The Hero

Chapter 2

The following few months seemed to be a dream come true for many of the demigods. Monster attacks seemed to die down, and there wasn't the imposing threat of a third great prophecy looming over their shoulders. It was a time of peace and serenity for the demigods. 

The demigods knew, however, that the peace wouldn't last forever. While they still spent as much time as they could begin children and playing with their brothers and sisters, they also made sure to train. The archery range was always being used by someone trying to sharpen their aim, and there was always someone fighting in the arena, making sure that they will be prepared for the next time a monster does attack them. The lava wall was put to good use, and many of the demigods could be seen honing their climbing skills. They all made sure to practice and train hard for when the next battle came, but they also knew that it was vital for them to be kids, and to have fun during this time of peace. 

Today started much like any other. The Hermes cabin was on patrol along the border, and many of the other cabins were going about their daily activities. The Apollo cabin was at the archery range, and the Ares cabin was at the rock wall. A senior counselor was talking to a new camper on the porch of the big house, and everything felt peaceful. The beach was occupied by two of the greatest demigods that had ever walked the earth, though they would have denied that fact if you asked them. 

The two demigods are Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson. The two of them sat side by side, staring out into the ocean, watching as the sun began to sink into the ocean. It would still be a few minutes more before the sun was fully set, but they still loved to sit and watch it set together. There was a basket of strawberries next to them, and a hoodie was discarded behind the couple. Percy's head was in Annabeth's lap, and she was playing with his hair. Annabeth had her long blond hair pulled back into a high poney tail that was flying in the wind; Percys' hair had also grown longer and was flying in the wind. When he sat up to talk to Annabeth, it fell slightly into his eyes but still stood up on every end. 

Percy turned and looked into Annabeth's stormy grey eyes, "I wish it could stay like this forever. We could live a normal life and have our only worry be where we are going to go to college." 

Annabeth smiled at him, "I wish it could be like that too. But we both know that it can't. We're demigods. Our lives will never be easy. Let's just keep enjoying this bliss while it lasts." 

Percy's bright sea-green eye started into Annabeth's for a second before he smiled and said, "I know, and I am. I just have a bad feeling that something bad is going to happen, I don't know what though." 

"I feel the same way, but, as long as we are together, I know that we can get through anything," Annabeth said, leaning closer to Percy. "I love you." 

"I love you." Percy closed the gap between them, and they kissed. 

The kiss was interrupted when a scream tore itself through the calm of the camp. At the top of Half-Blood Hill, there stood a single demigod surrounded by monsters. There were three hellhounds and two Cyclops. The kid looked exhausted and was covered in bruises, scratches, and bite marks. His hair was light brown, and eyes matched. He looked to be about 5'6 and appeared almost average in his body type. He had an attractive face with high cheekbones and a soft but defined jaw bone.

All of the demigods in the camp looked up towards the hill and started running to fight the monsters off. Despite how far away they were, Percy and Annabeth were the first ones to arrive. They quickly defeated all of the monsters, with the help of Clarisse, who had arrived a second after they did. 

Percy crouched down beside the new demigod and offered his hand. "What's your name, kid?"

The younger demigod raised his head and looked at Percy. He took his hand and stood up. "Ryan... Ryan Doverman."