Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Trust me, it's better this way.

Pairings: Past!Kronos/Sally. ?/Percy

Warnings: Fem!Percy-is-Penny. AU-in-which-Penny-is-Kronos's-daughter. Swearing. Slight Bashing. Demi-titans. Soft-spoken!Penny. Mature! Penny. Innuendos probably.

Notes: In this AU Percy is a girl and is Kronos's girl instead of Poseidon's. But she won't be evil.

Chapter 01: The First Mark

I knew I was strange since I was a small child. My mother had once sat me down and told me, seriously, that I wasn't...normal. I know that you may think it cruel to tell a child as young as six that, but my mother loved me more than anything and I saw how it hurt her when she said it.

So I grew up knowing I was able to do strange things. I could... walk through fire, and talk to donkeys if I wished. I could also, like, uh calm people with just looking at them.

Throughout the years I was a prodigal little girl, despite having Dyslexia and ADHD. I wasn't any old math or history prodigy. I was a music and arts prodigy, along with ancient mythology. Since I was a baby my mama taught me how to play on the piano, and then eventually I grew obsessed with music. Then I decided to take on learning how to play on the violin and guitar. After those instruments my mama forced me to stop so I wouldn't overload, and reluctantly introduced me to arts. I wasn't the very best painter, like Da Vinci for example, but I wouldn't say I was bad. And then later on, back when I was six after she told me I wasn't normal, she introduced me to Greek and Roman mythology. And then Egyptian, Japanese, Norse and a whole lot of other mythology books were placed into my bookshelf.

I loved learning new things, like my mama. And it didn't matter to me that I was spending so much of my free time learning instead of playing. Because as long as mama is happy, so am I.

But my life hadn't been all fun and learning, it was also full of terrifying things. Many times I was depressed because... And then there's also my stepfather Gabriel Ugliano. And yes, he's as ugly as his name. He's a rude, alcoholic, sexist, perverted, bastard to me and my precious mama. He hits her sometimes too. She tried to divorce him multiple times, but it always ended up with her being beaten black and blue. After the first few times I had developed an... actively sadistic personality which I called Arco. She always whispered to me sweet, horrible things that I could do to him if I tried.

But most of the time I ignored her. She wasn't very happy 'bout that.

I guess you had enough of my boring back story huh? Well, then let's get on with it.

My story starts in early May, in 2006, a few months before I turn 13. I was attending a private school called Yancy Academy, on a music scholarship of course. My grades in everything else but Latin, history, music, arts and home EC are...eh, bad.

Me and my class were going on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan to look at ancient Greek and Roman paintings, sculptures and artefacts. I was excited because, well, it was art. That should explain everything.

But what I'm not excited about is how we're going there. There were twenty eight of us, and two chaperones – who'll I'll tell you about is a sec – Inside a stuffy, old mustard yellow bus. I had nothing against the colour yellow, but seeing as mustard had caused one of my numerous expulsions from my previous six schools, I had a feeling something was going to go wrong today.

Now – the two chaperones were Mr. Brunner, our Latin teacher – he's a substitute since the last one took a leave of absence during winter break under mysterious circumstances – and Mrs. Dodds, our algebra teacher – now that I think about it, the former algebra teacher had a sudden meltdown after winter break... She came around the same time Mr. Brunner did. Suspicious if you tell me. Maybe me and my friends can look into it later?

Mr. Brunner was a middle aged man with thinning brown hair, bushy eyebrows, and a scruffy beard. But what I liked most about him was his eyes. They were a deep, intense brown so old that made you feel as if he was staring straight into your soul. I had an inkling suspicious that he drank coffee everyday. And he was crippled, so he had to stay in a wheelchair, but that certainly didn't stop him from being an excellent teacher.

He taught us anything and everything we had to know about Roman and Greek mythology, which I listened to determinedly every class. He also told us surprisingly funny jokes about their decisions. You'd be surprised at what idiotic things heroes – and gods– would do in the myths. He helped us learn Latin easier because of the games he let us play, and all the excursions we did throughout the year.

Then there's Mrs. Dodds. I don't usually tell anyone that I hate them out loud, but if that wouldn't be worried about the backlash, I would declare it to the world that I hate her. She was tall and all mean looking, and she always wore a leather jacket even though she was well in her fifties.

