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Chapter Text

Name: Y/n L/n

Age (as of official start): 15

Gender: Male

Godly Parent: Athena

Abilities: Heightened Perception, Speechcraft, Tracking, Handicraft, Quick Learner, Strategy

Weapon of Choice: Flaming Celestial Bronze Sword (Pyromania)

Personality: Y/n is kind and caring. Less of a fighter and more of a lover. He uses his gifts mostly for strategizing and the arts. He's always there to lend a helping hand or give encouragement to his fellow demigods. Y/n is really laid-back when it comes to things like chores and other things of that sort. He took the job of teaching Arts and Crafts just to avoid chores. Y/n is also known to be a fan of naps, taking a short one every afternoon under his favorite tree to keep his energy up.

Likes: Arts and Crafts, his sword, his friends, his demigod family, naps, movies, 2000's alt music, reading, ancient stories

Dislikes: any god he sees as mean (most of them), monsters, Ares kids, traitors, Kronos, being inside too long

Appearance: tall, toned, fluffy hair, grey eyes

Usual Outfits:

Summer - Camp shirt, jeans, messenger bag, black Vans sneakers

Autumn - Camp shirt, jeans, messenger bag, black leather jacket, boots

Winter - Camp shirt, jeans, messenger bag, flannel fleece-lined jacket, boots

Spring - Camp shirt, jeans, messenger bag, black leather jacket, black Vans sneakers

Chapter Text

When did it all start? Eh, probably when I was little. See, I've known I was a weird kid. That much was obvious. But, I liked being weird. I always saw things differently, y'know? Like, for instance, when I was in probably second grade. These giant bird things kept trying to attack me when I'd go outside. Dad just locked up his DVD of The Birds and said my imagination was too big for my own good, but I knew the truth. I kind of think he did too.

Then, when I was eleven. things went down. I was about to go on a walk - relax, small New Hampshire town where everyone knew each other - when a bunch of crazy looking snakes popped out of the trees. My dad freaked and told me to pack a bag while he 'fended them off'. I've never seen my dad so scared, so of course I ran straight to my room and threw my favorite things and whatever else eleven-year old Y/n thought he needed into a backpack and rushed to dad's red pickup.

He drove as fast as he could, running over the snakes in the process. It took us a good few hours without stopping. My dad usually drove like a madman, but I've never seen him drive this recklessly, "Y/n," he said as we drove, "I ever tell you how I met your mother?"

"You usually get really nervous when I'd ask. Is this story going to take nine seasons?" I quipped back, trying to lighten the tension.

"Well, not exactly." dad loved telling stories. This one though was insane, even coming from him. He talked about meeting the most beautiful woman ever when he was traveling around in his twenties. She admired his brain and he admired hers. Real sappy love story, to be honest. Anyway, turns out my mom is a Greek goddess.

"You're kidding!" I shot back, leaning my arm against the door of the truck, "Next thing you're going to tell me Hercules really did put the glad in gladiator!"

My dad glanced in my direction, "I've let you watch too many movies. Actually, Heracles would be more accurate; Greek form of the Disney guy."

I blinked, "Okay, so what's this got to do with why we've been driving for three hours?"

"You'll find out. Just hold all questions until the end."

We were in New York. Dad never went to New York, always said the drivers there were crazy. We drove onto some dirt roads and reached some random hill.

"We've got trees at home, dad," I said with my usual smirk.

"Just trust me on this. Run up that hill and find the big blue house. There should be a guy there with a beard. I love you, Y/n, never forget that."

"Dad, I'm not going to lie, you're freaking me out," he hugged me tightly and lingered there for a moment.

He patted my back, "Here's lookin' at you, kid. Remember to write."

With that, dad let go of me and put my bag in my arms. One last salute from the both of us and then I jumped out of that old red pickup for the last time that summer. I watched him idle there, waving like I was going off to college.

I walked up the hill and leaned against the pine tree at the top to catch my breath. Before me was the coolest place I had ever seen; forget all the other summer camps I had been to. There was a beautiful lake, strawberry fields forever (just like the song!), a giant arena, tons of those big Greek-looking buildings I'd seen in movies, and a big blue house that looked super cozy.

The sun was still quickly setting, so I ran down the hill towards the place dad had said to. When I reached it, I saw this wrap-around porch with two old guys packing up a deck of cards. One of them was wearing a leopard print shirt and was carrying a can of diet Coke. The other had a beard and was in a wheelchair, probably the guy I was meant to talk to.

"Excuse me, sirs," I said, my thick northeast accent probably making me sound even dumber than I felt, "my dad just dropped me off..."

"Oh, wonderful!" said the man in the wheelchair, "Welcome, young hero, to Camp Half-Blood! My name is Chiron, your Activities Director. This is Mr. D, the camp's current director."

"Y/n L/n. Pleased to meet you two," I tried to be as polite as possible, never being one for new situations.

What followed was the most mind-blowing conversation I have ever had in my life! Turns out, the Greek gods are, in fact, real and my mom was one of them. Which one? Heck, that's for me to find out. A list kept running through my head as to who she could be, but I had no clue. I had read up on Greek myths on occasion and my dad showed me these old tv shows from when he was a kid about Hercules and Xena. Turns out, Xena isn't real and I have a lot to learn about.

Thankfully, I got there a little bit before dinner and had a little while to get settled in. I got the grand tour from Chiron and met a bunch of the other kids.

We passed the Athena cabin and I immediately perked up at the mention of a whole shed piled to bursting with weapons, "Those are fair game, right?"

"I don't see the harm in taking a peak," Chiron responded, unlocking the shed for me.

The interior had this glow that came from all the Celestial Bronze that was inside. I felt like a kid in a candy store. You're telling a kid he gets to use real weapons everyday? No wonder dad told me to ask questions later.

