Here's another chapter for you ravenous lovely readers of mine. Read on.

Chapter Five: So Much To Live For, So Much To Die For...

Point of view: Perseus Jackson

~30,000 years later~

"Remember, I will still be here

As long as you hold me, in your memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended

Time can be transcended

Just remember me

I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly,

It is the last light, to fade into the rising sun

I'm with you

Whenever you tell, my story

For I am all I've done

Remember, I will still be here

As long as you hold me, in your memory

Remember me

I am the one voice in the cold wind, that whispers

And if you listen, you'll hear me call across the sky

As long as I still can reach out, and touch you

Then I will never die

Remember, I'll never leave you

If you will only

Remember me

Remember me...

Remember, I will still be here

As long as you hold me

In your memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended

Time can be transcended

I live forever

Remember me

Remember me

Remember... me..." I sing as I feel someone enter the garden. I drop down from the branch of the tree I have been sitting in for a while, singing for the longest time and letting my voice tend to the garden and Ladon. The Hesperides sing along with me until the person enters the garden and they fall silent.

"The voice of an angel and a warrior like no other. Are the rumors true? Has no one ever gotten an apple since you have started to guard the garden of the Hesperides?" A male demigod asks.

"Indeed, young child of Morpheus. No one has ever gotten an apple under my watch. No one has bested me in combat, even before I came to be the Guardian of the Hesperides and Ladon. I sense there are two others here with you. You may come out, daughter of Athena, son of Hypnos." I reply in a magical voice.

The other two come out and stand at the Morpheus kid's sides. "Will you kill us?" The son of Hypnos asks nervously.

I tilt my head in curiosity. "Does Ladon kill those who come to bother the tree?" I ask.

"No, he only keeps the tree and its fruit safe. He does not aim to kill, only to protect." The daughter of Athena answers immediately.

I chuckle. "So eager." She backs behind the son of Morpheus timidly. "It was not a riddle, daughter of the wisdom goddess. No, son of Hypnos, I will not kill you. But if you aim to take an apple or harm those I am sworn to guard, I will not hesitate to make you leave this garden. If you wish passage to Mt. Othrys or to seek out Atlas, that is a-"

"Different matter." The girl says.

"Very good. I get asked the same questions most of the time over the last 30,000 years I have been here. Only rarely do I get different ones or none at all. All adventurers aiming to get an apple. I give mainly a similar answer every time." I smile at the girl.

"What do you mean by different matter though? Those who gave us information on you were very vague or weren't able to look past the shame of failing the quest to answer us." The son of Morpheus replies.

"It is not shameful to return from a sure death. If they would have continued to fight me, they would be sorely mistaken in their continuous attempt to reach the tree. I do not aim to kill, only to protect and things happen. I do not take kindly to cheating either." I sigh sadly.

"You mean the ones who returned in beautiful coffins?" The son of Hypnos asks.

"Yes, those are the ones who try to harm those I am to defend with my life and it does not end well. I strike without reluctance and they pay the price. I send them back in coffins decorated in respect to their godly parent." I answer.

"We aren't here for apples or an apple. We wanted to talk to you." The girl says.

"Is that not what we are doing?" I ask and she burns red in the face. I laugh. "Calm down, child. I'm a fun loving soul. I'm playful. I do not mean to embarrass you." She blushes deeper, this time for another reason.

"So, may we talk with you?" The son of Morpheus asks.

"What are your names?" I ask.

"Names hold power." The other boy says skittishly.

"Indeed they do. Just like Kronos normally makes the sky rumble if he were a collective conscious or Gaea might cause her to appear in the dirt or mud around you if she were somewhat not asleep or Atlas causes-" Atlas starts cursing me and I chuckle. "Him to curse you even when you cannot hear him or any Olympian god or goddess's name might cause thunder to clap and boom in different ways or when you swear upon the Styx and the weather changes and thunders dangerously. Yes, names hold power. Depends on the power of the person you speak of."

"Um..." The girl starts.

"Go ahead, it's not like I'm going to use your name against you. I'm not evil." I tell them.

"I'm James." The son of Morpheus begins. I roll my hand and he continues. "James Madison."

"Nice to meet ya kid." I nod at him and look at the other two expectantly.

"Hannah Moor." The girl speaks shyly and inches back out into my full eyesight.

"Derek S-Summers." The Hypnos kid stutters.

I laugh. "Pleasure to make your acquaintances. I assume you know my name, but I'll tell you anyway. I am Katharós, Guardian of the Hesperides, Guardian of Ladon, Keeper of Hera's Tree, Watcher of Atlas, Watcher of Mt. Othrys, Protector of Mt. Tamalpais, and Warrior of the Garden of the Hesperides." I smile.

"You left out a few." Derek says without thinking and clamps a hand over his mouth.

"Have I now? And just what have I forgotten about myself?" I chuckle deeply at his reaction to his own words. I lean forward on my sword.

