40 Chapter 40: Training Begins

Zoë's P.O.V

Sammy and I emerged from the water to come face to face with a worried Lin and Renée. Before I spoke to them I turned to Sammy since they didn't exactly recognize us, "Put this on and let us give them a scare," I whispered with a smirk, "please do remember that they think you're still dead."

Once the hat was in her hands she smirked, "Don't have Renée strangle you," she said before kissing me and disappearing

"What the Hades happened to the Big House," Lin asked stunned as I walked up to the two cast members to look at the steaming hole in the building that was being rebuilt

"Giant attack," I said nonchalantly as a satyr waved at me, "what brings you two here?"

"A what," Renée asked, stunned, "you just said giant attack nonchalantly without freaking out about who we are and asked what brings us here. My question is who are you," she asked as I stifled some laughter going into acting

I gasped, "Renée," I began putting my hand to my heart, "you don't recognize the girl that you adopted before she found out that she was a Jackson."

"Well you're a lot better since Sammy's death," Lin said with a chuckle as I faked a faint to which Sammy caught me to make it look like I caught myself

"It still hurts when she's mentioned," I said dropping the playful act and turning more somber

"Oh," Lin said, his smile disappearing instantly, "we've had to explain to Rachel what happened," he sighed. "She wanted to see you as soon as possible but when we tried to bring her here today she was out like a light."

I smiled before looking back up at the hole the size of the giant's fist, "On lighter notes," I began, "take a guess who killed the giant."

"You did," Renée asked once again stunned

I nodded, "With one other person," I replied to which they arched an eyebrow

"One of your sisters," Lin asked

"Nope."

"Percy or Annabeth?"

"Nope," I started smiling

"One of Leo's children," Renée asked as my eyes darted back to her, "or Leo himself."

I held up a finger, "One at a time please," I began, "the first question is a yes and no answer while the answer to the second question is no."

"Then who is it," the two cast members explained

"You won't believe me," I said with a smirk as I crossed my arms

"Try us," Lin said staring me down

"Oh Sammy," I said after which I felt a peck on the cheek before Renée jumped and my girlfriend appeared right in front of her adoptive father

"Hi," she exclaimed with my hat in her hands as if she just took it off

"This is Naomi, not Sammy," Lin said, "you must've been confused."

I chuckled as I looked at Sammy who winked, "Eros and Aphrodite didn't say that."

"What," the two adults in front of us exclaimed

"Why was my mother here with Eros," Renée asked as I started to laugh

"They're doing compatibility tests of couples," I began, "Annabeth wanted Sammy and me to go up to make sure this really was Sammy. We both got a lot of drachmas with it too," I said as I started cracking up

"This can't be her," Lin said pointing at her his face pale from the shock

"The gift from Eros said otherwise," Sammy said with a smirk as she approached me. "If I remember correctly you do remember my grandfather's blessing for Zoë right," she asked and they nodded. "Could you stop laughing for a minute to prove to them that I'm Sammy," she asked as she stood in front of me

"Yes, just give me my hat back first Sams," I said as I caught my breath, "what do you want to prove?"

"Fire," she suggested and I nodded as she held out her palm and lit a fireball in the middle of it before tossing it into the air. I watched it sore high into the air feeling the pull in my gut as I extinguished it and her hands landed and she rose to kiss me. I savored in the kiss as I pictured the two cast members gawking at us

"You two are beautiful," Lin said as we kissed for a minute solid, "how do I know that she didn't extinguish the fire herself?"

I looked at her, "No offense to what I'm about to say," I asked and she nodded as she rested her head on my chest and I noticed how she was still wearing my shirt. "You have to give that back at some point," I muttered to her before I answered Lin. "Sammy hasn't succeeded in doing multiple things at once when it comes to her powers," I began. "As she was coming up to kiss me she was working on getting that fireball high enough so I didn't hurt anyone in case I fucked up with extinguishing it."

"What did she mean by the gift from Eros," Renée asked, "and only Annabeth has an invisibility hat."

I smirked before I realized what Sammy blurted out and blushed, "Samantha please watch what you say to our adoptive parents next time," I said with a groan. "Now we have to explain that to them," I added

"Sorry," she said, "by the way, I'm not letting go of you."

I sighed, "I'd rather explain what she meant by that indoors so could you please follow us to Sally's?"

The two looked at them as I started walking with Sammy before I heard them running to catch up to us. "I'll explain part of it," Sammy said as we approached the building

"Just explain how you're alive," I began, "they're going to want me to explain that it's you."

