Peaceful. 

This story starts at a cottage, that was on a plot of land right on the edge of the woods in Washington. A home that was full of love and peace. The stone house was covered in ivy and had all different kinds of flowers practically drowning the front lawn. The grass had just been mowed the day before, and there was the smell of the grass trimmings mixed with the scent of oak and honey in the air. Honestly, the trim around the windows needed a fresh coat of white paint, but that was all the work that needed to be done. It was a house that was lived in and loved. 

As you enter the dark green front door, you'll be met with what can only be described as organized chaos. On the left, was a large room that was the house's library. There were a few bookshelves on each wall, full to the brim of all genres of books. Most of their pages were worn, after being read more than a few times. In one of the corners, there was a comfy rocking chair, and on the other wall was a window seat that looked out to the garden. 

If you went to the right, there was a cozy living room, with a couch and a few chairs. The furniture was mismatched, and they all had fuzzy blankets covering the back of them. There were a few books placed on the coffee table, and toys scattered across the rug. As you moved down the hallway, there were two bedrooms on either side. One that housed a young girl who absolutely adored the color yellow, and the other room was for a father who loved studying medicine. 

At the very end of the house, before leading out to the large backyard, that butted right into the forest, was the kitchen. For the most part, the kitchen was tidy and always smelled of freshly made bread. On this particular day, flour littered the counters, and there was a very pungent smell of pancakes. That were obviously made with love. 

"Flip it again, daddy." Came the joyful voice of Icaria Elanor Kane. A sweet little four-year-old girl. She had bright golden eyes that matched her father, and she would proudly tell everyone that set that particular fact. 

Atticus David Kane, the father in demand of the little girl, laughed and flipped the pancake back over without a spatula. He smiled as he listened to the sound of his daughter squealing with pure joy. After another minute on that side, Atticus slid the last one onto the growing pile of blueberry pancakes. He handed the plate to Icaria and watched as she carefully carried it with two hands, to the oak table in the middle of the kitchen.

The little girl sat at her assigned place, fork already in hand. Her only focus on the two pancakes on her plate, along with the raspberry syrup that was dangerously close by. Atticus sat across from her, taking his own food, and then poured the syrup on his daughter's plate. Both father and daughter bowed their heads and mumbled a quick blessing. Then, they had dived into their breakfast. 

Atticus listened to his daughter tell him all about the dream that she had the night before. Her eyes were bright, and her arms waved around dramatically as she shared. The father couldn't help but fall more in love with her as the seconds ticked by. Atticus was truly blessed by the gods with Icaria, and he knew that he would cherish her always. Their four years together already were filled with so much love and laughter. 

"And then the raven flew around the fire, before landing on the sand. It wasn't scared of anything. The waves even said hello to him." Icaria explained the end of her dream, taking the final bite of her delicious breakfast. 

"You've been seeing that raven a lot, it's probably trying to be your friend. Now, my darling Ria, tell me what you want to do tomorrow. You know, it's a very special day." Icaria gasped, nodding her head frantically. 

"Hold on, I'll be right back! I have a whole list of things I want to do. They're in my book. Wait, I think I wanna add a few more things too. Oh, it's going to be so much fun." Icaria placed her empty plate in the sink, and then all but sprinted into her room. 

In the moment that he had, Atticus cleaned up the kitchen a little bit, smiling as he listened to Icaria talking to herself in her room. He truly wanted to make the next day, which was her fifth birthday, a special day for the girl. The specific day always started with her favorite, chocolate chip cookies, and then would go from there. Last year, Atticus took his daughter to the zoo and watched the Dolphin show. He knew that had been a successful day, as he carried her exhausted body back to the car. Making sure that she didn't lose her dolphin stuffed animal that he had bought her. So, Atticus really wanted to make sure it was a special day for her. 

Reminiscing on all of the amazing days the father and daughter duo had shared together, Atticus almost missed the feeling of his hair on the back of his neck beginning to rise. The plate that he had been drying, crashed to the floor, and shattered into pieces. Atticus's blood ran cold, as he listened to the noise outside. The birds were gone, and the woods were silent. Nothing made any noise. Except, for the stomping of something big in the near distance. Something not of the mortal world. 

