A long 3k words chapter for you guys, Enjoy!
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That creepy silence had settled over the forest again. Not the nice, birds-chirping kind, but the "something's watching us and mentally calculating which of us would taste better with ketchup" kind. I picked my way through the underbrush, wincing every time my boots snapped a twig. Up ahead, Thalia moved like she owned the place, spear balanced on one shoulder, looking totally relaxed except for the way her fingers kept twitching around the shaft, ready to skewer anything that jumped out at us.
Luke, predictably, couldn't stay quiet. "So what's the deal with the whole—" he waved his hands at me like he was trying to describe an abstract painting to a blind person, "—human nightlight situation? The healing hands? That whole...thing." His eyes darted to my arms, then back to my face. "Apollo's your dad or something, right?"
I blinked. "Oh, sure. Totally. I just woke up this morning thinking, Man, I hope I'm the sun god's kid, because who doesn't want glowing powers and a killer tan?"
Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Really? You don't know?"
"I mean… no?" I said, grinning. "I just show up, light happens. People heal. Birds might sing. I don't know. I call it… the 'accidental hero package.'"
Luke snorted, clearly entertained. "Man, that's so unfair. My dad apparently doesn't even text. Just… leaves. Classic deadbeat move."
Annabeth shrugged slightly, voice low. "My mom? I barely remember her. She was around for a little while before leaving. Not exactly the whole 'constant guidance' thing."
Luke raised an eyebrow at her. "Wait… she just left?"
"Yeah," she said, tone clipped. "But I'm fine. Mostly. Memories are… fuzzy." She turned back to the forest, expression unreadable.
I piped up before anyone could give me that "you're going to die if you say one more thing" look: "So, basically, you two had parents who were either awful or absent, and I'm the lucky mystery kid with some shiny 'Apollo vibes.' Got it. Cool. Fun mix."
Thalia snorted, turning her head slightly. "Lucky? Or annoying. Probably both."
I grinned. "I'll take both! Adds character points."
Luke laughed. "Seriously, though, that glow and healing? If I didn't know better, I'd think you were full Apollo. Sun, light, fixing stuff… That's textbook."
I shrugged. "Yeah, well, sometimes textbook doesn't tell the full story. Mostly I just poke stuff with my glowing fingers and hope for the best."
Annabeth, eyes narrowing, muttered, "Don't tempt him. He'll heal everything in sight whether it needs it or not."
"I mean," I said, grinning wider, "if I'm Apollo's kid, I'm just trying to live up to the hype. Otherwise, what's the point?"
Thalia rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you're useful. Otherwise, you'd be dead already."
"Hey, don't hate the player," I said, smirking. "Hate the forest that keeps sending giant monster signals like it's auditioning for most annoying forest ever. Also can we move? I kind of like having all my limbs attached."
Luke laughed again. "Finally, someone with sense. I like this kid."
Annabeth muttered under her breath, "Sense doesn't stop monsters from eating you."
"Yeah," I said, smirking, "but jokes do. And apparently, glowing hands. Very practical."
The forest ahead grew thicker. Every so often, a branch snapped somewhere off in the distance. Luke grumbled about his dad, Annabeth muttered about memories of her mom, Thalia stayed silent but clearly calculating how fast she could skewer me if I distracted her, and Grover… well, he was muttering things in goat language that I didn't understand but assumed were panic-fueled.
I let the light under my skin pulse faintly. It was quiet. Too quiet. And I had this horrible suspicion it wouldn't stay that way for long.
.
.
.
And of course, my "too quiet" instinct was right.
That eerie silence was gone in a heartbeat. A scream cut through the forest, high-pitched, panicked, and precise. Not random. Not accidental. Focused. Angry. Definitely the please die now kind of angry.
Thalia stiffened immediately, spear snapping into her hands. Luke groaned, muttering under his breath, "I knew it…" Annabeth cursed softly, eyes scanning for the threat, and Grover… well, he crouched low, muttering things that I assumed were "please don't die" prayers.
I raised an eyebrow. "Okay, guess the forest decided polite introductions are overrated."
Thalia didn't answer. She sprinted forward. Not casually. Not cautiously. Full throttle, I'll fix this myself mode.
I groaned. "You're an idiot. Absolute, total idiot."
Luke just stared. "She… she's just going in? Alone?"
"Yep," I said, smirking faintly. "Classic reckless hero syndrome. Nothing new here."
A hulking shadow erupted from the trees. Scales glinted wetly, bladed arms snapping, eyes yellow and calculating. This thing didn't flail. It didn't stumble. It hunted.
Thalia lunged straight at it. Spear spinning, lightning-fast. She was precise, deadly, absolutely chaotic, but I could see the pattern. She was already thinking of the "sacrifice herself to save everyone" move.
