Percy's POV

You can't even imagine how surprised I was that Annabeth was on my side. I mean, even when we were best friends, she'd smirk and tell me I'm an idiot and then go on my side. This was seriously weird. Especially considering Jason and Brayden were practically foaming at the mouth, they were so mad at me. It must be a son of Zeus thing. None of them seem to like me very much. Well, except Apollo and Hermes.

I looked around at the Head Councilors and the Electroclan. "Okay," I started, "Now that all of you are on board, whether you like it or not, I need to tell you guys the details. First, know that we'll be calling Tartarus Hatch because names hold power. So, Hatch is coming this June with an army of monsters and mortals. Just saying, they'll all be equipped, and guns hurt. A lot. Take it from me." Abigail rolled her eyes, remembering how stubborn I was. I continued, "Anyway, our main line of defense will be anyone we can muster with powers. The Electroclan and demigods with godly gifts. We can't get our hands on any mortal steel in time, and no hero should have to harm a mortal in the first place. So, we'll split up into groups. Councilors, find people in your cabin with powers over things like magic, fire, electricity, and such. Then, pair them up with a decent sized group of demigods without powers, but are good with weapons. Have them train, and that should be enough for now. Get to it!" They all streamed out of the Big House and to their respective cabin except the Electroclan and the specific demigods that had joined up with us on the quest.

I swept a bead of sweat off of my forehead and sighed, "It was so much easier when I was just facing a bunch of mortals. Now I'm back here again." Michael looked at his shoes, "I take it you're not exactly fitting in." I shot him a funny look, "Nah, it's fine. But about the sleeping arrangements, I'm going to have to place you into cabins." Their eyes widened, "Why?" Nichelle asked. I shrugged, "You need these demigods to trust you. So you're going to have to blend. I'm just going to sort you based on powers and stuff." Piper nodded, "I think he's right. You could all fit into the Poseidon cabin, but demigods have each other's backs. It's just you guys here. It'll be easy for you to make some friends, I mean, you have powers and are practically heroes, like anyone else you'll find at camp." Nico snorted, "Except Brayden." We all nodded.

I rubbed my hands together, "Most of you could probably go into the Zeus Cabin. Your powers are electric, after all. But I'm going to have to spread you out a little." Tara blanched, "How thin are you putting us into the cabins?" I tilted my head, "I'm not exactly sure yet. But for now, Michael and Zeus, you're in the Zeus Cabin." I snickered, "That's a little ironic. Anyway, I'm putting Abi in the Apollo Cabin, because of her healing powers. McKenna, Torstyn, and Quentin in Hephaestus. Ostin in Athena, obviously. Jack in Ares. Nichelle and Tessa in Hecate, because of the power up, power down thing that you do." I rubbed my temples, "So, Tara and Taylor in Aphrodite, I don't even know why." Ian looked up, "What about me?" Leo grinned, "We have no idea where to put you, man. I mean, seeing through walls? That's not a normal power." Calypso raised her hand, "And what about me? I don't think there's an Atlas Cabin." I stared at the ceiling, "We should put Calypso in Demeter. She's really good with plants. And I guess Ian should be in Hermes. It'll be fun to mess with them. Oh, look at the blind kid, so easy to pickpocket. Suddenly, a voice from the bunk, saying, I can see you, Travis. Don't take a step closer." Ian smiled, "Cool," he said, taking a second to look at the others and say, "I guess it's all figured out." McKenna looked worried, "But some of these people don't seem like they like us all that much. Is it safe?" I waved off her question, "Please. I've still got my connections. There'll be people to protect you guys from haters in every cabin." I pointed at the demigods that still surrounded us. Hazel nodded, "Percy, what about Zeus and Athena?" Frank counted on his fingers, "Well, Thalia usually stays in the Zeus Cabin, and Percy says she's coming soon. I'm pretty sure they can last. I mean, they've got powers, right? But I'm not sure about Ostin. It all depends on how Annabeth feels. Her cabin would follow her anywhere." I patted his shoulder, "It'll all be fine, man. You're just as smart as any of them." Ostin gulped. I sighed, "Look, I'll talk to Annabeth for you, okay?" I shook myself, "As much as it'll kill me." Ostin looked grateful. He nodded his gratitude and they all went on their way.

Now, I had to talk to the blonde she-devil.

Annabeth's POV (AN: Who saw that one coming?)

When I saw Percy, I felt so guilty. I'd crushed him. Especially after Piper had come and told me that he killed himself because of me. It was all I could do to not run into my cabin and sob. Now I know it was all a hoax to rattle me, but it still stung. Then the miniature Percy showed up. More than a little less serious than when I'd first met him, but it reminded me of what we used to have. I don't even remember why I did it. 

