Just a reminder, this was started before the House of Hades, so if something is wrong and doesn't fit in the book, sorry, but I need to keep with my story line which involves Leo dying at the doors of death, which doesn't actually happen. I'll try not to include spoilers, but if I accidentally do, I'm sorry.

I'm also using the map from the Demigod Files, so that's how I'm planning everything.

The chapter is dedicated to papillons_rule for their comment, "Yay! I love your story!! I live by a quote stating "don't argue with idiots, they'll just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience." Whoever says this story is not spectacular is an idiot!! Please oh pretty please update you have me on the edge of my seat! Oh my favorite part of the son of Neptune is when Percy 'out talks' Octavian!!! Keep on writing girl!!!!" Thanks papillons_rule!

Chapter 22, here you go ...

Chapter 22: The War Is Upon Us - Azelle's POV

(AN: Let's have a sneak peak into our new girls mind)

I followed Percy and Annabeth down the hill to camp, trying to stop my jaw from dropping.

When you spend your whole life in a dark castle that has the wonderful colour scheme of black, black, black and grey, you savour all the colour and excitement you can.

Through the excitement of being free, a huge bubble of panic and fear was expanding in my chest. I'd master the basics of fighting with a knife with the help of Annabeth, and Percy taught me how to use my powers. I wasn't as strong as him, of course, but I could do enough.

I was so lost in thought that I wasn't paying attention to walking. I stepped on a wet patch of grass and would've gone sliding down the hill if it wasn't for the boy who walked behind me. He caught me just as I fell, then steadied me and helped me regain my footing.

'Thanks,' I breathed.

'No problem.'

He pulled back his hood revealing wild, curly, brown hair and warm brown eyes. He had a smile that said never to give him too much coffee.

'I'm Flames,' he said, offering his hand, 'But you can call me Leo.'

I took his hand and shook it carefully, 'Nice to meet you, Leo.'

His chaotic smile grew wider. We walked side by side down the hill in silence. I could tell Leo was a good guy. He told me about how he died closing the doors of death, I told him about my time as a prisoner. Leo was a good listener.

At some point, Percy glanced back at me, smiling. But a frown threatened to overcome the smile. I didn't understand.

I was excited to meet Percy, too. For the last decade, whenever I helped prisoners escape, they would tell me that when they got out, they would live on to be like Perseus Jackson. I would listen eargerly as they told me of the brave soul who saved Olympus twice, before disappearing forever.

Now, the very same person-my idol-was walking in front of me as my half-brother.

We reached the bottom of the hill and kept walking, heading towards an enormous blue building. As we walked, I rejoiced in the numerous colours, many of which I'd never seen before.

Leo pointed out the volleyball courts as we passed. I wasn't sure what volleyball was, but it sounded dangerous and exciting.

As we neared our destination, I saw Luke pull his hood back up. I guess he was still worried about what people would think of him.

A man with the back end of a horse was waiting for us on the porch when we reached the blue building. He was a ... what had my mother called them? A centaur; the man was a centaur. Beside him stood the people I now recognized as Jason, Piper, Frank, Hazel and Clarisse.

'This is the Big House,' Leo explained, 'This is where we have meetings and stuff.'

I turned back to the centaur just as Annabeth ran up the steps and into his arms.

'Annabeth,' the man chuckled, ruffling her hair, 'Thank the gods you are safe. And Epsilon too! And, who is this, my dear?'

I realized he meant me and stepped forward.

'Hello, sir,' I said with a small curtsy, 'My name is Azelle. I am, as we discovered on our way here, a daughter of Poseidon.'

'The oath was broken again,' the centaur said in bewilderment.

'No,' Annabeth shook her head, 'Azelle was born in 1720. She and family was kidnapped by Destruction and made immortal to serve him forever.'

The centaur nodded and stoked his beard, 'I see. Well, welcome to camp, my dear. My name is Chiron. I am the activities director.'

I nodded hesitantly and smiled. Percy squeezed my shoulder.

'Its ok,' he reassured, 'You'll be safe here.'

'Not for long,' Leo announced, 'Chaos contacted us and warned of an attack at midnight. Destruction is going to be throwing everything he's got at us.'

Chiron noticed Leo for the first time, and something in his face changed, 'Leo?'

Leo did a little salute, which I found funny, 'Leo Valdez, reporting for dinner. Or duty, whichever comes first.'

Chiron's face darkened, turning grim. 'I'm glad you're are back among us, child. But catching up will have to wait.'

'Absolutely,' Leo agreed, 'War is more important. Unfortunately.'

'Come with me,' Chrion said.

We followed the centaur into the house and through high ceiling rooms. Eventually we stopped in a room with a strange table that had a weird lines on it. Maybe it was once used for a game, but now it supported dozens of maps and notes.

We settled down and Percy relayed everything that Chaos said, while the others listened in horror.