I found the weirdest thing tucked away in a corner though. It was just the handle of a sword. Even odder was the hole where the blade should have been and the switch on the side of the handle. I held it in front of me and flipped the switch. I almost lost my balance when a giant blade of flaming metal shot out, bringing the sword to full size.

"I don't think I've ever seen that one," Chiron commented behind me.

I smiled and held the sword how I thought a real hero would, "So, you're saying this is up for grabs?"

I named it Pyromania. Pretty cool name, I know. Chiron nodded as we continued the tour, bringing us to the Arts and Crafts Pavilion. The thing was huge. Chiron said that it was built for the Athena kids, but it was free for anyone to use.

As I marveled at the neat statues made of marble and wood, Chiron cleared his throat, "Mr. L/n, you may want to look up."

I did and saw this weird glowing owl thing floating above my head. Apparently, according to Chiron, my mom is Athena. Neat.

A horn rang through the camp as I stood processing the news. Chiron led me to the dining pavilion where he sat me with a bunch of other kids who were apparently my half-siblings.

I sat down next to a girl who looked to be a year younger than me. We were both the youngest in the cabin it seemed and the other kids were a bit intimidating, "Hey, I'm Y/n," I greeted her.

Her name was Annabeth. We got to talking about books until plates were placed in front of us. For some strange reason, we all had to sacrifice a bit of our food to mom. Weird, but the other kids were scraping bits of food into a fire for their parents, so I shrugged it off.

After dinner, we sat around a fire and sang a bunch of songs led by the kids from the Apollo cabin. Then, after that, I went to my cabin with the rest of my siblings.

The whole cabin looked like a nerd's dream. That's probably why I loved it so much. There were books everywhere. Tons of maps were scattered on tables. There were a ton of blueprints. It was like a paradise! I had to get into bed though. I got a bottom bunk next to one of the windows that faced the woods. They reminded me of home.

I rummaged through my bag and found my notebook. I wrote down the events of the day as best I could before the counselor turned out the lights and wished us all a good night.

Chapter Text

Being a demigod is tiring work. Especially when that work is camp chores. That's why I don't do them! Instead, my days are filled with teaching Arts and Crafts.

Today, like every day, I stood in the Arts and Crafts Center teaching the usual assortment of kids how to weave the perfect tapestry. Mine was going pretty good if I do say so myself - and I did make that known, "See, easy as that! How's everyone else's coming along?"

Some of the younger campers didn't quite get it, but that's fine. Not everyone had magical art powers. As I was giving advice to one of the Demeter kids, the lunch signal rang, "Remember to put your name on your projects and we'll pick up tomorrow," I said with my usual enthusiasm.

Lunch seemed pretty uneventful. That was until I noticed the giant hellhound just casually sitting with Chiron and some old guy. Turns out, her name is Mrs. O'Leary and her owner is some guy named Quintus. He seems pretty cool. Apparently, he's going to be replacing Mr. D for a while, so that's neat.

After lunch, I had a bit of time to myself. I usually would find a group to hang out with, but there was surprisingly nothing happening around camp. It was weird, the action only ever happened these days when Percy Jackson was around. I decided to go to my favorite spot and read my favorite book: under a tree with a copy of The Odyssey.

"Tell me, O Muse-"

Just then, I heard a bit of screaming. Less of a child having "fun" on the climbing wall kind of scream. No, this one was anguished, fearful, sort of goat-like. I looked up towards Half-Blood Hill and saw a satyr carrying a passed out demigod, "Oh gods! Hold on!"

I rushed up the hill and frantically asked for details as I fumbled to get the extra ambrosia squares from my bag. The kid was from a middle school in the city. Apparently it was a manticore attack, "Thorn..." I muttered under my breath as hoisted the half-conscious half-blood onto my back. Hadn't that brute learned his lesson? It had only been, what, less than six months since we kicked his sorry hide? Whatever, this little dude's safety was priority one.

I reached the Big House, satyr in tow, less than a minute later. Thank you demigod powers. I practically kicked open the door to the infirmary, "Hey, Grey's Anatomy Fan Club! Manticore attack! Get this kid a stretcher!"

They didn't have to be told twice. Immediately, four of Apollo's kids took the newbie off my back and began treatment.

After an hour, the kid was in good condition but hadn't yet woken up. I had more Arts and Crafts to teach, but I promised that I'd be back later.

Later came. I pawned teaching the class off to one of my siblings and sat in one of the infirmary's uncomfy chairs waiting for this little dude to wake up. What was it with Athena kids and sitting in the infirmary with passed out newbies?

The new guy slowly opened his eyes, "W-where am I...?" he asked weakly.

I closed my book and sat on the edge of the bed, "Camp Half-Blood. I'm Y/n, by the way. Guess I've gotta be the guy to destroy your sense of reality."

"Derick," he said weakly, "What do you mean by that exactly?"

I decided to take it slow with Derick. I asked him the usual questions: 'Ever hear of Greek Gods?', 'Could you refrain from asking about capital G God?', and 'What's your story?'.

Well, I've got to admit, he had a pretty interesting story. Turns out, Derick is eleven - same age I was when I came to camp. He was hanging out with his best friend after school when they were attacked by a well-dressed guy on the subway. The class weird kid - the satyr that brought new guy in - showed up and showed off some mad flute skills. Unfortunately, Thorn got Derick pretty good and Derick's mortal friend ran off.

I asked him some more questions to figure out if we could narrow down who his godly parent might be. Derick's an orphan it turns out, so that doesn't help.

"Once you're feeling good enough to walk," I said, "We'll get you set up in the Hermes cabin. Just, be sure to keep an eye on your stuff."

"God of roads, travelers, and thieves, right?" Derick asked.

I smiled, "Correct! You're a Greek history buff I take it?"

He shrugged, "Libraries have air conditioning and free wi-fi."