She was mean, but not Arco-mean, and hated me since day one. She figured I was the devil's spawn and my bully, Nancy Bobofit, an angel sent by god. If it weren't for Mr. Brunner and Mrs. Anderson, my music teacher, I'd have had detention every day since she came. And I heard rumors she made kids erase decades old math books' answers till midnight. And I even heard that if even a small rip is found somewhere, the kids would have to do it again for another week. And the old lady also had a bad habit of adding 'honey' to the end of her sentences when addressing someone. And then there was that one time I jokingly told Grover 'that she was a monster', he looked at me seriously, and said I was absolutely right.

I glanced out of the window, eyeing the bustling streets of Manhattan quietly. I hoped that nothing would happen this trip. You see, every year something happens on school trips and I either get expelled or get put into suspension because of it.

Let me tell you about my school years, and why I had gotten kicked out of them. Honestly, they weren't my fault. First year, back when I was just seven, it was near the end of the year when it happened. I got a bit mad at a teacher for harassing my classmate too much...and I, uh, made the school explode? It was an accident, I swear! But I was just so angry, and the next thing I knew, a stange energy blasted out from me and everything went white. Somehow, the whole thing was pinned on me, and it was made pretty clear that returning to Ravens Elementary would be impossible because a)I was expelled, and b)there was no Ravens Elementary to return to.

Then for my second year my mother miraculously convinced the school to allow me to attend their school. And I entered St. Jones Academy with a beaming smile and a skill for music and art. I barely made it through the year, but of course, just a week from summer I was expelled. Well... I may have accidentally set loose all the animals in the zoo when we were on our final class trip. It's safe to say, the zoo staff and the school was not amused. I was kicked out faster than you could say 'monkey'.

Then for my third grade school I was shipped off to Helen's School For Troubled Children. But in the end, not even the school for troubled children was enough to cure my two left feet and my chaos creating tendencies. It was during home economics when it happened and my two left feet kicked in. Som girl had spilled some mustard but no one noticed so I tripped and accidentally grabbed onto the very... delicate sink...and it broke. Water was everywhere, and since I held a bit of fear of water, I allowed my pyrokinesis to activate and WHAM!– You have a flaming, flooded kitchen. I literally got thrown out this time. It hurt.

But I guess that school was good for something at least. I did meet them there.

Then, there was my fourth year school. It was called St. Smith's, and it was a nice place, but then we took a behind the scenes tour of Marine World and everything went to hell. I sort of accidentally tripped and touched a lever, and the next thing we know – we're having an unplanned swim. I almost had a heart attack back then.

And then there was Jenkins Jaguars, probably the worst school yet. The teachers were cruel enough to slap students there, and no one ever bothered to do anything about it. My studying there ended sometime in April, when we went to the Saratoga battlefield. I don't remember what I was aiming for, but the Revolutionary War cannon took off half the bus anyway.

So after my long record of accidental destroying of property, I hope nothing would happen . There were no zoos this time, no kitchens, no cannons, no sharks, and of course, and no explosions.

But of course, the mustard yellow bus should've warned me nothing would go as planned.

I sighed as a peanut butter and ketchup sandwich sailed above my head. It hit one of my friends, if not the best friend, in the head. I all but nearly scowled. I knew full well who threw that. It was Nancy Bobofit, the girl who I mentioned earlier was Mrs. Dodds favourite. I didn't really like her. She was mean, a lier, and a thief – oh, and did I mention she was a bully. She never really picked on me, because, well people would probably notice if the usually soft-spoken, serene, two-left-feet girl would was getting bullied. So she took it out on my friend Grover Underwood, a crippled boy, and my friend and roommate, MacKenzie Stones, and her brother and my other semi-friend, since we didn't really meet much, Jacob Stones.

Grover was a scrawny, Caucasian skinned boy with curly brown hair with the start of a wispy beard on his cheek and brown eyes. He was also unfortunately crippled, so he had to walk witch crutches on his feet and was excused from PE. I thought he was a slowpoke, that i, until it was enchilada day at school and he ran like the hounds of hell were on his feet.

He was also a bit of a wimp, but loyal to the end, like an eager puppy. Seriously, his eyes were like big round chocolate balls. I shivered at the thought of him ever trying the puppy do eyes look. It would be bad for my health. He was also a vegetarian, despite being obsessed with enchiladas. He cried when he was upset and frustrated, but was usually a cheerful and funny guy. He and I got along surprisingly well. And I swear, he was empathetic since everytime I feel some negative emotion, he's always there to console me.

