LONG STORY SHORT, THEY RETRIEVED Hades Helm of Darkness to one of the Fates. Percy spoke to the Gods and the group returned to camp, waiting for his arrival. They were deemed heroes by their peers, finally being able to return to their lives.  Victor had changed into a fresh camp shirt and shorts, unpacking his stuff.  "Hey, Vic.  Need any help?"

"I got it, Lily.  It feels good to be back.  No more dealing with my dad."  Lily smiled, sitting on his bed. "So... what's going on between you and Annabeth?" she teasingly asked. "What do you mean?"

"You hugged her. You're not really much of a hugger." she answered, looking at him. "Yeah, well... I thought she was in trouble.  We almost left her behind back in the Underworld."

"I'm just saying, Vic.  There's something happening with you guys.  Oh, did you manage to convince the twins to give you the popcorn?"

"Not yet.  I also forgot that we can't use any devices at camp.  I'll just ask them for a magic mirror."  Lily smirked, laughing at him.  "See? You care about her."

"Lily, she's been through a lot.  Of course I do."

"Whatever you say, Vic.  But I'll see you at dinner."  she stated, leaving his cabin.  Victor rolled his eyes as he shook his head.  "Lily is wrong.  There's nothing going on between me and Annabeth.  Speaking of Annabeth, I haven't seen her since we left the beach."  There was a knock on the door as Clarisse entered.  "I left my sword in here.  Uh... how was... how was your quest?"

"It was great.  I met dad."  She stared at him, knitting her eyebrows.  "You met... you did?"

"Yeah.  It wasn't the best experience.  He's very annoying.  And sarcastic.  Did I mention that he's not that bright?"

"Hey, don't say that out loud.  Also, we get all those things from him.  You're lucky you're even here, knucklehead.  But... good job, I guess." she stated as she left.

If only he wasn't there.

FIREWORKS LIT UP THE SKY as Lily and Victor ate with their respective cabins. The boy noticed Annabeth reading, sitting alone at her table. Standing up, he walked over to her. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked. The daughter of Athena looked up, butterflies swarming in her stomach once more. She still didn't understand why she felt that way but she decided to push them away. "You can't. Camp rules say you have to sit with your cabin."

"And where's your cabin?" Victor asked, a teasing grin on his face. "They're watching the fireworks.  You should go back to your table, fire boy."

"Fire boy? I'm an Ares kid, princess." he stated.  Annabeth knitted her eyebrows together, staring at him.  "I'm not a princess."

"You look like one.  Can I just sit with you?"  Annabeth sighed, shaking her head.  "You're not going to stop until I give in, are you?"

"You know me too well.  So, are you?"  The girl scooted over, allowing Victor to sit down.  He watched as the fireworks painted the sky, unaware of her gaze.  She really needed to talk to Lily about that.  "I'll be right back."  And with that, she left.

Lily dragged Victor into the forest, carrying a lamp with her.  "Lily, why are we here? We shouldn't be here."  Lily placed a finger on her mouth as the two tried to hide.  Percy and Luke were currently fighting, the sound of swords clashing against each other.  It wasn't playful or friendly, it was deadly and full of rage.  Something was wrong.  "Lily, we should go."

"No.  We have to help him."  Luke's sword cut Percy's arm, the boy gasping in pain.  Lily's armor and axe appeared as she ran towards Luke. "Lily, wait!"

"You traitor! Leave him alone!" she yelled, her axe colliding with Luke's sword. "A daughter of Aphrodite trying to play hero? How sad, really. Do you even know how to use that thing?"

"Hermes kids really are all the same.  You're nothing but a thief and a liar."  Liliana said.  Annabeth appeared, startling them.  Victor came out from hiding, waiting to press his watch.  "Annabeth?"  The girl drew a sword, ready to attack.  "I heard everything."

The son of Hermes almost looked guilty at this, staring at the girl he knew as a sister.  But she was just a face to him as of now, a memory he'd forget.  Luke ran away, a portal allowing him inside.  Victor still stood there in shock, relieved that his sister wasn't the traitor.

But Luke Castellan would leave a bad taste in his mouth.

Maya Speaks 💫:

Victor staring at Luke after he finds out he's the traitor:

HE WAS LIKE EXCUSE ME WTF DID HE SAY? My boy was going through the five stages of grief 😭

But at least you guys got some Vic and Annie moments! (I also hinted at Percy and Lily a bit too)

I can't believe that this book finished so fast ☹️ like wdym I have to wait months until season two of Percy Jackson is out??

I hope you guys enjoyed Victor's story! He's honestly a really fun oc to write about and I'm super excited for what I have in store for you guys in Act Two!

Also would you guys like a Leah fic? It's connected to this fic in a way

But until then 🫶🏾