Welcome to my latest installment, When the Moon Shines- taking place at the end of TTC until before the start of TLO! For this prologue, it is taking place in a month before BOTL. There will be more scenes taking place in the fourth book (unlike what I did with the second), but again, Seth is not directly involved in the Quest, rather his participation lies in the Battle's aftermath (as seen in the epilogue). The reason for this is because I don't believe Seth should be involved with everything, especially since the Quest in the 4th book doesn't really affect him in any way. This story is not a canon-rehash, and while the story only diverged a little in the first two parts, this story is when the small changes will begin to affect canon, and cause more drastic divergences to occur.

For those of you who are new to the series…read the previous stories first! Otherwise, you won't understand half the stuff going on here.

Unlike the first two parts of this series, this part will focus more on the war now that the conflict between Artemis and Seth has been more or less resolved.

Anyhow, I will warn you that Seth will appear different in the beginning. His change in behavior and ideals will be explained later on.

Prologue: The New Intern

Dr. Thorn sat in his newly furbished office with pride.

Drumming his fingers leisurely on his glass desk, Dr. Thorn looked out the big window, seeing the mortals scrambling about as they placed the computer parts into packages that were being loaded into trucks. He could also see the big industrial edifices in the distance, the smoke dark and vibrant, showcasing the work produced within.

Ever since the titan, Atlas, was forced back into carrying his burden nearly two years ago, Dr. Thorn (now known as Mr. Bane) was one of the few monsters that had managed to escape. Those demigods were much more troublesome than they had thought. If only the titan had listened to his suggestion on killing that Chase girl, they would have been one enemy short, but who did the titan listen to instead of him?

Dr. Thorn scoffed at the irony of it all. Demigods were their enemies. It was risky to accept any of them into Kronos' Army in the first place. They were too unpredictable, which made them even more dangerous. But it was because they were such a danger that the Titan Lord decided to use them, and hopefully, when the war was over and Kronos was once again in power, those demigods would no longer be an impediment.

For now, Dr. Thorn was currently in charge of Micro World, a supposedly well established mortal company that manufactured computers, laptops, and other electronic parts, but in actuality was one of the companies that aided Kronos in developing weapons for the army. Dr. Thorn couldn't help but feel proud of being given this immensely honorable position. The weapons were coming along nicely, and by the time the month ended, they would have reached their quota.

There was a soft knock on the door. Dr. Thorn spun his armchair towards the entry as the door opened to reveal his timid, clean-cut secretary.

"I-I apologize for the disturbance Mr. Bane sir…" the mortal woman started.

"What is it?" Dr. Thorn said impatiently. Sometimes he wondered why he kept this female mortal around; perhaps her obvious fear of him satisfied him too much to let her go.

"You have an interview with a possible intern here today," the secretary finished. "He's here to see you."

Intern? Dr. Thorn didn't remember such a meeting, but that was likely since Dr. Thorn didn't care for mortal matters much, which was why he had his secretary to remind him. It's best to keep up appearances.

"Bring him in," Dr. Thorn muttered. Maybe this potential intern would make a good midnight snack.

The secretary nodded, disappearing out of sight as a young boy with black hair and spectacles came in. He was dressed formally, donning a black suit and tie. His hair was slick back, and his dark grey eyes were looking around the room curiously before he finally sat down in front of him. The name John Doe sprawled on the visitor sticker.

"So, John Doe," Dr. Thorn said doubtfully, "what made you so interested in working here?"

"I like computers," the boy said flatly. Dr. Thorn waited, but when the boy remained silent, as if what he said was a good enough reason, was almost enough to piss him off.

"You…like computers?" he repeated. "Isn't there anything else?"

"No, that's about it," the boy said, "unless you count video games? I really like Assassin's Creed."

Dr. Thorn didn't even bother to disguise his annoyance and growing anger. Who did this mortal think he was? Never mind a midnight snack, the insolent whelp was starting to look like a good appetizer.

"Is that right?" Dr. Thorn said, his voice straining to keep his anger in. "Let's start with your qualifications then Mr. Doe. How old are you?"

"Fifteen."

