honoring Percy. Clarisse had made a shroud for him. I noticed the same few campers from before sticking together, whispering to themselves about something. I glanced over and saw the Stoll brothers watching them and I knew they also had marked them.

The next week passed by in a blur, camp continued as normal. No one talked much about Percy, and his presence was as unnoticed as it normally was. That's when disaster struck.

Clarisse ran into the Big House as the others of Percy's counter intelligence were talking about potential spies. 

“Bad news, a camper named David poisoned Thalia's tree, the camps borders are failing” she said after she closed the door

“David? He's an unclaimed” Travis said causing Conner to nod 

“I saw David hanging out with a specific group of unclaimed campers, John, Alec, and Jennifer mostly” Conner added 

“And Lina from the Athena has been seriously investigating our supplies” Will said with his arms closed 

“Did you all not hear?! The camp borders are failing!!” Clarisse shouted angrily causing everyone to look at her 

“Wait what!?” Conner and Travis said at the same time 

“Clarisse, can you get the Ares Cabin to perform patrols? I'll investigate the tree immediately” I said as Lord Dionysus flashed into the room

“Chiron, what's going on?” Dionysus asked as he looked at me “Father has felt the decline of his daughter's life force” 

“David has poisoned the tree, I was just about to go and see if I can cure it” I said to which the god nodded 

“Canner, Clorox, bring Divide here, he must be punished” Dionysus said but Clarisse shook her head

“With all due respect Mr. D, It's Percy's plan. We are not to make any moves until he returns” Conner said 

“Yeah, we need to flush out all the spies, otherwise they'll get close to us and it'll be just that much harder to find them” Will said “I'll ask Annabeth to help watch the Tree, she's loyal enough and she'll help analyze the tree. Meanwhile I'll create something to help combat the poison” 

Everyone in the room was quiet for a moment. The same thought probably on their minds, wishing that Percy would come back soon. 

‘Percy… my boy, where are you?’

Percy's POV: 

“Damn, this Junk yard is huge!” I said while digging through a pile of weapons 

“Percy… it doesn't feel safe here… didn't Lady Circe tell you to take us somewhere safe quickly?” A girl with brown hair and sharp features asked, scared 

“Yeah, we're heading that way now, but look at all of this!” I said excitedly as I pulled out a clunky looking gun and gasping “Holy Fuck! No way! Is this actually a Bolter!?” I said looking at it but seeing it was just a shoddy replica 

“Nevermind, it's worthless” I said pulling out a cigarette and lighting it, tossing the replica behind me “Hylla, Reyna, let's go, we're almost there” I announce now bored of searching through shit 

I tugged my new Tanker jacket to set it firmly on my shoulders. I got it after I picked up this yellow fleece from an island with a Cyclops named Poly something or other. 

“Finally” Hylla said and I gave her a quick middle finger. 

She gave a slight laugh as I walked to a small indentation and pressed the button to the entrance of the tunnel system. 

Reyna, a girl who looked around fourteen or fifteen with piercing black eyes and glossy black hair, her skin was tan from working so long on Circe's island. Her older sister Hylla, looked strikingly similar yet older. The two of them were in a sticky situation with a group of pirates when I appeared at their doorstep. 

After I had dealt with the pirates, I talked with Circe who was shocked that I'd save her resort without expecting a reward. I casually mentioned I was killing some time to which she made the request of me to take these two to safety. After taking the job I led the girls through the tunnels and I arrived at the junkyard.

I jumped into the tunnels and helped the girls down before we continued to walk. Hylla was holding my sleeve as I led the two through the dark. 

“I'll never get used to this… I don't even see this golden line you say you see” Reyna said and I chuckled 

“I don't know how it works but just knowing it does is enough for me. By the way, we're heading to Caldecott Tunnel over in San Francisco, I’ve got a few friends there that'll take you in.” I explained looking back and seeing Hylla nod

“Thank you, Percy.” She said with a small smile as she moved her hand from my sleeve to my hand

“No problem, just make sure you two play nice alright?” I chuckle 

“No promises” Hylla responded 

Eventually, I saw an exit and I creeped up to it before opening it. It was a manhole cover in the center of the street. Luckily it seemed it was early in the morning so not many drivers were on the road, yet. 

“Quickly come on up” I directed as I pushed the cover over and lifted the two girls onto the surface 

After replacing the object, we moved to the side and I checked my phone. 