'So we need to come up with a plan,' he finished, 'A battle strategy worthy of Athena.'

He glanced at Annabeth who smiled back.

I tuned out as the others started discussing various plans. I picked up a paper and studied it. I soon realized that it was a map of camp. I traced a line that represented a river and and was struck with an idea.

I studied the map carefully once more and turned to the others, still in deep conversation.

'I have a plan,' I declared.

The words had the desired effect of silencing the whole room.

'What?' Annabeth asked blankly.

'I said that I have a plan,' I repeated slowly.

I placed the map on the table and everyone crowded around. I explained my idea, what we would need and how it would work. When I was done, everyone was looking at me in awe.

'That's brilliant, Azelle,' Leo grinned.

'That should work,' Annabeth said breathlessly before smiling up at me, 'We need to get started right away.'

Chiron nodded, 'We will divide into two groups to get everything sorted. Epsilon, you will take Azelle, Annabeth and Iroas to set the trap. Leo, you will take Frank, Jason and Drakon down to the forges to assemble weapons. The rest of you, gather the campers. Alert them and organize them.

I grinned, 'Got it.'

'Bandit, gather the Chaos warriors,' Percy commanded, 'You're in charge of organizing them.'

'Yes, Commander Epsilon.'

Percy nodded, 'Let's go.'

I took off, following Percy, Annabeth and Luke to the lake. We had a few hours at best before Destruction attacked with the ferocity of a million nuclear bombs.

Clarisse's POV

Weapons. Now there's something I understand.

I was also pretty glad that Luke was on the other assignment. Why? Don't ask me because I have no idea.

Our assignment was relatively easy; organize the weapons. Can't be that hard, right?

Wrong! What Leo neglected to tell us was that we would be making the weapons, not just organizing them. Super.

'I haven't the faintest idea how to forge a weapon, Leo,' Frank said, eyeing the hunk of metal warily.

Leo rolled his eyes, 'Which is why I'm showing you know. I'm also going to show you how to do to it the "safe way" because you guys aren't immune to fire.'

'Thanks for pointing that out,' Jason grumbled.

For the next twenty minutes, Leo went through the motions of how to make a sword or dagger. I wouldn't usually have paid attention, but we needed all the weapons we could get for the upcoming fight.

One way or another, this battle would decide the fate of the war.

Once we got the hang of it, we didn't do too badly forging the weapons. Jason, Frank and I mostly crafted swords and knives since that was all we knew how to make.

The forge was soon stifling, filled with steam and the smell of metal. Sweat trickled down my brow and I mopped it up with my sleeve. I decided to take off my cloak because everyone already knew who I was.

The Hephaestus cabin soon arrived, stunned that the forge was already operating. One by one, they spotted Leo and all piled on top of him, smothering him in a hug.

Evidently, there were a few immortal campers in the Hephaestus cabin.

The seriousness was soon over and we were back to work, hammering away at the weapons.

The children of Hephaestus worked fast and efficient, creating shields, armour, swords, knives, bows and quivers of arrows. In no time, we had plenty of weapons.

But was it enough?

Frank, Jason and I began to set up a small stall in front of the forge to hand out the weapons and armour to the campers. There was soon a long line nearly all the way to the cabins.

The Hephaestus' cabin was still working as fast as they could, crafting until their hands bled. But more and more people lined up.

As the sun climbed higher and higher in the sky, the line decreased. The heat was blistering and the smell of the forge was overwhelming. But we'd almost made it.

The sun faded completely and the moon came out. It climbed higher and higher.

We were handing out the last of the crafts, just as he appeared. He ran up to the forge like a maniac, his eyes wide and fearful. I knew that something was wrong.

'We've set up the trap,' Luke said breathlessly, 'But we need everyone there, now. Destruction's forces are nearly here.'

He finished his message and bolted back where he'd come from.

Jason and Frank handed out the last weapons as I raced inside the forges and repeated the message to Leo and the Hephaestus cabin. Each of them reached for a weapon they'd put aside from themselves and barreled out the door.

Leo studied his sword, Ignis, before looking up at me. His face uncharacteristically betrayed worry, uncertainty, fear and seriousness.

'There are going to be casualties,' he said gravely.

'I know,' I replied as we headed out the door, 'But like it or not, the war is upon us.'

I know this is a really short chapter, but it was sort of a filler before the battle starts. The next chapter, the battle begins.

Thanks to everyone who answered the question last chapter, but this chapter I'm putting a little competition out. I need a new cover (really need a new cover) but I'm not very good at making them. The next dedication goes to the person who makes the best cover for this book. Anyone who's interested should comment or PM me. Happy crafting!

Comment your favourite part of this chapter. What POV's would you like to see? If you have any ideas comment or PM me. I'm all ears and I love recieving ideas from readers.

Please vote, comment and follow! Have a nice day! (or night, whichever :P)