We'd just come back from the war, and I was so happy that Percy was alive. When he told me he had to go on a quest for my mom, I wasn't thrilled, but I felt like something important was going to happen, like he was asking for my mom's favor. Strangely, the next couple of weeks were kind of missing from my memories. The next thing I remember after I kissed him goodbye was making out with Brayden on the beach, the day Percy proposed. The whole thing was so sweet, I wanted to say yes, but I couldn't. Then the words just fell out of my mouth. I had no control over it. I didn't know who I was kissing, or why I was kissing him. Just that I had cheated on the love of my life.

When Brayden started talking tough guy to my old boyfriend, I wanted to laugh, call him a loser and then list all of the incredible things Percy had done, but my mouth refused to work. It had broken my heart almost as bad as how Percy looked when he ran off. After he left, I kept on dating Brayden because every time I tried to tell him that it never should have even existed or just avoid him, my feet would carry me back to him and my mouth would run on about how happy I was with him. I don't understand it! And I hate not understanding things.

It was almost as if I had an eidolon inside of me, but Leo said it was blurry, like watching myself do things, but for me, I was trapped inside of my own head. I could do whatever I wanted for a time, but then when I tried to interfere with whatever was going on, it would stop me. When I try to break up with Brayden, it stops me. When I try to stay in my cabin all day, it drags me out. When I try to vomit after he kisses me... Well, you get the point. This whole thing is wrong and I don't know how to fix it.

Every day since Percy left camp, I'd prayed to the gods to help me change the way it was. But it was almost as if they were ignoring me. I bet they were, because Percy was a favorite among them. If he hadn't been dating me, I'd bet my mom would be just like the other gods, even if he was the son of Poseidon. What hurt even more than all of that, was when I had publicly called Percy a traitor, forced him to stay away from camp. Watching from inside my head, I was surprised no one even noticed that I was with Percy in the picture, or that I'd been cheating on him and it'd all been my fault. Inside, I was screaming but no one could hear me. 

I was walking aimlessly around the camp, in a sea of my own thoughts. There was no point in checking my cabin. The only powers we had were super intelligence. It was a great strength, but not exactly the aggressive that we need right now. Anyway, I was dragged out of my thoughts when Percy ran up to me. "Hey, A-Annabeth," He said, "Can I talk to you?" His reluctance and the way he had to force out my name like it hurt him to say it killed me. He refused to meet my eyes. I nodded hastily, "Sure." His toe hit the dirt, driving a dent into the ground, "So, Ostin's going to be staying your cabin," he muttered quickly, his words slurring together, "I was just wondering if you could, I don't know, watchhimjusttomakesurenothingextremelyterriblehappens?" My eyes widened. If I hadn't known Percy for so long, I wouldn't have even been able to catch that last part, but I nodded. "Of course," I agreed, "You have nothing to worry about." As Percy turned to sprint away, I touched his elbow. He turned back to look at me, his sea green eyes pulling me in. I opened my mouth to apologize to him about everything I'd put him through, but again, it refused to make a sound. I furrowed my eyebrows, determined to get the message across. "I'm sorry, Percy," I forced out, "I don't expect you to forgive me, or to even be my friend again, but just know, I'm really sorry." I turned away from him, tears in the corners of my eyes. When I turned back around, he was gone. I sighed. I wish I could erase everything I'd done to him, but I couldn't. He'd been through so much and I just had to go and put him through more. Now Tartarus was practically at our doorstep and if we didn't get training, we wouldn't make it through the first invasion. 

I'm going to figure it out later, because I'm pretty sure some foul play is occurring. Whatever was happening concerning me, I was certain I was being controlled.

Percy's POV

Well, my conversation with Annabeth was awkward. Even when we went through the 'secret crush' phase, our conversations had never been like that. I decided to put it aside for now. I needed to show the Electroclan something before we go to our deaths in around five and a half months.

After I had pulled them all to a remote spot on the beach, they looked at me. "What's this about?" Michael asked. I smiled, "You guys have done so much for me. I just want a chance to show you how much it's meant to me before we start training." Taylor shook her head, "If anything, we should be thanking you. You owe us nothing." I grinned, "And that's where you're wrong. I owe you everything." They looked down at the sand, embarrassed. Jack lifted his head, "So, what're you doing? Just bringing us here to tell us some sappy material?" I shook my head, "Way better. I pulled some strings, and managed to get you a present that'll last two hours." Ostin's eyebrows furrowed, "Is it food? Because if it's food it won't even last two ours." I chuckled, "No. Still better. Just wait for it." Ostin shook his head, muttering, "Better than food? Doubt it."