"They call you the Mysterious One, the Keeper of the Sunset, the Pure Guardian, and the Ghost of the Past." James replies a little nervously and smiles sheepishly at me.

I raise an eyebrow and they all start to become visibly nervous. "The middle two I normally keep to myself. But the first and last one are news to me. How long have those been floating around?"

They all let out a breath and I laugh a little. "Ever since the first person you deterred from the garden." Hannah says.

"Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the update. I never leave the garden, so I don't get out much." I say.

"But you aren't bound here like the rest of them. Why don't you leave? You aren't even bound by Ancient Laws!" Hannah exclaims.

My eyes narrow. "Oh my, someone has done their research on me. Not many who come here know that I am able to leave nor do they know about my 'immortal specialty', as Lord Apollo likes to call it. Correct again, Hannah Moor. Tell me, what else do you know about me? I don't have many secrets and that is one of them."

She gulps and James shifts so he stands in front of her. "U-uh, um, I just looked in the records, stories, myths, and notes that the camps have on you. I prayed to my mother about the little information and she told me what she knows, if she was a little vague."

I cackle in delight. "The wisdom goddess is vague because she knows nothing about me." I chuckle and they all start to relax. "I am an enigma that annoys her because she can't solve me. She tells you what she thinks she knows, not what is the truth about me. The puzzle that she wants to put together so badly she visits frequently to persuade me to tell her of my past. Fails every time. Few know who I am and even fewer know about my past. The camps have no sure way of telling you what exactly I do, when I do it, how I do it, or why I do it just like they have no clue of who I was, who I am, and who I will be. I'm the one thing that trumps wisdom and knowledge, the one thing that attracts those who have it and who seek it to me. The last to come here to try to figure me out other than Athena and some gods was your immortal half-sister Annabeth Chase. She's mad because I'm harder to figure out than science itself."

"May we sit down somewhere?" Derek pleads with me.

"Just away from the tree mind you. Ladon doesn't like people near the tree unless he trusts them." I consent.

They nod and take in their surroundings. I roll my eyes and clap my hands. A couple stone benches with backs appear at the other end of the garden. They look at me and I sweep my hand towards the benches and they walk over to them. They sit down on one and Hannah sits in the middle of the three.

"Let me point one thing out. Three are required to go on a quest. Specifically one that is issued by a prophecy from an Oracle or by a god or goddess, mainly an Olympian or the council itself as a whole. And normally not on information. The last one like that was never. I understand I am dangerous, especially to demigods. Even three cannot beat me no matter how hard they try. I have been alive long enough, been through enough, and seen enough to know all the tricks in the book and adapt to new ones should they arise. If you are truly not here for anything other than to talk to me, I need to know why. I have a right to know, and if it's from a prophecy then I can give you more of a straight or direct answer. I know how frustrating and ridiculously easy yet hard riddles are. I'll try my best not to answer in one." I look them all in the eye.

"Can we see your face?" Hannah asks shyly.

I raise an eyebrow and cock my head. "You wish to see my countenance?" I ask curiously and she nods.

"No one knows what you look like. My mom told me what she saw the one time she saw you." Hannah tells me.

I straighten from leaning on my sword again and reach up with one hand to my hood. I push it back to where it can rest upon my shoulders and they all just stare, Hannah gasping. "And do I look like what Lady Athena describes?" I smile warmly.

Hannah nods wordlessly. When she gets her voice back, she says, "You're beautiful." She says breathlessly.

"Beautiful?" I chuckle.

"Breathtaking. Dude, I wish I looked like you." James says.

"No kidding." Derek agrees.

"Angelic." Hannah says and something on my left hand catches her eye. "Are you married?" She asks befuddled.

I laugh softly and raise my left hand. The silver and gold entwining band on my ring finger.

"My wife, Phoebe, a former Hunter of Artemis. One of her eldest huntresses and in my opinion, one of the best." I say.

"Aren't hunters supposed to hate men and never break their oath to Lady Artemis?" James asks confused.

"You can leave if you want, just so long as you ask Lady Artemis." I answer easily. I look at Hannah, eyes burning. "You find me beautiful. Why is that?"

"Your eyes are crystals, and you're like...better looking than all the guys that I've met." She manages to get out. I sense she is nervous around me at the mention of the gods.

They all cower against the benches and look at me fearfully.

"Why are you here to talk to me? State your true purpose." I growl and they all gulp.

"A prophecy. Rachel gave us a prophecy." James says calmly despite his fear of me.

"Speak it. Repeat the lines you have memorized or so help me I will track down the Oracle to have it said unto me." I snarl.

"The one who guards has the answer

The one who died is your savior

He who saved you twice is needed

The enemy among you has been seeded

The hero will return to fight

And one will be lost at night." Hannah speaks the lines for me.

"And what makes you think I am part of this prophecy?" I ask angrily.