Dr. Thorn forced himself to keep his face blank. Fifteen? He was expecting the kid to be at least seventeen by the looks of him. "A high school student. Do you have your resume?"

"No."

"What?! What do you mean 'No'?" he demanded.

The boy shrugged. "I'm home-schooled. Never went to an institution in my life."

"That's not an excuse," Dr. Thorn muttered. His hands were clenched into fists. He was the manager of this company for crying out loud, a vital asset to the Titan Lord! Yet here he was, being insulted by this brat?

"Sir, I think you are asking me the wrong questions," John said quietly.

"Excuse me?!"

"Aren't you curious about my interests? Aside from playing games, of course," the boy added snidely.

Dr. Thorn gave a forced smile, but he was sure it turned out to be a grimace. The boy still smiled at him, either completely oblivious to his irritation or purposely encouraging it.

"What…are your interests then?" Dr. Thorn said slowly. "If you are so keen on saying them…."

If possible, the boy's smile grew larger. "Well let's see: I recalled piggyback riding a lion was quite entertaining. Not to mention that said lion turned out to be so cowardly that it actually took one of my friends hostage just to escape..." the boy paused, his features turning stoic, "but I'm sure you know all about that...Dr. Thorn."

Dr. Thorn's eyes flashed, and in an instant, he transformed into the Manticore. He swung his scorpion tail to crush him. When the smoke and debris cleared, the boy was already out of his chair and had taken out a pair of familiar black daggers to block his attack.

"Seth Hunter!" Dr. Thorn snarled, mentally cursing the name. "So it's you who decided to meddle where he doesn't belong!"

Seth arched an eyebrow, clearly mocking him. "Oh no, I've been discovered! What gave me away? Was it my weapons? Because I'm sure my disguise was flawless, and to think I spent all that time masking my demigod scent for nothing." The two had separated themselves from the impact. Seth took that moment to take off his glasses, his eyes appearing bright silver. He slipped his glasses into the suit pocket.

"This is much better," he said calmly. "Now I can definitely see your hideous form more clearly, Manticore."

"You dare insult me?!" Dr. Thorn screeched, sending a wave of spikes towards the brat. The boy only continued to aggravate him by leaping high into the air, dodging his attacks, while summoning a silver bow in mid-air and shooting just as fast.

Dr. Thorn quickly moved to the side, wincing when one of the arrows got embedded into his arm. He yanked it out roughly, and sneered at him.

"Do you really think you can win against me, Seth Hunter? You couldn't defeat me even with your friends!"

Seth's face darkened. "Think what you like, but I'd recommend not underestimating me: I'm not as weak and naïve as I was back then. To get straight to the point: I have a proposition to make."

Dr. Thorn scoffed. "Are you surrendering?"

Seth ignored him, his countenance revealing nothing as he willed his bow to vanish out of sight. "Dr. Thorn, there is a reason why I sought you out. I require your answers to some questions. You could either answer willingly….or I'll beat it out of you. Your choice."

He laughed at the threat. "You think you can get me to do what you want?"

"Not think, know," Seth muttered, rolling his eyes. "So?"

"You have some nerve coming here alone, Hunter," Dr. Thorn growled, "even more irritating is that arrogance!" Suddenly he released even more spikes towards the demigod, who quickly sidestepped his attacks. As the boy drew closer, he aimed a punch towards him, only to have the demigod swerve it, and land a high kick to his face.

He staggered, surprised and unable to defend as Seth relentlessly aimed consecutive attacks on him. The heir of the Huntress switched between his left and his right, causing weapons to vanish and reappear in his hands every time he found an opening. By the end of his onslaught, the Manticore has been pierced, punched, and kicked numerous times on his head and body, but he was far from finished.

He roared. His body heavily armored with spikes as he charged forward. The boy was forced on the defensive until he was backed into a corner. Instead of being trapped, however, the brat maneuvered up the wall and slipped out of his clutches from above. Unable to stop, Dr. Thorn's horn was forcefully stuck against wood and plaster. By the time he managed to pull free, he noticed Seth had pulled out a fully loaded gun and pointed its dark barrel at him.

"A mortal gun?" Dr. Thorn laughed. "Are you stupid, boy? Don't you demigods know-!"