His words died in his mouth as he saw the body rising up from the sand. I grinned as the Electroclan started tearing up. Jack choked, "Wade?" Wade smiled and waved, "Hey, guys. How're you managing without me?" They piled onto him in a huge group hug. Abigail turned around, wiping away a tear, "How'd you get him, Perce?" I shrugged, "I'm close with Uncle Hades. Plus, he owed me some favors. No big deal." Jack sobbed into Wade's shoulder, "I'm sorry, man. I couldn't save you. I never treated you right. We barely even got to say goodbye." Wade patted Jack on the back, "It's okay. I know you cared. You were always a hero to me." That just made Jack cry harder. Wade grinned at the rest of them, "I know I died. I know that you guys mourned. I even know that Jack carved my initials into his own skin. Thank you for being my family." Ostin grinned, "I can't believe we used to be enemies." Wade shot him a lopsided smile, "You wanna get pantsed, Tex? For old time's sake?" Ostin shook his head, "I'll pass." Ian embraced Wade, too. "It's my fault. I didn't see that gunman in time." Wade just continued to grin, "Everything happens for a reason. It's not your fault. It's not Michael's fault. It's not Jack's fault. It's Elgen's fault. Don't crumble because of me. Fight for me." Wade sent a solemn glance around the Electroclan that didn't match the tone of his voice, "I expect to be avenged, dudes." Taylor grimaced, "That would've been nice to hear right after you died. Jack was drinking raw eggs, he was so sad." Jack flinched, "Yeah, that was not a good time." Wade looked around, "So what are we doing with my two hours in a solid body?" Michael saluted, "Whatever you say. Today's your day. We'll take you anywhere to do anything. Just name it." I pointed back over my shoulder, "You guys have fun. I've got places to be. See ya." I don't think they even heard me, they were so absorbed by the appearance of their dead friend. The only reason I don't summon my own friends from the dead is because I'd never let them go. I'd fight the Olympian Council and Tartarus, Gaia, and Kronos just to keep them.

I walked away to the sword arena, so I could get my mind off of everything and still look like I was doing something productive. When I got there, it was empty, so I put on my armor and started hacking away at the dummy like it had eaten all of my blue cookies. The nerve of it, eating all of my blue cookies. Straw flew in every direction, and the dummy got decapitated. I felt a tap on my shoulder, so naturally, in my battle rage, I spun to it, bringing my sword up. I stopped it just fast enough to stop it from knocking off Brayden's head. Dang it.

He paled and spluttered, "You, me, duel, Jackson. I don't know what you're doing to Annabeth, but she's been really weird since you got back. I mean, it's she's avoiding me, and talking to you, and taking your side. So I'm going to duel you, because killing you would make me feel better. Besides, once you're gone, I can get rid of all your children of Zeus wannabes. They're nobodies. They don't even deserve to be here." I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes, "Don't talk about my friends like that. They're heroes. They were fighting Tartarus and they didn't even know it. But, sure. I'll duel you. Powers or no powers?" Brayden smirked, "Powers. Because water conducts electricity and that would just make it that much easier to kill you." I shrugged. He ain't seen nothing yet. The Stolls started parading campers to the arena. "Guys!" Travis yelled, "Come and see the great spectacle we have all been waiting for! Our man Percy's gonna crush Brayden!" Connor screamed, "Bets! Whoever votes Percy will win, come over here! Whoever thinks Brayden will win, go die in a hole!" I cracked a smile. I was the best swordsman in three hundred years. I'm pretty sure I could beat this upstart. Unless, of course, I was quivering in fear of his mightiness against such a powerful foe as a hellhound. Brayden's face was red, and he lunged at me, his sword leading the way to my gut. Such a sloppy move. I side stepped, and when he was off balance, struck him in the back with the hilt of my sword. He went sprawling into the dust. A laugh rose from the crowd. He started to hack at my face, getting more frustrated every time Riptide moved in the way of his sword. Poor Brayden, but if he wanted to kill me, he'd have to get in line behind every monster, titan, and half of the demigods.