"'The one who guards holds the answer.' Rachel had a vision of you and called you the Ghost of the Past. An old nickname the immortal campers gave you." Derek replies timidly.

"I have many answers to many questions. What is the question you were told to ask?" I breathe deeply to calm down.

"Well, they all said that the rest of the prophecy except for the last line and the seeded one speaks of Percy Jackson. And the first and last lines speak of you." James tells me.

"I'll be lost at night eh? That could mean a few things. I could lose my way in a strange place or other at night, I could die at night, or I could be captured during a battle or something like that. What makes you think the last line is about me?" I ask.

"Rachel was viewing the future for every single line and you came up on the last one." Hannah answers.

"What is your question?" I ask.

"Do you know where Percy Jackson is?" James asks seriously.

I look them all up and down and then shake my head. "The boy died long ago due to an illness I have recovered from. Be grateful he died in peace and the honor of battling one I now protect."

Hannah settles calculating eyes on me. "You know where he is. You're lying." She accuses me.

"Not lying about the dying part sweetie. I do know where he is as of now. Everyone knows. He's in the Underworld." I tell her.

"Lord Hades could never find his soul." Derek seems to recall and looks at me with a fixed gaze. "Tell us where he is."

"Boy, I do not deal lightly with those who provoke me." I warn him.

"Where is Perseus Jackson? You know where he is. We know you do. The prophecy says you do." James draws his sword and points it at me.

"Careful who you challenge, child. It is not wise to pick a foe so casually. Never underestimate your opponent. I suggest you lower your sword. You do not want to try to temper my blade." I narrow my eyes at him.

"I'm the best swordsman since Percy Jackson, but I'm not nearly as good as he is." James tells me.

I draw my sword. "Let us put it to the test." I say.

He charges at me and I parry his thrust with so much ease it's absurd. He unlocks our blades and tries to stab me, but I push his sword away with my free hand. I turn my blade in my hand until the hilt is facing outward and I'm using the sword with swipes of my forearm. I strike faster and faster. Pushing him back until I flip my sword back and use the very first technique I was taught, the disarming technique Luke showed me when I first became aware of my being a demigod, and disarm James. My blade back to being flipped over in my grasp and at his neck, my face right next to his.

"Arrogance is not a good quality to have, I suggest you keep it in check boy. I'm not one to be messed with." I say.

My blade is pressed into his neck and a red line is underneath the sharp edge. Blood runs slowly down my sword. "Please, tell us where Percy Jackson is. We need him now more than ever. Without him, Olympus will fall." James begs and reaches up to grip my sword arm.

I just look at him, deliberating what I should tell them. "And what gives you that notion?"

"The prophecy. And the enemy said that he can only be killed by Perseus Jackson." Derek says.

I lift my blade off of James's neck and sheathe the blade. I pull back from him and he still grips my arm like it's his lifeline. He only tightens it further, like a vise. "We need to know where he is. Tell us." Hannah pleads.

"I said I would refrain from giving you a riddle. And I am trying not to give you one. I'll give you an annoying little side quest instead." I huff angrily.

They groan and I smirk. "What do we have to get?" Derek whines.

"Information." I grin.

James and Hannah roll their eyes while Derek sighs loudly. "What dirt we diggin' up on which being?" Hannah asks bored.

I whistle low. "So much disrespect. No wonder the gods are so testy as of late, not to mention they leave a bad impression on those of us immortals that aren't so much like them in their greedy ways. No, I am not petty. This is actually a tedious and technically unneeded side quest for your benefit. You want to find Percy Jackson, correct?"

They just stare at me. "So, you don't want anything?" James asks unsure.

"Nope." I pop the 'p.'

"Well that's a nice first." Hannah says.

"No such thing as a free lunch dear. But in this case, the danger of even attempting to get some information to help you solve my questions later on for you is the price and it will have to do." I tell her.

"More mortal peril? My life story bro." Derek complains sarcastically and throws his hands into the air.

"Hey, I feel ya. Man, being a demigod sucks. Not the greatest life to be born into and live through." I tell him sympathetically.

"You were a demigod?" Hannah asks and points at me.

"Yeah. A pretty darn unlucky one at that too." I chuckle. "There's one thing you can add to your records little miss." I cross my arms.

"Alright, so what do we have to do?" James asks impatiently.

"Easy, retrace the last steps Percy Jackson took before his final moments. When you find some information out, come back to me. If I deem it worthy, I will ask you questions and if you get them right, I will reveal Perseus's location to you. Easy enough right?" I reply.

"Immortal quests are never easy." Hannah tells me seriously.

"Got that right. Hated them so much." I sigh. "So, any idea where to start?"

"Just that he fought...Ladon...to the death..." James turns pale. "Do we have to fight him?"