He seemed like a good kid. I ruffled his hair and stood up, "I've got dinner to get to. I'll see you later, little dude. Rest up."

He waved back as I left his room. Sad he got here when he did; the war on the horizon and all. With luck, he'll stay on our side. It seemed like more and more demigods were going the way of Luke. It was especially a problem with the unclaimed ones.

I looked out at the rest of camp from the porch. My home for so many years. According to the dreams I'd been having, something was coming. A battle was brewing and I was powerless to stop it. I'd read enough epics and hymns to know that fate was set in stone and that even the gods couldn't stop it. Whatever was going to happen, I was going to be ready. For my home. For my friends. For my family. For kids like Derick who have no part in this stupid war.

I stepped down the stairs and towards the crowd of campers on their way to dinner.

Chapter Text

Dear Diary,

Y'know, I'm tired of this stupid war! I'm tired of sitting around and waiting for Kronos, gods damn him, to attack! I'm tired of losing campers every day to Luke's stupid traitorness!

I've been thinking about it, I want to go on a quest. Now, the last time I went on a quest, it was to find Annabeth when she got kidnapped. There's something out there, I can feel it, that will help me save the camp.

I was reading today, trying to think of strategies to help prepare when I found it. In the ancient stories, there's mention of the Shield of Achilles. I don't know how much power the shield has, Homer never wrote any of that down, but I have a feeling it can help.

The shield sounds like a longshot since there's not much mention of what happened to it when Achilles was shot, but I intend to find out. I asked Chiron if he knew of the shield and he didn't know, "There are things even I don't know, Y/n."

Whatever, it's dinner time. I'll find the shield, I swear it. I'll find it and defend the camp with my life!

-Love, Y/n

Chapter Text

Today was going good! I woke up at the same time I always do. I got the first shower. Breakfast was good. Man, today is a good day!

I walked into the sword arena after breakfast and greeted Quintus with a smile. My battle senses immediately kicked in and I felt the overbearing presence of monsters, and I don't mean Mrs. O'Leary, "Quintus, why do you have boxes of scorpions?"

He turned to me and smiled. He made a shushing gesture, "A big surprise for the first day of summer. Just you wait!" I do like surprises.

Sparring went very well. As I stood outside the arena getting my bearings, I noticed a figure emerging from the Sound. A cyclops? Wait?! A cyclops?! Oh, just Tyson. Didn't expect to see him today, "Yo, how was the ocean?" I asked him, running to greet him.

We got to talking, Tyson and I, and we had a great time doing so. I've gotta admit, at first the Odyssey clouded my view of Cyclopes. After giving this big guy a chance, Tyson and I are decent acquaintances.

After a while, I went to teach Arts and Crafts. I realized as I was weaving, however, that there was a something missing. A certain voice hadn't been around to keep things in order. Oh yeah, Annabeth was on a date with Percy! Well, "not a date" but still, good for them. I hope they're having a good time.

I finished up with the class and it was about that time I noticed the same two demigods that had just crossed my mind walking down Half-Blood Hill. Oh no, something definitely went wrong. I was never one to pry though.

That next evening, cabin inspections went well. With Annabeth back to take back over the cabin, we cleaned up nicely. Dinner was a different story though. Quintus reintroduced himself and announced a game. This was most likely what the scorpions were for.

"What do you think it could be?" one of my younger half-siblings asked.

I spoke up with a smirk, "I already know."

Children of Athena, they have to know everything, "Don't just leave us hanging, Y/n!" one of my other half-siblings whined.

I chuckled and continued eating, knowing that the curiosity would be devouring them like I was devouring this plate of tacos.

Quintus' game, as it turns out was a weird version of Capture the Flag with giant scorpions carrying laurels. Neat, I guess? I'm not the biggest fan of anything with more than four legs. Or anything science classifies as the child of the being that wants me and my bloodline dead. Regardless, I got paired with none other than Derick. The little dude was doing a lot better, but Quintus probably wanted him with someone who wouldn't get him killed.

He's a good fighter, Derick, but most of the game was spent with us running in terror. We didn't win of course, my strategies were focused on fight or flight. Who won didn't matter much to me, what did matter was that no one could find Percy or Annabeth during the post-game head count.

It took us a solid hour to find them, until we spotted them popping out of Zeus' Fist. I never liked that rock, always knew it was bad news. Turns out - as always - that my intuition was right! Apparently, Daedalus' Labyrinth runs underneath the camp with an entrance at that dumb boulder! Isn't that swell?

After great discussion with the other head honchos of camp, it was decided that Annabeth, Percy, Grover, and Tyson would head off into the labyrinth in search of whatever it was they were in search of. I honestly wasn't paying attention. Instead, I got to thinking about the Shield of Achilles. I think I narrowed it down, the location. Achilles fell in a battle in a great kingdom. Obviously, it's in Houston.

Yeah, you're probably like "Houston? Yeah that obviously makes sense, Y/n! Why didn't anyone else think of it?". Yeah yeah, whatever! It was a great nation that had a lot of blood shed in its streets. If you can believe in a chimera, you can believe there's a magic shield in Texas!

The biggest pain about all this is Chiron wouldn't take it. Seeing as no one's ever found the shield - half of them haven't even heard of the thing - there's no point to looking. At least, that's what Chiron said. That's never stopped me before though. If it means getting turned into a plant, gods be damned I'm going to Houston.

I'll see the little dudes off when they head into the Labyrinth and then I'll leave. As long as Argus says nothing and I can slip past the big guy guarding the tree, I'm peachy. Time to pack...

Chapter Text

Here I am, on the road again. There's some song about this that my dad probably has a CD of back at the house. I should probably stop by and grab some supplies from him. No, too risky being a fugitive and all.

Anyway, I'm currently hopping from tree branch to tree branch Tarzan style. I need to get to the nearest populated area so I can hitch a ride somewhere.