Now, Nancy Bobofit, along with Mrs. Dodds, was one of the people I would scream at them that I hate them, if I could. Mama would be disappointed if I did. Her sad looks are fatal.

Anyway, Nancy was a mean, kleptomaniac girl with curly red hair and muddy brown eyes that looked like dirt and crooked yellow teeth. She also had freckles, which were so orange they looked like sprayed liquid cheetos. You do not want to see her when she sneers or smiles or grins. She's mean, arrogant, childish and I dubbed her 'Bully of the year'.

My golden eyes narrowed slightly at her in anger. She didn't notice as she continued to snicker at the fate of a grimacing brunet. Even if she did, I doubt she would've cared either way. You see, the headmaster – a Mr. John Nelson – had heard about my...chaotic two left feet, and had threatened me with death by in-school suspension. So anything embarrassing, destructive, chaotic, entertaining happens, so long Yancy Academy.

"That's it..!" I growled under my breath, my eyes sparking with a hidden fire. I was normally a level-headed and patient person, but enough is enough. Grover tried to stop me from standing as he dodged another piece of the taste bud killing sandwich. He grabbed my arm and looked at me pleadingly. "It's okay, Pens. I like peanut butter anyway–"

"With ketchup? And in your hair?" I looked at him incredulously. Even Jacob Stones – who's willing to eat even broccoli with kiwi – wouldn't let that anywhere near his mouth.

He blushed, but continued nonetheless. "And if you stand up the bus, uh, could suddenly stop and you could be sent flying and get hurt pretty bad. So please sit?" He looked at me with his puppy like chocolate eyes and I caved. Sitting down grumbling, I thought back on what he said. "And please don't call me Pens." I told him evenly.

I hated being called Pens – because it reminded me of..! – with a passion. My name was actually Penelopeia Atalanta Jackson. But I prefer being called Penny to the long Penelopeia, even though I loved the meaning behind the name. Penelopeia, or Penelope, was the wife of Odysseus, and a good one at that. You see, while Odysseus was on his... 'quest', many people thought he was dead so a lot of men tried to court her. She didn't believe that he died, so she didn't accept any courtship. However, some were too stubborn so she lied and said that she would remarry when she finished making a funeral shroud for her aging father-in-law, Laertes. She weaved throughout the day, and unraveled throughout the night. Then Odysseus returned and all was well until he was killed by his stepson, Telegonus – that's a story for another time. Penelopeia...Now that's a good waifu.

What can I say? Mama wanted me to be a loyal wife like Penelopeia was.

And then there was Atalanta. Well, she didn't have a good life – like me – was the daughter of King Iasus. He wanted a son, so when he got Atalanta, he left her to rot. She was raised by a she-bear, until the Hunters of Artemis found her and took her in. She was a fierce hunter. Then her daddy discovered her and forced her to marry. But she said she would only marry if a man beat her in a footrace. Many men died until Melanion/Hippomenes came along and won with the help of Aphrodite. She also sailed with the Argonauts as the only female among them, during the quest for the Golden Fleece.

Mama wanted me to be hard to win over like Atalanta, and wanted the man to really really try. She also wanted me to grow up into a strong, but kind warrior woman that Atalanta was said to be.

And thus, my name, Penelopeia Atalanta Jackson was given. Though I insist you call me Penny. Not Pens, or Penelopeia or Atalanta. I'm just lil' ol' Penny Jackson. Nothing more, nothing less.

"And you can't keep letting her push you around." I told him, frowning, concerned for his health. He turned a bit pink and stuttered. He wasn't really used to people caring about him. I giggled slightly.

Though, later, I would silently despair that taking Nancy Bobofit on would be better than the chaos I would later be involved into.

But then again, when was I not in the middle of the chaos?

We stepped out of the parked bus and Mr. Brunner led us into the large gallery – I held back a squeal of excitement, though, by Grover's bemused look and wince, I failed – and beautifully crafted marble statues and old, well built ancient pottery. By then, I was in LaLa Land, because, well, who wouldn't? I was awed at how all–all this could've survived eras upon eras!