I stepped forward, smirk curling. "Nope. Dumbest idea you've had all week. And that's saying something."
Luke's jaw dropped. "Wait... she was gonna—?"
"Yep. And nope," I said, fingers pulsing faintly with light. A thin blade of glowing energy extended from my arm, sharp, precise. Waiting. Watching.
The monster hissed, lunging at Thalia. She twisted, slashing with her spear—and I moved.
Light extended like an extension of my arm. One precise strike, and the monster's head—gone. Ash puffed up lazily into the air. No screams, no agony. Just gone.
Luke and Annabeth stared like someone just rewrote reality in front of them. Grover squeaked something incomprehensible, which I assumed meant "holy goatballs."
I shrugged. "All part of the plan. Step one: don't let the idiot in front of me die. Step two: obliterate the threat."
Thalia didn't argue. She spun back into the fray, spear swinging, matching my movements. Aggression plus precision. Dangerous combination.
Another monster charged from the side. I split my light into two blades, threading them like wires through the air. One severed an arm mid-strike. The other tore through its torso. Ash scattered. Gone.
Luke and Annabeth didn't move. They just watched, mouths open. Thalia glanced at me mid-swing, smirk faint but approving. "Not bad for a mystery kid."
I grinned. "I live to impress. Also, I prefer surviving with all limbs intact. It's my hobby."
The last monster hesitated. Smarter. Faster. Probably realized it had no chance. I split my light into dozens of thin threads, trembling with restrained force. One snap of my fingers later, it imploded. Ash drifted down like gray snow.
The forest went eerily silent again.
I exhaled, chest rising and falling. Light under my skin dimmed slightly, pulsing faintly. Calm. Observing. Waiting.
Thalia leaned on her spear, smirk tugging at her lips. "You're lucky you're useful. Otherwise, I'd have left you in the forest as a warning."
I grinned. "And you're lucky I don't like leaving idiots behind."
Luke and Annabeth just stared, still processing. Grover finally exhaled, muttering something that sounded like relief.
"Okay," I said, crouching and stretching my fingers, "anyone else want to call me a disaster or are we done?"
Thalia shook her head, smirk faint. "We're done."
I glanced ahead. Camp Half-Blood, just beyond the trees.
The forest didn't wait. Branches tore themselves from trees as the monsters erupted from the shadows, four massive, jagged, and fast. Far faster than anything I'd expected. Their scales were black with streaks of green, eyes sharp and cruel. The ground vibrated under their pounding feet, snapping branches and sending leaves raining like confetti at the worst kind of party.
Thalia cursed, gripping her spear so tightly her knuckles whitened. "Shit… they're huge."
Luke's jaw dropped. "We—We're… dead. Totally dead."
Annabeth's eyes narrowed, scanning. "Not necessarily. If we—"
I held up a hand. "Nope. Not now. You three? Run. Go now to the camp. I'll handle the idiots trying to eat us."
Thalia looked at me, eyes flicking between the approaching monsters and my calm smirk. "Good idea. Move, before one of these things bites you in half."
Luke blinked. "Uh… wait, us? Run? Seriously?"
"Yes. Run," I said, shrugging. "Trust me. You get to live longer, and we'll deal with the… oversized nightmares here."
Annabeth hesitated. "Are you insane?"
Thalia shoved her forward with her spear, muttering, "Insane, yes. Effective, also yes. MOVE."
Grover squeaked loudly, probably translating to "finally someone with sense," and bolted after them. Luke and Annabeth followed, giving one last stunned look back.
That left Thalia and me facing the monsters.
I grinned faintly, letting the light pulse under my skin. Calm, sharp, deadly.
The first monster lunged at Thalia. She spun her spear, slashing its arm, but it was fast, snapping back to strike at her chest. She twisted, narrowly avoiding the blade as it cut through the tree behind her, splinters flying.
"See?" I said, stepping forward. "Dumb. Total idiot. I warned you."
"Shut up," she muttered, chest heaving.
The second monster charged me directly. I didn't wait for it to close. Blades of light formed along my arms, razor-thin, moving almost too fast to see. One swipe cut its arm clean off. The other severed its head. Ash scattered everywhere, black smoke curling into the damp air.
Thalia ducked under a massive swing from the first monster, rolling through dirt and debris. She came up on her knees, flicking her spear, stabbing the monster in the side. Its hiss was loud, almost human, but the thing was brutal—it snapped its other arm back, slicing through her forearm. Blood spat onto the ground.
"Nice move, idiot," I said, stepping closer. "But try not to die this time."
She shot me a glare, teeth gritted, but didn't argue. Instead, she kicked the creature square in the chest, sending it crashing into a tree. Splinters exploded everywhere.
Another lunged at me from behind. I spun, slashing it mid-leap. One arm flew off, the other followed in a spray of ash. My light pulse flared, covering my skin with a faint glow.