BANG!

He gasped, blood gushing out from his mouth. He was actually wounded. Blood seeped out from his chest profusely. He found himself kneeling, his hand over his injury.

"W-what…"

The boy only stared down at his knelt position, his silver eyes patronizing and icy cold.

"You shouldn't look down on mortal weaponry," Seth chastised. "They're very efficient. Given the right material, they are potentially more deadly than old fashioned swords. You're lucky this is your first time seeing one." He moved towards him, each step the boy made was eerily soundless- like a ghost. For the first time, Dr. Thorn noticed how relaxed his opponent was, their altercation likened to a stroll in the park!

"I've read about you, Dr. Thorn. I know how durable you are in battle, and judging from previous experiences, I knew even celestial bronze weapons won't bring you down so easily. So, I decided to take precautions this time," Seth muttered, guiding his gun towards his head. Dr. Thorn's eyes widened with shock. "Instead of the regular mortal bullets that you so ignorantly expected, these bullets are made with imperial gold."

Dr. Thorn trembled, his head slightly faint. He clenched his teeth. He refused to be brought down like this: A gun with imperial gold bullets? Ha!

"What do you want, boy?" Dr. Thorn gasped.

"Answers. Are you willing to give them to me now?"

Dr. Thorn glowered at him, but finally thought about what the brat suggested. So he wanted answers. No doubt concerning Kronos' plans. He sneered. As long as he gave the brat a couple of convincing lies, the boy would come here for nothing! Hunter already believed he was too weak to attack him. He'd strike and end that brat for good once his back was turned.

"Ask them."

"How many weapons have you produced?" Seth inquired. "I know what this company truly is, don't bother denying it, and give me an exact number."

"About 10,532 celestial bronze weapons," Dr. Thorn said slyly. The brat thought he could measure their numbers by their weapons. Let the gods underestimate them, when in actuality, their weapons quota was nearly five times that amount!

Seth only stared at him, his silver eyes unnerved him. He'd gouge them out first once he was able to attack.

"You're lying."

Dr. Thorn clenched his teeth…how did the brat know? He was certain that his expression was convincing enough. Maybe this was a trick.

"I'm not. We really do have 10,532-!"

"Do you want to know what happens if you continue to lie to me?" Seth said darkly. He suddenly pulled out a device. "How many industrial plants do you have around here Dr. Thorn? It was six, right?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" he demanded. The brat smiled, like he found something amusing.

"You have a nice view, Dr. Thorn. I was admiring it when I came in," Seth remarked, his gun still pointed at his head. "I see those plants are in fine condition. Now take a look, this is what happens when you lie…"

He pressed down on the device. Almost instantly, there was a huge rumbling sound as one of the six industrial plants- the weapon storehouses- suddenly burst into flames. Dr. Thorn stared in shock and dismay as numerous explosions continued to occur simultaneously. He watched in horror as one of the weapon storehouses they've spent months categorizing and filling to the brim reduced to ashes and rubble.

"Dr. Thorn, you are now reduced to only five industrial plants. Would you like to make that four?"

The Manticore only stared at the demigod in shock. "How did you do it? What is that device you have in your hand?!"

"Oh, this?" Seth said, waving the damn device in front him tauntingly. "This thing activates the Greek fire bombs my mentor and I placed prior to my coming here." When Dr. Thorn continued to gape at him in silence, Seth shook his head, disappointed. "Do you honestly think I waltzed in here unprepared? No one's foolish enough to do that. You will give me the answers I seek or else this company will be reduced to shreds."

"So you've resorted to blackmail, Hunter?" Dr. Thorn sneered. "How unbecoming for a demigod- you would sacrifice those mortals working in my plants just for some answers?"

Seth glared at him. "Mortals who have given their allegiance to Kronos you mean? Those mortals? I don't give a damn."

Dr. Thorn blinked. "What?" The boy sighed, looking highly irritated.