Atticus gripped the knife that was always in his pocket, as tight as he could, until his fingers turned white. The man berated himself in his head, that he had left his sword in the bedroom. There was no time. Plans were immediately thought out, nothing mattered except getting outside and protecting his daughter. His daughter who was just in the other room, completely unaware of the danger that was just about to pass their family. 

To his heart-clenching fear, Icaria waddled out of her bedroom, a smile still lighting up her face. She carried her sticker covered journal with her, still writing a few things down. Atticus looked back out the window above the sink, watching as trees seemed to just randomly fall to the forest floor. Nothing about this situation was random. 

"Icaria, do you remember daddy's rules about monsters?" Atticus asked quickly, his ADHD going haywire. Outside. Outside. Protect. Get out of the place that his little girl was in. Quickly. 

The golden eyed girl looked up at him, the joy in her eyes beginning to dim. Atticus had only ever called her by her full name, when he was talking about something serious. She knew the stories that her dad shared with her, were actually true. Icaria just had never experienced it for herself. Until today. 

"To get somewhere safe until you come back for me. If I need to run, go east. Don't trust anybody that I don't know." Icaria answered, her little foot beginning to tap with anxiety. She watched as her dad kept looking back, and the hand in his pocket was clenching something tightly. "Daddy, I'm scared.", 

"I know. I know, my darling. I just need you to listen to everything I say. Go to daddy's room and stay in the closest. Don't make any noise, I want you to stay really quiet. Okay? Can you do that for me?" Atticus begged, kneeling down to his daughter's height. He looked at her golden eyes that matched his own, and he couldn't help but trace the freckles that lightly dusted her cheeks. Atticus smoothed down her wildly curly black hair, placing a long kiss to her temple. He brought her in close, holding Icaria as if she would disappear on him in a minute. Taking in the scent of cinnamon and honey. His favorite combination. "Please, baby. For daddy."

Tears began streaming down Icaria's cheeks, as Atticus hugged her tightly. She wrapped her arms around his middle, burying her head in his chest. She wanted to listen to her dad; she liked being a good girl. But she was so afraid. But Icaria knew in this moment, she had to be braver than she had ever been before. Her dad would always take care of her, no matter what. It was a promise he always made. Atticus Kane did not break his promises, especially to his daughter. 

"Okay, daddy." Icaria's voice was small. A stark comparison to the joy that she felt only twenty minutes prior. 

Atticus kissed his daughter's temple one last time, before standing fully to his feet. He rolled his shoulders back and set his gaze on the forest right outside their home. "I love you Icaria. I'll be right back to come and get you. Wait for me."

The father watched as Icaria dashed out of the kitchen, and to his room, closing the door behind her. He breathed a long sigh of relief and took the gleaming golden knife out of pocket. Even if he didn't have the sword, at least it was where Icaria could get to it. Gods forbid she would ever need to use it. Atticus took one last look at everything around him, taking in every last memory that he could. The way the kitchen still smelled like breakfast, and the wind chimes rang right outside the window. There was a feeling in his chest, that carved its way to his heart. A foreboding feeling. 

With heavy steps, Atticus raced outside, just in time to come face to face with a twelve-foot Cyclopes. One who had a wicked grin on his face, with teeth sneering in satisfaction. Atticus gripped the knife with tight fingers and leaped straight into action. 

My dearest readers, this author needs to interrupt this part, before you continue. I regret to inform you, that I cannot put you through the heartache of knowing what happened to Atticus Kane against the Cyclopes. You will go through enough trauma in this book; you do not have to know this pain. Instead, let me tell you how Atticus lived. 

Atticus David Kane was born to Elanor Hyacinth Kane, a lovely southern woman who had a genuine heart of gold. Her one joy in life, was singing, and she desperately wished she could make it big in the music industry. Instead, she took odd jobs at different bars around the towns that she lived in. It was not a glamours life, but it was hers. One night, after cleaning up once her set was done, she ran into a handsome golden-haired man in his late twenties. With a single smile, Elanor was smitten. 

