Dripping red.

That was all little Icaria Leigh Kane could focus on. She had never seen the color red that dark before. So dark, that it almost looked black to her in the early morning light. Until the day that she took her last breath, red would be Icaria's least favorite color. Unfortunately, that day seemed to be approaching closer as the seconds passed by.

The smell was so pungent, that it had coated the air, and Icaria could taste the iron in her mouth. It could have been from the blood that was coating the morning grass like a coat of paint. Or it could have been the blood from the wound that was dripping from her forehead. It was a taste that would forever live on her tongue.

Just fifteen feet in front of five year old Icaria, laid Atticus Kane, who was still trying to reach for his sword. Sweat dripped from him heavily, even though he could barely get his fingers to bend. Atticus was Icaria's best friend. The knight in shining armor, who would protect her during a scary storm. The man who would hold her in his steady arms, and rock her back to sleep after a nightmare plagued her mind. Her father. Atticus's body laid at an awkward angle, Icaria unknowing that it was because his spine had snapped.

Their eyes met each other in a final moment. Soft amber met blazing gold. Gold like the sun shining warmly on a cold crisp Autumn day. Atticus had loved that color from the second he held his little girl in his arms. He knew he didn't have much longer. Atticus could see that death had approached from the tree line, the god's head dipped down in respect to the demigod who had lived a full life. But it wasn't long enough for him. Atticus didn't get to spend enough time with Icaria.

They didn't have enough time. It was the only thing Atticus would regret in his life. Icaria was his everything. So, Atticus gathered all the energy that was quickly depleting, and sent his beautiful daughter one last smile. Icaria was the light of his life. Seeing her one final time, was all Atticus would ever need.

Blood gurgled in his mouth, from his throat being slit wide open, as Atticus begged his lips to form one last word. One last word, to hopefully save her life. That's all he wanted. Thanatos brushed his cold fingertips against the demigods temple, but Atticus fought against them. Just a moment longer.

Please.

"Fight." Came the faintest of words from bloodied lips.

"Enough."

The little air that Icaria still had in her lungs, disappeared. She watched, with teary eyes, as the Cyclopes that had attacked the small family of two, swung his club down on her father. There was no sound in the air at all. Even the birds had all but disappeared. Now, it was just a shaking demigod, and a Cyclopes, surrounded by trees that had stayed as still as the air.

No longer was there a small smile that painted Atticus's lips, his eyes glazed over, looking at something far off in the distance. Icaria's mouth felt dry, and her stomach clenched in about a thousand knots. Bile rising in her throat. It didn't matter that she heard steps approaching her, Icaria could not tear her eyes away from the scene in front of her.

The monster, who was proud of his quick work, inched closer to the strong smelling demigod. Her scent overpowered even the pungent smell of blood. It was intoxicating to him, and now that he had gotten rid of the nuisance father, she was up for grabs.

"Daddy?"

It was the only words that Icaria could even begin to mutter. Her body shook with pure fear, her legs giving up on her. What was she supposed to do now? Nobody had prepared the young girl, for the horrors of having to watch her father die right in front of her eyes.

Maybe he would still get up? He was just tired. Right? All Icaria Kane had to do, was try to remember the hymn her father would always sing to her, if she had gotten hurt. Icaria could save her father, just like he always saved her. Now was her time to be a hero, just like daddy. It was a simple hymn.

Think. Think. Just think PLEASE!

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

The heavy steps of the monster approaching her, snapped Icaria back into the battle that she would have to fight alone now. Through blurry vision, Icaria realized that the Cyclopes was now right in front of her. His club, that was covered in sticky blood, raised high in the air. There was a sadistic grin on his face, as his one eye stared into what felt like the depths of her soul. At the last second, still feeling the rush of air from the club, Icaria rolled out of the way. The force of the swing alone, still sent the young demigod tumbling back several feet.

Icaria's ears rang, as she scrambled back on her hands, trying to create any type of distance from the monster. Even though Icaria knew she was in the fight for her life, her focus was split. Not only was there a ten foot Cyclopes swinging his club like a cyclone, but red painted her vision.

Oh, there was so much red.