He finally stepped backward, panting, "Powers now." His sword sent a bolt of electricity towards me, although much slower than Zeus's. I casually flicked my arm upward, and the bolt went skyward, never to be seen again. He gaped at me, and took flight. It's not like he could do anything to me from up there, so I sat down. He yelled, "Coward! Get up here and fight." I looked towards the crowd, incredulous. "I can't even fly," I muttered. I continued to sit, bored of him heckling me and shot the occasional fireball his way. He yelped as his shirt caught fire, crash landing in the dirt. He leaped up, the sleeve of his shirt completely singed off. I struck in slow motion at his torso, and his sword barely got high enough to block Riptide. Katie called, "Just end it, Percy! Why're you going easy on him?" Brayden scoffed, "Going easy on me? If anything, I'm going easy on him!" The crowd booed at him. I smiled warmly, "Use your powers! Go all out! In fact, get Annabeth to help you kill me. If you even give me a cut, I swear on the River Styx I'll try my very best to kill myself." I know it was kind of extreme, but I was really doubting he'd even get close. And on the off chance that he does injure me, the gods wouldn't let me kill myself. Talk about a deal. Connor gulped, "Dude, we all know you're the best, but don't die on us." I winked at him and waved Brayden forward, "Bring it, Thunderboy." 

He smiled, "Prepare to die, Sea Scum!" He leapt at me, his movements faster that I could ever have thought. To bad for him, I was quicker. I backpedaled and parried his sword, finding gaps in his defense to slice through. I muttered, "Bad form. Oh, overextended there, didn't you. Ah, that's gotta hurt. You don't need to swing so hard. I'm pretty sure a centimeter of point will incapacitate me just as well as lopping my head off, man." He backed off, "Stop talking!" I grinned, miming zipping my mouth shut. Then I pocketed Riptide. He smirked, "Don't think you can beat me without a weapon." I shrugged. He ran forward, his sword arcing down to my gut. I shot a white-hot flame at the blade, and it melted so fast, by the time that he tried to perform the stroke, it was nothing but a hilt. I dodged it and he gasped, "You melted my sword." His face contorted with anger. "You stupid son of Poseidon!" He threw the hilt sloppily at me, lightning shooting all over the place, off target in his anger. Thunder clouds started booming overhead, and he took flight, zooming down to try to catch me off guard. Please. A little too much on the dramatic side.

He dropped to the ground in front of me, and I stared at my nails, "Never fight angry." If anything, that just made him furious. "I told you to shut the Hades up!" Those were his last words before my own fist slammed into his temple, all of my pent up anger and frustration behind it. I shook my hand as he crumpled. "You guys have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." Jason pushed his way through the crowd. "I can't believe you did this to my brother. Tyson's going to get the same treatment. That sparked a flame of rage behind my eyes. He was an inch taller, so we were practically the same height. I looked him in the eyes, "Your stupid brother challenged me. He insulted my dignity and got what he deserved. Tyson, on the other hand, wouldn't hurt a soul unless provoked. He's the commander of the Cyclops army. If you so much as think about hurting him, not only will I be out for your blood, but hundreds of cyclops will be after you with murder in their hearts. So back off, Grace." I smirked, "It's not as if you could ever beat Tyson, anyway. That club he carries," I let out a low whistle, "Total powerhouse." Jason stomped off to his cabin, not even noticing that he had dropped his brother back into the dirt.

I snapped my fingers, "Someone go and get an Apollo kid! Take Brayden to the infirmary."  Will Solace and two of his siblings loaded Brayden onto a stretcher and carried him away. Connor and Travis slung their arms around my shoulders. "Dude!" Travis started. "That was totally awesome!" finished his brother.

"But-"

"Were you-"

"Really serious-"

"About-"

"Trying to-"

"Kill yourself?" 

I nodded and groaned, "Why do you guys talk like that? It's so creepy." They grinned, saying in unison, "Talk like what, Percy?" I shook my head and looked back at them. Four blue eyes were staring wide-eyed at me, so I led them to Zeus's fist. I whispered, "You can't tell anybody what I'm about to tell you right now, alright?" They both nodded excitedly. I drew out Riptide and slammed it onto my bicep. They both paled until they realized my arm was not lying on the ground completely severed from the rest of my body. "Cool!" They said together. Connor tilted his head, "But how?" I smiled, "After I ran out of camp, I went to the gods, and told them that if they wouldn't kill me, I'd kill myself. They refused and blessed me so that I couldn't kill myself, no matter what I tried. I also have powers over all of their spheres of influence. Like fire and lightning and electronics." I put my finger to my lips as they started to bounce excitedly. "Shh," I warned, "Some of my powers are still secret, so don't go around blabbing to anyone." 