Once we got to Sally's we sat on the couch, "Before you explain," Renée said before pointing to Sammy. "If you are her then show me the scars on your back and tell me where the topmost ones are from."

I chuckled as I watched Sammy move from her position with her arms around me. "Lin," she began, "are you okay with seeing me with just a sports bra on," she asked as she grabbed the hem of her shirt

"I don't mind," he began, "I want to see them too because that would be the way to know if you are who you say you are."

Sammy's P.O.V

To see their doubt hurt me but it was understandable as I nodded and began to take off the shirt that I stole from Zoë. After I took it off I tossed it at her staring face, "It's not the first time you have seen me without a shirt Jackson, stop drooling," I said as I turned around in my seat pulling my hair over my shoulder. "The two lines on my back are from Zoë's first PTSD attack. She used her daggers to slice at my back when I was bringing her back and the hole in my back was from a gang member who killed me during a hospital fire."

Silence fell in the room after I explained them, "Hand," Zoë suggested as I turned around and nodded

I then lifted the hand that she threw a dagger at in her attack, "This is the scar that I also got from the attack when I was reaching for my phone to get ahold of you two."

"What's the scar in between," Renée began then paused gesturing to between her breasts

"You can see that," I asked and they nodded, "I forgot Zoë is the only one alive who's seen this," I said with a blush as I put my hand down. "That's where the bullet was when my past boyfriend was shot and killed by the gang. Any more questions," I asked them as I leaned on the arm of the couch propping my legs on Zoë's lap

"How the Hades are you alive," Lin asked his eyes wide

"Chaos brought me back saying that every legacy is needed for this war and a message about our training," I snapped my fingers and looked at Zoë. "We have to pack before dinner so we can leave right after."

"Training," the two asked as a shiver went through my body as I felt a hand go down my leggings

"You know what," Lin said, "please start from when you came back I have a feeling that gift from Eros is going to be explained in the story."

I nodded before shooting a glare at Zoë who grinned now knowing how I was horny. "Before the Fates sent me to my destination Chaos appeared in this judgment room to tell me that I wasn't supposed to be dead to win this war. He said that he'd bring me back to life as long as I swore on his name to never tell anyone where I was to go in the afterlife," I paused when I heard Zoë mutter something

"I hope it was a rebirth."

My heart broke because it wasn't rebirth but I continued, "After he told me this I asked him if I was returning with Luke but he told me that what Luke did was too big to bring him back to life. Before I knew it I was in the front of the pavilion looking my father in the eyes with the new look and a suit on. Leo was riddling me with questions asking me who I was and how I got here. I think he was igniting a fireball when I saw Zoë coming up with a smile on her face. She noticed me when she was sitting down with Percy and Annabeth as Cal was threatening to take control of me to show Leo that I was there. She took me to sit down with her family when Chiron was announcing the compatibility tests. Annabeth suggested I go since she wasn't sure of who I was and who better to tell than an Olympian and a primordial. Percy started the bet off with ten drachmas increased by Annabeth then my father. The bet increased more after I announced it, it ended up being two thousand five hundred drachmas against five with Thaly betting the five saying I was Sammy. Eros said I was Sammy which had us win, we finished our breakfast to divide the winnings and cuddle. That cuddle ended up increasing to a make-out session before turning into something a little more thanks to his gift of a dildo that ended up inside of her," I felt the blush rise to my cheeks as I was explaining this. "After that, we tried to rest but Sally came in delivering cookies and telling an embarrassing story for Percy and Annabeth that I'm not going to say because I don't want to be judo-flipped. Then my mother showed me something that I wish I hadn't and can't get it out of my head. She took control of me a couple of times but Zoë helped get her to give me back control especially when we found out that we will still have a bond with our parents that is like an empathy link. After that Zoë fell asleep before I did I cursed out Eros for giving a dildo that shot out cum before putting it in the nightstand right when your mother," I point to Renée. "Appeared to say that it wouldn't impregnate Zoë and tried to rape me as she was controlled by something. After she disappeared I realized Zoë was awake for the whole thing and she kept me from having a PTSD attack before I fell asleep. We didn't sleep long because Cal woke me up with the feeling that something was wrong and to get dressed and check it out. That's where I found out the giant that was inside the borders attacking the camp. Annabeth came up to me to fill me in and Bianca had a plan to kill the giant but no one else took the offer that she had other than me. After about twenty minutes the plan went into place once the giant's fists were stuck in the ground. I went up its left side and counted down before stabbing in the neck at the same time as the person on the shoulder behind me. What I didn't know was that it was Bianca because I saw her near the remains of the infirmary taking care of a camper. Zoë was the one who killed the giant with me but she had the invisibility hat on that Athena gave her to give her granddaughter some alone time before she burned my shroud. I didn't realize it was her until she deflected a sword attacker from someone who tried to kill me. The person who tried to kill me is said to be Luke Castellan being controlled by Kronos. We came to that conclusion in the meeting after killing the giant."