"What do you mean 'what', you shitty hypocrite? You monsters do it all the time, yet you find it astonishing when we do it? It doesn't work like that," Seth said, matter-of-fact. "I've been watching them you know…weeks of observation. In case you happened to have forced them into this business. If that were the case, I would have raised the alarm and let them escape before exploding the building. But I didn't see, hear, or feel any of that. So if you thought I gave a damn to mortals who betrayed their own race just to satisfy their greed and desires…you are sadly mistaken.

"But let's not dwindle on that," Seth dismissed. "Answer my questions truthfully, and I might be merciful enough to give you a quick painless death."

Dr. Thorn grew hesitant. Seth Hunter, since last he saw him, was a completely different person. He once thought of him weaker than the Big Three children, a follower with those pathetic, idealistic virtues that those demigods shared. Yet now, he has managed to overtake him alone without breaking a sweat, and wasn't afraid to sacrifice mortals in the process. Dr. Thorn couldn't help but admire this new change.

"What are you smiling about?" Seth said warily.

Dr. Thorn sneered. "Why is a cold killer like you on the side of the gods?" Seth frowned. "Your behavior is far better suited for those within Kronos' Army. Yet you are still groveling under the gods' whim."

"I have my own reasons, Manticore. None of which is any of your business." Seth stated. "If not sparing a few mortals in the process makes me known as a killer, then your definition of murder and violence is considerably dim. Now quit making such irrational, hypocritical remarks and answer my question."

The Manticore narrowed his eyes. He didn't know how Seth could tell he was lying before. So this time he decided to test him.

"We have around…50,239 celestial weapons." Dr. Thorn said truthfully. "Though, with only five plants left, those weapons may be down to around 42,000."

"I see." The brat seemed satisfied with the answer. "I also want you to tell me the names of the deities who have joined Kronos' cause."

"What?!" Dr. Thorn exclaimed. "How would I know anything about that?! Lord Kronos didn't tell me anything-!"

"Do you think I care?" Seth said blandly. "Your life is on the line, Dr. Thorn, and I know you must know at least the names of some of your allies."

Dr. Thorn gritted his teeth. The blood around his wound has stopped seeping, which meant he was starting to heal. He had to delay the brat.

"Well?" the boy said impatiently.

"The minor deities...I believe one of them is Tyche," Dr. Thorn lied. There was no way this brat was getting the names from him! Maybe he could convince the gods to turn on their allies!*

Seth narrowed his eyes, and sighed dramatically. "Monsters…to think they would change." He pressed the device again, and Dr. Thorn nearly yelled when he saw another of his industrial plants burst into flames.

"Didn't I tell you to quit lying to me?" the boy hissed. "Perhaps you need better encouragement." He directed his gun towards his chest and shot again in the same exact spot! Dr. Thorn roared in pain. His chest wound and right hand badly injured.

"How are you doing it?!" he gasped. "H-how could you tell I was lying?!"

"I'll admit that the facial expressions and the tone of your voice make your lies sound very convincing," Seth replied. "In fact, if you were facing another demigod unlike me I'm sure you would have tricked them."

"T-then how…"

"Simple. It's your heart."

The Manticore nearly gasped out of shock. His heart? The brat was listening to his heart beat? Then that would mean…

"Yes, I have sharp hearing," Seth muttered. "Do you know that every time a person lies, that no matter how good a liar they are- their heart always reveals the truth? There is always that change in rhythm. Some more slight than others, but it's there."

Dr. Thorn slumped down. Suddenly realizing the harsh dilemma he was in. Was it possible…that he's at a loss?

"Good," Seth stated. "You are finally starting to show fear. Your heartbeat is going in such a frenzy right now. I wonder what I did to speed it up."

"Shut up!" Dr. Thorn screeched. His life be damned- he could always regenerate, but he would make sure this brat went with him! He lunged forward with the intention of grabbing the brat's neck-!

Instead, he felt something pierce his own neck.

The Manticore choked, blood instantly seeping out of his mouth. His opponent's calculating gaze upon him. He had been paying so much attention to the mortal gun in his left hand that he didn't consider the boy using one of his daggers instead.