“Caldecott Tunnel” I searched on my phone and saw that it was a mile down the road “Sweet not too far” I gave a smile to the two girls as we started walking 

“So Percy, you're actually a Sergeant in the Army? I know you told us when we first met but you're only my age…” Reyna said looking at me and I gave her a warm smile 

“Yeah I am. Apparently circumstances made it so that the rules really didn't apply to me. I don't question it anymore, but I was treated like an adult after my first deployment. So I really don't care all too much.” I explained and she nodded slightly “Why do you ask?” 

I saw Reyna and Hylla share a look before Hylla looked at me and sighed.

“Our father was suffering from PTSD after his time in Iraq…We… We had to kill him to escape the abuse he put us under…” Hylla said and I nodded slowly 

“I see, it's a shame, some of the bois probably knew him. But I won't bring it up, its sad that things came to that, but I think if he had truly looked, he would have seen two beautiful strong girls” I said as I stuck a cigarette into my mouth and lit it

The two girls were quiet for a moment before they pushed me forward.

“Keep walking!” Reyna said and I laughed 

“Alright, Alright, I'm walking” I said with a mirth in my voice 

After about twenty minutes we arrived at the tunnel, where I saw two people in Roman styled armor standing guard and wielding spears.

“Damn, they even have a guard shift, brutal” I muttered as I walked up and they pointed their weapons at me

“Identify yourself” the one on the right said and I pulled out my CAC and handed it to him 

“Sergeant Percy Jackson Tenth Mountain. I am on a request to escort these two very lovely ladies to safety. If you don't believe me, ask Jason Grace, or Katya” I said easily to which the man handed my CAC back over to me and looked at his younger companion 

“Get Centurion Grace to verify his identity” he said and the boy nodded before running into the tunnel 

I dropped my ruck and offered the girls to sit down as walking for so long could be hard on anyone who hasn't done it.

They gratefully sat down as I lit another cigarette and looked at the teen.

“Want one mate?” I offered to which he shook his head 

“No thank you…” he said, confused at why I would have cigarettes.

The silence stretched between us and he shifted awkwardly as his eyes glanced over at the girls.

I looked back and saw them shivering. I gave a wry smile as I took off my jacket and put it around both of them.

“We're fine Percy” Reyna said trying to deny the warmth but I just lightly hit her on the head with a fist “H-Hey” 

“You were cold. I'm not going to just sit back and watch you shiver like some sadist First Sergeant” I chuckled as I pat them both on the head 

They both smiled as I walked back over to the guy who watched us with a conflicted feeling.

“You’re a nice guy” the man said as he looked back into the tunnel and then at me “Could I… uh… ask if that offer is still on the table? I want to try one” 

I laughed a bit as I pulled out my pack and handed him one. Once he had it in his mouth I gave him my lighter which he used to light the cancer stick.

I watched him anticipating his first reaction as I pocketed the Zippo. Almost instantly after the first inhale he started coughing heavily. 

“How do you deal with this?” He asked as he took it out of his mouth 

“It's an acquired skill” I said as I heard armor running down the tunnel “Oh it looks like they're back” 

The man quickly started inhaling the cigarette before tossing the filter into his pocket. 

“James! Is it really Percy?!” The familiar voice of Jason said and I called back 

“Yo Grace! How's it hanging?” I yelled as he rushed out and have me a hug 

“You actually came to visit!” He said and I laughed 

“Not quite, but I am here. The reason I'm here to get these two to safety” I said before I heard the flapping of heavy wings

The sound of Harpy screeching echoed out above us and I smirked. 

“Get them in quickly!” Jason said but at the same time James, the guard who smoked the cigarette held his head and dropped to a knee “What happened??” He started panicking but I just reached into my pocket and pulled out a sergeant challenge coin and flipped it in front of me

In a second my plate carrier appeared on my person with my weapon slung. I swiftly unsung it and flipped the safety off. 

Throwing my nvgs down I saw three Harpies circling us. I grabbed my weapon and hoisted it up, pointing at the flying monsters before pressing a button on my laser. A beam shot out and highlighted one of the monsters, and as soon as it did, I pulled the trigger. 

I repeated this twice more causing a rain of gold dust to shower us. Once I made sure there was nothing else around, I slung the weapon and pulled the tab on my kit. Normally this would force it to come apart off of me, but after using the mist, it turned back into the challenge coin form. 

“No need to worry, I got it covered” I smirked as I turned back and saw them covering their ears “Shit, sorry about that…” 

“It's fine Percy. Thank you” Hylla said as both she and Reyna stood up and gave me a kiss on each cheek 

I raised an eyebrow before smirking. 