I tilt my head in thought. "Hmm, I don't know for sure. Perhaps. Maybe if you earn a little bit of his trust, he'll tell ya what he knows about the lad. Maybe you'll get lucky and not have to face his poisons, claws, and teeth. But, are you sure you want to start there? Seems a little too easy right? He came to the garden for a reason, just like I did. Do you know and/or understand why he came here seeking the death he so badly wanted?"

They look at each other and shake their heads at me. "No, the subject causes the immortal camper to become either depressed or angry. We don't approach the subject. Chiron starts breaking down in tears when his name is mentioned. The gods won't answer." Derek informs me.

"Very well. I guess I can aid you a little bit. I can regale you with a tale or I can show you. Which shall it be?" I reply.

"Show us. ADHD is bad in these two. They won't pay attention during half of it if you just talk about it." Hannah tells me as she pints at her two friends.

"Out of curiosity, was this a volunteer quest?" I ask and they all nod. "Thought so. Great Prophecy number three huh?" I chuckle as they nod. "Boy oh boy, he will be totally happy when he finds out another Great Prophecy has claimed him." I say sarcastically and they look sad.

I wave my hand over the garden and it fades into the background. The four of us stand in a vast, black nothingness.

"Where are we?" Hannah asks in awe.

I put a finger to my lips. "Quiet child, the answers will be revealed. The vision just takes a second to appear. It is an old memory and is reluctant to be called upon. Watch closely."

They all nod and start to look around as colors invade the dark, blank space of void. I lean on my sword and watch as my memories go past and they absorb all of them in different amounts and speeds. They walk around and look at different ones. They point at a few and discuss them together, arguing over the end result. They aren't seeing all of them, just from the beginning before I left to go get permission to marry Annabeth, all the way to when I Vapor traveled to the bottom of Mt. Tamalpais and began the final leg of my journey as Percy Jackson.

I sigh and close my eyes. I hum under my breath until I feel someone tapping my shoulder. I open my eyes and peer at the three demigods, all nervous and Derek is pretty much shaking like a leaf.

"We are ready to face Ladon." James tells me with forced bravery.

"As ready as we'll ever be." Hannah mutters.

I wave my hand again and the memories fade from view as the garden reappears around us. "Then go. I will watch from here." I say.

"Any tips?" Derek chuckles strangely.

"Sure, he likes those who are pure. You know, kind hearted and innocent. Not greedy." I shrug. "That's about it. He likes to be petted on his sides and tail, but I don't think you want to get that close or if he'll even let you."

"Likes as a person or likes to eat?" Hannah asks uncertain.

"Depends on which definition of pure you use. He definitely will not eat you if you have a disease." I say and smile a little.

"Do ADHD and dyslexia count?" Derek asks in a small voice.

"If that were the case more demigods would have come back before my time here. But, no, more like cancer. Stuff like that. And demigods have incredible immune systems. Not many of them can even get the common cold and a bite of ambrosia or sip of nectar fixes that with ease." I say matter of factly.

"And the other definition?" James asks while staring at Ladon.

I point at my heart and then put my finger to his heart on his chest. He focuses on me. "There is a reason I'm referred to as the Pure Guardian kid. Look inside you and show who you truly are to Ladon. I gained his trust when I promised him something no other hero could ever promise. My soul was burning from a fatal illness and all I wanted was for my pain and suffering to come to an end. He told me one such as me should not be dying from what I was dying from, I was too pure and still am. I am uncorrupted. What is your special quality? What makes you you? Apollo once told me compassion is what made me myself. You may be arrogant, but what is that truly for? What are you made of?" I ask him and he looks into my eyes sadly.

"I don't know." He looks down and I remove my finger and put it on his forehead, forcing him to look at me.

"Yes you do. Look at me and what do you see? What do you truly see when you get past all the things you have been told, all the things that blind you from who I am. What am I? What is my embodiment?" I tell him.

He looks at my face and scrutinizes me. "You are kind. Gentle and caring. You haven't tried to harm us, not really." He whispers.

I smile. "Precisely. And what do I embody in your eyes?"

"Compassion, love. You care a great deal about the things around you." He answers calmly.

"Very good. I am the purity. I am the innocence. These are my attributes along with compassion and love." I commend and smile. My finger glows white on his forehead and his eyes gain a new intelligence. "My purity can give you clarity young one. I am a remedy to corruption. A very unique and rare being. I do not flaunt it, merely try and hide it. Others would use my powers and abilities for evil deeds and I cannot do them. Corrupting me would make me lose my powers of right and good, so they must force me and that means bad things. I am the light to all dark. I am the will that does not break. I hold many answers because I also embody trust and honesty. If you come to me for aid, if I deem you worthy, I will lend my help to you. Ladon is the same is many aspects, but he is not like me. You are always searching for someone or something in need of help. You look to prove yourself. It is why you volunteered to be on this quest. But you don't need to prove yourself. In my eyes, you are a knight who fights against the evil that plagues the land. That is your mission in life. To defend those who cannot do it themselves against the wicked. Your sword strikes true and never misses evil."