The two of them spent the entire summer together, in a whirlwind. She asked if he would sing with her, and they spent their weekends at local pubs singing their hearts out. That love Elanor and the blond-haired man had for each other, stayed strong, even after he told Elanor who he truly was. 

Apollo, commonly known as the Greek god of the sun. He hated keeping the secret for as long as he did, but Apollo knew the Greek life was dangerous for loved ones. He had enough history that proved it. The god truly loved Elanor and wanted to protect her as long as he could, even going as far as masking her from the other gods on Olympus. He really did not want his family interfering with his love. Telling Elanor, the truth terrified him. Afraid that she would run screaming, but once he saw that golden smile on her face, all that anxiety washed away in seconds. 

So, they continued their summer of love, which all ended with a stick. Apollo's smile turned sad as he took Elanor's hands in his own. Both already loved the child that was growing in Elanor's womb, but the Kane woman knew that the god of medicine had to leave. It wasn't safe for her to have him in her life, as badly as she wanted him. That night, the god left with a long kiss to her temple, and a golden knife that laid on her bedside table. 

Nine months after that night, Elanor gave birth to a healthy baby boy. He was practically perfect in her eyes. He had his father's curly golden hair, and his beautiful golden eyes that reminded Elanor of the setting sun. Thankfully, he at least got the freckles that coated his cheeks from her. Alone, in the hospital room with no family, and a father who could only send a beautiful lyre to help the baby sleep, Elanor made a promise to her son. That she would protect and love him, until her very last breath. It was not easy some days, but the good far outweighed them. 

Atticus David Kane grew into a fine young boy. He was his mother's heart, truly, and it nearly destroyed her the first time she took him to Camp Half-Blood. Elanor wanted him safe though, and if leaving him there for the summer protected him, then she would have to do it. Thankfully, Atticus thrived at that place. He immediately became everyone's favorite camper. It was easy being the favorite when he had his mother's heart of gold. Anyone who needed help with archery practice, he was there. Someone who was homesick and needed a shoulder to cry on, Atticus had two shoulders ready and a box of tissues. He was the heart of camp at that time. 

The young Demigod was loved by all in his short mortal life. I wish I could put into words how incredible Atticus David Kane was to his family, and those who knew him. There are no ways in the English language to perfectly describe him. Atticus was just gold. So, that is what I leave you with about the man who took on a Cyclopes alone, to try and save his daughter's life. 

The minutes ticked by as Icaria stayed crouched down in her dad's closet. She stayed as quiet as possible, clutching a long sword in her chubby hands. The tears streamed down her cheeks, and she kept having to wipe them away with her sleeve. Icaria knew that her daddy would come for her, and she repeated that fact in her head like a mantra. Atticus would come with his signature toothy smile and take her hand. They would cuddle on the window seat in the library, and Atticus would read to her for hours. It would happen. 

He would come for her. Atticus would come for Icaria. He would co...

Icaria finally heard a sickening crunch. A sound unlike she had ever heard before. The little girls blood ran cold, and the tears began to fall faster. Icaria wanted to believe that it was just her imagining things, but she knew she needed to find out what happened. She knew her dad would get mad at her for leaving the safety of her hiding space, but Icaria had to know what was going on. Maybe her dad dropped his knife and needed the sword that laid in her hands. Maybe Icaria could save him. Be the knight like he always was for her. 

With all the strength of her dad, Icaria got to her feet. Slowly, the young girl made her way from her dad's bedroom, back to the kitchen, and to the backdoor. Her hand hesitated above the doors handle, as she heard a deep and rumbly laughter. There was another sickening crunch that made Icaria's tummy twirl. Finally, the door opened to the moment that would forever change Icaria Kane's life. 

The white oak door opened up to the Kane household backyard. Usually, it was covered in more flowers. It had a tree swing on the large ash tree, that you could see from the kitchen window. Now, the usually green grass, was covered in red. Icaria had never seen the color red that dark before. So dark, that it almost looked black, even in the morning light. It was a scene that would live in her memory forever. 