The two didn't say anything as I found myself shrinking in the couch from embarrassment as I felt Zoë lay her shirt over my crotch before standing up while picking me up with her. "I think while you two discuss this we should pack," she said as I squeaked clinging onto her neck

��Yeah," Lin said absentmindedly, "we're going to talk to Annabeth and Percy about it and see how they're doing but you better see us before you leave."

I saw Zoë smile before nodding, "See you guys later then," she said as they stood up and left the house.

"What are you up to Jackson," I said looking at her as she walked to her room with me

"Something if you give me consent," she said, "I know how horny you must be."

I smirked, "Are you sure you're not the horny one since you were just fingering me," I said as I pulled her closer. "I have one request Jackson," I said as her ear came closer to my mouth, "punish me make it hard and quick."

"If you say so Valdez," she said as she rounded to the nightstand getting the dildo out to toss it on the bed before she began kissing me. I let her into my mouth as my hands moved up her shirt pushing it off her.

"If you're going to be doing that then please close the door, I understand both of you need to get laid but please do it with a closed-door next time," Sally's voice said as I heard the door close and I blushed, seeing the pink appear in Zoë's cheeks

"You forgot something Jackson," I said with a smirk after we parted once again her cheeks a full pink as she slid my bra off

"Oh, shut up Valdez," she began, then neared my ear, "you're going to be punished right now and you have no room to speak."

The seductive voice had me shuddering with my body craving for attention, "Then what are you waiting for," I began, "punish me."

A smirk formed on Zoë's face before her hand snuck into my leggings and I felt her hands near the end of me. "Just being clear," she began, "I have your consent," I nodded before I gasped feeling her hand enter me and started moving around slowly. Soon I found my leggings were off with the feeling and I was kissing her again as she played with my breasts with one hand. "You ready for the second part," she asked as I nodded panting for air as my body craved her some more

"Yes," I breathed as I saw her lean over with her legs in my face, at that point I took the opportunity to eat her causing her to fall on my face as she moaned. I tasted her as she grabbed a hold of the dildo and pushed herself up so she sat on my face moaning. Soon she got up and pushed herself down keeping eye contact with me before putting the dildo in me causing me to gasp at the size

"It's not all the way in yet," she said before I felt her hands at my hips, "you ready?"

"Yes Jackson," I began, "fuck me hard," I said before screaming as I felt the walls of my virginity break. That pain soon turned to pleasure as I felt each of her thrusts getting stronger as it neared my womb. I felt myself bouncing with the force but I didn't care as I felt Zoë play with my breasts once more as she resumed kissing me. As we were kissing I found her breasts and started playing with them making it so we were moaning in each other's mouths. "Faster," I said as I felt myself at my peak and she obliged while panting

I felt her hands go onto my hips as her thrusting quickened, "I can see what you meant by this being a different kind of dildo."

"You think I was kidding," I said panting right before I stiffened, clenching the sheets and moaning as I felt myself drift to the back of my head. "Why do you do this mom," I asked now in the back of my head as my mother made me wave for Zoë to keep going

"Because I need to talk to you about your," she paused as she came into view. "Punishment from the Fates," she sighed, "I wish I understood it all but I do know for one thing that it's not going to be easy right?"

I nodded as I felt the pleasure come up for the second orgasm, "Hang on," I began, "couldn't we have this discussion in a dream or something?"

I went back into my body to scream as pleasure coursed through my veins as the dildo came into me and Zoë moaned the loudest that I've heard. "I think we're done now," she said and I nodded

"I'm gonna take a nap," I said the exhaustion evident in my body as she smiled tiredly

"I'll join you shortly," she began, "let me get this cleaned up," she finished as I pushed myself up to the pillows closed my eyes, and drifted to the back of my head

"Okay now I'm ready," I said as I looked around in my head for my mother who just appeared. "Seeing as the Fates aren't striking me down for talking to you about this I guess we can continue. I know what I'm getting into. I just would like for you to talk to Nico or Hades for me once you come back."

"Why are you saying that you're going to die before then," she asked as I looked at her walking toward me

"It's a gut feeling," I began, "���See through the eyes of the sister you just met,'" I recited as I looked at my feet. "I didn't get to give them my full explanation before they issued my punishment. I don't want the eternity thing to be real but if it turns out to be real after four or five decades please tell her for me."

