39 Chapter 39: Gifts, Surprises, and Soulmates?

I had slept in Sally's spare room that night and the weeks before and after Sammy's public funeral. It pained me to see her looking in the casket so peaceful and beautiful with only a few specks of her flesh darkened from the fires. Most of her hair had burned off but it didn't bother me. I only wished that she was around to see how beautiful she looked. I had helped Lin and Vanessa pick out the casket for her, the beautifully carved casket matched her natural beauty that the makeup accentuated.

The nightmares only strengthened after her funeral that I didn't feel safe sleeping in the Poseidon or Athena cabin so I stayed at Sally's. Even though camp provided food to its residents she insisted on cooking herself especially since I was sleeping in her spare room. Her food was heavenly, a part of me hoped that Sammy would return soon enough so she could taste the magnificence of my grandmother's cooking.

My eyes snapped open as I bolted out from my bed after seeing visions of falling into a pit and Chaos' voice saying that it was time for training. I pushed my hair back as I realized that I woke up in a cold sweat from the nightmare. I got out of the bed and leaned out the window that was facing the lake. It was still dark out but I could spot the faint light of the sun cresting over the horizon painting the water a light orange which would later make the waters look like lava and the sky turn all sorts of colors. I sighed as I grabbed a camp t-shirt sliding it on over my body before sliding on my sandals and walking out onto the beach. Once I got there I kicked off my sandals and sat in the tide letting the water wet me to calm me down from the nightmare.

"How are you feeling," a voice asked once the sun had fully appeared, startled, I jumped a little to see Stephan standing next to me looking out at the sky

I shrugged, "As well as you can be after having your heartbroken," I said, "for the second time this year fifth in your whole life," I mumbled then turned my head to face him. "What about you," I asked as I realized how much taller he'd be next to his oldest sister

Stephan sat next to me, unfazed by the water lapping gently at his feet, "I can't say much," he began as he continued to stare out at the rising sun. "I didn't know her that well but I know how it is to lose someone that close to you."

"How so," I asked as a blonde curl blew in my face from the wind

Stephan sighed, "Will you tell me your story after I tell you mine," he asked as I smiled

"You got it, Valdez," I said with a chuckle, "go ahead."

"I had lost my family in Cali," he began, "my girlfriend of five years died in a wildfire that had me devastated. I was on the run, trying to find a friend who'd take me in until I ran into Leo. He had explained to me everything as we flew on this metal dragon that I could barely understand. Before I knew it we were heading to this school to watch you and Sammy perform."

His eyes darted to me as if saying it was my turn to tell him my story, "My family had died when I was eleven," I began with a sigh as my gaze returned to the horizon. "I was housed by Thalia whose name was Maria at the time until Child Protection Services found out and forced me into foster care. I was in Toledo's foster care until the end of eighth grade where the foster family I was with forced me to move here. After we got here I was dumped in front of Graham Windham to be given off to my first abusive foster homes. One child and two abusive foster homes later I ran into Renée who helped me out and took me in. I had a child from the first foster home here. She was a child of one of two men who forced themselves upon me. I had to abandon her and I had seen her for the third time since then. Lin had found her in the alleyway behind Richard Rogers."

"Who was the second loss this year," Stephan asked as tears welled up in my eyes

I shook my head to rid myself of them as I traced the letters on one of the bracelets that were Sammy's. "His name was Ric," I began, "a day after I had met Sammy and seen Hamilton for the first time he was taking me on a date. We got stuck in the middle of an intersection, a semi lost its brakes and started running over cars. Ric pulled me from the door as the semi crashed into us," I paused, "it was about a month or two later where I found out he was my brother."

"So, you lost him once more, in another way," he asked as I nodded

"But I saw him after I found that out," I said looking at him as he arched an eyebrow. "The coma I was in after the attack at the festival," I began, "I was able to see every missing demigod, dead demigods, dead family members which in turn showed me Ric, or in this case, Luke. He was my guide during it but something was wrong with him," I let that hang as I looked at the horizon that started to blue out

"What do you mean," Stephan asked as he followed my gaze

"The second time I went out," I began, "I had found out that he lied about how many people he could tell me the future of. Before he went to the Fields of Punishment I saw a golden haze leave his eyes before he disappeared. I wish I could talk to him after that and see what happened," I finished

"Why," Stephan asked me, "he messed with your life."

I sighed, "Have you ever been told about Kronos," I asked him as he shook his head, "have you read the books that explained Percy's first war?"

"First war," Stephan asked, the surprise evident in his voice

"I'll take that as a no," I began with a chuckle, "Kronos has to take a host to fight against the Olympians. The last host that he took was a close friend of my mother and father who sacrificed himself to save the world. When Kronos was in control of this demigod his eyes were golden instead of their usual blue."

"So, you think Kronos had control of him," Stephan asked I nodded, "you can talk to the dead now right?"

I nodded, "But if I remember correctly," I began as I turned to look at him, he shared the same eye color as Sammy did so it hurts a little to look into his eyes. "I'd have to go down to the Underworld with Nico, make an offering of a McDonalds Happy Meal, and sit and hope the person I want to talk to comes up."

"So, to talk to him or Sammy you'd have to sit there and wait for them to eat from your offering of a Happy Meal," Stephan asked, "why in Ares gym shorts is it a Happy Meal?"

I shrugged, "Probably so Hades doesn't have to take into account any deaths that were a sacrifice to talk to loved ones. I believe it used to be human sacrifices but we'd have to talk to the son of Hades or Hades himself to be sure of that."

"You got that right," a voice said behind us, making us jump, "Hades didn't want any souls lusting for blood so he made it Happy Meals instead of the blood offering."

I snapped my fingers, "I did remember reading that correctly," I said with a grin

"Where did you read that," Nico asked as he sat to my right while Stephan was sitting to the left of me. "And is he going to be your next lover?"

I shot a glare at the son of Hades, "No he is not going to be the next lover," I began, "I'm waiting for Sammy to come back since both Hestia and Zoë said that they don't feel her story being over. As for how I know," I began, "there are these books, I'm surprised Annabeth hasn't started reading them, that describes the wars that Percy's fought in with you, the seven, the hunters," I paused. "Everyone who has helped was mentioned in them. The books that are in Percy's point of view describe Luke as a hero and everyone who died for him as the heroes of the war, not him."

���It seems like those books described him well," Annabeth began from behind us, "I wonder who the author's source was."

I smiled, "I don't know but the first book is called The Lightning Thief if you ever want to read them."

"You better tell me the name of the author because there's a lot of books here with that title," Annabeth said as she ruffled my hair. "Come on, we convinced Sally not to make you breakfast today because there's something that Chiron wants to announce and he wants to give you something as well."

I looked out to the horizon to see a figure coming toward us, "Yeah," I began as the figure became clearer and clearer. "I'll get cleaned up and see you guys there, it looks like grandpa wants to talk to me."

As I finished I noticed Annabeth looking at and noticing the sea smell of Poseidon, "Okay," she began, "I'll see you later."

The three of them left just as Poseidon came to shore, "I'm sorry for your loss Zoë," he began once the wave receded. "Just before you leave with Chaos I wanted to give you something as well as Hephaestus but I'm thinking that it will be at Bunker 9."

I chuckled, "Thank you Poseidon," I began, "what is it that you wanted to give me?"