I move to Hannah and put my finger over her heart. "And you? Do you know who you truly are? Children of Athena often carry the fatal flaw of hubris. But that is not the case with you. You are too shy and timid, but are proud enough to hold your ground when challenged. Smart enough to know when to back down. For many of your siblings, this is hard, but not for you. Do you know who you are?"

She shakes her head. "No, I don't. I don't even know my fatal flaw." She says sulking.

"Are you sure? No clues at all? No hints as to who you might be? What would get you killed if it came down to it?" I look into her eyes.

She shakes her head again and looks away. I place my finger on her forehead. "And what do I look like to you?" I ask gently.

"Sad, content, happy, and dutiful." She whispers. "That doesn't even make sense." She frowns at herself, but can't look away from my gaze.

"Of course it does. I am sad for many things, but am happy for others. I am content here with my life as well as dutiful to it. What else do you see?" I tell her.

"Pain, a healed over scar of much pain. Old wounds that still cause others grief, but you bear them without worry or fear." She replies, shocking herself.

My finger glows white on her forehead and her eyes shine even brighter. I hold her face in my hands and kiss her forehead. "Child of wisdom indeed. You have a rare gift of insight that not many people have child. Use it for good." She nods.

I move to Derek and place my finger over his heart now. He shakes his head. "I don't know who I am. I'm not normal, I'm weird. These two are my only friends." He gestures to James and Hannah.

"Ah, you don't believe all that do you? I believe you hold yourself in the wrong light. Maybe I can guide you to the bright flames I can see in your soul. Do you know what I see?" I ask softly.

He shakes his head sadly. "I'm never noticed." He mumbles.

"I see a bright little boy full of energy and love. The light in your eyes extinguishes the dark in others. A candle in the night to guide the way. A leader who can create a path of justice. An extraordinary young boy who makes the ordinary seem impossible. Someone who does deeds for others, not for his own gain. You inspire people, all you have to do is reach deep down and pull that boy out and let others see him. You let me see him further when you wanted to know where Percy Jackson was. I can see the person you are without the mask. You don't want to be burned, when it is you who can never be burned. All you got to do is believe kid." I disagree with him.

"But-" He starts and I cut him off.

"I noticed you. James and Hannah noticed you. Surely there are others who have noticed the spark you ignite in everyone. Just because you're a son of Hypnos, doesn't make you unimportant or weak. The weak are there to grow strong. The strong protect the weak until they can become strong. They inspire each other and forge the paths of destiny together. Without one, the other is meaningless. Two sides of a single coin. You're special and you cannot be denied. You volunteered for the quest didn't you? That speaks in unimaginable volumes like you wouldn't believe. When you get back, even if you should fail, you will have proved something of yourself to everyone. Failure is just the beginning. You cannot have success without it. Perfection is not real. You are the side of the coin you choose to be. You can be the weak one who grows strong or you can be the strong one who helps steady the weak. The result in the end is the same. You help people no matter the power you carry. Remember that. So now I'll ask you, do you know who you are in here?" I press my finger further against his heart and he slowly nods.

I put my finger to his forehead and it glows white. A knowing glint burns deep within his eyes and he looks more confident and proud than before, he stands a little straighter.

"So, are you now truly ready to face Ladon?" I ask with a warm smile and they all nod seriously. I sweep my hand towards him. "Then be my guests, but do not take the apples and do not use them against him if it comes down to a fight."

"Got it." James says.

"We promise." Hannah says.

"Let's do this." Derek says and smacks his fist into his hand.

They all start towards Ladon but Derek stops. He turns to face me. "You didn't ask me what I saw of you." He points out and the others look at me expectantly.

"And what is it that you see in me young one?" I smile widely at him.

"A wise, thoughtful, honest, intelligent, and amazing man. A person I don't think any could come close to in pure kindness and flawlessness. Not perfect, but the closest to it ever. I think you'll never die, no matter what the prophecy says." Derek answers truthfully.

I chuckle. "Thank you, it is nice speaking with those who have clear minds. I get the sense you three will grow to be one beautiful team together. And maybe two of you something far more serious. The other will find it in another."

They all smile at me and continue heading for Ladon. I watch as Ladon rises to his full height. He enjoys the fact that I let someone finally approach him and that they do not back down so easily. James walks until he is close enough to where his sword tip would be a foot away from Ladon's chest.

Ladon does not attack, sensing that James isn't attacking, but could still be a threat. Normally he would've attacked by now, but at least he knows James just wants to talk. "Can you tell us what happened to Percy Jackson?" James asks.

Ladon just looks at him for a little bit and decides to speak. "Perseus Jackson came to me seeking death and that is what he received. I cannot help you further demigod."

"Yes you can. A prophecy said he has returned and that he will come to our aid. We need to find him. Katharós wants us to trace Percy's last steps. Please tell us what you know." James pleads with Ladon.