The Cyclopes chuckled at the feeble attempt of the little demigod. It was absolutely pathetic, that she was still trying to fight for her life. It would be a much quicker death, if she gave in like the sad excuse of a labeled hero demigod who laid broken in half. He watched with his single eye, as the girl picked up the sword her father had been reaching for.

The sword was the color of melted gold, and when small hands picked it up, it seemed to glow brighter. Even though it was an early morning, the sword shone bright enough to light up the entire clearing they fought in. Unfortunately, the sword was easily a foot too big for the child of one of the gods, and it was clear her hands were still shaking.

To the Cyclopes, it seemed that Icaria might actually be a worthy demigod to kill. Before the morning was over though, Icaria's blood would mix with her fathers in the damp grass.

"Nobody to protect you anymore. The gods did not listen to his silly cries. Pathetic demigod." The Cyclopes mocked, beginning to use his club to push at the broken body of Atticus Kane.

As Icaria watched her father's body get pushed around, the sadness and fear in her chest, turned into burning rage. Blood rushed in her ears, the longer she listened to the monster mock her father. Something took Icaria over, telling her that she would live to see the next morning.

Fight.

A little hand wiped away the tears that had been mixed with blood, since they were blurring her vision. Her father didn't cry, and neither would Icaria. No. Heroes stared down death every day, and they didn't cry. Atticus told Icaria that she would be a hero, like the stories he read to her every night. Be a hero.

Although wielding a sword was much different than a small knife, Icaria wrapped both hands around the glowing handle tightly, and set her glare ahead of her. Knuckles began to turn snowy white in color. The involuntary shaking of Icaria's body, was no longer out of hear, instead it was complete rage. The sword was now light in her hand, despite being too long for her.

'Stop crying, just stop crying. Fight. Breathe. Steady now.'

"LEAVE ME ALONE! I'm not scared of you!" It didn't matter that the words Icaria spoke, were a complete like. There was a venom behind those words, that even the Cyclopes was shocked to hear.

No longer was the Cyclopes staring at a small child. Her eyes had turned the color of glowing pure gold, and seemed to blaze like a roaring fire. As the seconds passed that the Cyclopes had stared at Icaria Kane, he noticed a red aura surround her. Although, it was gone as quickly as it came, gone in a blink. Now, in front of the monster, was a warrior, and the Cyclopes faltered in his steps to kill the demigod.

'Okay, steady hands right now, kid. You're going to want to step forward with your right foot. Good, now just relax your hands. Let your anger out on your target. Let the world burn.' A rough voice whispered in Icaria's head.

Blood still dripped heavily from the wound on her forehead, when she was first thrown by the Cyclopes, and bruises littered Icaria's legs. But it was true, there was no child standing in her shoes. Icaria was becoming the warrior that her father always told her that she would be.

With a battle cry, that was worthy of the gods, Icaria leaped forward. A natural swing from the sword, Icaria made contact with the Cyclopes's knees. The monster let out a pained grunt, and stumbled back, yet he stayed on his feet.

'Put your whole body into your attacks. You have to use whatever advantage you can.'

'Fight. Fight my little ember, and light it up.'

Icaria used her small stature, and danced on the balls of her feet, spinning around the Cyclopes. The more she went in circles, swiping at every moment she could, the monster began to grow dizzy and irritated. As the anger burned inside of Icaria though, she noticed the sword in her hand, beginning to grow warm to the touch. No matter how hot it began to grow, the heat never burned Icaria.

With swings, that older demigods wish they possessed, Icaria made contact again with the monster, this time slicing open the Cyclopes's hip. Gold dust poured out of the wound, like blood.

The monster was tired of the pathetic games, and grabbed the demigod by the back of her head, ripping out clumps of hair. Not wanting to easily accept defeat, Icaria's battle cry turned into a roar of defiance. Icaria roared to the sky, a roar that shook the thrones of a place she had never been to yet. One so powerful, that cracked one throne specifically.

Icaria felt hot, like the sword had become. Her chest felt tight, and her veins began to constrict. In a single moment, Icaria Kane became the literal embodiment of fire. Her entire body erupted into white flames, scorching the earth the Cyclopes stood upon. They began to move without command, and licked angrily at the Cyclopes, urging him to let their master go.