The god sighed, "I wanted to give Sammy something on top of the blessing that I'm sure you figured out I gave her," he began and I nodded as I remembered her reaction to the water not getting her wet. "I was told that she made something like these but these allow the wielder to return to the ocean with a push of the button at the base of the hilt. The wielder of the other dagger will know where that person is. It will give some sort of sense that children of mine have whenever someone they know is in the water or there is water nearby."

While saying this he handed me two sheathed daggers with their hilts sea-green and the blades looking like they were made from the coral reef. "Thank you Poseidon," I began, "if you don't mind me asking, why did you bless Sammy?"

"For the same reason that Hephaestus blessed you," he said with a small smile

"In case I didn't hurt her with my powers during a PTSD attack," I asked and he nodded. "Thank you," I began, "I'll go see if he's at Bunker 9 right now."

"Take care Zoë," Poseidon began, "what your namesake and Hestia said about Sammy's story not being over anytime soon may very well be true. I still suggest you take caution in what you do."

I smiled as I turned to look at my grandfather before running off to Sally's house to get cleaned up. "And die before Sammy gets back," I began, "I'm smarter than that."

As I ran off I heard him laughing as I clambered up the steps and into the room that I was staying in for the past few weeks. "What has you in a rush," Sally's voice asked as I hurried to get cleaned up

"Mom told me that Chiron wants to make an announcement as well as give me something while Poseidon just told me that Hephaestus might be at Bunker 9 to give me something," I began as I stepped into the bathroom. "If he isn't I still want to pay Leo a visit to see how he's doing as well as get to know Naomi a little better."

"Well then you'd better hurry up, that breakfast is going to start soon," Sally said as I started closing the door with a clean t-shirt and shorts in hand

"That's what I am intending," I said before closing the door to hang my clothes on a hook. I took off the wet clothes that I didn't care to dry and put them in the hamper which caused them to instantly disappear. Once I stepped into the shower I looked around the tub to see only one thing of shampoo in body wash with a not

'I would prefer you to use these since it will show everyone your true self, Bianca and Thalia are getting these as well as the two Valdez's. I am sorry for your loss, look in the pockets of your new outfit for a gift to aid you in ending the E-Team.'

Curious of the new outfit I tried to pull back the curtain to take a look but the curtain wouldn't budge. "No looking until after your shower," Aphrodite's voice said as I sighed

"Can you at least take the note back so I won't have to worry about a piece of paper going down the drain," I asked the goddess as I started the water

"It's done," she said before a flash of pink light enveloped the room signifying her disappearance. I turned to see the note gone and made an attempt to pull at the curtain with no luck as the shower sputtered on

"Fucking cursed curtains," I muttered as I squirted some of the shampoo into my hand and lathered it into my hair. As I worked on washing my hair I felt it getting a little heavier. I sighed as I figured that the shampoo caused it to grow more. I rinsed my hands and squirted some body wash onto my hand and lathered myself up. I found that I didn't need to stretch myself like a pretzel to get my back because the body wash seemed to wrap around my torso as I felt a tingle of magic working at my scars. As I finished washing my legs the shower turned off and I grumbled, "This is not helping me hurry up for breakfast."

"What's wrong," Sally said as I heard the door open as I tried to get the water to run once more

"Aphrodite thought it was a good idea to give me body wash and shampoo to reveal my true looks," I began as I sensed the water. "I had just finished putting the soap on my legs when the water shut off, I couldn't get out of the shower because she enchanted the curtain to not move until I was done with my shower."

I felt the tingle of magic all over my body as I heard Sally muttering, "Annabeth told me that Thalia and Bianca are going through the same thing," she began. "I don't think it should be long before the shower turns back on so relax a little and I'll tell your mother what's going on."

"Thanks, Sally," I said as I sat on the edge of the tub watching the shower head hoping that it'll turn on if I glare at it.

"No problem Zo," she said as I heard the door open and close

After a few minutes of staring at the showerhead, it sputtered to life causing me to jump a little since I almost fell asleep watching it. "Could've had something that said to let the body wash and shampoo sit for a certain amount of time before rinsing," I muttered as I rinsed off the soap that stopped tingling after twenty minutes. Soon after I stepped out of the shower and heated my body as I saw a suit hanging from the door. "I've always wanted to try wearing a suit," I said with a chuckle as I grabbed everything and put it on. I was adjusting the tie when a knock sounded on the door. "Hey mom," I said as I looked at her wearing a dress, "before you ask I have no idea what Aphrodite is thinking."

She chuckled as she looked me up and down, "Kept the eyes but the hair turned a little brighter and had more of my curls to it," she said as I buttoned the middle button of the suit jacket. "It looks like you have my athletic figure as well," she added as I adjusted the cuffs, "how do you know how to put on a suit?"

I chuckled, "I watched some videos on ties and the rest is pretty simple to figure out," I began. "I've never been a fan of dresses much less dressing up and I've always wanted to try wearing one seeing it as no different than wearing a dress."

Annabeth chuckled as I stepped out of the bathroom, "Well that's good to know," she said, "I do think a suit fits you better though."

I arched an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Yep," she said with a smile before grabbing onto my wrist, "now come on it's time for the breakfast surprise."

"What in Hades could be this surprise," I muttered as she dragged me out of the house and to the pavilion. "You two are looking good," I said to Bianca and Thalia as we met up with them

"Did Aphrodite choose the suit," Thalia asked her hair now as black as Percy's and short and choppy as her namesakes

"Yeah and forcibly trapped in the shower for about thirty minutes," I said as I looked between the two. "Same with you two," I asked as my gaze landed on Bianca who's dirty blonde hair grew out to the base of her shoulder blades straighter than mine but her eyes changed to sea-green and she obtained a swimmers figure while Thalia had a combination of the two and grey eyes

"Yeah," Bianca began with a nod, "it wasn't fun, how are you feeling, do you wanna sit with us or mom?"

I smiled, "I'm fine," I began, "considering something is going on I'd rather sit with my sisters, no offense mom."

Annabeth chuckled, "None taken, I'd rather sit with my family anyways."

I smiled as we sat at the table with Percy who was looking at the front of the pavilion, "What are you looking at dad?"

"The two girls up there with Leo," he began, "I can tell who Naomi is but I can't identify the other girl."

I looked up as I noticed amber eyes glancing in my direction my heart dropping to the pit of my stomach, 'Are you still there Cal,' I asked in my mind as I saw her smile

'It's just me Zoë, why are you asking this,' Annabeth's voice answered then she turned to the front of the pavilion and gasped answering her own question

"I'd know those eyes anywhere," I muttered as I marched to the front meeting Leo as her amber eyes followed me. "Is this why Aphrodite dolled me up," I asked as a smile formed on my face. "Is this the important thing that Chiron had for me," I asked as the centaur chuckled

"This is a new development for everyone," he began as his eyes darted to her, "go ahead."

After that affirmation I was attacked with a hug, "Sammy," I began as I held onto her as tightly as I could. "How is this possible," I asked as she hung by my neck holding on for dear life

"Chaos," she began as I felt her tears wet my shoulder, "Chaos appeared as I was about to go to my destination saying that I shouldn't be dead just yet. He brought me back here in front of Leo and Naomi to say that the training needs to begin as soon as possible."