The first monster staggered back toward Thalia, jaws snapping. She twisted, spear swinging, but it knocked her off balance. She tumbled hard into a shallow ditch, dirt scraping across her back, but she rolled, jumped up, and lunged again, anger in her eyes.
"Seriously," I said, flicking a thread of light across its torso, "don't try to sacrifice yourself, idiot. That's my job."
She smirked faintly, chest heaving. "I'm trying… to help."
I shrugged, forming twin blades in my hands, moving in a brutal dance. One slice tore through the monster attacking her, another through the one charging me. Ash flew, blood splattered on the leaves, the forest smelled like scorched fur and dirt.
Thalia finally breathed out, a mix of exasperation and relief. "Okay… fine. Thanks."
I smirked. "You're welcome. You owe me one."
"Don't push it," she said, voice tight but softer than before, almost shy. Tsundere mode activated fully.
The last monster paused, sensing it was outmatched. I split my light into dozens of thin threads, each sharp enough to cut steel, weaving them like a deadly net. With a snap of my fingers, the threads struck in unison. The monster screamed as its body tore apart piece by piece, collapsing into ash and dust.
Thalia wiped blood from her spear and chest, breathing hard. "You… didn't even break a sweat, huh?"
I shrugged, dimming the light under my skin. "Some of us were born ready. Others… get to learn the hard way."
She glared again, cheeks still faintly pink. "You're insufferable."
"Thank you," I said, grinning. "And you're welcome for saving your life."
We both paused, surveying the aftermath. The forest was silent, save for the distant sounds of Luke, Annabeth, and Grover running toward the camp. Trees snapped, leaves scattered, dirt churned but the monsters were gone.
For the first time, Thalia's glare softened, just slightly. "I… appreciate it. Don't get used to hearing that, idiot."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I said, smirking. "But feel free to live for another day."
We crouched, catching our breath, while the faint pulse of light under my skin faded to a soft glow. The forest felt alive again, but it wasn't friendly. Just… waiting. Watching.
From the distance, I heard shouting from Luke, Annabeth, and Grover. Relief, panic, and the frantic pace of running mixed into a chaotic symphony.
A few seconds later, hoofbeats and shouts cut through the trees. "Abel! Thalia!"
Chiron appeared first, his horse hooves thudding against the dirt, followed by a few campers carrying spears and swords, eyes wide as they scanned the scene. "What in Tartarus—" Chiron froze mid-stride.
The forest clearing was… empty. Trees scarred, dirt churned, branches splintered—but the monsters were gone. Not a trace.
Campers stopped in their tracks, mouths open. One of them whispered, "Did… did something just… die here?"
Thalia wiped blood from her spear and chest, breathing hard. She glanced at me, smirk tugging faintly at her lips. "Yeah… we handled it. Mostly him."
I stepped slightly forward, letting the glow under my skin dim but linger just enough to pulse faintly like a heartbeat. "All set. You three got here just in time to—oh wait—you already missed the show."
Chiron's eyes narrowed, scanning me carefully, then Thalia. "You two… took care of all this?"
I shrugged casually, letting a little ash drift down from my fingers. "Yep. Just another Tuesday in the forest."
Thalia elbowed me lightly, muttering, "Stop acting like you did all of it."
I grinned. "You were helpful. Sort of. Mostly distracting them."
Chiron shook his head, letting out a low whistle. "Impressive… terrifying, actually."
The campers started whispering among themselves, glancing at me like I was some living weapon they weren't ready to understand.
I looked toward the distant camp lights, faint but reassuring. "Well," I said, smirking, "mission accomplished. Monsters gone, idiot still alive, everyone else safe. Win-win, right?"
Thalia, still breathing hard, muttered softly, "Thanks… for not letting me die. Again, idiot."
I smirked wider. "Anytime. You know where to find me."
Chiron finally approached, his presence calm but commanding. "I suppose we'll have a full debrief back at camp. And a serious talk about this… overkill."
I waved one hand lazily. "Debrief's fine. Just… maybe less monsters next time, yeah?"
The forest was silent now, save for the distant chatter from the campers and the soft pulse of light still under my skin. The clearing had been a battlefield moments ago. Now it looked like nothing had ever happened. Except for the ash, the scarred earth, and the faint trace of divine light lingering in the air.
.
.
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[Thalia POV]
The forest didn't wait. Branches tore themselves from trees as the monsters erupted from the shadows, four massive, jagged, and fast. Far faster than I'd expected. Their scales were black with streaks of green, eyes sharp and cruel. The ground vibrated under their pounding feet, snapping branches and sending leaves raining like confetti at the worst kind of party.
