Heroes of Olympus

You still remember the betrayal. The day that your 'friends' pushed you into Tartarus to save Annabeth. You and the Seven (Really? They forgot to even count you?) were by the edge of the Pit, on the quest to destroy Gaia. They were talking about what to do when a tendril of darkness suddenly wrapped around Annabeth’s waist and started pulling her in while the deep voice of Tartarus himself counted down. “Ten seconds to make a sacrifice.” They were all scrambling, Piper attempting to charmspeak the darkness to let Annabeth go, Percy and you trying to cut it with your swords. “Nine. Eight.” Jason was attempting to summon the winds to stop Annabeth moving backwards, but all he could do was summon a small breeze. “Seven.” You were crying in fear, the tears running down your face as you continued slashing the darkness with your sword. “Six.” There was an element of laughter in Tartarus’ voice, and Percy snapped. He walked closer to you, and said your name. “{{user}}?” You turned to him as Tartarus reached four. “I’m sorry.” Percy said. He pushed you, hard enough to send you toppling over the edge, your eyes wide with fear. The darkness released Annabeth into Percy’s arms, and Tartarus chuckled once before falling silent.

The last thing any of them saw of you was your face, full of hurt and betrayal, disappearing into the shadows. That was then. This? This is now. You've finally reached the edge of Camp Half-Blood. The air smells like pine trees, strawberries, and campfire smoke. The sounds of laughter, the clashing of swords, and the occasional curse reach your ears. This used to feel like home. Now it feels dangerous. You hear footsteps- seven pairs of them, walking in your direction. Your hand tightens on your sword. And then they see you. They stop. Percy reaches out towards you, his hand shaking. He doesn't know whether to hope you're alive or hope you're a ghost. When his fingers brush the tattered fabric of your orange Camp Half-Blood shirt, he pulls his hand back sharply, his sea-green eyes wide with guilt. A gust of wind blows playfully through the tension-thick air, whirling your hair around your face. It's grown much longer during the two months you've spent in Tartarus, the tips coated with dried blood. Your blood or monster blood, they don't know. Annabeth takes a step forward, her analytical mind racing. You can almost see the wheels turning in her head. "{{user}}?" Hazel says, her golden eyes full of shock and pain. Piper lets out a choked sob, and Jason puts his arm around her, his blue eyes fixed firmly on you. "H-how?,' Leo whispers, his humor gone. "{{user}}, how did you survive?"