"We'll be sure of that," I said with a smile on my face as tears came to my eyes

"For this occasion, I am letting couples sit next to each other for the full day," Chiron began. "It is a special day that is why Aphrodite had required you to dress up even if it was in different clothing than you are used to."

Much of the campers present were grumbling at the new dress while others happily took seats next to their partners. I looked at Sammy who's happiness made her eye sparkle, "I'm guessing you want to sit with me and my family," I said as she laughed and I lead her to the table

"Now this is something I didn't think I'd ever see," Annabeth said as we came to the table with her sitting at my right while Sammy leaned against my left. "It was surprising enough for Chaos to bring you back from a near-death coma but bringing Sammy back from the dead would break all of his laws."

"Maybe he isn't who we thought he was," I said with a smirk as I rubbed Sammy's shoulders then looked up to see Chiron speak

"As for the special occasion," he began his eyes darting toward Sammy, "other than a legacy returning to us by the good graces of the creator," the crowd cheered, making Sammy blush. "Aphrodite is doing a once in a lifetime thing, she intended to do it during Valentine's Day but her happiness overcame her to find a couple together," he paused to look at us which caused me to blush. "The goddess of love will tell whether or not the two people are compatible with one another. She is being assisted by Eros, a primordial whose powers over love are much stronger than hers."

Just as the introductions were made two figures flashed onto the stage making everyone cover their eyes. Once our vision cleared we see Aphrodite with a man towering over her looking like a body-builder but in a hot way.

"Thank you for the introductions Chiron," Eros began as Sammy and I just stared at him. "Oh right," he said once he looked around the room to see everyone staring at him. Suddenly he snapped his fingers and the power dimmed significantly. "My apologies, I have an aura that is stronger than any other and commands people to stare at me and I forget I have it because I'm not on Earth that often."

Chiron nodded, "So who would like to be the first to test this out," the centaur asked as everyone talked amongst themselves

"I think you two should try it," Percy blurted out looking directly at Sammy and me. I had to tear my gaze from her because her blonde hair had changed to a beautiful brunette and her skin had darkened to show her Mexican heritage. She had an athletic build that said she could kick anyone's ass if they crossed her path.

I arched an eyebrow as Annabeth explained, "For all, we know that could be a fake of Sammy and who better would it be to tell than a primordial?"

I sighed, "I understand but if I am right about this being her then you two better do it too," I said with a smirk as they nodded

"I bet ten drachmas that it isn't Sammy," Percy said as I arched an eyebrow, "what? You have to make your money somehow," he added as I rolled my eyes

"I add twenty to that bet to make it thirty," Annabeth said as Leo yelled to make it fifty

"I have a feeling that you're going to have to split some winnings," Sammy said with a chuckle as she stood up

"You are on," I said as I followed her to the front to stand in front of the Olympian goddess and the primordial. "Lady Aphrodite, Lord Eros," I began as I knelt in front of them with Sammy next to me. "We shall be the first to test it out," I said as my eyes met Sammy's as she smiled

"Before we continue is anyone raising the drachma bet from fifty," a voice yelled next to me. "This is to see if I'm Sammy and was started by Percy," she added as people threw in amounts and soon it was totaled up to two thousand five hundred drachmas bet that Sammy wasn't herself only five in our favor

I glanced at her with an arched eyebrow to which she smiled, "Why?"

"You gotta get your money somehow Smart Guppy," she said as I sighed

The two immortals in front of us chuckled, "Please rise, you two," Eros said and we obeyed Sammy's hand holding onto mine. "You two are perhaps the cutest couple for me to judge the compatibility of," he said with a grin. "I do see how a suit does suit you best," he threw in as everyone groaned. "Your test is already running before you say anything and you Miss Jackson are going to have a payday for this is the Valdez that you miss."

I smiled as the pavilion cheered, "Told you I'd recognize her," I said looking at the table where my family sat showing Thalia and Bianca beaming while Annabeth and Percy groaned

"Wow," Eros said as I turned my gaze back to him, "I can see why Aphrodite was so happy for you two to be together because you're soulmates."

I grinned as Sammy attacked me with a hugging while squealing in excitement. "Thank you," I said with a small bow before returning to my family, "you two are it," I said with a smile as I returned to several bags of drachmas

Percy and Annabeth grumbled as they stood up from the table and walked to the front of the pavilion to the immortals. "How did you know it was her," Thalia asked me as I looked at the bag, "and I bet the five in favor of you."

I smiled as I gave her five drachmas, "I knew because Calypso wasn't in my head when my eyes met Sammy's," I began. "It was a far-fetched hope I know by I still held onto it as I hurried to the front of the pavilion."

"So, it was the same feeling that she had when Annabeth wasn't in her head," Bianca asked as I nodded and I smile formed on my lips once soulmates were announced once more and the crowd cheered for Percabeth

"Yeah," I said with a smile then I looked at Sammy, "you wanna split this somewhere else?"

"And spend time with you before training that is led by the creator," she asked with a brunette eyebrow arched. "Of course," she said with a smile, "a little birdy also told me that you haven't been staying with Percy and Annabeth so I want to see where you have been staying."

"That's right," I began as I grabbed the bags and my plate that had half-eaten food. "You still need to meet Percy's mother," I finished with a smile which disappeared as she frowned, "what's with the frown?"

"Don't you think she'll hate me for being a part of a gang that put her family in danger," she asked as I shook my head

"Nope," I said with a grin

"Why's that Jackson?"

I looked at her as she glared at me, somehow in the weeks that she was gone her glare had strengthened making me step back in fear a little. "Because she insisted that it wasn't your fault and that Percy was only working on getting rid of the gang. She understands why I call you Brave Embers," I explained as I remembered telling Sally about the legacy of Hephaestus that I had adored

"I'll hold you to that Jackson," she grumbled as she took one of the bags from my hand then taking the empty hand and holding it. "I like living a lot better," she said with a dreamy smile as I looked down at her

Soon we arrived at the cabin which was more like a house that Sally was staying at, "Sally," I called out as Sammy looked around in awe, "I'm here from breakfast with someone nobody expected to be back."

"Your mother designed all of this," Sammy asked as she tilted her head back almost falling if I hadn't caught her by her shoulders. "Thanks, Jackson," she muttered as I pushed her back to her feet

"No problem Valdez," I began as I saw my grandmother walking to us, "oh, and I got paid."

"How the Hades did you get paid," Sally muttered before her eyes darted to Sammy, "Sally Blofis, Percy's mother, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss?"

"Samantha Valdez," Sammy began, "but I'd rather you call me Sammy," she finished shaking the hand of my grandmother whose face went slack in shock

"That's how I got paid," I said with a smile, "Aphrodite and Eros are doing compatibility tests with couples, and everyone bet that she wasn't who we said she was. The bet was started by Percy, grew thanks to Annabeth and Leo making the bet fifty. Before Eros announced that she was Sammy she asked the crowd if they wanted to add to the bet and soon we had two thousand five hundred against the five that Thalia bet in my favor."

"How did you know that it was her and how is she alive," Sally asked dumbfounded as Sammy chuckled

"My mother's consciousness is still in my head," Sammy began, "whenever we were in the coma dimension either Annabeth or Calypso would go into the heads of those who were still awake and alive. As for how I'm still alive," she paused as she smiled and a tear ran down her cheek. "Chaos stopped the Fates from declaring where I was to go, he said that all legacies are needed for this war and that I shouldn't be dead."