And... there's that populated area! No, wait. Ah, Medusa's old place. If I remember correctly - from the stories I've been told - there should be some fast food type stuff somewhere. Sure, it's been literal years, but have you seen the kind of stuff they put in fast food? That stuff never molds! Now, I'm probably going to get something, but beggars can't be choosers! Also, I've got some extra ambrosia on me.

Word to the wise, all ye demigods reading this: do not eat years old burgers! Terrible idea; lots of ambrosia. Anyway, se la vie, on the road again. Now, I'm pretty sure there's a bus stop somewhere nearby.

And there was! It took me all the way to Manhattan. I wasn't complaining of course, tons of monsters to fight around here.

Speak of the- Wait? Do we Greeks have a devil? Thanatos I guess. Well speak of Thanatos! Here comes a few Stymphalian birds! Wait... Stymphalian birds?

"I thought we took care of all you!" I shouted, probably looking and sounding like a crazier version of a Soprano. To the good people of the Big Apple, these were most likely just pigeons. To me: these were cold, hardened, blood-thirsty killing machines Underworld-bent on turning me into a puddle.

"Evasive maneuver, feather-freaks," I said as I ran into a store.

Like a bull in a china shop, I had zero spatial awareness as I flung myself towards the counter, "Where's your back exit? I'm being chased by birds."

The skinny guy behind the counter blinked and his mouth hung open as a flock of pigeons slammed into the store window, shards of glass flying everywhere, "That way..." he mumbled, shyly pointing behind him.

"You're a peach," I said as I hopped the counter and flew through the back room. Several employees jumped out of the way, "Sorry, sorry, sorry. Birds chasing me. Long story," I said as I pushed my way towards the backdoor.

I leaped from the door and into the street. The metal door slammed behind me and I found myself in the allies of Manhattan. I prayed both to Hermes and my mother for guidance in where to run. I turned left, then right, took another right, hopped over a row of cones and then...

Those cones were protecting a manhole. Oh gods, I'm falling! Dang it Hermes, you weird little man!

Chapter Text

Falling, falling, falling...

I just keep falling. Man, I don't think sewers are this deep. Either I'm falling into the Underworld or...

And just as that thought crossed my mind, I hit the ground. With a quick tuck and roll, I sustained only a few bruises. I sat up and rubbed my head with a groan. I looked around and noticed the architecture of the corridor I was in, "Yeah... Labyrinth."

I stood up and began walking. I pulled my trusty buddy, Pyromania, from my bag. Flaming Celestia Bronze swords, very good for lighting the way through ancient tunnels it turns out. I walked for a while, turned a few corners, no clue where I'm going at all. Then, I heard some noises; lots of them.

I pressed myself flush against the wall and began walking towards what sounded like four sets of footsteps. I could sense an animal, two humanoids, and a larger figure. The corridor to my immediate right began mapping itself out in my head. If i rushed straight forward, I'd get at least one of them and probably be able to avoid capture.

"What's that?" asked a voice that was almost familiar. It was probably familiar because it was one of the traitor kids. If it was, that meant Luke's army was already here.

I jumped from the wall, turned the corner, and tried to run. At the last second, before I could make contact with the big one, I heard a bleat; a goat bleat. It was at that moment, in the light of my sword, I saw the four faces I'd never expected: Annabeth, Percy, Grover, and Tyson.

I dropped Pyromania like it was a hot coal, "I am so sorry," I said apologetically, "I thought you guys were monsters or some of Luke's goons!"

Immediately, Annabeth wrapped her arms around me, "Y/n, it's okay! No need to apologize! I'm just glad to see you."

The kiddos looked dreadful. Battered, bruised, tired, "Tell me everything," I said as I returned my sister's hug.

And they did. Holy Hermes it was a tale. Hera, Janus, an epic chase! All in what they thought was a couple of days! Wait? A couple of days? Time is really weird down here. How long had I been walking then? How long had I been falling? No matter. Some questions are best left unanswered.

"Well I guess you have a fifth," I said, picking Pyromania back up.

"Yay! New adventure buddy!" Tyson clapped his hands and smiled, his one big eye sparkling.

Grover looked nervous, "Aren't we already pushing it with four?"

Percy put his arm around Grover's shoulders, "It'll be okay, G-Man!"

It seemed, at least, that my presence made the whole lot of 'em feel better. There's still the problem of me getting out of here though. How am I going to get to Texas now?

Chapter Text

What felt like a while passed as I ventured with the little dudes through Daedalus' Labyrinth. It was tough, but eventually we ended up at an exit. It looked like a sewer grate.

"Mario-style punch to that thing and we're out of here," I commented as I looked up at it. After a bit of debate, the grate was indeed punched open. It lead to a... cow pen? Weird looking cows; mythical cows.

I jumped atop one of the fence posts, "We're in Texas."

"How do you know that?" Percy asked me.

I shrugged, "God powers, I don't know," I looked around and saw a ranch house in the distance, "I'm not going to hinder your quest. This seems important."

"Do you really have to go?" Tyson asked innocently.

"Yeah, unfortunately, big guy," I replied.

We said our goodbyes. It sucked to leave them, but I wasn't a part of their quest so it had to happen, "Before I go," I said, "Be safe. Keep your wits about you. I'll see you four back at camp."

I don't know why I said it, it just felt right. I jumped from fence post to fence post until I was to the end of the ranch. I was in the desert, by my estimation, the Chihuahuan Desert of western Texas.

Like with the wilderness of New York, I just started walking. It was hot, humid, and sandy. I'm probably going to die if I have to walk all the way to Houston.

For the next hour, I began brainstorming. I stopped under the shade of a cactus and pulled a bag of cheese crackers from my bag. I also pulled out Pyromania. I poured out the crackers and used Pyromania to set them alight, "Mother," I said to the sky, "Or any other one of you who can help! I'm on a renegade quest and need some help crossing the desert! Your help would be appreciated!"