No longer was there the smell of flowers and pancakes wafting from the kitchen, instead everything smelled like iron. It even coated the air, and Icaria could swear that she tasted it on her tongue. 

Another crunch. 

Icaria dragged her eyes across the trail of blood, just to be met with the lying body of Atticus Kane, ten feet in front of her eyes. He was reaching for his knife, fingertips just barely touching the hilt of the blade, but he couldn't get his fingers to bend and grab it. Icaria could see sweat dripping from his forehead heavily, and it mixed with the red that coated his body. 

"New meat." The Cyclopes muttered, picking up his club that dripped red. 

In two steps, he was in front of Icaria who still stood at the kitchen steps. He grabbed her body, slinging her across the yard. The sword dropped from her hands, and Icaria hit the ash tree with a sickening crunch. Once Icaria's body hit the ground, she just continued to lay there for a moment. Completely dazed. It didn't stop the Cyclopes from marching towards her again. He was done with the Demigod who was already practically dead. Or if he wasn't yet, he would be in seconds. Besides, the Cyclopes could smell the power dripping from the little one in front of him. 

"No." The word came out breathy and broken from Atticus's mouth. He couldn't lay there helplessly now that Icaria was here. Why? Why was she here? He wanted her to be safe and protected. 

With all the strength, and a prayer to any god who was listening at the moment, Atticus's fingers finally gripped the golden knife again. It was slippery in his hands, almost falling out, but the Demigod got a better hold on it. Atticus never missed a shot, he couldn't. It was Icaria's only chance.

Atticus barely was able to prop himself up, but he threw the knife with what very little momentum that he could get. The knife found its mark, but not exactly where the Kane wanted it to go. The Cyclopes roared in aggravated pain, as the golden knife sliced near his one eye. 

Finally, the Cyclopes focused his attention back to the older Demigod, who he thought was already dead. What a fucking nuisance. 

As the monster headed back to Atticus Kane, father and daughter's eyes met 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, and she opened her eyes. And the father knew that he didn't have much longer, so he wanted to burn everything about Icaria into his memory. Atticus could see that Death was approaching from the tree line, the gods head dipped down in respect to the Demigod who had lived not a long life, but a happy one. But it wasn't enough time for him. Atticus did not get to spend enough time with Icaria. It would never be enough. Please, someone, give him more time with his daughter. 

Please. 

They didn't have enough time. It was the only thing Atticus would regret in his life. Icaria was his everything. So, Atticus gathered what very little energy he had left, even though it 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. 

While this was happening, Icaria couldn't take her eyes off her dad. The one person who had been a knight in shining armor during her four years of life. The person who would protect her during a scary thunderstorm, while lighting flashed across the sky. The man who would her in his steady arms, and rock her back to sleep after a nightmare plagued her mind. Her father, who would get her whatever stuffed animal she asked for, so that that others could have a new friend. Her daddy. Her best friend in this very shot life, whose body laid at an awkward angle. The daughter unknowing that it was because his spine had been snapped. 

Blood gurgled in Atticus's mouth, as he begged his lips to form one last word. One more word, to hopefully save his little girls life. That's all he wanted. The father tried to swat away Thanatos's and, as the god brushed his cold fingers against Atticus's temple. He had to fight for one more moment. Just a moment longer. 

Please. 

"Fight." Came the faintest of words from Atticus's bloodied lips. 

"Enough."

The little air that Icaria still had in her lungs, disappeared. She watched, with teary eyes, as the Cyclopes swung his club down on her father. There was no sound in the air at all. Everything was still. Like even the earth was mourning the death of Atticus David Kane. Now, all that remained was a young shaking Demigod, and a raging Cyclopes. 

No longer was there a small smile that painted Atticus's lips. His eyes were now glazed over, looking at something far off in the distance. Icaria's mouth felt dry, and her stomach clenched in about a thousand different knots. Bile rising in her throat that she had to swallow down. It didn't matter that Icaria heard steps once again start approaching her, she could not tear her eyes away from Atticus. The imagine of death, was not kind to the living. 