In a state of complete shock, the Cyclopes released the demigod, and began to fall back. Flames still finding their target. Quickly regaining her footing after being dropped, Icaria lunged at the monster, and felt her sword plunge into his chest. Icaria dug the sword farther in, and with a twist, pulled it out.

With a puff of golden dust, the Cyclopes vanished in the air. As the dust settled, it began to melt into the earth, sending the monster back to where it belonged. The flames that had engulfed Icaria, extinguished, and the demigod was left untouched. She dropped the sword to the ground, and fell to her knees right next to it.

There was no longer any anger coursing through Icaria, and she was left feeling cold. Icaria's fingers dug into the earth, breathing heavily. The morning grass dampening her pajamas she was still wearing from the night before. The air was still. Everything felt numb, like Icaria was finally realizing that there was a missing piece of her.

Like the pace of molasses, Icaria's golden eyes found Atticus Kane's body again. Now that her life wasn't in jeopardy, Icaria could stare at the scene in front of her. It didn't matter that she was still bleeding, and felt exhausted. The demigod was more so focused on the still form of her father. Finally, Icaria Kane broke. Sobs so heavy that her shoulders were shaking. Icaria bent her body forehead, so low that her forehead laid on the dewy grass.

Red. Red. Red. Drip. Drip. Drip.

'Please, can we stay a moment longer? I can't just leave her. Please?'

'Come Atticus Kane, it is time to rest now. You have done what the Fates have planned for you.'

'No! Do you not see, my ember? I just need to be for her in this moment. I-I can't go on, knowing that Ria is breaking apart at the seams.'

'The living do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirt of those they have loved, and lost. You will still live on, within her soul, Atticus. Icaria will know that one day. The place you live in her soul, will be a perfect sanctuary. Which even I, myself, cannot destroy.'

'Rise. Rise my beautiful dove. This is not goodbye. Dry your tears. Fly now, Dove. Your wings have grown.'

With that, the two souls began to walk away. And no matter how much one wanted to turn around, he knew there was nothing he could do. Trust that Icaria Kane could survive to see another morning.

The sound of a horn, from the distance, began to bring Icaria out of the trance that she was in. The demigod watched, with tears still streaming down her face, as a group of all girls came out of the tree line. They were all older than her, but seemed no older than the age of sixteen. Most of the group was about ten to fourteen, and they had a silvery aura encased around them. It almost reminded Icaria of the glow the moon produced.

Two of the girls, began to slowly approach the still panting demigod. Looking around at the scene, you could tell there had been a monster there, especially with the pile of dust that was still sinking below the earth by the young child. One of the girls, who seemed a little bit older, had dark brown hair, some of it tied into braids. The other, who looked to be around twelve, had auburn hair that was pulled back into a low pony tail. The girl had silver eyes, that shone like the moon. And the silvery aura that surrounded all the girls, was the most bright around her.

After taking a glance at the two girls, Icaria went back to looking at the scene in front of her. Mumbling something incoherently under her breath. As soon as the girls began to approach, Icaria had her guard on high alert. Even if she was past the point of breaking her body in exhaustion, Icaria would fight her way out again.

"One half-blood, my lady." The girl with braids in her hair, spoke quietly to the younger one. She could only keep her eyes on the broken girl in front of her though, something pulling at her chest, to wrap her arms and comfort the crying child.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Gather some ambrosia for her, and get everyone ready to leave. I would like to speak with the young maiden for a moment."

With a bow of her head, the girl silently went off to talk with the group, and got ready to leave whenever their lady told them it was time. Still everyone kept an eye on the broken girl next to the twelve year old girl. All of their hearts clenching at seeing the pain that was evident in Icaria's eyes.

"It is alright now, little one." The pretty silver eyed girl spoke gently to Icaria. The demigod was only a young maiden who just witnessed one of the most tragic things a mortal can go through. And lived. "I have something to help you with the pain. It will make you feel better."

"No." Icaria spoke plainly, her own voice not sounding like herself. "You need to give it to daddy. I can't think of the hymn. Please, I've been trying. Just help him first. He needs it more than I do. Please."