"You can't fight it," Calypso asked as the tears began

I shrugged, "I can try explaining it to them but they didn't give me the time before I was sent to watch my shroud burning and speak to her one last time. This is why I'm asking you to talk to Nico or Hades to see if they can free me from it."

"You're most likely going to see her hurt," she began taking my hands, "are you ready for this?"

My head snapped up to look at my mother as I felt the bed dip and Zoë's arms wrapping around me. "Remember what I said when I was dying last time mom," I began, "I wasn't ready to leave her then. I won't ever be ready to leave her with her heart torn to pieces as it was before she saw me alive," I paused. "The way that Chaos was acting in the Underworld matches with Zoë's suspensions and I'm starting to think that she's not the only one who has those suspensions. What if Annabeth figures it out that he may be End and she works on getting us out of training? What if she succeeds and End takes my life because of it? I might die if we're taken from the training early if all of our assumptions are correct."

"What if you don't go," Calypso asked me as my knees buckled and I started crying. "You could just convince Zoë not to do the training with you because you also have a bad feeling."

"Because I swore on Chaos' name that I wouldn't talk to her or anyone at both camps about this," I began. "If our assumptions are wrong then I could probably have talked about it to a point. We don't know what the consequences of breaking an oath on Chaos are so I could still be dead if I told Zo�� anything about my death and punishment. I will work on getting back as much as possible. I'm just going to need your help in doing so. I hated seeing her as heartbroken as that and I think that it's going to return sooner than we'd both hope," I paused as I looked at her brown eyes. "Please mom," I began, "will you help me with this no matter what happens?"

"Yes, but you'd better keep your sister alive," she said as I saw her eye sparkle with sadness

"I'll do whatever it takes to keep her from dying unexpectedly," I began, "even if it means taking control of her. Please tell Zoë or whoever's head you end up in after I die," I said before hugging her

"I will Sammy," she began hugging me back, "I swear on the River Styx that I will help you with everything no matter what happens."

"Thank you," I said as I felt my body drift off to sleep, "I guess I'll talk to you before training," I said with a faint smile as she nodded.

"Talk to you later," she said as my conscious soon followed my body

It seems just like last time I was woken up almost as soon as I fell asleep, "Sammy wake up, we have to pack," Zoë said as she was shaking me awake

"I'm up, I'm up," I mumbled as I sat up rubbing my eyes just as a bag was tossed in my direction as well as my bra, leggings, and one of her t-shirts

"Get dressed and start packing," she began, "you can even take some of my clothes if you need to but it seems like Aphrodite moved some of your clothes here."

I smiled as I put on the sports bra and slid on the baggy t-shirt and took in her scent before I slid on my leggings that still had the underwear in them. "What time is it," I asked her as she grabbed shirts and leggings before checking to see if she had her weapons. "And can I have the rest of my weapons?"

"It's almost dinner," she muttered as she moved around her body tossing me sheathed daggers all ranging in sizes. "I already gave you your ring, pen, and bracelet you're keeping the pen and bracelet that have my name on it."

"Why do you want me to keep them," I asked her as I got up from the bed starting to throw clothes into it

"Hope," Zoë said as she turned to me, "to see each other again and to put up as a reminder to tell each other who we are."

I smiled, "You are most certainly my Smart Guppy," I said as I slung the bag on my back. "Let's go get dinner," I said before I rose on my tiptoes and kissed her

She smirked, "And you are my Brave Embers," she said, "you are most definitely sitting next to me during dinner tonight."

"You two are talking as if I'm going to let you eat your last meal at the pavilion," Sally's voice said from the doorway. "Every legacy is getting a farewell meal from yours truly," she said with a smile. "You two will be able to meet Paul and Estelle," she added.

"Okay so that means we just have to stop by Lin and Renée's respective cabins to say bye to them," Zoë said planning everything

"They're already here," Annabeth's voice said taking the place where her mother in law once stood

I raised my eyebrows, "Did all of you plan this or is there something we need to talk about?"

Annabeth's eyes narrowed at me, "We have to talk about who we may need to fight against," she began. "But I would like to talk to you in private Valdez, there are some things that I think we should discuss."

I looked at Zoë who shrugged, "Don't look at me it's not like I can read her mind now."