Help didn't come for a few minutes. I just sat there staring at my cheese crackers as they burned. Suddenly, I sensed two presences nearby: a humanoid and an animal. I peeked from behind the cactus and saw a pure white horse flying towards me. On the horse's back was a woman in shining armor, "Mom?!" I shouted.

She dismounted the winged horse and walked towards me, "How did you know I like cheese crackers?" she asked with a slight smile.

"They're the perfect travel snack, protein and cheese, great for eating on the go," I responded, approaching her as well.

"Yeah, you're mine alright," She looked down at me for a second before turning back to the winged horse, "This is Pegasus."

"Yeah, we ride them at camp."

"No," she said plainly, "The Pegasus, Son of Medusa. I tamed him ages ago and I will allow you to borrow him for your quest."

"Seriously? Mom, this isn't exactly an official quest," I said, "Is this what normal kids go through when they're allowed to borrow their parents' car?"

"I would have no idea, Finn. But yes, you may borrow Pegasus for a while. Best of luck on your quest," My mother turned and placed a hand on my shoulder, "I have great faith in you."

Athena began turning into her fully godly form. I instinctively slammed my eyes shut. After a moment, I felt that it was just me and Pegasus left so I opened my eyes, "Hey, good to meet ya, old timer."

Pegasus offered me a nod of approval and allowed me to mount him. I took his reigns and we began flying east. It took a little while, but Pegasus eventually reached a small town. I dropped down and hopped off Pegasus.

"You know what'd be funny?" I glanced over at Pegasus, "If I bought a cowboy hat to look more inconspicuous!"

Pegasus made a noise that I assumed was approval. So we rode to the nearest Walmart. I put Pegasus in one of the parking spots and tied him to a cart coral post. I walked into the Walmart and found myself in the clothing area. Now, where were those hats? You'd assume they'd come free with a driver's license "'round these parts". Ha! Gotta love southerners. Oh! There's the Stetsons!

I purchased my hat and returned to Pegasus, "How do I look?" I don't speak Ancient Horse, but I assume I was an absolute model in my new hat, "Giddy up, pardner," I remounted Pegasus and we took off towards Houston.

Chapter Text

We finally arrived in Houston in the afternoon. My powers activated, I flew over downtown Houston looking for the shield. Outside a museum, I felt something.

Pegasus dropped down and we began hoofing it down the street. I assume the mortals saw a normal horse, hence the hat; makes me look normal. Come to think of it, there were no other horses or cowboy hats around here. Hm, weird. Thought that was the dress code.

"You got a license for that?" asked a cop, also a fellow horse-rider.

I remembered an old movie my dad and I had watched on my last return home over the spring, "I'm on a mission from God," I said, emphasizing the word 'God'. In truth, I kind of was. Just not the god he was thinking of. I was left alone after that. I need to keep using this excuse.

I arrived in front of the museum and hopped off Pegasus. He followed me as I wandered around in search of the shield. My brain was like a metal detector or like a game or Hot and Cold. Finally, I felt it. Right beneath my feet was the strong magical energy of a hunk of Celestial Bronze. Bingo!

With no tools, I tore at the earth with my hands like a man possessed. It took me a long time and I probably looked crazy, but I was getting closer to my goal. I could feel the power of the shield getting closer. I pulled out Pyromania's hilt and used the bottom to quicken my digging.

Finally, glowing metal began to surface. I pushed away the dirt and pulled the shield out of the ground. The front was made of panels of ornately carved bronze. Forged by Hephaestus himself, it depicted scenes of demigods fighting monsters, large western landmarks, and city skylines. Weird how magic stuff changes when it comes over to the States, hm? I had no clue what power the shield held - Homer never wrote it down - but I could feel the power it held.

I stood back up and faced Pegasus, "Alright, we're outta here."

He whinnied and gestured up towards the sky. I followed his line of thinking. It had been a while, "Oh yeah! Sorry for making you wait, dude. Wanna go get some apples and take a rest?" That earned me an approving neigh.

After stopping by a farmers' market and buying some snacks, we sat down in a park to eat, "Good apples, hm?" I asked Pegasus, trying to make casual conversation with a horse. He neighed as he gobbled down another red delight, "They probably have better apples on Olympus though. What's a magic apple taste like?" Of course, I could not understand the answer, "Why do I keep talking to a flying horse?"

We set off into the sky, heading northeast for camp. I had no idea what I'd say to anyone when I got back. I ran off from camp and that was totally against the rules. As my mind wandered to thoughts of being a plant, Pegasus flew out of control. Unbeknownst to me, the sky had began turning dark and cloudy. A storm crashed towards us. Thunder, lightning, gale-force winds, "C'mon, Grandpa!" I screamed as I turned Pegasus away from the storm.

We flew west as far as we could. Pegasus' wings eventually gave out and we went crashing down into a hilly field.

Chapter Text

I was laying on the warm grass, the sky stretching above me. It made me think of last winter when I had watched Atlas hold up the sky. Well, Atlas, Artemis, Annabeth, and Percy. Still, the sky. I sat up and looked over to Pegasus, "Guess we're not in Kansas anymore, eh Toto?" He whinnied at me disapprovingly, "Yeah, overused joke," I stood up and found my bag lying nearby.

I grabbed a small vile of Ambrosia and downed it to fix any injuries I was in too much shock to feel. I walked back over to Pegasus who was casually sitting, wings folded, "Could've been worse. Your wings okay? And your hooves?" He nodded at me, "Good."

I looked around the field we were in. A quarter mile away was a small roadside store. I told Pegasus to follow me when he was ready and I began the trek towards it. I had figured out that I was in northern California.