The pain in Icaria's voice pulled at the silvery girls heartstrings. Even though she was bleeding heavily, her body clearly exhausted, all Icaria wanted to do was take care of her father first. Atticus had always taken care of her, now it was her turn. It was a sign of a true warrior. Helping others before thinking about yourself.

After closing her eyes for a moment, the silver girl looked at the man that she had seen a few times before. She turned Icaria away softly, trying to prevent any further trauma that might occur. The first death you witness, is always the hardest. And from there, unfortunately it would never get any easier.

"I am so sorry, Icaria Kane. I wish there was a way I could help your father, truly I do. If there was something I could do, I would do it without a moment of hesitation. Your father would want you to heal though."

Icaria knew the girl next to her, was right. There was something telling Icaria that she could be trusted. It had been a gift Icaria had since birth. By a look alone, Icaria could tell someone's true intention. It had helped save herself and Atticus more than once. Whoever the girl was at her side, was not lying.

So, Icaria took a piece of what looked like honeycomb from her. Hands were now shaking from the lack of adrenaline, that had began to seep away after the fight for her life ended. Yet, Icaria managed to take a small bite. It tasted like warm blueberry pancakes with homemade maple syrup. It was something that Atticus had made every single Sunday. The same breakfast that she had not hours ago.

The bruises on Icaria's legs slowly started to vanish, and the wound on her head stopped dripping. The demigod felt her strength begin to return to her, but the honeycomb didn't numb the sadness that she could feel in her bones. A feeling that would take Icaria years to overcome and learn to accept. She didn't want to be healed though, Icaria would take all the injuries in the world, if it meant that her father would sit up again. All she wanted was one last hug. Relax in his arms once more, as he ran his hands through her curly black hair, singing lullabies to lull her to sleep.

The bottom of Icaria's lips began to tremble once more, and she threw herself into the arms of the silver eyed girl. She just needed a hug, and if she couldn't get it from Atticus, the girl was the next best bet.

Little arms wrapped around the older girls neck, and she felt tears begin to drip onto her shoulder. Soft sobs left the young demigod, but the girl just rubbed her back, and softly began to sing an ancient Greek lullaby in Icaria's ear. When Icaria's grip tightened, so did the silver eyed girl. She knew Icaria needed this right now. Icaria needed to feel this pain, no matter how much it hurt in the moment.

It had been awhile since her and the hunters had rescued a demigod, especially one this young. The silver eyed girl had been surprised to see how much of a strong scent Icaria Kane already had. She just wished they could have gotten here earlier. Maybe the girls father would still be alive. Maybe Icaria wouldn't have to feel this pain already at five years old. So many what if's. But what if's were a dangerous path to go down. They were just not quick enough. That was the way Fate played out.

"Daddy will walk with Thanatos to Elysium." Icaria spoke with a confidence after ten minutes of the comforting hug. She was still sniffling, but the tears no longer raced down her cheeks like rain drops on a car window. Atticus Kane was a hero worthy of peace in the afterlife.

"Yes, I believe he will. He was very brave for what he did for you, Icaria. Never forget that." The girl agreed, still running her hand through the demigod's hair.

Icaria Leigh Kane knew the stories of Ancient Greece. She knew who she was, and who her father was the child of. The demigod was unsure of who her own mother way, but Atticus had always told her, she would know soon. Icaria knew the monster she had just killed was a Cyclopes, a younger one, but still huge. Atticus had been training the girl since she was only three. Their training consisted of singing hymns to heal, and practicing with different kinds of weapons. Icaria knew that Elysium was the place that heroes went after their worthy death. Her father was the best hero she knew. A hero she would keep remembering and tell others.

"I'm scared." Icaria spoke honestly. She had never been alone before. It was always her and Atticus, and they were happy with that. Now, she was thrown into a world that she was barely prepared for. Icaria hated being alone. Usually she was right at Atticus's side, or others that she trusted. To the little five year old girl, the world of monsters, and gods, was scary to her. Icaria knew that it usually got you killed in horrific ways.