A thought came into my head as she finished, "If he said that," I began, "then where's Luke?"

"He said that Luke is excluded because of what he did to get you to join him in the afterlife," she explained as I nodded. "I had already asked him and that was the answer he gave as well as with the message about training."

Sally smiled, "I guess I'll make a fresh batch of cookies to celebrate then," she said, "you two go upstairs and divide your winnings while cuddling I'll call you when they're done."

I nodded, "Thanks Sally," I said before leading Sammy to the room that I was staying

"Would it be too much to ask to see how much that body wash and shampoo changed of your body," Sammy asked nervously once I had closed the door

I looked to see her blushing, "Not at all," I began, "I was going to ask if you were fine with me taking this off because I hate dressing up. You can take yours off if you want to," I said with a smile as I slid the jacket off before loosening the tie. I slid the undershirt off after I had unbuttoned the dress shirt when I felt a warm hand land on my bra strap. "You want that," I asked as I felt it heat up

"Yes," her soft voice said as I felt the strap burn off to have the bra hang limply by my shoulders

"There's no reason to be nervous about asking," I began, "at least this is better than the first two times."

Sammy chuckled as I took the rest of my clothes off looking at how much the scars from my life as Rose had deepened but still matched the color of my tanned skin. I turned around to see her completely undressed, "I'm going to have to get used to your Mexican complexion," I said with a chuckle as I grabbed the bags and sat on the bed with my legs outstretched so she could lay on them before I put a blanket over us

"It's a good thing only looks were changed then," she said with a smile as I opened the bags to count my winnings. "One thousand two-fifty," she said as I stared at the wall trying to do the math in my head

"Thanks," I said as a blush formed, "I didn't inherit the mathematician ability that Annabeth has."

Sammy chuckled as she pushed herself up to lay her chin on my stomach, "I know but I still love you."

"You're itching for a kiss aren't you," I asked as she pushed herself even closer to my face

"How'd you know," she asked as her face was now inches from mine

"You've been dead for two weeks," I began, "and you're pushing yourself up toward my face. I think I can figure that out Valdez," I said with a smirk as she folded her hands on top of my breast and resting her head on them

She grinned, "You love me, Jackson," she said before looking into my eyes, "but you are a hundred percent correct with that."

"Then why don't I close the gap," I said before leaning over and kissing her. For a minute she seemed a little surprised before I felt her sink into the kiss. I licked her lips for entrance and she gave in as we fought for dominance. Soon she won and began exploring my mouth with her tongue as her hands tangled themselves into my hair as mine held onto her ass in a tight grip. Soon they ended up at her hips as my body kept craving for her attention this time being more aggressive than when I was raped.

Eventually, we part looking into each other's eyes while panting, "That was," she paused, "longer than I expected."

"It was fun," I said with a smile as she laughed

"At least we know that we're both healing," she said as my hands rested right above her butt. "Just not ready for that," she said with a smirk as I chuckled

"My body seems to be ready but I don't think I'll be mentally ready for a while," I said as she nodded

"I understand," she began, "I feel that way too having to fight guys off kind of keeps the desire away."

I smiled, "I'm so glad to have someone so understanding with that," I said which made her grin. "I don't know what I'd do without you," I said as her hands sat around my neck

"Hopefully move on and not die," she said as I chuckled, "I told you I was going to bust my ass to get back here."

"Who knew that Chaos was on our side with the whole you living thing," I said, making her chuckle. "I think this surprise makes up for the forced thirty-minute shower from Aphrodite."

"Thirty minutes," Sammy asked with an arched eyebrow as I nodded, "what made it thirty minutes?"

"A goddess turning off the water after I had finished soaping myself up in magical shampoo and body wash as well as in a trapped tub since she cursed the curtain to only open when I was done," I explained then thought of what I just said

"When you finished soaping yourself up," Sammy muttered thoughtfully as she looked off into the distance before she started laughing

"Shut up Valdez," I began as my hands moved further down since she pushed herself up so we were face to face. "Even I didn't know I said that until after and I don't know what I meant by it."

"Maybe you meant when you were done lathering yourself up in soap," she offered as I felt my cheeks warm up at the seductive tone that she was using

"What is with the sudden change in tone," I asked before gasping, "Eros, Aphrodite please don't do this," I called out as I felt something in me before Sammy kissed me deeply as whatever was inside me moved to cause me to moan

Suddenly, Sammy pushed herself off of me and looked at my slack face, her eyes wide before she looked down. "What the Hades," I heard her mutter as she went under the sheets and I felt her hand fumbling with something. "I'm sorry for whatever I'm about to do but if it doesn't stop this would you like to carry on?"

"Yes," I said with another moan before I gasped once more, feeling her hands go inside me. "What is happening," I said while panting just as a piece of paper fluttered in front of me. "Note," was all I said before gasping as I felt her hands being removed but the object was still in me

Sammy crawled on top of me so she could read the note aloud to me, "Dear Zoë and Sammy," she began as her hand rested on my breast. "I know that your lives may have been hard so I decided to give you two a gift. I wanted it to be delivered normally but no one would mail this, I do apologize in advance for where this teleports to and what happens. It will not leave one of your bodies until the deed is complete, I apologize once again but it seems no one in the Hermes delivery service isn't willing to deliver this in person. Sincerely Eros," she finished with a sighed as I closed my eyes and let out a soft moan. "Well at least he knew this would happen," Sammy muttered before I felt her gaze land on me. "I'm sorry Zoë," she muttered as I opened my eyes once more

"Don't be sorry," I began while panting, "just have this thing stop teasing me, at least this happened with you around I don't think I would do it with anyone else."

After I finished I saw Sammy's lips curl into a smile before she climbed on top of me. "Well then, if that's the case," she began more seductively than before, "where was I," she asked before kissing me. She began with a deep kiss on the lips before biting my lip to get access. With a gasp, she dove in exploring my mouth once more but this time she was playing with my breasts as my hands found her hair and tangled themselves into it. Once she parted she pushed herself down while dragging a finger down the middle of my body making me shiver before she was below me. "I don't know how to do this so bear with me," she said as I felt her gaze on me and I nodded gasping once more as I felt the object go deeper inside of me. Slowly the speed quickened as I felt hands on my hips

"What kind of dildo is this," I asked panting as I moved with the motion before moaning

"One that attaches itself to me," Sammy I heard her say as she panted as I moaned once more but it was combined with a groan. "What's with cursed items," she muttered

"I don't know," I said while panting, "but could you go faster?"

I pushed myself up to look at her, she smiled before I saw her thrust her hips faster and the dildo going in harder. Remembering where we were I pushed myself closer to her so I was sitting at the edge of the bed holding onto her body as she continued to thrust. "It feels like when this thing attached itself to me it's either connected to nerve endings or is inside me too because this feels so good."