Ladon scrutinizes the three demigods. "Hmm, very well. Tell me the prophecy and I shall see how I can help you."

Hannah let's out a breath of relief. Derek watches Ladon's many heads and James is smiling.

"The one who guards has the answer

The one who died is your savior

He who saved you twice is needed

The enemy among you has been seeded

The hero will return to fight

And one will be lost at night." Hannah tells Ladon.

"Interesting. Katharós is just messing with you. He wants you to figure out what is right in front of everybody's eyes. I am not needed to help you, for you have received all the help you can get from my Guardian. Listen to him, dissect his words. They have double meanings. He speaks of two people when he talks about one and still only talks about a single being. All you have to do is look." Ladon tells them and looks up at me.

The three demigods come back over to me looking confused. "So, what have you learned? Has my master been useful to your progress?" I smile at them kindly.

Hannah is in deep thought and not paying attention, but I know she heard me because she takes my words into consideration. Derek is looking at me all over to try and find something. James is staring into my eyes.

"Can you tell us where Percy is?" James finally asks.

"I can. But the question is, will I? Why should I tell you where he is, when all he has ever done for the world of myth is give everything to it. He was dying from a fatal flaw curse. Do you know what his fatal flaw was?" I reply.

"Personal Loyalty." Hannah mutters, listening intently and staring at the ground as she thinks it over.

"The most dangerous fatal flaw in the world." I nod.

She looks up confused. "How?"

"If something were to go wrong, the injury from such a thing would be entirely self inflicting. All the others have effects on those who do not possess it. I should know, I was in a similar state as the one Perseus was in. But, you should be asking, how will he return? Will the Fates resurrect him? Did he actually die? Was he really turned immortal? Have we all been so blinded by his death that we can't see through a shroud placed upon his whereabouts? How do I know where he is? What makes me have the answer? How can I see past the veil that is over Percy Jackson?" I answer her.

"Because you're pure. You see past everything." Derek says.

"Indeed I do. But I don't know whether I should tell you or if I should let you figure out what is right in front of your eyes all on your own." I muse.

"Tell us of course." James looks shocked.

"What happened to no riddles?" Hannah frowns.

"Ah, but I have given you no riddles, only more questions that can easily be answered by looking around. When I showed you the clarity of who you are, you could see past everything. When you looked at me, you saw many aspects of me all in one. I see all the aspects all the time. Tell me, what makes you worthy of the information I hold, the information I protect and lies in my heart. Remember, I told you that I hold many answers and I don't give them out so easily. How can you prove to me you are able to be trusted?" I tell her.

They all look down in defeat. "After what they did to him, we are not worthy. Come on guys." James says tiredly.

They walk away and I speak, before they can leave. "I can give you one last hint. I want you to think on everything that has transpired since your arrival here." They meander back and stand in front of me.

"What the hint?" Derek asks sullenly.

"The song I was singing before, how does it make you see me? How does it refer to the two people I speak about when only referring to a single being?" I ask.

Hannah looks puzzled. "My mom said that just before you left Olympus that day, that you said something along the lines of, 'May all of you see the truth one day.' The song you sang here was the same one you want there. It's called 'Remember' by Josh Groban. I don't understand." She shakes her head.

Remember, I will still be here

As long as you hold me, in your memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended

Time can be transcended

Just remember me

I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly,

It is the last light, to fade into the rising sun

I'm with you

Whenever you tell, my story

For I am all I've done

Remember, I will still be here

As long as you hold me, in your memory

Remember me

I am the one voice in the cold wind, that whispers

And if you listen, you'll hear me call across the sky

As long as I still can reach out, and touch you

Then I will never die

Remember, I'll never leave you

If you will only

Remember me

Remember me...

Remember, I will still be here

As long as you hold me

In your memory

Remember, when your dreams have ended

Time can be transcended

I live forever

Remember me

Remember me

Remember... me..." I sing to them.

"Whenever you tell my story, for I am all I've done. I am the last star that keeps burning so brightly, it is the last light to fade into the rising sun." I repeat in my regular voice.

Hannah repeats the lines under her breath and realization dawns on her face.

"I sing from my core. The songs I choose to sing have meaning and purpose. I will send you back to Camp Half-Blood and when you've figured it out, maybe something will happen that you did not expect. For I am everywhere in a lost time, a past where no one dares travel back to. A remnant of a time where all was uncertain. I am the one who has never returned. I will show you the true meaning behind my words one day. Goodbye for now young heroes. Use the time well to figure out my words and try not to curse me please." I say.

I put a hand on Derek and Hannah's shoulders. "Wait! Y-" Hannah starts but I teleport them to the bottom of Half-Blood Hill. I rest a hand on James's shoulder and teleport him as well.