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 the Cyclopes, and now that he had gotten rid of the nuisance father, she was up for grabs. Her blood would taste so good. This would be such a thrilling death. 

"Daddy?" Icaria gasped. "Please, get back up daddy. Please."

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. She still needed him. Icaria would always need him. 

Maybe Atticus would still get up? He was just tired. Right? All Icaria Kane had to do, was try and 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 just 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, dripping with the sticky blood of Atticus, raised high in the air. There was a sadistic grin on the monster's face, and his own eye stared into what felt like the depths of her soul. 

At the last second, still feeling the rust of air from the club, Icaria rolled out of the way as it came crashing to the air. Leaving a large divot where Icaria's body had just been. 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 twelve-foot Cyclopes swinging his club like a twister, but red painted her vision.

Oh, there was so much red everywhere.  

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 the labeled 'hero' Demigod. The one who laid broken in half. The monster watched with his single eye, as the girl picked up the sword that she had dropped after hitting the tree. 

The sword was the color of melted gold, and when small hands picked it up, it seemed to glow even brighter. Although it was an early morning, the sword shone bright enough to light up the entire backyard that the battle was fought in. Unfortunately, the sword was easily a foot too long 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. The Cyclopes was almost giddy with the fact that he would get to kill two Demigod's today. 

"Nobody to protect you anymore. The gods did not listen to his silly cries. Pathetic Demigod." The Cyclopes mocked, using his club to push at the broken body of Atticus Kane. The monster truly loved mocking the Demigod in front of him. He wanted to see tears, to see her break. Just like her father did. 

As Icaria watched her father's body get pushed around, the sadness and fear in her chest, began to turn into burning rage. Blood rushed in her ears, the longer she listened to the monster mock her dad. Atticus Kane was everything to her. Icaria would not let her dads name get abused like that. Something took Icaria over, telling her that she would live to see the next sun rise. The anger was hot now. 

Fight. 

A little hand wiped away the tears that had been mixed with blood, since they were blurring her vision. Atticus did not cry, and neither would Icaria. No. Heroes stared down Death every day, and they didn't cry. Atticus always told Icaria that she would be a hero one day. One that they wrote stories about. Be a hero. 

Although wielding a sword was much different than a small knife, Icaria wrapped both hands around the glowing hilt of the sword 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 fear, instead it was out of complete rage. The sword was now sunlight in her hand and finally felt like it was made for her. 

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

"LEAVE ME ALONE! I'm not scared of you!" It did not matter that the words Icaria spoke were a complete lie. There was actual 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, almost white, and that seemed to blaze like a roaring fire. As the seconds passed that the Cyclopes had stared at Icaria Kane, he noticed a red aura surrounded her. Although it was gone as quickly as it came, the Cyclopes faltered. Now, in front of the monster, was a warrior. His steps to kill the Demigod got a bit harder. 

'Okay, steady hands right now, kid. You're going to want to step forward with your right foot. Good, just like that. Now relax your hands. This sword is an extension of your arm. Let your anger out on your target. Let the world burn, Icaria Kane.' A rough voice whispered in the young Demigod's head. 

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

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

'Nice hit, kiddo. Put your whole body into your attacks. You have to use whatever advantage you can. My advice is always to fight just a little bit dirty if you feel like the underdog. Now, feel the power I gave you course through your veins. I want to see everything burn.'

'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. All like it was a dance only she knew. 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, she noticed the sword in her hand beginning to grow warm to the touch. No matter how hot it began to grow though, the heat never burned Icaria. It was almost comforting to the four-year-old. The heat felt like it was hers to control. 

With swings that older Demigods wished they possessed, Icaria made contact again with the monster, this time slicing open the Cyclopes' hop. Gold dust poured out of the wound, just like it would have if blood had been there instead. 

The monster was tired of these 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 Kane roared to the sky. One that shook the thrones of a place she had never been to yet. So powerful, that it cracked one throne specifically. It was a warning, that even worried the mighty god. This was not supposed to happen. 