I chuckled before I felt my body stiffen, I grabbed onto her and moaned into her shoulder as I felt my liquids coming out of me. "Harder," I cried as I held onto her and she obliged. Soon I felt myself biting her shoulder and heard her moaning as well as I played with her breasts. I gasped as I felt the dildo deeper inside of me before I stiffened one last time feeling Sammy cling to my body with us moaning in unison as our juices went all over the place. I froze as I felt some come inside of me but I didn't want to push Sammy off of me just yet since she was still as stiff as a board as her body was full of pleasure. I took the dildo out of my body letting it fall to the floor before pushing us up the bed with Sammy still clinging to me. I smirked as my hand went below her and I started fingering her making her gasp. "I thought you passed out from the pleasure," I said just as she came all over my hand

"How are you not exhausted from that," Sammy asked into my shoulder that was hurting a little

"Oh," I began, "I'm exhausted, but I did have to run from the alley where I was raped to school so I didn't have any time to rest after then."

"Well you can rest now because I'm going to," she said before her body went slack in my arms

I smiled, "I wouldn't blame you," I whispered, kissing her forehead before kicking the blankets over us. I was about to fall asleep when a knock sounded at the door and my eyes widened as I remembered where we were. I sensed Sammy's juices on the floor at the end bed so I willed them to soak onto the bed before telling Sally she could come in

"Well someone gave you quite the gift," she said as she made her way to a nightstand after looking down at the bed making me blush since I forgot about the dildo. "Forced or consensual," she asked as she set a plate down on the nightstand

"Half and half," I said with a blush as Sammy's body moved and Sally arched an eyebrow. "Eros gave that to us as a gift but no one would personally deliver it to us so he had to teleport it his way with many apologies."

Sally chuckled, "That reminds me of when Aphrodite did that to your parents," she began. "Annabeth became so seductive to Percy that he didn't know what to do until he cursed out Aphrodite."

"Did they end up doing it," I asked as she nodded

"I pushed them out of the room so they could do it just to break the curse Aphrodite put on Annabeth," she explained with a chuckle. "I understood what you two were doing but Annabeth still checked. I think you should check to see if she's okay."

My eyes widened, "She can still see through my eyes," I asked as Sally nodded before leaving the room. 'I am so sorry you had to see that mom, I hope you understand,' I thought to Annabeth as I leaned over and grabbed a cookie

'I do understand,' she began in reply, 'But now I'm beat-red in embarrassment because she did not have to tell you that story, at least you were the only one awake for it.'

I chuckled as Sammy stirred, "Can I have a cookie?"

My eyes widened, "Were you awake for that whole conversation," I asked as she nodded which made me chuckle as I imagined Annabeth getting redder

"What are you laughing," she said before taking a bite of the cookie and closing her eyes with a moan. "This is heavenly," she said with her mouth full of cookie making me laugh

"You are adorable," I said, "as for what I was laughing at Annabeth just said that she was glad that I was the only one awake to hear that conversation."

"Calypso's laughing her ass off in my head," Sammy said letting the end of the sentence hang before she blushed. "Mom," she exclaimed making me laugh

"Do I even want to know what she just said?"

"I don't think you have a choice in the matter Zoë," Calypso's voice said as she appeared where Sally was not too long ago making me jump

"I need to get used to seeing spirits," I muttered as I took another cookie and stuffed it in my mouth

Calypso smiled, "That you do," she began, "as for what I told Sammy," she began nodding to her daughter who was burying herself into my body. "I conceived her on Festus," she said making me choke on a cookie

"No way," I said as I started coughing out pieces of the cookie while still laughing. "I don't think I want to know how that's possible," I said after the cookie was clear of my throat

"She's burying herself into you because I showed her," Calypso said before disappearing as I looked down at my girlfriend

"That is not something you show your daughter," I exclaimed as I felt Sammy's body-language change to have her laughing

"I beg to differ," Calypso said through Sammy before she reached down making it so her hand laid below the blankets as her dark eyes looked up at me

"Give control back to your daughter Cal," I began as I started feeling fingers move inside of me. "Please," I asked with a little more urgency before watching Sammy's eyes return to amber. "Thank the gods," I muttered as I felt the movement stop but her hand was still inside

"It is not fun having a horny mother in your head," Sammy muttered as she munched on her cookie

"Are you going to take your hand out of me," I asked arching an eyebrow as she looked down then back at me

"Not for now at least," she said moving the hand a little causing me to moan, "at least you're not having an attack from this."

"True," I said as I moved my hand to begin fingering her again, "I'm not going in because you haven't given consent, I know how it is to lose your virginity without it," I said to her arched eyebrow

She nodded before shuddering which made the hand move causing me to shudder and our juices went into each other's hands. She finally took hers out and licked it slowly, "What," she asked before drying her hand off as I continued to finger her

"Are you sure you haven't had sex before," I asked her making her sigh

"I haven't had sex but I was forced to please another girl," she said making me raise an eyebrow. "Another version of loyalty checks that Nick issued," she began, "at least this pleasing was voluntary."

I smiled, "Yeah," I began as I felt my hand get wet once more before I took my hand and licked it slowly tasting the sweet liquid that it was covered with

"That's hot," Sammy said with a smirk just as Annabeth sent me an image I didn't want to see

"Mom," I exclaimed feeling the blush rise to my cheeks and feeling the need to close my eyes and face plant into the pillows

"What," I heard Sammy ask as the image wouldn't go away no matter how hard I tried. "Don't say they're getting it on too," she added as I groaned while feeling everything in my body

I nodded into the pillow, "The link that we have between us is like an empathy link but I can feel everything she's feeling," I said with a moan as the heat rose to my cheeks, 'Why are you doing this, could you at least close your eyes or stop transmitting the image?'

Suddenly the image disappeared but as soon as it disappeared I gasped as I felt Sammy stick her hand in me once more. "There's one way to stop being horny and push through those feelings," Calypso's voice said making me groan into the pillows before the movements of her hand quickened

"Do I even want to know how you can fuck a girl Calypso," I exclaimed into the pillow before I moaned. "Please at least have Sammy in control of this," I said as the movements started getting quicker and harder. "Do remember what I said about her being the only one that I trust with this. I also don't want to ever think that my girlfriend's mother fucked me."

"Thanks for putting that image in her head Zoë," Sammy said as I felt her hand heat up inside of me

"Okay," I began before moaning, "that surprisingly feels good," I said as I felt pleasure go throughout my body from Annabeth. "You're welcome," I said before grabbing the pillow and moaning into it as Sammy went quicker. "Harder," I said in the pillow but she still heard as I felt her hand heat up more as it pounded my wall making me pant once again. "Fuck it," I said, "just punish me already."

"If you say so," Sammy said before she thrust her hand in deeper than I've ever felt and I felt the heat licking all over inside of me. She held her hand there for a minute before moving it faster than I thought was humanly possible unless you were the Flash. Soon I found my body stiffening and I buried my face into the pillow to scream in pleasure as my walls clenched over her hand and I came all over it several times since she kept moving before I felt my whole body go slack and she pulled out. "Better," she said as I panted into the pillow

"So much better," I said after I turned myself over and smiled, "thank you," I said before drifting off to sleep.

Sammy's P.O.V

"Zoë," I asked as I saw her breathing steady, I sighed as I realized that she was asleep. Before I clung up to her I grabbed the dildo and looked at it and groaned, ���You couldn't have given us a dildo that didn't shoot out cum Eros," I asked aloud as I cleaned off the device and put it in the drawer of the nightstand

"Don't worry, none of you will get pregnant from that when you use it," a voice said from behind me making me jump even though it came with the pink flash

"What are you doing Aphrodite," I asked the goddess without turning around so I didn't embarrass myself. "Can't Zoë and I have some private time together before we go out and train?"