I cursed, gripping my spear so tightly my knuckles whitened. "Shit… they're huge." Of course. And of course we're stuck out here while the others get to run. Typical.
Luke's jaw dropped. "We—We're… dead. Totally dead."
Annabeth's eyes narrowed, scanning. "Not necessarily. If we—"
I barely had time to glance at them before Abel raised a hand. "Nope. Not now. You three? Run. Go now to the camp. I'll handle the idiots trying to eat us."
I blinked at him. Calm. Smugly calm. And damn, that smirk… "Good idea. Move, before one of these things bites you in half," I muttered, shoving them forward with my spear. Don't look like I'm relying on him… but ugh, I'm glad he's here.
Luke blinked. "Uh… wait, us? Run? Seriously?"
"Yes. Run," Abel said, shrugging. "Trust me. You get to live longer, and we'll deal with the… oversized nightmares here."
Annabeth hesitated. "Are you insane?"
I shoved her forward. "Insane, yes. Effective, also yes. MOVE."
Grover squeaked loudly, and they all bolted. Relief flickered—thank the gods they'd live—but now it was just Abel and me.
The first monster lunged at me. I spun my spear, slashing its arm, but it was fast, snapping back to strike at my chest. I twisted just in time; the blade cut a tree instead, splinters flying.
"See?" Abel said, stepping forward. "Dumb. Total idiot. I warned you."
Ugh. Stop saying that. But… he's right.
The second monster charged him. He didn't wait for it to close. Blades of light formed along his arms, razor-thin, moving almost too fast to see. One swipe cut its arm clean off. The other severed its head. Ash scattered.
He's getting stronger. Faster. He's insane. And… he's not even sweating.
I ducked under a massive swing from the first monster, rolling through dirt and debris. I came up on my knees, flicking my spear, stabbing the monster in the side. Its hiss was loud, almost human. Its other claw scraped my forearm. Blood spattered the ground.
"Nice move, idiot," Abel said, stepping closer. "But try not to die this time."
I shot him a glare, teeth gritted. Shut up. You're impossible… but I'm alive because of him. Ugh, why do I care?
I kicked the creature chest-first into a tree, splinters exploding. Another lunged at him from behind. He spun, slicing mid-leap. Limbs flew. Ash scattered. He's brutal… precise… terrifying… and growing stronger. Damn it.
The first monster staggered back toward me, jaws snapping. I twisted, spear swinging, but it knocked me off balance. I tumbled, dirt scraping my back, rolled, jumped, and lunged again. Adrenaline and pride pushing me forward.
"Seriously," Abel said, flicking a thread of light across its torso, "don't try to sacrifice yourself, idiot. That's my job."
I smirked faintly, chest heaving. "I'm trying… to help." Don't let him see I'm actually grateful… idiot.
Twin blades of light appeared in his hands, moving in a brutal, precise dance. One slice tore through the monster attacking me, another through the one charging him. Ash flew, blood splattered the leaves.
I exhaled, feeling tension drain slightly. He's… unbelievable. Growing stronger… too strong…
"Okay… fine. Thanks," I muttered, more than I wanted to.
"You're welcome. You owe me one," Abel said, grinning.
"Don't push it," I muttered, voice tight but softer than before.
The last monster paused, sensing it was outmatched. Abel split his light into dozens of razor-thin threads, weaving a deadly net. Snap. Ash. Dust. Silence.
I wiped blood from my spear and chest, breathing hard. "…You… didn't even break a sweat, huh?"
He shrugged. "Some of us were born ready. Others… get to learn the hard way."
I glared, cheeks faintly pink. "You're insufferable."
"Thank you," he said, grinning. "And you're welcome for saving your life."
I rolled my eyes. He's… growing stronger. Way too strong. Ugh, and I… I appreciate it.
From the distance, I heard shouting fromLuke, Annabeth, Grover. Relief, panic, and the frantic pace of running.
A few seconds later, hoofbeats and shouts. "Abel! Thalia!"
Chiron appeared first, followed by campers. Their eyes went wide. "What in Tartarus—" Chiron froze.
The clearing was empty. Trees scarred, dirt churned, branches splintered, but the monsters were gone. Not a trace.
I glanced at Abel. Smirk faint, pulse of light dimming. Mostly him. Mostly all of it. Damn it. And I have to admit… I'm grateful to him.
"Yeah… we handled it. Mostly him," I said, elbowing him lightly. Don't act like I'm impressed. But… I am.
"Anytime. You know where to find me," he said, grinning.
I muttered softly, almost to myself, "Thanks… for not letting me die. Again, idiot."
He smirked wider. Damn it. Why does surviving with him feel… like a game?
Chiron shook his head, whistling low. "Impressive… terrifying, actually."
I wiped blood from my face and chest, staring at him, trying to look annoyed. He's growing stronger. Way too strong.