I walked up to the front of the store. The sign was written in English, of which I don't bother to read these days. I walked inside and immediately my radar picked up the presence of a nymoh and a goddess. Oh boy, here we go.

I looked around as I looked for the counter. Crystals, barrels of nuts, dream catchers, all par for the course of what old folks where I'm from would've called a "Hippie Stoar". I found the counter and saw behind it a girl who looked to be pretty young. Though, her bright white hair betrayed that description. This was our nymph, "Hello! I'm very lost. Do you know exactly where we are?"

She looked up at me with eyes the color of a storm. No, her eyes were storms. Nymphs are insane to look at, "Rainbow Organic Foods and Lifestyles," she replied, "Anything I can help you find?"

"Rainbow..." I muttered, "You wouldn't happen to be a servant of Iris, would you?"

She smiled, "How'd you know?"

"Well, partially the demigod powers, mostly that you're a cloud nymph working for a place with 'Rainbow' in the name," I smiled back.

"You know about nebulae? Oh, no one ever remembers us! And yes, demigod, Iris founded ROFL and is my employer."

"Is there any chance I could have an audience with the goddess?" I asked.

The nymph thought for a moment, "She's out to lunch at the moment, but I'll let her know you asked. You're welcome to browse in the meantime!"

"Thank you so much," I turned to begin browsing before stopping and turning back around, "I never caught your name."

She made a noise that sounded like thunder.

"Beautiful name," I said with a smirk, "Do you have a nickname by any chance?"

"Call me Fleecy," she replied with a giggle.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Y/n," I then turned again, beginning my shopping.

The place had some good stuff. A lot of knock-off snacks made with healthy alternatives, but a Cheez It is a Cheez It. What was that quote...? "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"? Yeah, that! I picked up a box of those. Then I saw a rack of handmade clothes. Some gauzy dresses - not really my style - and some tie-dye shirts. I grabbed a couple shirts and held them in my arm with the box of knock off cheese crackers. I then found a barrel of apples. I grabbed a few for Pegasus.

As I walked towards the counter with my armful of sustainable goods, I spotted some beaded necklaces. I of course grabbed one as a souvenir. I placed my items on the counter. When I looked up, I expected to see Fleecy, instead I was met by who I can only describe as the world's most powerful art teacher, "Good afternoon, Y/n."

"Iris," I said, a bit startled, "Sorry, Fleecy said you were out to lunch."

"Quite alright," she began to ring up my items, "You know we have baskets, right? You didn't have to carry all of this in your arm," she gave a little chuckle.

"Builds character!" I replied with a grin. Iris radiated this kind of warmth... Like a rainbow! Cool how that works, eh?

"What did you want to see me about?" she asked, looking over her glasses at me, "Strange that a Greek demigod ended up this far west, it must be important."

"Well," I rubbed the back of my neck, "I'm really not supposed to be here. I'm on a rogue quest to help the war effort. I don't want the Camp suffering. I mostly came in here for food, but since you're here, any chance I could get a blessing on my travels?"

Iris gestured to the register, showing that I owed her some drachma. She thought for a moment, "I don't see why not. You'll have to travel south, though. Avoid Texas."

I pulled some drachma from my bag and placed in on the counter, "Thank you, Iris. Your kindness is greatly appreciated."

She smiled as she bagged my items, "It's no trouble, Y/n. Your quest is noble. And," she lowered her voice slightly, "I admire your ability to break the rules," Iris laughed, so did I.

"Thanks again, Iris," I took the bag from her and turned to leave.

"Please come again!" Fleecy said from a stool behind the counter.

I waved back to her, "You bet I will!"

Chapter Text

"Got ya some apples," I said to Pegasus, tossing one in the air. He caught it and quickly scarfed it down. I put the souvenir necklace from ROFL on top of my camp necklace and mounted Pegasus, "Alright, Iris said to go south."

We flew south through an unfamiliar skyline. As we reached some landmarks I remembered from books in the library, Pegasus whinnied and flew towards the ground. He bucked me off and shook his head when I asked him to let me back on.

I looked around at the city around us. I believe I was in San Francisco, "Fine," I told Pegasus, "If you won't fly, then we'll just walk."

I confidently walked down the bustling streets, heading south. We passed by restaurants, parks, and tourist spots. It was all nice, but my legs were starting to get tired. The first place I saw was an antique shop sort of tucked away. I stepped inside hoping to get some A/C and a break from the hustle and bustle.

"Welcome," said a chipper voice from a back room.

I looked around at all the old furniture and decorations. I think being around so much ancient stuff has made me go numb to so-called 'antiques'. To me, this stuff seemed practically modern. I saw a bunch of promotional stuff for some old sitcoms my dad and I used to watch, but that was about it.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, "Anything you're looking for in particular?"

I wheeled around to see a tall, skinny man in a flannel-patterned shirt and black pants. He had a weird eagle barcode tattoo on his arm, which struck me as a bit odd, "Sorry, you startled me," I said with a slight smile, "I was just browsing."

"I've recently acquired some new treasures if you'd like to see them," the guy walked behind the counter and pulled out a box. The way his eyes shined reminded me of the Stolls back in Long Island, only he gave off a slightly different vibe.

I walked over to the counter and scanned the items he had placed down before me. A few old sewing supplies, some dolls that were most definitely haunted, and... a necklace, "Magic..." I mumbled as I locked onto the object.

The man seemed to light up even more at my response, "You think so too?" he held it up, "Yes, Harmonia's! I'm willing to part with it for," he thought for a moment, "twenty denarii."

"Denarii?" I asked. I produced a pouch from my bag and placed it on the counter, "I've got drachma. Don't know how many that is in drachma."

The man looked down at me, his smile faltering. He thought for a moment, "Deal," under his breath, I thought I heared, "No one else would be stupid enough to buy this anyway... dumb Greek..."