"Not with someone as beautiful as you," Aphrodite said with lust in her voice as I felt fingers trail down my body and below me where Zoë's hand was moments ago

I focused all my power in that area causing the goddess of love to hiss in pain. "No," I said before turning around, "either you're not in control of your own body or you're one sick goddess of love. Please get out of here before I either scream to wake Zoë up or let my mother take control."

Her face went blank before she looked down at herself then at me before blushing, "I'm sorry Sammy," she began with a huff. "Something took control of me please don't do any of those."

I had to start fighting back the fear that threatened to take over me, "Just please leave," I began, "I don't want to hurt you."

Aphrodite nodded before leaving in a pink cloud as I closed my eyes trying to rid myself of the fear that almost had me attacking the goddess. "Come here," Zoë's voice said making my eyes snap open, "before you ask yes I was awake but right now you need someone to ground you after that so you don't burn down Sally's place."

I smiled, I calmed down as my mind realized where I was and that I didn't need to fight. "Thank you," I said before falling on top of her and crying into her arms as my feelings took over but luckily not the kind to burn the house down

"Everything's fine," Zoë began as she rubbed my back, "You're not there anymore you're here."

"I know but it still scared me," I cried as I clung to her body

"I understand," she began, "I had to keep my fear from taking over when the attacks happened. I'm guessing that the PTSD attack was the overfill of me holding in the fear."

I smiled as the tears slowed down, "That would be understandable so you weren't made to look like you were the person causing the damage."

"Yes, but unlike you, I didn't exactly have the comfort that you do," she explained, "I didn't have your comfort until it was too late."

"I wouldn't say it was too late since I brought you back," I said with a smile as I laid on her body

"Even with the injuries?"

I smiled, "Even with the injuries," I said, "I understood where you were coming from and only fought back with half my strength since you weren't yourself. I can take any injuries that you give me from that just not if you were in control."

"Duel," she asked as I smiled as I felt the sheet going over us

"Do you need to ask that," I began with a smirk, "whoever organizes us to fight each other would expect us not to hold back on each other now."

"True," Zoë said with a laugh, "after a duel as epic as that they'd probably want to see what you'd do to win."

"Are you saying that I won't win next time," I said looking up at her with my tearstained eyes

She smirked, "Maybe," she said then shot the grin that she got from Percy at me, "but that duel is for a later time let's get some rest so we don't pass out during training."

"Agreed," I said before I drifted off to sleep dreaming of my life with her

But it seems as soon as I fell asleep I was woken up by my mother, 'Wake up, something doesn't seem right, get some athletic clothes on and go see.'

I grumbled a reply as I climbed out of the bed making sure to pull the sheets up before I took one of Zoë's shirts and put it on after sliding my sports bra on. I looked on my wrists to see that I still didn't have my weapons, "I'll take that," I said grabbing a pen from the pants that were still on the floor and one of the bracelets off of Zoë who stirred. "Go back to sleep," I began, "mom woke me up saying that she thinks something's wrong, I'll be back in a minute."

"Okay," she mumbled before I saw her grey-blue eyes close

I sighed as I slid on some leggings of mine that she had in here for some reason before sliding on my shoes and rushing out of the building. "What the Hades," I said as I looked up to see Festus fighting a giant. "How did that get past the border," I asked as I uncapped the pen and rotated my wrist after pressing the pendant

"Is Zoë awake," Annabeth's voice began before she appeared next to me with her sword in hand

I shook my head, "Mom just woke me up saying that she thinks something was wrong and told me to go check it out. After I took one of my bracelets off of her wrist I told her to go back to sleep," I paused as something crashed in the distance. "I didn't think a giant would crash through the border," I said as I watched the waves swallow the Big House which was in flames. "Where do you need me," I asked watching her smile

"Stab at his legs while shooting fireballs in his face," Annabeth said looking around the area, "Bianca has a plan to climb up the arm but she needs one other person to make sure the giant dies and she needs the opportunity to climb up the arm."

"I'll volunteer for that," I said as I threw a fireball into the face of the giant, "you get him to punch the ground with both of his fists and we'll take action."

Annabeth nodded as I watched her put her hat on disappear yelling taunts at the monster trying to get his attention as I ran toward its legs. "Hey big meanie," Annabeth said, "over here."

I started slashing at the legs while lighting the occasional fireball and guiding it to the monster's face with the winds. "Demigods and legacies at the legs, clear out he's going to punch with both his fist. Keep hitting him in the face, if you have a plan do it," Percy yelled as I pushed myself from the leg of the monster landing by the heaping mess that was the Big House. I watched the giant loom as I heard Leo yell something

"Fire users keep throwing fireballs."

I sighed and prepared myself as the fists crashed to the ground before darting up the arms, dragging my blade as I went up. "Ready," I yelled as I positioned my sword at the monsters neck

"On three," I heard from the other side of the neck

"One," I began as I watched a fireball being hurtled toward us

"Two," the voice continued as I redirected it to the monster's chest

"Three," we finished before stabbing at the neck with both of our blades, my blade burning him since my powers were going through it. I jumped off the monster as it stumbled and fell backward crumbling into dust.

"Nice job," Bianca said as I landed, "took my idea."

I arched an eyebrow, "Took your idea, I thought you were with me, Annabeth said that you had that idea and only needed a partner."

She shrugged, "I found myself tending to someone when the giant punched the floor," I took off my helmet. "Someone running by took the chance, you should thank them for that."

I chuckled as the weapons disappeared one landing on my wrist while the other ended up in its sheath. "I should at least thank you for the idea, if it wasn't for you coming up with it I don't think that we would've defeated it as quickly as we did."

Bianca nodded as we looked up at the Big House that was smoking, "I don't know how many survivors there are going to be with this attack. The giant just barged in and zeroed in for where you and Zoë were staying," she explained as campers rushed past us. "Is she awake," Bianca asked me as I looked at her

"She fell back asleep after I grabbed a bracelet from her wrist," I began, "I'd be surprised if she was still asleep," I paused, "but then again I wouldn't since she sleeps like a rock."

Bianca chuckled, "That she does," she began as she looked me up and down, "did you two have your fun?"

I blushed, "Blame Eros," was all I said before I heard metal crashing into metal behind me

"She is not dying again," Zoë's voice said as a grunt was heard from the attacker

"We'll see about that at a later time," he said before I watched him disappear in the shadows

"Where the Hades is she," Bianca asked as I reached out in front of me to feel her skin

I bit my lip, "Go inside and get dressed Jackson, I'll explain to you what happened later."

"Can I have my shirt back though," she asked as I shook my head, "why?"

I could picture her pouting, "You have other shirts here, besides," I paused, "this is comfy."

"I fucking love you," she said before I felt a kiss on my lips and somethings appearing in my hand. "Keep the sword and dagger that have my name on it," she whispered before I heard her running off and watching the door to Sally's house open and close

I looked at what she pressed into my hand to see a bracelet, a pen, and ring, in confusion I looked at my wrist for it to show a bracelet that had her name on it. "If you say so," I muttered before putting my bracelet on my other wrist and sheathing the sword after sliding the ring on my finger then I turned to Bianca. "What are you looking at," I asked her as her face held a look of surprise

"Was that just Zoë," she asked and I nodded chuckling at the picture of me seemingly kissing nothing. "How was she invisible," she asked as I smiled, "Annabeth had her hat the whole time."