Icaria felt hot, like the sword had become. Her chest felt tight, and her veins began to constrict painfully. 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. The flames began to move without command, knowing what Icaria needed, and licked angrily at the Cyclopes. Urging him to let their master go. The flames did not need any instruction; they knew what their purpose was. Protect their master and burn everything in sight.

In a state of complete shock, the Cyclopes released the Demigod and began to fall back. Flames were 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 sickening twist, pulled it out. The Cyclopes grasped at the hole in his chest, gold dust pouring out of it. His feet stumbled, his vision becoming blurry. The monster fell back to the earth with a thump. 

"How?" It whispered. 

"That's for my daddy." A still burning Icaria spat at the monster. 

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's soul back to where it belonged. The flames that had engulfed Icaria, extinguished, and the Demigod was left completely untouched. She became the unburnt. Icaria dropped the sword to the ground and fell to her knees right next to it. Exhausted. 

The anger that had previously coursed through her veins was gone, and Icaria was left feeling cold. Like glacier water had been dumped on her head. Icaria's fingers dug into the earth, breathing heavily, trying to ground herself anyway. The young Demigod was spiraling. The morning grass dampening her pajamas she was still wearing, since she didn't want to change until after breakfast. The air was still. Everything felt numb, like Icaria was finally realizing that there was a missing piece of her. One that would never be complete again. An unfinished puzzle, forever. 

Like the pace of molasses, Icaria's golden eyes found Atticus Kane's body again. Now that her life was not in jeopardy, Icaria could stare at the scene in front of her. It didn't matter that she was still bleeding and felt exhaustion creep into her bones. The Demigod was more so focused on the still form of her father. 

Finally, Icaria Kane broke. Sobs heavy enough that her shoulders shook. Sobs that reached the crack in the throne room and made it bigger. Icaria bent her body forward, so low that her forehead laid on the dewy grass. It felt like her chest was splitting in two, and she didn't know how to stich it back together again. Icaria wanted to run into his arms, but her body was stuck. Why was there so much pain? Make it go away. Please make it go away. Life was not supposed to be this hard. 

"Please. Can we stay for a moment longer? I can't just leave her like this. Please."

"Come, Atticus Kane, it is time to rest now. You have done what the Fates have planned for you. I just wish your string could have been longer." Thanatos touched the Demigod's shoulder gently. Death was gentle to those he walked. 

"NO! Do you not see my darling Ria? I just need to be here for her in this moment. I-I can't go on, knowing that Ria is breaking apart at the seams. Look at her, Thanatos. She needs me. My baby girl needs me, and I'll be damned if I let you take me now." Atticus ripped his shoulder away from the god's touch. He needed more time. He was running out of time. 

"The living do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirit 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. Grief will not destroy your child."

"It's okay, baby. I promise it's okay. I know it doesn't feel like it right now. I love you. I love you so much, Ria. Please never forget that. It's okay." Atticus Kane sobbed, kneeling next to his daughter and kissing her temple. 

With that, the soul and god began to walk away. And no matter how much the soul wanted to turn around, he knew there was nothing he could do any longer. All he could do was trust that Icaria Kane could survive 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 all had a silvery aura encased around them. It almost reminded Icaria of the glow that the moon produced on a clear night. 

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 where the young child sat. One of the girls, who seemed to be a little bit older, had dark brown hair. Some of it tied back into braids. The other, who looked to be around twelve, had auburn hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail. The ponytail girl had silver eyes, that shone like the moon. And the silvery aura that surrounded all the girls, was the brightest around her. 

After taking a quick glance at the two girls, Icaria went back to looking at the scene in front of her. Mumbling something incoherently underneath 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. Her daddy always said not to trust people that she didn't know yet. 

"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. She wanted to wrap her arms around her 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, privately."

With a bow of her head, the girl silently went off to talk with the other girls and got ready to leave whenever their Lady gave them the command. Still, everyone kept an eye on the broken girl next to their Lady. 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 witnesses 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, I promise."

"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 he taught me. Please, I've been trying. Just help him first. He needs it more than I do. Please."