We walked back into camp, discussing a prank that they wanted to pull on the Zeus cabin later. I totally agreed with what they were going to do, but told them carefully, "Just stay away from my friends, alright? Actually? You can do a lower scale prank on them. They need to fit in." They nodded in unison. "Alright. We've got just the one in mind." They sprinted off, snickering.

I looked at my watch. It's been about two hours. I should find out where the Electroclan is and watch their super cheesy goodbye. Knowing the Electroclan, it probably would be super cheesy. I turned and saw them on the beach, just lying there, enjoying the ocean. I really wanted to make the waves crash up onto them, but they've only got around five minutes left. Better to leave them unbothered. As I left, Wade called out, "Yo, Perce! Get your Greek butt over here!" I spun and grinned, "Wade! Didn't think anyone saw me." He smiled, "Would I ignore the guy who brought me back to life for a couple of hours?" I shrugged, "I'm not really sure." He shook his head, "This guy is impossible. How do you people put up with him." Taylor sat up, "I'm not exactly sure." Abigail sat up as well, "I mean, he's a great source of cheap entertainment." Ostin smiled contently from his place on the sand, "He makes the best food ever. Plus, he's great if we want to feel intellectually superior." They all laughed. I made a face at them. "Keep it up, Tex. No waffles for a month." Ostin's mouth immediately squeezed into a thin line, and he made an effort to subdue his laughter. I nodded, satisfied, "Now that's a good genius." 

I clapped, "Sorry guys, but you've only got three minutes left. Maybe if you survive I can get him back again." They all stumbled into a standing position. Jack clasped forearms with Wade and gave him a bro hug. "You died a hero, man. We'll never forget that." Jack said to his best friend. Ostin grinned, "We've had great times with you. You know, when you were trying to pants Michael and me." Each member of the Electroclan said their own goodbyes to Wade, the girls and Jack tearing up a little. As Wade sunk into the ground, he waved, "See you guys. If you live, Percy will let me see you again. And if you die, I'll see you. Just try not to die. I'm not going anywhere." The stared intently at the sand until a full minute had passed after Wade disappeared. Jack smiled at me, "Thanks for that, Percy. You're great at giving presents." I grinned, "Don't take it as a present. Take it as a bribe not to die." Ian looked at me happily, "We make no promises." I threw my hands up. "Then what was the point? Do you know how many favors I cashed in? I mean, rescuing Hades's helm. Saving Hades's son. Saving Hades's daughter. The list goes on." Michael punched me on the shoulder, "We promise to try our best not to die. Good enough for you, Aquaman?" I nodded.

A horn sounded and Ostin looked blissful. "Is that the sound of..." he asked, unable to finish the sentence. I slung my arm around his shoulders, "Yes, Ostin. That is the sound of dinner." Ostin stared up at me, "And is it..." I dragged him along, "Yes, Ostin. It's some of the best." I glared pointedly at him, "Better not drool on my shirt, buddy." He nodded, even though he looked like he wasn't paying attention to a word I just said. 

When we stopped in front of the Mess Hall, I swept my gaze around the group. "Alright, guys. Find your cabins and sit with them. You've got some of my handpicked representatives in them. In Ares, Clarisse and Frank. Those guys in Zeus, you're on your own for now. Just ignore Jason. Brayden won't be any trouble for a while. I made sure you guys can stand up to them on even terms anyway." They nodded. "Ian, you've got Chris Rodriguez and the Stolls. Remember that even though the Stolls will be your protectors, stay an arm's length away. Make sure you don't have any valuables on your person. Always know where you're wallet is." Ian grinned, "Of course, mother." I didn't take the time to smile back at him. "For Hecate," I continued, "None of them are haters. They'll all take you in. But just in case, find Lou Ellen. Aphrodite, you've got Piper, Lacey, and maybe Mitchell. They're Piper's favorite cabinmates. Be careful, though. You do not want to get a makeover from those kids. It'll scar you for life. They're almost scarier than the Ares kids." I rubbed my hands together, "Is that all? Oh wait, Abi, look for Will Solace, and maybe Kayla Knowles and Austin Lakes. And Hephaestus, you've got Leo and little Harley. He might be eight, but don't underestimate him." McKenna grinned, "Of course. Like you're mentally eight, but don't underestimate you." I stuck out my tongue at her, saying in falsetto, "You're so mean! Just go away. But do you have any candy?" I shook my head, turning serious again, "But seriously guys, be careful. These select few people still might not be able to help you. At least most of them are councilors. You should be alright."

I walked into the Mess Hall and took a second to look back at them, "Alright. Eagles and Electroclan, let's move. We've got a cafeteria to invade."