“It was nothing, and Jason, James just has a nicotine rush. Give him a few minutes and it'll fade” I said, causing him to nod “Alright you two. I've gotta bounce. But if you need anything you can ask Jason here, or you can contact me. I gave you both my number right?” To this they nodded as well as handed my Tanker Jacket over 

“Alright, but next time I expect to give you a tour of Camp!” Jason said and I chuckled 

“Sure man. Sounds like a plan” I said as I thought of something and pulled a note out of my pocket and handed it to him “Here, read this when you have time. It's important” I said and his face turned serious as he nodded 

“Got it, you take care Percy” he took the note and put it in his pocket 

I then turned to Reyna and Hylla as I returned their kiss. 

“You two be safe. Take care of each other alright?” I said to which they shoved me away 

“We get it! Just go!” They both said slightly embarrassed but the smile proved they were happy 

“Alright then, I'm off” I said as I waved everyone farewell, turning back towards the manhole cover and walking away.

When I dropped into the tunnels I once again followed the yellow brick road and continued to explore. My next exit turned out to be a Cliffside overlooking a grouping of silver tents. There was a large Hydra attacking the collection. 

I cursed as I flipped my coin and summoned my kit and weapon. At this location, the sun was up and the beast was bearing down on the tents with acid. I looked down my scope and took aim.

As I did this I imagined the Mist turning the bullet into a blade at the last second before impact. With this image firmly in my head I took my first shot. The result was spectacular as a head of the creature was cut off. Immediately after it caught fire. I guess whoever was down there knew what to do. I continued to give supporting fire. And in minutes the beast turned to dust. Seeing the figures start motioning in my direction, I quickly packed up and grabbed my brass before I jumped back into the tunnels. 

“Whew, don't need anyone knowing anything” I chuckled to myself as I counted my brass and only saw seven casings “shit, well, can't go back up now” I said as I pocketed the brass and checked my phone “Damn, only have two days left until I have to get back” 

With that, I started running back to camp, following the twists and turns on the ground. 

Zoe's POV (A few minutes earlier): 

“Phoebe! Where doth this beast come from!” I shouted as I fired arrows at the hydra in front of me 

“I don't know! It's a young one though! Bust have hung out on the hill over there!” She shouted back as she held a torch ready to light arrows on fire the moment we could sever a head

I cursed as I dove to the side and dodged a splash of acid. That's when I saw a head get severed by a seemingly invisible force. Then the crack of thunder hit us. 

“What was that!?” Phoebe yelled but I scrambled up and over to my sister 

“I don't know! But I'm not losing this opportunity” I yelled as I set one of my arrows on fire and launched it at the beast's wounds. 

Once the neck was alight, another invisible force along with the crack of thunder impacted another head. We followed up with more fire, not understanding what was happening. 

This process repeated itself several more times until the final head was left.

“The attack is coming from that hilltop” Atalanta said and I nodded as the final head separated from its body 

We set it alight and I turned to my sisters.

“Tonia, come with me. We're going to search that hill” I said and the girl nodded as she grabbed her bow and quickly followed after me 

When we reached the hill I saw nothing out of the ordinary, apparently whatever had helped us was no longer here. It knew what we were.

“Zoe… I found something” Tonia called out from between two bushes 

I ran over and saw her holding up a bullet casing. I took it and brought it close. 

The fresh smell of ignited gunpowder reminded me of when Percy sat next to me on that doom ride. 

“Is this the only one?” I asked and she nodded “Okay, when milady gets back from her meeting we will bring this up” I said with a smile 

We moved down the hill, and when we reached the camp I looked back at the hill.

“Was… Was Percy looking over me…?” I asked myself quietly as I walked to Lady Artemis’ tent and sat down on a stool waiting for the goddess to return.

It was several hours before Artemis flashed into the tent looking exhausted. She collapsed onto her bed and let out a heavy sigh.

“Zoe, why did that boy have to leave us with all the work? He got the warning out, but then just… left” She complained as she looked at me 

I nodded slightly as I raised up the bullet casing. 

“Milady, we found this after a fight with a hydra today… the bullets acted like blades that cut off the heads while we burned the stumps…” I said to which Artemis sat up and took a look at the item 

“This has Celestial Bronze in it… Perseus was the only one we knew that had items like this…” Artemis said before her eyes widened “Zoe, we're going to New York” 

“Wait, why milady?” I asked but she just shook her head 

“Perseus was part of the military at Fort Drum, He got those weapons from somewhere. I think we’ll find our answer there.” She said and I nodded slightly 

I walked over to her and we flashed away.