I chuckle to myself. "Oh dear, it seems like I will be leaving after all this time. I have to answer the call of Olympus. Why they did not just ask me to fight myself, I do not know. I will return, I am certain of that." I lean on my sword and look up into the stars. "I wish that for once, no one will die. I know what the last line of the prophecy means. In my return, I will die. Perseus Jackson must return and in doing so I must die. Can I ever turn back to who I am now after it all is over?"

The stars glitter in answer and I sigh. "I guess not. Must be what I need then, am I correct Lord Ouranos?" They glitter even brighter this time and I shake my head. "Then let Perseus Jackson return for war and battle, Katharós's time has come to an end. My time is once again called upon to serve." I say and know that I must shed my layer of protection.

"I miss the old you. But I love both of you. And now you are combined." I hear my wife's voice.

I smile warmly without looking. "That is very sweet. Go to bed my darling Phoebe. I have business to take care of." I say in a voice that hints resolve.

Her arms wrap around my middle and she squeezes me tight. "Just be careful. I'll see if I can come."

"I'll do my best. I'd prefer if you would stay out of danger. It will keep my mind clear. I won't need to worry about you." I touch her hands with one of my own where they lock around me.

"You can't keep me here forever." She whispers quietly.

"Nor would I try to deny you freedom. I just couldn't stand the fact of losing you and I couldn't live on this time." I sigh.

"Then I will stay here. For now." Phoebe says and prances off like a graceful deer.

I lean on my sword with my head bowed. Camp Half-Blood is under attack. "It is time I return to the life I have mended the rift of. Return of the Savior of Olympus." I draw my sword from its sheathe and look at at the sword gleaming on the light. "They won't even recognize me." I smirk and shake my head.

I teleport to the top of Half-Blood Hill. I see the demigods engaged in combat with the amassed army of millions of monsters. The light I cast on the fighting people causes it all to die down as people and monsters alike look for the source. The sun only causes me to shine brighter.

"Katharós!" I hear James call happily.

"Katharós and the one you seek are one and the same and then they are not. Katharós was not willing tell you the whereabouts of Percy Jackson because he himself is that demigod. My name is Perseus Jackson and I have returned once more just as the Fates have predicted. Now it is time to unleash my wrath upon the enemy." I answer James and point my sword at the leader of the enemy army, Oceanus.

Oceanus laughs. "Percy Jackson is dead!"

I smirk. "Then I guess you'll lose your life at the hands of a dead man." I say.

And then I'm at his throat with my blade. He barely manages to raise his blade to block mine. His eyes widen and I force him to the ground. "No, you cannot kill me. The Titans can only be killed by Perseus Jackson!" Oceanus exclaims.

I raise my blade above my head and bring it down on his heart. In getting to Oceanus, I carved a path of death and everyone stares at me in fear.

I growl and raise my sword. In less than a minute, the entire army of monsters is dead and I am splattered by Oceanus's immortal Ichor and monster dust. I sheathe my sword and it hangs at my side. The remains of the monsters melts off of me as I wave my hand over the battlefield, melting the remains with rays of the last light of the day. Sunset rays.

I turn to face the demigods and immortal campers. "James Madison, Hannah Moor, and Derek Summers. You sought out Perseus Jackson and he has come. I am the man you seek. The veil has been lifted and the rift long sealed. Katharós did not come, but Perseus did. Come forward."

The three demigods come forward and walk straight up to me with smiles on their faces. Hannah crashes into me and crushes me in a death hug. I pat her back and she smiles up at me. "I knew you would come." She says.

I chuckle. "I must defend Olympus and its children, but I have made three new friends among the camps. My place is in my heart, but my duties are all over. I have come to your aid."

"You're not a Percy!" Jason Grace storms up the hill. He is shorter than me, funny. He grabs the front of my shirt, but I stand tall despite him trying to pull me down to his face. "You don't have the same eyes, hair, or skin." Jason says.

My eyes burn brightly win white fire as my irises. My movements are a blur even to immortal eyes and I knock his arm that's holding me off, sweep his feet out from underneath him, and use my forearm to pin him by his chest to the ground.

"Countenances change Jason Grace. I am not the Percy Jackson you once knew, no. I am the Percy Jackson that will strike you down without hesitation or regret the end result. I do not fear killing my enemies, nor did I then. But I was willing to give the ones who deserved one a chance. It is why Olympus is still here and why you are still alive. Right now, I would have no qualms with killing you if I was not under oath to Olympus. Do not presume I am someone other than who I say, boy." I get in his face, but speak loud enough for all to hear.

His eyes are wide. "Why do you look so different?" He asks with an edge to his voice.

"Is the Jason Grace jealous? My oh my, nothing has changed. I am changed because of my powers, my blessings, and my duties. Nothing more. I don't mind it and those I serve like it. If they like it I like it. Unless it endangers them."

His eyes narrow. "You are definitely not Percy Jackson."

I let him go and put him on his feet. "And why is that?" I ask curiously.

"Because Percy is independent and would never submit to someone like that." Jason declares.