I left with the necklace, considering the strange man's words. 'Harmonia's'. That could mean only one thing, the Necklace of Harmonia. Now, this name means very little to a lot of people, but allow big bro Y/n to give you a good ol' Ancient Greek history lesson (thanks Annabeth):

Back in ye olden times, Harmonia was born by Aphrodite after her affair with the (jerk) war god Ares. Harmonia was given to the king of Thebes as a bride. By the way, that was Grandpa Zeus' doing! Good going, pal! Give up your granddaughter-niece like she's a piece of property! Anyway, Hephaestus - the absolute savage boss - gave the necklace as a wedding present, vowing that the children of his wife's affair would be cursed.

The necklace gives eternal beauty, but it also kills you eventually. It's been passed down for centuries and now it's in my hands. I can't put it on or else I'll meet the same fate. Also, the snakes don't really compliment my style. So this baby is going in the bag for a while.

"Let's go," I called to Pegasus who was nervously standing behind a street lamp, "Seriously, you're like some guy who just snuck into a place he shouldn't be. Everything okay, big guy?" Pegasus shook his head, "Here, have another apple."

We continued walking for a while. As I passed another park, I noticed a group of people about my age in purple shirts. They were scarred and tough looking. They were carrying glowing golden swords. First, there's werewolves in London. Now there's these guys in San Francisco. Next you're going to tell me there's Vikings in Boston! I finally reached the city limits around evening. Pegasus seemed to calm down, as did I. That was until I noticed a group of girls walking towards me.

Chapter Text

Now, most teenage boys would revel at a group of cute girls approaching them. First off, I'm not most teenage boys. Second, these girls each had one metal leg, the other was covered in fur, and they looked hungry.

"Empousai," I said with malice, "Bane of travelers. What do you want?"

The one at the front of the group spoke up, "You, of course!" She had this sickly-sweet, Valley Girl sort of voice. Like one of those girls that follow their boyfriend up to Harvard and walk around with dogs in their purses.

I cracked a smile, "You work for Kronos, I take it? Some of Luke's goons?"

The head empousa seemed to brighten at Luke's name, "I'm more than one of his goons! Enough small talk. You look like you could use a rest."

"I've only ever had feelings for one person," These girls clearly weren't going to let up at this pace. My mind flicked back to the necklace in my pocket. I pulled it out and held it up, "How about a deal...?"

The eyes of each empousai lit up. The leader spoke up, "I'll take it!"

I held the necklace high above her outstretched hands, "Uh-uh! You can have this as long as I get safe passage back home."

She pondered the proposal for a moment before hissing, "Fine! Fine! Just give it!"

I walked away from the group of empousai, Pegasus following close by. Once we were out of earshot, I turned to Pegasus and laughed, "Greedy idiots!"

I asked Pegasus if I could finally hitch a ride and he agrees. Seems he's got a problem with California, or the Bay Area, I don't really blame him. We took off, heading even more south towards Mexico.

I don't know the legalities of flying over an entire country with a magical horse, but rules are made to be broken I guess. It took hours, but Pegasus was fast. We ended up in the swamps of Louisiana by the next morning. I had Pegasus land somewhere flat.

We slept until the afternoon when I heard a voice next to my head, "Y/n... Y/n! Wake up, dude!" It sounded like... Percy?

I jolted upright and noticed an Iris message in front of me. Groggily, I responded, "Yo, man. What's... what's going on?"

He looked relieved to see me, "So much! I can tell you later. Anyway, big things are about to happen. Did you find that shield?"

I produced the disk from behind my back and held it up, "Yeah. It was in Houston."

"Great! You should get back to camp soon. We've almsot found what we're looking for and you-know-who's army is coming."

I stood up and immediately got myself ready for war, "On it! Thanks Jackson. L/n over and out!"

I woke up Pegasus and gave him an apple, "Fly!"

And he did. We were off towards the northeast. It took no time at all for me to crash down into the middle of camp. It was free time when I landed on the soft grass. i jumped off Pegasus and patted his head, "Tell Mom I said hello. You're relieved of your duties. Thanks a bunch, big guy."

Campers crowded around me as Pegasus flew off at lightning speeds. I smiled smugly until I noticed Chiron stepping though the crowd, "Mr. L/n! We thought you had died!"

"Chiron," I said, trying to sound casual, "Yeah, I goofed."

He began listing off punishments until I pulled the shield from behind my back, "...Oh. Oh, this changes things," Chiron thought for a moment, "You'll still have consequences, but it seems you proved me wrong."

I was welcomed back with open arms. Turns out they burned a burial shroud for me. I had to attend a meeting about the upcoming battle and what my A-Wall quest would do to help. It went long, which I can't stand, but we had some more plans figured out.

All I had to do was wait...

Chapter Text

We began prepping for war. Hephaestus cabin began working extra hard on traps. Apollo cabin was training extra hard at archery. Us in the Athena cabin trained as well. I was in charge of battle strategies however.

Has someone ever voluntold you to do something? Has someone ever voluntold you to make plans so good that it wouldn't get your family and friends murdered by your great-grandpa's army? In a word, stressful. I mulled over charts and maps in my cabin. This would've been a lot easier with Annabeth here. She may be a year younger than me, but she's much smarter than me. I got the tracking and owl-speech, she got the brains. But no, my best friend was off saving the world.

I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and continued scribbling notes. Pyromania and the Shield of Achilles sat leaned against the wall nearby. I glanced over at them and considered training for a moment. I pushed my chair from the desk and grabbed my stuff.

At the arena, tensions were high. I rubbed my face and noticed that my usual cocky smirk was gone. It scared me, its absence. I was meant to be the beacon. I've been at camp longer than most of these kids. Most of the people I went to camp with either died or joined up with Luke. I was meant to be the constant hope for the people around me. But, at this very moment, in the face of danger, my smile was gone.