We appeared at a set of military buildings. Men in uniform walking and joking. Many were smoking while some seemed to be cleaning weapons. Others seemed to enjoy wrestling.

“This place…” I muttered as I looked down and saw myself in a similar uniform, a patterned green with patches holding the American Flag and something else 

“Now Zoe, keep quiet, we don't want to draw too much attention” Artemis said as she was dressed similarly with an oak leaf on her chest

I looked down at my own and saw a single black bar.

“Understood milady” I said quietly as I noticed the stares of several males, it made me cringe that I couldn't do anything to them outwardly 

However, there was one reaction that put me on guard. A male who was smoking at the gazebo glanced in our direction and had a violent coughing fit. He then crushed his cigarette and ran off, saying something about layouts or something. 

“Milady… I believe that Male saw through us” I warned and she nodded 

“We will have to follow him” Artemis said with a smirk

Lee's POV:

‘Shit! What the fuck! Why the hell is this God damned bullshit happening now!’ I thought as I ran through the company building and raced my way up to the motor pool 

I quickly pulled out my phone and started texting, knowing how I'd get absolutely fucked if I was caught.

‘SSG, bad news! Artemis and Zoe are here!’ I sent in a group chat 

‘What the hell!!’ Franks responded 

‘What do the hunters want with us!?’ Cortez asked 

‘It probably has to do with Percy. Cortez, stay in your room, Lee, pretend your doing a layout at motorpool’ SSG White replied 

‘Way ahead of you big Sgt’ I sent back 

‘Ey just got the message, is our little bro alright?!’ Cruz asked sending a concerned emote

‘I remember that Percy told me that he had the hots for Zoe?!?’ Franks sent up 

‘No fuckin way, of all the girls he chose HER???’ Boisvert responded ‘Kid's fucking ballsy’ 

I threw my phone back into my pocket as I ran up to a connex and quickly started unlocking it and laying it out. The others thre stared at me weirdly.

“FRAGO layout for truck BII, CO is walking around at 1600 to check it” I said causing the guys to groan loudly 

It only took a few minutes for LT. COL Artemis and Lt. Zoe Nightshade to walk up. 

“Lee, do you have a moment?” Artemis asked and I cursed my luck 

“Yes Ma'am. Is there something I can help you with?” I asked sweat forming on my forehead 

“Yes, you were close with one, Perseus yes?” She asked and I felt the whole mood in the motor pool turn guarded 

“I've never heard of him ma'am” I said not looking up as I continued to lay out random objects 

“Black hair, green eyes, smokes and drinks, age fifteen?” Artekus listed casually “Hits on my lieutenant here?” 

At that comment some of the guys let loose snickers of approval. While others looked horrified.

“Are you filing a SHARP report ma'am? Because unfortunately I am not the rep for that” I played off the comment 

“Percy is dead and all thou can do is joke!?” Zoe erupted with a furious face 

I stood stunned. The whole company went silent, you could hear a pin drop. 

Then a few of the older guys started laughing, myself included.

This action perplexed both the goddess and immortal teenager.

“Percy? Dead? That's a funny joke” I laughed hard as I struggled to calm down 

Zoe growled and drew her dagger, causing everyone to sober up and draw their own  knives. Private Williams didn't have one so he picked up the sledge hammer. The huntress suddenly looked a lot less sure of herself. 

“It's true, Mr. D from his summer camp confirmed it” Artemis said summoning a chair and sitting down 

“Give me a moment, I'll get some of higher down here to deal with this” I chuckled as I pulled out my phone and called SSG White 

“What?” His voice sounded and I rolled my eyes 

“Lt Col. Diana is here with her LT. Said something about Percy kicking the bucket. You might want to get PSG and get down here” I said looking at Artemis to see her frown slightly 

“Ugh, Goddamnit Lee! You couldn't have been more subtle about doing that fucking Layout?” He cursed “I'll be there in three minutes” at that he hung up and I three my phone in my pockets and put my hands in them as well 

“Well you heard the big man ma'am, three minutes. But I'll warn you, Percy ain't dead. Our little bro won't kick the can so easily. It'd take a god to kill that little exorcist” I joked causing Zoe's eye to twitch 

‘Oh Percy, what did you say to the huntress’ I chuckled to myself 

“Very well…” She said before turning to Zoe, “you can ask any questions you want” 

Zoe nodded and looked at us.