"Maybe because she has another one of those hats," I suggested, "I don't know but that would be something to ask her."

Bianca nodded as she looked at the pile of ashes, "I didn't even see anyone on the other side of the giant, I only saw you there."

I shrugged, "It was probably her," I said as I tried to suppress a laugh as I imagined her climbing the monster without clothes on. Suddenly I felt lips being pressed against mine as I watched her appear in front of me before I closed my eyes savoring it.

"That it was," she said once she parted, "it was very weird," she muttered as Bianca arched an eyebrow. "You try fighting in nothing but this hat to keep you from embarrassing yourself."

"Is that a vintage Mud Hens hat," Bianca asked stunned, "how did you get it?"

"Athena gave it to me when I pretty much disappeared to be alone for a while before her shroud burning," Zoë explained. "I didn't find out it was there until Chiron mentioned something about being surprised that no one was seeing me talking to him while all of you were looking for me."

"No explanation," Bianca asked as Zoë smiled

"One note apologizing for the loss of Sammy and to eliminate the E-Team," she said and I smiled

"That I will be certain of," I said with a smirk causing Zoë to look at me with wide eyes. "They killed me once before I'd rather not allow them to do it again," I explained to which she nodded

"Understandable," was all she said before Annabeth ran up to us with Percy

"Was that you working with her to kill the giant," she asked her daughter as Percy grinned

"Yes, it was mom," she began, "sorry I was late, I couldn't find any clothes," she muttered to only where we could hear her.

Annabeth arched an eyebrow at me, "What," I began in defense, "when your mother wakes you up to say that she thinks something's wrong you grab whatever you can put on and leave to check it out."

Annabeth bit her lip before nodding, "You're not wrong," she said looking at her feet at this point I realized that the shirt that she was wearing was blue and a lot bigger than her torso. "You two get a pass on that since Eros set it up," she said pointing at us, "take care of whatever you need to before the meeting we want you two there."

I nodded, "You got it Annabeth," I said with a smile as Zoë grabbed my arm and led me to the house. "What's wrong," I asked her as I felt her grip

"If it wasn't for me saving your ass Valdez you would've been dead again," she muttered as we went inside and she crumbled into the couch. "Please be more careful next time," she added as I noticed she was crying

"Hey," I began as I knelt to look at her, "I'm not going anywhere," I began, "I am here to stay and if I die again I will always come back for you. I didn't know that man was behind me until you deflected his sword from hitting me. I was finding out what had happened," I paused, "nobody expected a camper to attack me so there's nothing much we could've done with that aside from you deflecting his sword."

"Then what are we supposed to do," Zoë asked with a sob, "keep our armor on twenty-four-seven? Why would someone want to kill you here," she added looking at me

"Remember what happened in the coma dimension," I began, "the person who tried to kill me must've been a demigod member of the gang. I do remember some members that were either missing a parent or didn't have any parents, to begin with."

"So, you think that was a gang member who just tried to kill you again," she asked, "a gang member that happened to have blonde hair and golden eyes?"

I arched an eyebrow, "I didn't know what the attacker looked like Zoë," I began as I grabbed her hands. "Before you say anything I don't even know how the attacker knew who I was but a part of me is saying that you need to bring this up in the meeting."

"How do I know you're not someone controlled to act like my girlfriend?"

That question hit me like a ton of bricks being aimed at my heart, "Zoë," I breathed, "don't you think a primordial and a goddess working together would've noticed that? Do you even think that I'd let someone take control of my body if I was still able to control it? I wouldn't do that," I paused, "if I was controlled then I would've had the perfect opportunity to hurt you. Remember the promise that I had made to you earlier. I will never hurt you voluntarily aside from duels or if you were controlled and I needed to fight you. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you not even if my life depended on it," I licked my lips. "If I was still a part of the gang and had to do a loyalty check with you being the target," I sighed, "I would rather die than hurt or kill you because you are the light of my life. There is no way in Tartarus that I would lay a finger of harm on you because I don't even want to see your light dimmed. What do you want me to do to prove I am myself? To prove that I am your Brave Embers? I know your weaknesses; I have never exploited them no matter what happened. When Eros sent that gift I still asked for your consent even if it was already in your body. If I was controlled would I do that," I paused once more, "would I have cursed Eros out for putting cum in that dildo? How about my sigh of relief when Aphrodite told me that it wasn't full of sperm so you didn't get pregnant again," at this point tears were cresting in my eyes as I looked into hers. "I swear on the River Styx that I am your Brave Embers," I began as my voice cracked. "I swear it on my life that I am Samantha Valdez and that I will never hurt you unless I am defending myself against you."

Thunder rumbled in the distance before silence drifted between us and her eyes met mine. "You mean it," she asked and I nodded

"I have no plans on leaving you," I began, "I didn't have any plans of leaving you after your first PTSD attack. Why would I do it now or ever?"

"Are you saying this because we're soulmates according to Eros," she asked raising an eyebrow

I blinked, "You think I'm saying this because we're soulmates," I asked and she nodded. "Zoë Nightshade Jackson," I began making her blush, "I had liked you since the first time I met you. Eros could've said that our compatibility could've reached the depths of Tartarus but I'd still like you for who you are. It doesn't mean anything whether or not we're soulmates, I am staying with you through everything because I love you. I swear on the River Styx that I will be with you through everything no matter how big it is."

Thunder rumbled in the distance once more as she smiled, "I'll take your word for it," she said before kissing me. I melted into the kiss that lasted a minute before someone coughed to get our attention

"Don't you two have a meeting to get to," Sally asked making me blush as I pressed my forehead to Zoë's

"Yes," I began, "just let us compose ourselves first."

"You got it, Samantha," Sally said causing me to groan at the full name

"You are so used to Sammy aren't you," Zoë said with a chuckle

"You bet I am Jackson," I said with a smirk, "just how your father would rather be called Percy."

Zoë shrugged as I looked into her eyes, "So how did you feel when I called you by your first name?"

I smiled, "You said it with so much authority that it felt like you were trying to get my attention."

Zoë smiled, "Well that's says something about my leading voice," she said making me chuckle

"You got that from Percy and Annabeth," I said hitting her shoulder, "come on, we have a meeting to go to."

Soon we made it to the remains of the room as Chiron stood at the head of the Ping-Pong table. "What were you expecting," Zoë asked as I looked at everyone seated at the table

I shrugged, "Not sure," I began, "maybe some sort of resemblance of a meeting room that I'm used to? But then again this is mostly a summer camp that usually nonprofit so," I shrugged once more letting the sentence drift in the air

"Just don't bring up the fact that they need a bigger table for these meetings," Zoë whispered after a chuckle. "They tend to get a little defensive or so I've heard from mom."

I nodded as I looked at the table to see people in their own discussions, "Where do we sit," I asked as Zoë shrugged pulling me along to sit next to her and Chiron

"Okay so it seems that our two eldest legacies are present," Chiron began in a strong voice. "Let's begin, Annabeth what is the stasis of the border," he asked looking at my girlfriend's mother

Annabeth looked stunned, "The border is one-hundred percent," she began, "the tree isn't tampered with and neither is the Golden Fleece or Peleus. I'm guessing that the giant was brought in by somebody."

