The Goddess of College

Not Yet...

Stay until the end; important announcement.

Percy's POV

As I stood atop Half-Blood Hill, I took a deep breath and looked down to the camp.

Off to my left were the giant strawberry fields and lake. To my right, the Omega-shaped cabins and forest, which led out to Long Island Sound.

This is my home I thought to myself, feeling unnaturally giddy I swear to the gods I will defend this place with my life. Suddenly, I felt a little tremor below me. Nothing major, but noticeable nontheless.

Out of the blue, I felt myself become tense. Usually, this meant something was about to kill me, but there wasn't anything here.

Unless....

Quick as light, I uncapped Riptide and swung behind me, feeling it connect with something. At the same time, I heard someone scream out in pain, and some blood spewed out from behind me.

No way in Hades I thought to myself, already recognizing the voice. Turning around, I grimaced and snarled "You should be dead. Nico told us what he did to you. Why are you here? How are you here?"

Facing me was the one person from my past I'd have no problem leaving behind. Annabeth Chase, former daughter of Athena and Architect of Olympus. And, my least favorite ex girlfriend.

"I'm your only ex girlfriend, Seaweed Brain" she scolded, almost as if she could hear what I was thinking. "Note to self," she said, continuing to dodge my question. "Tartarus' blessing allows mind reading." Now facing me, wide-eyed, she sarcastically said "So yes, I can read your mind."

Snarling in frustration, I capped Riptide and pit it back into my pocket. "What. Do. You. Want?" She stared at me softly, pouting slightly. "Awww, you don't miss me? I just came for a visit." Glancing behind her, I nearly had a heart attack.

Behind her, in cuneum formate, was an army. And I mean an army, as in like 10K to 15K monsters lined up in a wedge shape, ready to break down Camp Half-Blood's front door. But what scared me the most were the two figures in front of the army, two figures I had hoped I'd never have to see again.

Kronos, Titan of Time, and Tartarus, no description needed.

Flashbacks, apparently waiting for this, struck me simultaneously. I saw New York wreathed in flames due to Morpheus' sleep spell on the mortals, the death of Luke Castellan, and, most depressing if all, Bob and Damasen fighting off their father as me and Annabeth made our escape to the surface.

Doubling over, I felt unimaginable heartache and physical pain, like if Kronos was-

Kronos

Oh he's gonna regret coming back to the surface I thought angrily, unsteadily rising to my feet. Pulling out Riptide again, I felt a hand rest on my sword, pushing it down to the floor.

Unwillingly, I dropped my blade, hearing it fall with a soft thunk. Keeping an eye on the two in front of the wedge, I backed up slowly, making sure Annabeth or anyone else charged while I was going.

"Guys!" I called out, hoping someone from camp would investigate. "I could use some help out here!" Locking eyes with Annabeth for one second, I saw a sliver of guilt before she dropped her arm, as if calling for a charge.

Of course, that's actually what she was doing.

Cursing myself and my uncanny ability to jinx bad things, I turned around and sprinted towards the camp barrier, completely ignoring the monster horde charging behind me. Once I passed through, however, everything changed.