Legends Never Die

Campers Versus Hunters: Heated Rivalry

The entire Hunt was fuming. It'd been five months that Percy had been traveling with them. And while they played the occasional joke on him, they typically left him well enough alone, and he them.

Actually, they weren't mad at him. They were mad at Camp Half-Blood, and for having to be there. Just under a week ago, Thalia told the girls what had happened to Percy and the events that lead up to them having to search for him. They didn't like males much, but Percy was different. He helped out with the chores without being asked, he cooked their food and it tasted great, and he gave them plenty of space, even when training. They didn't like how he had been treated, and now that they, and by default him too, had to come back. Well, they weren't very happy to say the least.

As they crested the hill, Atalanta blew the Hunting Horn, letting all of camp know they were here. A few campers trickled up to see what was going on. The most prominent one, was Annabeth. But the moment she got within range, she was blasted by a bolt of lightning.

"What the Hades, Thalia?" she cried out, cringing from the pain of the shock, and the look in her surrogate sister's eyes.

"Don't you what me, Annabeth Chase. You stay well enough away from me, the Hunt, and Percy. We all know what you did. Luke definitely would be disappointed in you. I can't believe you betrayed a man as loyal as Percy. I mean, he fell into literal hell with you."

By the time Thalia was done, she was shouting and tears were in her eyes. Percy walked up and wrapped her in a hug. "Clear out! Shows over!" he yelled at everyone gathered. "That wasn't necessary, Thals, but thank you," he whispered.

Atalanta spoke up. "I hope you all are ready for Capture the Flag, because we won't be going easy on you this time!"

The campers looked fearful. When they had the seven, they had held their own against the Hunters, but now, with all of them being Guardians except Annabeth, they were screwed and they knew it.

Percy looked at Artemis and nodded. She nodded back and turned to Chiron, intent on getting any information she could. Percy allowed himself a small smile. While it hadn't been easy, he had started getting the Hunt to warm up to him. And occasionally, even Artemis would sit down with him and have a decent conversation.

He knew he could never have what was in his mind, in real life. He'd be killed for defilement by Zeus if Artemis didn't kill him herself. Not to mention his days were numbered. He already knew what was needed to acquire what he needed, but the sacrifice was great. And not just like a really big sacrifice or a lot of them. No the actual sacrifice was very specific, and he knew he shouldn't give it, but he would any ways.

- - -

Percy lay on the roof of Cabin Eight. He stared up at the night sky as faint cries of pain sounded from the forest. The Huntress was high in the sky and for the first time in three years, he allowed a tear to fall from his eyes. He'd lost a lot of friends to get where he was.

They died and he lived on, growing stronger because of them. Now, he'd hit is peak and he had no way of survival. The gods would refuse him godhood now that he'd denied it twice. And anyways, he'd rather go to Elysium to see his friends...if only that were in the cards now.

"They are really taking a beating out there aren't they?"

Percy didn't even have to look to know it was his cousin. "Yeah...they are."

"It's not your fault. And don't give me that crap about me not knowing what is wrong. Their deaths aren't your fault. Bianca, Zoë, Beckendorf, Lee, Michael, Luke...none of them. You can't change fate Percy. They were meant to die."

Percy looked at Nico. "What if I can?"