I chuckled before kissing her on the cheek, "I'll see you downstairs," I said as Annabeth walked in. "What is it that you wanted to talk about," I asked her

"The Fates told me that you have something to tell me that you can't tell Zoë for some reason," she said and I felt my eyes widen

"They told you that themselves," I said feeling my heart drop to the pit of my stomach

"Yeah," Annabeth began as she closed the door, "something about what may happen if you die again. I also want to bring up End," she finished and I nodded as I slumped onto the bed. "I take it you've had this conversation with your mother," she asked and I nodded

"I didn't like it one bit," I replied with a nod as the images of heartbroken Zoë came into view. "'Your punishment is to see through the eyes of the sister you have not met for an eternity,'" I recited. "They spoke in my mind changing it to the sister I just met," I paused. "They also told me that I couldn't tell anyone in camp unless the person comes up to me about it. I had to swear on Chaos' name that I wouldn't tell anyone here."

"About this Chaos," Annabeth began as I put my head in my hands

"I know," I began, "it's the way that he acted when he was bringing me back to life. He didn't act calm or composed; he acted more like he was freaking out about something or someone. I wanted to tell Zoë about it but that oath included that moment too," I paused. "I fear that I may die sooner than everyone would hope," I sighed. "If we leave the training early I might die and if we don't go train he might kill me in any way he pleases," I turned to Annabeth. "Please promise me two things," I began and she nodded. "If you find a way to get us out of our training only under extreme circumstances will you pull us out of it," I licked my lips. "Help my mother talk to Hades or Nico about getting me out because I don't want her to be that heartbroken if I can help it."

"Why Nico," Annabeth asked me as I looked at her

"The Olympians are losing power," I began thoughtfully, "they wouldn't tell this to one of their children unless they deem that child worthy of their parent's throne. Why else would Athena be talking to you about it," I asked her, "before you say anything I had a lot of time to think about it."

Annabeth nodded, "I don't want it to be like this," she began, "but can I tell Zoë of your punishment when you die?"

I looked across the room to have my eyes land on her locket, "Yes," I began as I stood up to grab it. "Yes, I want you to help her through every bit of it," I paused as I opened the locket to a picture of her and me together. "I'll try to talk to any of you during it if Naomi dies at all but I can't promise anything."

Annabeth nodded, "I'll try not to pull you out but I have to have permission to talk about this with the remaining seven."

I sighed, "Only about our assumptions about what he will do if he takes out," I began. "Don't single me out though," I paused, "say one of us may die if we're pulled out early. Remember Annabeth, extreme consequences only," I said looking at her once more. "I'm not giving you a death threat or anything but we can't do anything but wait for me to die. If you and mom talk to Hades and Nico as I have suggested then things may or may not go quicker. If only the Fates had listened to me when I started to explain loyalty checks."

Annabeth nodded, "That understandable," she began then she turned to me, "I Annabeth Jackson, daughter of Athena, swear on the River Styx if I find a way to pull the legacies out of their training I will do so only under extreme circumstances. I will also swear on the River Styx that I will not tell anyone about this until Samantha Valdez dies again and that I will help get her back to the land of the living and rid her of her punishment."

Thunder rumbled in the distance once she finished her oath, "Thank you Annabeth," I said, throwing myself at her. "You have no idea what this means to me," I said hugging her

Annabeth chuckled as she rubbed my back, "You're welcome Valdez," she said, "now let's get downstairs. If you're going to die soon you should get to know your sister a little better," she said causing me to chuckle

"That I do," I said as I pushed away from her, "I hope you blocked her from your mind during this."

Annabeth nodded, "The Fates told me that the visual and audible bond between Zoë and I would be blocked until we step out of this room."

I bit my lip, "Okay," I said as I felt my heart being broken once more, "I wish I could tell her."

"You and me both," Annabeth began, "and I'm sure that your mother wishes that too."

"You have no idea Annabeth," Calypso said through my mouth before returning control to me

Annabeth chuckled, "Let's make it so you're not fighting on an empty stomach," she said as I cursed. "If you're anything like your father you'd rather not want to fight on an empty stomach."

I shrugged, "I've had to before," I began, "I don't enjoy it but if I ever have to I will."

"You must've gone through a lot of shit in that gang," she said as she opened the door. "Well we're going to make it so you'll be full for days," she said once I nodded. "Do keep in mind though that the whole camp will be like a family to you so if you need anything from someone other than family or legacies you can talk to them."

I smiled, "Thanks Annabeth," I said once we got to the dining room I was hit with the beautiful smells of fried chicken. "Did she make us homemade fried chicken," I asked as I looked at Annabeth's smiling face

"By the smell," she began, "yes."

I smiled as I made it to the table and sat down as the chicken was put in the center along with mashed potatoes and a salad. "How the Hades did you get everything blue," I asked making Percy choke on his fried chicken

"Are you saying this as a bad thing," he said as he tried to protect his plate from whatever hateful words that I may say to it.