The pain that was laced in Icaria's voice pulled at the silvery-eyed 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. That lesson seemed already to be engrained in Icaria's bones. 

After closing her eyes for a moment, the twelve-year-old looked at the man that she had met personally a few times before. She turned Icaria away softly, trying to prevent any further mental and emotional 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 yourself too, though." The girl could not say the words, that Atticus Kane no longer walked this earth, aloud. She was afraid it would destroy Icaria too greatly, at this moment. 

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 intentions. It had helped save herself and Atticus more than once. That's why her father told her not to trust people without knowing them first. Whoever the girl was that was at her side, was not lying. 

So, Icaria took a piece of what looked like honeycomb from her hands. The young Demigod's hands shook with the lack of adrenaline, that had begun 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 raspberry syrup. It reminded her heavily of the breakfast that she had not even an hour ago. Once again, bringing more tears to Icaria's eyes. 

The bruises on Icaria's legs slowly started to vanish, and the wound on her head had stopped dripping blood. The Demigod felt her strength begin to return to her, but the honeycomb did not numb the sadness that she could feel in her bones. A feeling that would take Icaria years to overcome and learn to accept. Icaria did not want to be healed fully though. She would take all the injures in the world, if it meant that her father would sit up again. All she wanted, was one last hug. Relax in Atticus's 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 her dad, the girl was the next best one. 

Little arms wrapped around the older girl's 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 a while 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 there earlier. Maybe the girl's father would still be alive. Maybe Icaria wouldn't have to feel this pain already at four years old. So many what ifs. But what ifs were a dangerous path to travel down. They were just not quick enough. That was the way the Fates wanted it to be played out. Fates were not kind to the living. 

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

"Yes, I believe that 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 Elanor Kane knew the stories of Ancient Greece. She knew who the girl sitting next to her was, and who her father was a child of. The Demigod was unsure of who her own mother was, but Atticus had always told her that 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. It was mostly with knives. Icaria knew that Elysium was the place that heroes went after their worthy deaths. Her father was the best hero she knew. A hero she would always remember and tell others of. The Demigod wanted her father's memory to live on. Even long after she no longer walked this earth. 

"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 other people that she knew her father trusted. To the little four-year-old girl, the world of monsters, and gods, was scary to her. Icaria knew already that it usually got you killed in horrific ways. Today was a perfect example of the life most Demigods have. 

"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 around 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 responded. 

Icaria had never met any of her father's family, besides her grandma, but she knew all about her grandpa. And the silver-eye 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. And 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 to the fallen 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 young maiden. And so, the goddess would, even if it angered some others. 

If Icaria had been a little older, Artemis would have offered her a spot amongst the hunters. She could see the clear display of bravery that Icaria already had. Icaria carried the heart of a true hunter and hero. One that Artemis would be honored to fight alongside with. Alas, the goddess could not take away the girl's chance of at least growing up a little bit. Maybe one day in the future, Icaria would truly take the oath. 

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

The place that Lady Artemis had been talking about, Icaria guessed was Camp Half-blood. Her father had talked about it as a bedtime story, and any time she asked to hear 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 would not be there for anymore. 

Icaria looked back to the spot where Atticus had laid not even moments ago, still covered in a sticky red, and sent a silent prayer to him. She wanted him to be able to have safe passage with Thanatos on his last journey. One day. One day, she would see him again. It was a promise made so deep within her bones. 

"I love you." Icaria Elanor Kane whispered ever so silently. Hoping the stars heard her pleas. 

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 an eye, it turned into a golden ring that slipped easily onto Icaria's finger. It fit snug, but was not uncomfortable, it was even providing a warmth that allowed her to breathe a little bit better. It was the same right that her father always wore, that she knew would one day be hers. That day, Icaria guessed, was now. 

Artemis took Icaria's hand and helped her stand back onto 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, and in that moment became an honorary member, 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 braids 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 until then. You can rest now, in Elysium. I got this. I love you.'

Liza speaks!

Ah man, my poor baby and her dad. It honestly hurts my heart to write this chapter, but I also love pain. 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 and a mysterious one. 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 Scribes!