"I mentioned in the beginning that I've read up on you," Seth mumbled, and the Manticore felt chills go down his spine when the boy faced him with a smile. "The information was hard to dig up, but to think the hollow part of your throat was your weak spot, not bad for an Achilles heel." The boy quickly withdrew his weapon, blood smearing his face and parts of his suit while doing so. "Make sure you take your sweet time in Tartarus. Say hello to your buddies for me."

With that said, Dr. Thorn breathed his last as his body dissolved into dust.

Seth Hunter surveyed the damage. There were now numerous cracks on the walls and damaged furniture. It was a good thing he applied some Mist before entering the room. The noise of his battle with the Manticore would have alerted unwanted attention. He placed his gun back into his chest strap and his held dagger back onto his belt (after wiping off the stains first). He also took off the black wig he had on, revealing dark auburn hair that went just past his eyes. Once he has done so, his cell phone started ringing in his pocket.

"Hunter," Seth responded, and quickly drew the phone away on reflex as the person on the other end started shouting:

"YOU CERTAINLY TOOK YOUR DAMN SWEET TIME HUNTER! WHAT WERE YOU DOING PLAYING AROUND?! HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME WAIT SO LONG IN THIS RIDICULOUS WEATHER?"

"Sorry Walt," Seth muttered, "but I didn't think any more bullets should be wasted on a creature like him-!"

"WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS?! BULLETS ARE MEANT TO BE USED! NOT AS A LAST RESORT YOU IDIOT!" Walt, his mentor, continued to berate him. Seth started rubbing his forehead, his eyebrow twitching in annoyance.

"Now unlock this door already! Security is starting to get crazy out here!" Walt yelled, his anger slowly residing. "You're finally alone, right?"

Seth closed his cell and walked over to the computer lying on the glass desk. Based on what Walt had instructed him, he quickly found the right files and buttons, successfully unlocking all doors to allow strangers into the premises. After around ten minutes, a bulky, middle-aged dark haired man appeared on the other side of the room, a briefcase in hand.

"What a mess," Walt muttered, looking at the room in disgust. "At least you have some sense to keep the computer undamaged, or my coming here would be meaningless."

"Of course, Walt," Seth complied absentmindedly. Walt only huffed in response before plugging in his hard drive into the computer. His fingers soaring across the keyboard as he quickly hacked into the system. Files were popping out and in a matter of minutes Walt had successfully downloaded every critical data into the hard drive while inserting a well encrypted virus to destroy any trances.

"Now let's get out of here. With those hectic explosions earlier, there's bound to be some flies," Walt said gruffly. He gave Seth a glance. "Are those bloodstains on the suit?"

Seth cursed in his mind.

"YOU BETTER DRY CLEAN THAT UNTIL THAT SUIT IS SPOTLESS YOU HEAR ME?!" Walt shouted. "I AIN'T GONNA TOLERATE MONSTER FILTH IN THE HOUSE!"

"Yes, Walt," Seth said, exasperated as the two of them left the room. His ears were still wincing from Walt's yelling. He still wondered if Walt was doing it on purpose just to aggravate him.

"Don't forget to do the laundry either."

"I know."

"My desk is starting to gather dust, I expect you to clean it once we get back."

"Got it."

"Also don't forget-!"

"Rearranging the book shelf, cleaning up the arena, and preparing dinner," Seth finished. Oh gods, he really did have a lot to do later. Walt narrowed his eyes at him.

"What did I say about interrupting me?"

"I'm sorry, Walt."

Once the two were outside, they found Walt's jeep located in the edge of the forest. There were already numerous reporters and news vans present due to the explosions, but no one batted an eye at the dark haired man and his accomplice as they walked right by. When they were finally situated in the car, Walt gave an irritated glance.

"What are you waiting for, Hunter? Blow up the rest."

Seth nodded.

They were already at a distance away when they heard it: the sound of buildings crashing down that would inevitably destroy the rest of the weapons supply. Seth saw the smoke rising into the sky from the rear view mirror. Based on what little he gathered from the Manticore, things were really much worse than they had thought. Well, at least they were able to strike a blow against the enemy.

He pitied the one who must report this to Kronos.

-o-

* Tyche, also known as Fortuna, is the minor goddess of fortune and victory. She was mentioned in The Son of Neptune as the goddess of the Cornucopia.