I chuckled as Annabeth sat down next to Percy and across from Zoë who I sat to her right across from Leo who sat next to Naomi with Stephan to my left. "No," I began as I took a bite, "especially since it tastes this good," I said as I chewed on it.

Sally and Paul laughed as we watched Percy jump as Estelle poked him, "Can you pwease pick me up Pewcy?"

My heart melted as he sighed picking up the small girl that almost looked like him if it wasn't for the brown eyes. "Better," he asked as she scanned the table her cheerful brown eyes landing on me

"Hello," she began waving at me, "who awe you?"

I smiled, "Hi there," I began, "I'm Sammy, what's your name?"

"Estelle," she said with a smile, "are you this Bwave Embews that Z has told me stowies about?"

I smiled as I saw Zoë blush, "Yes I am," I began, "would you like to know about me a little more later," I asked as she nodded furiously on Percy's lap. "Okay," I began as I looked at her two parents, "I'll tell you as soon as I can or Zoë will if things get in the way."

"Okay," she said before jumping off of Percy's lap, "it was nice to meet you, Sammy," she began as she walked out of the room. "Youw name is a lot easiew to say than Bwave Embews," she said before I heard a door close and everyone chuckled

"How do you know how to handle kids so well," Annabeth asked as Percy looked at his plate to see a handprint in his mashed potatoes. After sighing he took a fork and started eating, making me raise an eyebrow. "This happens a lot," Annabeth said as I nodded and swallowed the food that I had in my mouth

"I've done some babysitting before I met Zoë," I began as I picked up a blue chicken leg. "I babysat children from babies to her age before my father saw it best to take me off of that job in case the gang was looking for me."

Annabeth nodded as I took a bite of the chicken, "Now I think it's best to go through our list of who could be doing this."

As she was saying this she took out a notepad, "Did you rewrite all of what you typed out on the laptop," Zoë asked as Annabeth turned to a specific page

Annabeth nodded as she glanced in my direction, "I do have something to say to you two though," she said pointing to Leo and Percy. "If we find a way to get these guys out of wherever they're training we must not pull them out unless it is extremely necessary."

"Why," my father asked with a mouthful of food as I glance at Zoë once I felt a hand on my thigh

"One of them may die especially if Chaos is who we think he is," Annabeth said as I looked at her

"He brought back Sammy," Bianca said, "how could he be End?"

"He brought me back after I had vocalized the idea of killing someone close to the enemy and admitting it was them," I said. "He may have not outright said that it was him keeping me from my decision of living but the circumstances of him bringing me back say otherwise."

Everyone looked at me, "Why do you say that," Naomi asked as I met her brown eyes I sighed as I reminded myself I couldn't tell her everything

"It's too coincidental," I began, "he only brought me back a week after my funeral after I said that if he was the enemy and he knew them then he'd know that if he killed someone a Jackson cares about they'd go for bloodlust."

Silence fell over the room after I finished, "She's right," Leo said, "I hate to say it but she's right. You told me that she talked to you and Cal before you went to sleep and that's what she said. You're saying if we take them out either she or any one of them may die?"

Annabeth nodded, "I think we should all agree when we need to bring them back if we find it," she began. "I don't want to lose anyone or cause anyone's heartbreak," she finished looking at me and Zoë who glanced at me as I shoveled a forkful of the blue mashed potatoes into my mouth so my feelings didn't take over again

Everyone nodded, "Please do," Zoë said before taking a bite of her chicken

"Okay," Percy began, "So it's concluded that End may be one of our enemies in this fight?"

Every one of us nodded at the table, "Yes so that means we're fighting one titan and the creator's brother," Annabeth said before sighing. "This is going to be a lot harder than Kronos or Gaea."

"About that," Zoë said as her sisters looked at her, "what, I have to tell them about it," she said and they shrugged before returning to their food. "I've been having dreams that might show that Gaea may be in this battle as well."

"What kind of dreams," Percy asked looking at her

Zoë sighed, "One of them showed Sammy dying again before I was facing three shadowed figures talking about how much power and potential I have. Once I said that I was fighting with my family I started being covered with dirt as slow as molasses. On top of that, it felt as if my heart was grabbed in an ice-cold grip to where I woke up in a cold sweat. The voices were two male and one female, the only thing I could see were their eyes."

"What color were they," Annabeth asked as I looked at my girlfriend, this must've been a recent dream either from our most recent nap or the one before.

"Dirt brown," Zoë began, "gold and dark purple."