I snort. "Just because I have a master and mistresses does not mean I am dependent upon them. I am there to protect them and give them what they need."

Twelve flashes appear behind me and I turn and kneel. I feel a hand on my shoulder and look up to see my father. "Is it really you?" He asks with tears in his voice.

"Yes, father. I have returned." I answer.

"I still don't believe you are Percy. And Percy was in love with Annabeth, he never would've married another, even after what happened." Jason says matter of factly.

"You're wrong at that little brother of Thalia." I hear my wife's voice.

I turn to Phoebe and she comes to stand by me.

I wrap an arm around her waist. "I thought you said you were staying home." I look down at her and she gazes up at me.

"When have I ever listened to you?" She asks incredulously and raises an eyebrow.

"Let's see, there was that time when-" I start.

"Okay, okay. Whatever. But you aren't returning without me. Especially here." She scowls at the last sentence.

I kiss her cheek. "I appreciate it dear, but I would've been just fine."

"Maybe, but it is nice to see an old huntress of mine back in action." Artemis walks up and hugs Phoebe, who eagerly hugs back.

"Lady Artemis." I bow my head in respect.

She slaps me. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

"It's bad enough Apollo knew, I did not want anyone else to know. Phoebe was the exception and I have no secrets with my beloved. She can have secrets of she wants, but she insists that it be a fair marriage. I have no right to deny her what she wills. As long as she's happy so am I." I chuckle.

Artemis beams at me and kisses my cheek. "It's nice to know one of my huntresses is well looked after. Thank you Perseus."

I tilt my head in curiosity. "Why would I not look after her? I love her. Of course I would care for her. She is my over half just as much as I am her's. Has the state of women not changed? I have been putting efforts forth to battle it."

She looks at me quizzically. "But you never leave the garden. You have t left in 30,000 years. How have you been helping? I haven't had many hunters join in all that time, maybe one or two, but I didn't know why."

"I do not need to leave the garden to purify souls. I can do it anytime, anywhere. All I need to do is search out the corruption and use my powers and soul to make the evil turn into light. It is quite easy. As purity is your domain, you could do this as well, but you are more focused on one group rather than the world. I have more time on my hands, but I try my best to stay as busy as possible. I end up training to pass the time." I tell her.

"That's not the only thing you do in your spare time." I hear Zoë's voice.

I smirk. "Maybe not, but that detail is a private one." I chuckle softly at Phoebe's red face and pull her closer to my side. She wraps her arms around me.

Zoë laughs. "Am I allowed in action once more Guardian?"

"Absolutely not. It would be a direct violation of the laws of peace that the Hesperides follow. And I will not have you in danger. Please return to the garden, Lady Nightshade." I bow my head to Zoë.

Zoë rolls her eyes. "Fine. Phoebe, come on. My sisters wish to see how you are doing." She says excitedly.

I look down at Phoebe concerned. "Is something wrong darling?"

She shakes her head quickly. "No, of course not. Everything is fine. Don't worry." She says nervously.

I wrap both arms around her, entrapping her in my embrace. "And you are alright?" I ask.

She kisses me in answer. "Just fine. I believe there are other matters to attend to." She tells me and I nod. I hold out my hand to Zoë and she takes it. I flash them back to the garden and turn to Zeus.

"Lord Zeus, what are my orders?" I ask seriously.

He looks taken aback and Poseidon just looks at me. "You're definitely not Percy." Jason decides.

"Then ask me something that only Percy would know." I turn to Jason.

"What did I tell Percy when we...when we carved into him?" Jason asks and people throw dirty looks at him.

I laugh, scaring him out of his wits. "Oh Percy, if only you weren't such a loyal fool, then this wouldn't be happening. I can't believe you've been alive this long and haven't been punished properly for your crimes what a shame it is that I can't kill you myself. These reminders will serve just as well though. I truly hope you enjoy them, cause I know I will forever." I repeat word for word what Jason said to me.

Jason gulps. "Okay, I believe you now." He says in a small voice.

"Can you really sing?" Nico comes up to me.

"Yes spawn of Hades. I can sing. Would it please you to hear?" I ask in a monotone.

He just nods with a sullen expression and looks down at the ground.

"I know I can't take one more step towards you

'Cause all that's waiting is regret

Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore

You lost the love I loved the most

I learned to live half alive

And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don't come back for me

Who do you think you are?

I hear you're asking all around

If I am anywhere to be found

But I have grown too strong

To ever fall back in your arms

And I've learned to live half alive

And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don't come back for me

Who do you think you are?

And it took so long just to feel alright

Remember how to put back the light in my eyes

I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed

'Cause you broke all your promises

And now you're back

You don't get to get me back

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don't come back for me

Don't come back at all

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

Tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

Don't come back for me

Don't come back at all

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?"

Who do you think Nico is going to be in this story? I hope you like where I ended this little chapter :). Rick Riordan owns PJO/HOO series. I will update soon my lovely readers.