“Art thou all demigods?” She asked bluntly and I turned to look at the others before shrugging 

“Most, Son of Hermes here, then we have a son of Athena there, the three Ares brothers over there” I mentioned before smirking and pointing at another group “Over there we have a son of Apollo, Bellona, Ceres, Bacchus” I listed off causing both women's eyes to go wide 

“Wait what?” Zoe asked but I held my hand up 

“I ain't finished yet ma'am” I commented “In First platoon we got some Egyptian magicians, and even a son of Thor. Big boy can fucking lift” I listed off 

“How do thou not kill each other?!” Zoe asked confused 

“You don't have to like someone to work with them. Do we argue? Sure, plenty, but we all joined the military to be something more” I said with a shrug before pointing at Hemenez “Except for him, and plenty others, he joined to get citizenship, and Williams there joined to get away from his family” 

Zoe looked at all of us in shock. As if what I said struck a cord with her.

“But… the Godly world must remain a secret…” She continued noticing some mortals amongst us 

“Yeah so? Knowing what we can do to further the mission is important. We don't want what happened to Tristen to happen again” I said and a few of the older dudes including Torson looking down 

“W-What happened?” Zoe asked 

“IED got him, blew up right in front of Percy. Scarred the little dude pretty bad” I explained “Honestly some scary shit” I admitted 

“Lee, we're here” I heard SSG White say as he looked at the two hunters “Madams” he said respectfully “I see Lee is running his mouth again” 

“Yes, well it was helpful. Now we wanted two things from this visit. One to figure out where this came from” Artemis stated pulling out a piece of Brass and handing it to SSG “And the second is to inform you of Perseus’ passing” 

Ssg White and our PSG looked at each other confused before chuckling.

“I can say that yes we use this mixture of celestial bronze ammunition and second Percy isn't dead” SSG White said 

“What do thou mean?” Zoe asked almost enthusiastically 

‘Holy shit little bro… did you actually???’ I thought to myself as I saw Zoe's eyes light up 

“Percy is… a special kind of stubborn. From running into a bullet storm to almost being blown up, kids always come out on top” He said proudly “Hell, the kid will probably crawl outta hell itself before he kicks the bucket. Damn near did a few times” 

“Wait… so what your saying that Perseus is alive? Even after a pit scorpion sting” Artemis asked and our PSG nodded 

“Wouldn't be his first time, though we did tell him it was a normal scorpion back then. He was what… twelve? Decided to play with it and got stung I think three times? Scared us all to death when he collapsed. But he came back after a few weeks of recovery.” He said 

“Then… if he could survive it, why did Dionysus say that he died?” Artemis questioned 

“Probably Percy's plan” I shrugged, causing both girls to tilt their heads “I won't pretend to know how Percy thinks. But usually when he does something drastic he has a plan in mind. Diversion. Subterfuge, etc.” 

“Dionysus did say that he died giving a message to the camp… saying that Luke betrayed them for Kronos…” Artemis muttered 

“There ya go, he was targeted because he knew their plan. And if this Luke kid couldn't have Percy then no one could. Percy faked his death, probably went dark to keep up the act, whilst giving directions for his friends to follow. He's probably rooting out the spies at the camp” I explained causing Artemis’ eyes to widen 

“Dionysus’ plan… was actually Perseus’...” she said before nodding “And what of the bullet casing?” 

“As I said before we do use this type, but this specific caliber is used in Percy's rifle. We don't have any ourselves, so he probably saw you all under attack or something and decided to help out. Though to be honest he probably fucked up his brass pick up. He's usually so careful” PSG said causing the guys to laugh 

I snuck a glance at Zoe and saw her looking at a flower pin in her hand. I raised my eyebrow and walked over. 

“He give you that?” I ask and Zoe pulled her hands away and glared at me 

“Do not come closer boy!” She threatened but I shrugged 

“You’re not my type, far too young looking, besides, if Percy likes you then I'm not going to interfere.” I said crossing my arms and looking directly at her “But if you care about him. And not just in a romantic way but even as a friend. Then keep an eye on his health. It may take a downward spiral faster than you can imagine. One minute he will be completely fine, the next he'll be ready to shoot himself. One of the downsides of seeing war so young.” I advise causing her to look at me properly 

“Doth thou meanest he has PTSD?” She asked and I nodded 

“Big Time. He thinks none of us saw it, and that he doesn't have nightmares about it. But he most certainly does. And he cares a lot about people he's close to. Don't let him get too far into his own head… please” I finish before I turn around and walk off 

‘I hope you stay safe little bro’ I think as the others continue their conversation