Percy and Annabeth looked at each other as I thread my fingers through hers, brushing my thumb over her hand. "I don't like the idea of them training with the enemy," he said his face set in a grim look that I have never seen him have

"Neither do I but I also have a feeling that we may lose one if we keep them from the training," Annabeth blurted before looking apologetically at me

"What do you mean," Stephan asked as he looked over the table

"If End is Chaos," I began as I worked to cover Annabeth's tracks, "there may be a possibility that he could take one of us by force if we do not cooperate with him."

Annabeth smiled as I finished, "Exactly," she began, "so we have to have a good plan to get them out safely if we do end up finding a way to get them out of there."

"I can see if Nico can look for darkened off areas," Percy said, "there aren't many places that they could be taken."

"There aren't," Zoë repeated letting her fork fall to her plate, "Dad we're talking about the possibility of us even staying on Earth with this training. If you were somehow related to the creator how would you use your power?"

"I'd rather create things and help people with it," he said then his expression changed as if he realized what she was talking about, "oh."

"Unless Nico can check for big shadowed areas in multiple universes we can't exactly go anything," Annabeth said and I nodded

"I mean it will take a while but I can do it," Nico said from out of nowhere making me jump. "Can I talk to Sammy please," he asked as I worked on calming my heart rate down

"Yes, you can talk to me just let me calm down from your scare," I said locating him standing in the shadow of a corner to the left of me

"Sorry," he began with a smirk, "drawback from shadow traveling."

"Nico Solace-Di Angelo stop shadow traveling here there is a perfectly capable front door that everyone uses," Sally said from the front of the table to which Paul nodded as he made it seem that I wasn't the only one frightened by the son of Hades sudden appearance

"Sorry Sally," he said scratching the back of his head as I stood, "this'll be a conversation in my cabin if you don't mind."

I went to grab my bag when Zoë's had rested on my shoulder, "I'll carry it," she began, "you go take care of your conversation with Death Breath."

Nico glared at her as I chuckled, "You've been hanging out with dad and Thals," I said with a smirk. "I'll see you later then," I said kissing her on the cheek before walking out the front door with Nico. "What is it that you want to talk about Neeks," I asked as he shot a glare at me, "it's a catchy nickname for you, would you rather me call you Prince of Darkness and Scaring people or Death Breath?"

"Fair point," he said as we made it to his cabin, "I'm pretty sure you know what I want to talk about," he said crossing his arms. "The Fates paid me a visit in my last vision saying the death of the returned sister is free to speak to you about the happenings in the Underworld. What happened down there," he asked looking into my eyes

I sighed, "Well that saves mom and Annabeth from talking to you if I die soon," I said as I looked around the empty cabin. "They said that because I killed two mortals to save my life I would be sent to punishment," I began. "They didn't let me explain why I had to do it or what a loyalty check was. They only listened to me saying that I killed them to save myself," I paused. "Not a good choice of words, I know but I wasn't thinking straight at the time," I sighed. "They told me that I would be watching from the eyes of Naomi for an eternity because of it."

Nico sighed as he paced the cabin, "Something's not right," he said, "why can't you tell this to other people?"

"I've only talked to mom and Annabeth about it," I began, "I asked them to tell you or your father about it to see if one of you two could get me out of it. It isn't fair that they didn't hear my full plea and the story behind it they just instituted the punishment then sent me there. After I had talked to Zoë they reviewed my punishment before taking me to Naomi's head."

Suddenly a flash filled the room making Nico and I cover our eyes, "Valdez," three voices said in unison causing Nico and me to bow. "Please rise," the voices said as the light dimmed down and one of the ladies looked at me while the other two were working on kitting something with a full ball of light orange yarn that had specks of sea-green in it. "You can tell one other person," the one looking at me began, "you can tell the one you love about your punishment and what occurred in the Underworld. You do not have much time to do so, we will tell the son of Hades of what happened but go before time runs out."

I nodded as I glanced at Nico who smiled, "You heard them, now go," he said with a wave of his hand and I nodded before darting out of the cabin to be faced with Zoë

"I was just going to look for you," I said with a smile, "I need to talk to you about something."

"And I feel like I should talk to you about something as well," she said her grey-blue eyes looking into mine. "Let's go to our spot so you can explain how Annabeth got these theories and why the Hades you haven't told me about them until now," she said stepping aside as we walked to the beach

I sighed and fell into the tide as I looked at the sun starting its descent into the waters. "I couldn't tell you because of an oath I had to make on Chaos' name," I began. "Only recently have they said that I could tell people," I paused, "first mom started talking about it before our nap then Annabeth, Nico, and now you. It was something I wanted to tell you as soon as possible but I couldn't because I feared the oath and what it would do if I told anyone until the Fates showed me who to tell."