"Maybe it was by the person who tried to kill Sammy," a voice said as I saw my father arch an eyebrow. "Thank the gods for you Annabeth," the voice said causing me to laugh

"That wasn't Annabeth saving me," I began as I looked at Zoë who nodded, "Zoë was given an invisibility hat by her grandmother when my shroud burning was taking place. She used that to surprise the assailant before he disappeared," I explained to which the whole room went silent and Chiron chuckled

"Why were you wearing the hat, to begin with," Thalia Grace asked as I arched an eyebrow looking at the huntress. "Before you ask Valdez, Lady Artemis told us to stay here since she feels that it isn't safe right now."

I nodded before looking up at Zoë who blushed, "Eros gave us a surprise," she began, "that is all that I am willing to say. Can we get back to the matter at hand with Sammy's attacker and the giant?"

Thankfully, Annabeth nodded, "Do you two know anything about the attacker?"

I shook my head, "I was talking to Bianca to get an idea of what happened when I heard his sword clash with Zoë's. I don't know who he was or what he looked like because by the time I turned around he disappeared in the shadows."

"What did he look like Zoë," Annabeth asked once I finished as I saw my girlfriend paled

"Promise you won't attack me when I tell you because it's hard to believe for me," she said and everyone nodded as I laced my fingers through hers. "He had blonde hair and golden eyes," she began, "taller than Sammy but about the same height as me and his sword was two colors."

"There is no way in Tartarus that he's alive," Percy said stunned as Annabeth lifted her hand

"It is possible if his conscious is whole," she said then looked at her eldest daughter. "Did this attacker have a scar running down his face," she asked and Zoë nodded, "Di immortales," she said as her eyes met with Percy's

"What," I asked, having a good portion of the room look at me, "what do you mean by that?"

Right then everyone looked at Annabeth who sighed before glancing at Percy who nodded. "The man who's strike you deflected was Luke, the namesake of Zoë's brother," she sighed once more. "The golden eyes were the resemblance of him being controlled by Kronos."

"Why did you say that it was impossible for that," I asked nodding to Percy as his eyes glanced at me before sighing

"Annabeth and I fought against him," he began, "I got the blessing of the Styx to fight him but Luke ended up gaining control of his body to kill Kronos thus killing him since he bathed in the Styx."

"Are you saying that we should bathe there to Dad," Zoë asked as he looked at Annabeth

"I may not like it," Annabeth said to which Percy nodded, "but I'd say do it after your training with Chaos."

"Okay," I began as a thought struck me, "where do you think Chaos is going to train us?"

Zoë shrugged, "I don't know but we have to find your mother beforehand," she said and Annabeth shook her head

"No time," she began, "we'll check for you if you take too long in training," she paused. "You need to follow Chaos's orders so we don't have any incidents with either of you dying."

We looked at each other before Zoë squeezed my hand, "Thanks mom," she began, "we'll gather our things, have one last dinner here, and start training."

After that she left, letting go of my hand, I looked to the table then back at her retreating figure before I caught up to her. "Hey," I began, "are you okay? I get the feeling that something's bugging you and you're not saying it. Before you say anything it's not the fact that I'm alive either," I said pointing a finger at her making her smile

Zoë sighed, "Follow me," she said before walking toward the beach

I crossed my arms and looked at her once we made it to where we both recovered from our PTSD attacks. "What is it Jackson," I said looking at her as she paced back and forth in the sand with her shoes off before sitting in the tide.

"Part of it is about you being alive," Zoë said as I heard the sadness and worry in her voice. I noticed the leggings that she was wearing were getting wet so I figured that she was letting the water get her wet as she sat there.

"Why are you saying that," I asked as I sat next to her

When I saw her face looking up at the horizon I noticed the tears running down her cheeks, "We both thought the same thing only you vocalized it when I was asleep," she began. "Why would the enemy kill someone close to me if it's going to create bloodlust?"

Realization struck me at that moment, "Are you saying that Chaos brought me back because he may be the one behind the E-Team killing me? Are you saying that he brought me back because he realized his mistake?"

Zoë looked at me, biting her lip as tears ran down her cheeks, "Yes," she said as I sat there, stunned. "It would align so well with what we thought beforehand, you know him being End instead."

"Why haven't you told Annabeth this," I asked looking at her

"She's watching this conversation now," Zoë began, "I wanted to tell you this without being interrupted."

I bit my lip and nodded, "If only I knew my Greek history," I muttered, "Then I wouldn't be so out there knowledge-wise," I blushed. "If you know what I mean," I added making Zoë chuckle

"I do Brave Embers," she said as she threw her arm around me to pull me closer to her. "I have an idea," she said before standing up with me, "granted, it was mom's idea but it's still an idea."

"What are you doing," I asked as I kicked my shoes off before she pulled me into the water. "Zoë," I exclaimed as I felt the water get my leggings wet

She chuckled, "That water blessing was from my grandfather," she began, "he told me before giving these to me," she paused holding up two coral daggers. "If you press the button it'll send you to the ocean and the wielder of the other one will get the feeling that one of us is in the water."

I smiled as she handed me the dagger, "I was making something just like this last time I was here," I began. "Grandfather wanted me to make something and I was thinking daggers," I paused. "When we get back I giving you one even though we have these," I said as she smiled

"Why don't you give one to one of your siblings," she suggested, "Naomi has a working tracker but Stephan doesn't so you could give it to him."

I smiled, "Good thinking Jackson," I said then realized we were standing in the middle of the water. "What's the idea," I asked making her smile widen as I put the dagger in a spare sheath that appeared on my back

Once my hands fell back to my sides she grabbed one and pulled me down into the water as I squeaked in surprise. Even though I willed myself not to get wet the air around me felt cold as I looked around and gasped as Zoë led me deeper in. I followed her as I watched all the sea life swim past us seemingly acknowledging our presence. I didn't realize that she had stopped swimming until I had bumped into her after watching a great white shark swim past us. "This is the most we can get privacy-wise," she said, "that is unless Percy or my sisters decide to come looking for us."

"It's so," I paused as I swam in a circle to look around, "beautiful."

I saw Zoë smile once I finished spinning, "I'm glad you like it," she said with a smirk. "I think I wanted to give you that because something is telling me that if you die again," she paused for a minute and sighed before she began again. "You could always press the button on that dagger once you get back," she looked into my eyes. "No matter where I am or what I'm doing at that point I will come and find you in Atlantis."

"I'd be teleported to Atlantis," I exclaimed with my eyes wide and she nodded. I was half tempted to tell her of where the Fates were going to send me if our, supposedly, fake Chaos hadn't brought me back but I remembered the oath that I swore to never tell anyone even Nico. "So those daggers are like a beacon," I asked and she nodded once more

"What belongs to the sea," she began as I smiled

"Always returns to the sea," I said as I swam closer to her, "are you saying that I belong to the sea?"

"Well you are a part of me," she began as she wrapped her arms around me, "so thus you belong to the sea."

With that she kissed me, the kiss lasted for the eternity that it felt like I would leave her for. I savored every minute of the simple kiss before she licked my lips for entrance which I granted and she explored every bit of my mouth. Apart of me wanted her to explore every part of my body but I didn't exactly want to do that.

Especially since we were swimming in her grandfather's domain and we had the training to do. After about five minutes we parted for air before swimming back to the surface before packing to train.