The Darkness Is Coming

You Never Forget Your First Love

For years afterward, Camp Half-Blood was subdued. Of course, there was always laughter that would echo throughout the cabins, and children would run and play together, but there was always an underlying current of sadness.

Percy left Camp Half-Blood only a month after the final battle. When Chiron had asked for a reason (although he had made sure to tell Percy that he wasn't required to provide one, guessing the answer), the son of Poseidon had just sighed and shook his head.

"I can't stand expecting to see her around every corner."

The centaur nodded and hugged him gently. "I will miss you, my boy, but I understand. I hope you find the peace you need."

He didn't have much to pack, really. Percy left a note to be sent to his mom too.

He was tired of being a demigod. The note basically explained what had happened, and then told her that he was moving to California, and he was going to remove himself from everything related to the gods.

Of course, he knew it wouldn't be a permanent solution. Monsters would still find him, gods would probably still find him. But he was done with the camps, and he was leaving.

Of course, there were a few people to say goodbye to first.

No one was surprised. Percy got several hugs and well-wishes. Piper offered him her cornucopia, which he took after a moment with a small smile.

"Think about it this way, you'll only have to pay for non-vegetable groceries."

"Thanks, Piper. I'll get you my address, okay? Come visit me."

"Of course." Piper nodded, hugging him again. She was teary-eyed when she pulled away. "Stay safe."

"I'll try." Percy sighed, shaking his head. "Maybe I'll stay near Camp Jupiter, so I can get help if I need it."

"That's probably a good idea. Not that I don't think you can take care of yourself-"

"Oh trust me, I can. There might just be certain situations where I would be better served with having backup."

Piper grinned and nodded. "And don't forget to Iris Message."

"It's not like I'm eight and going to summer camp for the first time."

They both paused, glancing around. Going off to summer camp was actually very close to what he was doing now.

"I will." Percy finally said, shaking his head.

He saw Alessa next.

"Do me a favor, get in touch with Mom. She'll give you someone to connect to and you'll give her a child when she's losing the one she has."

Alessa nodded seriously. "Don't be stupid."

"Funny, everyone seems to think that's all I can do. I'm just going to go find some quiet place to stay and live my life."

She hugged him tightly. "You'll let me know where you are, right?"

"Of course. I've got to give my little sister a way to contact me."

"We're the same age." Alessa rolled her eyes.

"Technically, you're only two months old."

"Oh shut up, old-timer."

He snorted and ruffled her hair. "And get this mess fixed. It looks like you haven't showered in days."

Alessa gestured to her broken arm, an injury that was partially from the lava wall and partially because she didn't like turning down a challenge.

"I really haven't. And I've been thinking I'm just going to cut it all off pretty soon anyway."

"Dye it blue while you're at it, you weirdo."

"No." She smirked. "It'll be pink."

Percy shrugged. "Hey, whatever suits you. I can't wait to see it next time."

Alessa gave him a tight, one armed hug. "Stay safe, big brother."

"Take care of my camp, little sister."

When Percy walked out of camp for the last time, he didn't look back.

He hiked along the highway for nearly an hour before getting picked up by two men in a dark sports-car looking vehicle with a Kansas license plate.

"Where you headed, kid?"

Percy dumped his backpack into the seat next to him. "As far West as you can get me."

------------------------

Wisteria found him in Wyoming.

"Running from your problems, Jackson?"

Percy looked up at her over his morning coffee, grunting. "Yeah, a little bit. I'm building up endurance to keep going that way."

She smiled and slipped into the booth across from him. "Can I come with you?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

Wisteria looked down at the table. "I've always wanted to get away from Olympus... I struck a deal with Lady Aphrodite."

"What kind of deal?"

She pricked her fingertip on the steak knife at the table. Red blood.

Percy smiled slowly. "Alright, sure. Come with me."

"Do you have a ride?"

"Nope."

They walked out to Wisteria's car after breakfast, and she slipped her hand into Percy's. He looked down at her and she smiled shyly.

Percy smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "Time for a fresh start, Flower-girl."

Wisteria laughed, throwing her head back. "Flower-girl? I like that."