"It is alright to be scared, little one. Only the bravest warriors can ever admit that truthfully. We're here now though. You will not be alone anymore. Do you know who I am?" The silver eyed girl asked.

Pretty silver eyes, that shone like the moon on a dark night. The leader of a group of young girls that traveled the world. There was also a beautiful white-tail deer, that had laid its soft head on Icaria's lap not too long ago. It only took a moment for the stories to race through Icaria's head.

"You're daddy's aunt." Icaria answered.

Icaria had never met any of her fathers family, but she knew all about her grandpa. And the silver eyed girl knew of this son of her brother, and had even met him before. Atticus had been a brave and very likable camper. He had gone on a few quests, all of them being successful. Campers flocked to him easily. Atticus Kane had even gained the respect of many of the gods and goddesses who lived on Olympus. He had been Apollo's favored child. Icaria was right with her statement earlier. Atticus Kane would easily walk into Elysium.

With a silent ancient prayer, and one of her brothers hymns over Atticus, Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, bowed her head in respect of the demigod. His body disappeared in a shimmer of soft light.

"Yes, I am. Icaria, there is a safe place that I can bring you. Until then, my hunters and I will protect you. You will be one of us for the time being. Would you like to go, little one?" Artemis explained, something telling her that she needed to protect this girl. And so the goddess would, even if it angered others.

If Icaria had been a little older, Artemis might have offered her a spot amongst the hunters. She could see the clear display of bravery that Icaria already had. Icaria already had the heart of a true hunter and hero. A demigod that would do her father proud too. Artemis herself would be proud to fight next to the girl. Alas, the goddess could not take away the girls chance of at least growing up a little bit. Maybe one day in the future.

"Yes, please." Icaria let go of the goddesses neck, and began wringing her hands together. It was a lot to take in all at once, and Icaria felt her anxiety rising a little bit. She wiped away the last of the tears, and took a shaky deep breath in.

'Oh my darling flame. How I wish I could hold you, and tell you everything will be okay. You survived this day. One day, it will be easier to breathe. I wish that day could be this one, my flame. Rest now though.'

The place that Lady Artemis had been talking about, Icaria guessed it was Camp Half-Blood. Her father had talked about it as a bedtime story, and any time she asked to her about his many adventures he had. Atticus always told her that she would go one day, when she was older, and that he would be right by her side as she walked through the barrier. It would be an important day in her life, a day that Atticus wouldn't be there anymore.

Icaria looked back to the spot where Atticus laid not even moments ago, still covered in red, and sent a silent prayer to him. She wanted him to be able to have safe passage on his last journey. One day. One day she would see him again.

"I love you." Icaria Leigh Kane whispered ever so silently.

The young demigod picked up the sword that was still next to her, and rubbed the etching of the word 'Hearth' in Ancient Greek. In the blink of a moment, it turned into a ring that slipped easily onto Icaria's finger. It fit snug but wasn't uncomfortable, it was even providing a warmth that allowed her to even breathe a little bit better. It was the same ring that her father always wore, that she knew would one day be hers.

That day, was now.

Artemis took Icaria's hand, and helped her stand back on her feet. They walked over to the hunters, who were talking quietly amongst themselves as they waited for the two. Once Icaria approached, they immediately greeted her with sweet smiles, and warm hugs. They took little Icaria in instantly, in that moment she became an honorary hunter, and their new sister. Hunters were protective of one another, and they would be even more so of the young but strong demigod in their group.

The girl with braid in her hair, introduced herself as Zoë, and took Icaria's other hand. And just like that, Icaria felt a little less alone. A little warmer.

I promise I'll make you proud, daddy. We will be together one day, but I'll prove myself. You can rest now, in Elysium. I got this. I love you.

Liza speaks;

Ah man, my poor baby. She's just so little and is already thrown into the Greek world. So the first god that she pulls on the heart strings of is Artemis. The next couple of chapters will be her time with the hunters, and then getting to camp. We'll also meet Annabeth and Luke shortly. Then we'll get into The Lightning Thief, which I am very excited for. I'd also like to see if you guys caught onto some things in this chapter. If you didn't that's okay too, it will be explained later in the book.

Peace out Cub Scouts!