"That's how you got the feeling that Chaos was End," Zoë began as she sat next to me

I nodded, "Once Naomi fell asleep last night," I began, "I found myself in the judgment room looking at a frantic Chaos and the Fates. For someone who's posing as the creator, he didn't hide his fear very well," I said with a chuckle. "I was told that I'd be in Naomi's head for an eternity without them hearing what I had to say about the loyalty check. I couldn't tell you even when I was talking to you after my shroud burning because that oath was already placed. I had already asked mom and Annabeth to talk to Nico and Hades about it but I suppose they already know that now."

"Why are they allowing you to tell us this now," Zoë asked as I felt her arms pull me into a hug to which I cried in

"Maybe because I might die soon," I began with a sob, "I don't want to leave you just to see you hurt again. I don't think I'd be able to redo my plea and will be sent straight to Naomi's head when I die. This is why I told Annabeth not to pull us out unless the circumstances are extremely important. I don't want to die and neither do I want anyone else to," at that point my feelings took over as I pictured her saddened face looking at Naomi and Leo telling them I was dead. "I don't want to see you that hurt ever again and I don't want to ever go through that pain."

I felt her petting my hair as I cried looking at the sunset on the horizon, "If you do end up dying soon," she began as I cried. "I will be strong and help you get out of that punishment considering how unfair it is. I'd help Nico convince his father to get you out and strangle End so he doesn't live to see another day."

I smiled as the tears slowed down and I soaked in the contact that I probably won't have with her for a long time. "You don't have to act strong in front of anybody if I die again," I began as I pulled myself closer to her body. "I will be in a sobbing mess in the back of Naomi's mind when I die and I expect nothing less from you since I was there when you lost Ric."

I looked up to see her saddened eyes as she smiled, "I will wait for you for as long as it takes to get back," she began. "No matter what happens I will wait for you," she finished with a smile

"Not even if someone prettier than me comes along," I asked then Zoë sat up and looked around

"Who's prettier than you," she asked, "because the only person that ranks the top in beauty for me is you."

I grinned, "I love you, Smart Guppy."

"I love you too Brave Embers," she said before kissing me

"Um, guys," a voice began, "I hate to ruin your romantic event but we have to get going."

I parted to see Stephan looking very uncomfortable, "Sorry Steve," I said with a smile as I sat on my knees, "where do we need to go to start this training?"

"Chaos said he's meeting us out by the woods," Stephan began, "I don't have any clue where he's taking us."

I sighed as I looked at her, I wanted to cuddle up into her arms and forget about all of this. A part of me wished that I could stay away from this mess altogether and not go to train with the enemy but the Fates had other plans. "You ready to train," I asked her as I pushed myself up off the sand warming myself up a little since I let the water wet me

"About as ready as I'll ever be," she said as I offered my hand so she could pull herself up

"Ah, there you are," a voice said, making me spin around to see the man that brought me back to life. "Come along, the portal won't stay open for long," he said as he began walking toward the woods."

"So where is this training taking place," Zoë began as we walked and were soon joined by Naomi, Bianca, and Thalia. "Are we going to another planet or a different dimension?"

"A different dimension," Chaos began as he led us through the woods, "you are each to train separately for a year then be paired off rotating your partners after two months before we change to group training. It may take a little longer if we include the legacies being found during your training."

I squeezed Zoë's hand once Chaos mentioned that it had a chance of taking longer than what he said. "If there are any problems here," Zoë began, "would we be able to leave to help fix the problem?"

After she asked the question, Chaos stopped in front of a portal, turning to face us, "Why would there be any problems that the campers can't handle," he asked us. "Take as long as you need to say your goodbyes," he began, "since you are in front of the portals they will stay open for you as long as necessary."

After that he flashed out in a dark light, "I have a bad feeling about this," Bianca said as I nodded

"Did anyone understand what he just said about the training," Thalia asked as I looked at the two

"Yes," Zoë, Naomi, and I said as the other said no

"I'm afraid of the fact that he didn't answer your last question," I said as I looked at Zoë. "What if we change again and don't recognize each other?"

"That's why I told you to keep my pen and bracelet," she said with a smirk as my brother and sister walked through the portal after patting my shoulder. "We'll get through this," she began, "I promise," she finished before kissing me

"See you on the other side," I asked with a smile as we parted and started walking to the portal our hands clasped

Zoë smiled, "See you on the other side, my Brave Embers," I heard her say as my grip on her hand loosened as I walked into the darkness.