I saw little Derick wearing armor that was definitely too big for him. Turned out he was a child of Hermes. That's when a little spark popped into my head. The reason I went on that stupid, most definitely dangerous quest was for kids like him; kids who might very well turn into a demigod statistic.

Derick's technique was off. I walked up next to him and cleared my throat, "Hey, little dude, you might want to make your slashes less swoopy."

He jumped when he noticed me, "Ah! Oh thanks, Y/n."

"No problem, man. Just remember to take all the Toonami you watched and toss it in the trash. Real swashbuckling is a bit different from the movies."

He looked up at me and smiled a bit, "Mind showing me?"

Ever since Luke left camp, there's not been an exceptional sword teacher. Quintus was alright, don't get me wrong, just not as good as Luke. I extended Pyromania and stepped in front of one of the dummies.

A while later, I had taught Derick some old German techniques I had picked up. He seemed genuinely happy. Guess I did my job right. My spirits were renewed as I stepped back into my cabin to continue my scribbling.

I finally had a good setup. Traps set up around the boulder, Ares and Apollo blockade, tents set up around the battlefield for support and storage. This battle was going to be more legendary than Thermopile (mostly because history HEAVILY romanticized the battle). All that was left was running the plans by Chiron.

Chapter Text

I submitted my battle plans to Chiron last night. They were unanimously voted 'yes' by the other counselors. We began actual preparations a day later.

I stood there in one of the tents, clad in the finest armor we could muster, Pyromania and the Shield of Achilles strapped to me. One of the Demeter guys poked his head in, "Commander, it's about to happen. Chiron wants you out there."

"Understood. Thank you."

I stepped out of the tent and looked around. Everything was to my specifications. I nodded at Chiron, noticing he was talking with Percy. I was relieved to see that everyone had returned from the quest. I stood at my place in the front of the army.

I nodded over at my allies and got in a good sword stance. As I raised the shield, I finally felt some of its power. The shield, as it turns out, grants stamina and speed. I smiled even wider and tensed up.

Suddenly, I felt a great presence underneath us, "Heroes!" I shouted, my head screaming that danger was near, "Get ready!" I looked around with my sword raised, its flames dancing, "Trust your gut and trust the gods! Let's make the Mycenaeans proud!"

Just then, a wave of monsters and familiar faces rushed from Zeus' Fist. They fell to the traps, piles of dust and bodies rained everywhere. The next wave poured out just as quickly. The Apollo cabin rained arrows down on the ivaders and it seemed we had the upper hand.

We had the upper hand until another wave of monsters and demigods came out of the Labyrinth. The boulder that once looked like both Zeus' Fist and a pile of deer poop was nothing but pebbles now, "Advance!" I screamed as I ran a monster straight through.

And we did. The battle was chaos. Bodies fell left and right, both demigod and monster. We were losing bad. We had eighty troops to their hundreds. I felt a few more allies join our side. It was Quintus, Nico di Angelo, and Quintus' hellhound. They were a great help, slicing and dicing through monsters like a Food Network chef.

It seemed to help a little until a giant monster emerged from the Labyrinth. She was green and had snakes for hair. She was massive and terrifying. She was practically eating our army. That was until another being entered the battle.

"Briares!" I heard Tyson shout with glee. That was, in fact, a Hundred Handed One. He had a giant boulder that he threw at the snake-haired woman, crushing her and a few other monsters.

We were still losing bad. Now the dryads were getting involved and the forest was being destroyed. I heard the most anguished, passionate goat-bleat of my life. It was my old pal Grover Underwood. He stood there, screaming. The scream somehow sent Kronos' army packing. They ran into the Labyrinth with their literal tails between their legs.

What happened next was a blur. What I do remember is sitting amongst the bodies of my fallen allies. I held onto camp necklaces like dog tags. We lost some good kids in this battle. Some who had only been here a few summers. A few who hadn't even been here a whole summer. I kept my brave face on as I walked away from the carnage, but I don't think my tears did much to keep the illusion.

The Apollo cabin checked me out afterwards. Nothing a few Band-Aids, Aspirin, and a bit of magic couldn't fix. That night we burnt burial shrouds, lots of them. It was a good ceremony. I sat with the remnants of the Athena cabin. There were six of us left including me.

We won the battle thanks to a thing Grover called 'Panic'. It's a gift from the god Pan. They met up with a hologram of him before the battle. He's dead, Pan, and now we mortals must carry on his legacy. Grover a lot cooler than he gives himself credit for. I love the dude dearly.

Briares was also a friend from the quest. They found him in Alcatraz after leaving Texas. He's the final Hundred Handed One left. Kampe was the one who had gotten crushed. Served her right, she was a really bad monster.

After this summer, I think I'll take a much needed vacation to my dad's house. He's going to be immensely disturbed by my war stories, but he'll be pretty happy that I made it.

And thus the story of the Battle of the Labyrinth.

Chapter Text

"The end," Y/n finished, spreading his arms out, "You all may now applaud."

The children around him did indeed applaud. Y/n was sitting on a rocking chair on the Big House porch. Around him were a group of Legacies and demigods.

"How much of that story was made up, Uncle Y/n?" asked a boy with spiky blonde hair and sea green eyes.

"Kiddo," Y/n said, "That's for me to know and you to not know."

Another kid spoke up quietly, "I thought it was a good story."

Y/n, now much older - in demigod terms - from when his story took place, sat amongst the children of his friends and some other kids who were fellow children of Athena. Y/n visited camp often, much like his friends, and would often entertain with stories of his great adventures.

"What happened next, Y/n?" asked one of the others, another child of Athena.

"Next?" Y/n tapped his chin, "That would have to be the Battle of Manhattan. Where to start though...?"

He sat up in his rocking chair, "Okay, you ever see a movie where a grizzled old action hero gets pulled from retirement? Well..."