We were then gathered around a stele for a girl about our age. Mr. Brunner started telling us about the carvings at the side and I listened with rapt attention. Or, at least, I tried to. I was easily distracted by my ADHD, and the kids that couldn't stop whispering. I twitched.

Can't they shut up?

A snort was heard somewhere in my head. That'd be the day.

I nearly groaned. Arco... What a pleasant surprise.

Arco snorted again. You think I'm an idiot, buttercups?

I flushed slightly, earning me some weird looks from the outside world. Don't call me that!

I felt her/him/it snicker deep inside my head. So ya hate being called buttercups, buttercups? I had a feeling she was grinning... Buttercups, buttercups, buttercups, buttercups, buttercups~ Butter–

"Would you just shut up?" I nearly hissed. Behind me, Nancy Bobofit flinched at my angry tone, thinking I was talking to her.

When I noticed I said that a bit too loudly, aka everyone was staring at me like I was an idiot, my cheeks turned pink.

Somewhere in the crowd, I swear I heard MacKenzie Stones snickering at my fate. What a great friend. And please, do notice my sarcasm there.

Mr. Brunner looked at me with a raised eyebrow, making me blush even more. "Ms. Jackson, perhaps you could tell us what this carving represents?" I turned my attention to the carving he was pointing to and my mood immediately went sour.

"That is...Kronos eating his childen." I answered his question placidly, a dazzling smile on my face. Everyone inched away from me, with freaked out expressions. "He was the King Titan, also the Titan of Time, and married his sister, Rhea, the Titan of Motherhood. Then, because he was mistrustful, he ate his children, starting with Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth." I chuckled, my hair shadowing my face. Grover whimpered in the background.

"Then he continued eating his other children; Hades, the God of the Underworld, Demeter, the Goddess of Harvest, Poseidon, the God of the Sea, and Hera, the Goddess of Marriage. Rhea managed to rescue her youngest son Zeus, the God of Lightning, by replacing him with a rock. Kronos–" I didn't know why, but I had a feeling I shouldn't call Kronos 'Kronos', but something...else. "–swallowed the rock without even taking a look.

"Years later, Zeus managed to save his siblings by feeding his father...well, something, and they were regurgitated in reverse order."

"Yuck!" Some of the girls squeaked out. Well, then if that's all you have to say, then try vacationing in your daddy's stomach for most of your childhood/life!

"Then, there was a huge war between the Gods and some of the Titans – because Rhea managed to get most of the females either on her side or the neutral side – and the Gods won." I finished with a creepy, angry smile.

I always got mad when I listened to this story. I didn't understand it. Maybe it was because the eldest six were eaten by their own father, or because they were a family and they shouldn't have done the things they did. Or maybe it was because Kronos got betrayed?

"Like we're gonna use this in real life. I can just imagine it; 'Please explain why Kronos ate his kids'. Yeah right." Somewhere near me, Nancy muttered sarcastically.

"That's a very good question Ms. Bobofit. But next time do not interrupt and stay silent." I glanced at a beat red Nancy, and let me tell you that wasn't pretty. I sometimes loved and hated Mr. Brunner's radar ears.

Arco snickered, singing. Busted~

Grover unknowingly repeated what Arco said causing me to smile. He was sometimes so similar to my other personality, it was kinda funny. And since Arco was evil – in my opinion – Grover was one Evil Wild Guy.

"Why does this matter in real life, Ms. Jackson?" I frowned, thinking hard about the question. Then, after a few moments of silence, I hesitantly answered. "Well, considering that most of the kids here are rich, they surely go to other countries for vacation, right? What would happen if you go to, let's say, Greece or Japan – who have their own religion – and accidentally insult a deity like the Greek Goddess Artemis or the Japanese Goddess Amaterasu? I'm assuming the locals would take offense and most likely try to hurt or insult you for insulting their deity. And while – pardon me for my language – dissing their deity you also diss their history, after all, the once beautiful Athens were named after the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Battle, Athena." I explained. Once seeing the approving gleam in my Latin teacher's eyes I decided to add something.

"'And to shape the future into what you wish, you must first know the past.' A wise man onced said." I quoted.

He nodded smiling. "Full credit, Ms. Jackson. Though if I may, I wish to add something. Zeus fed his...father a mixture of mustard and wine causing him to disgorge his siblings. And after the gods defeated Kronos, they sliced them into pieces with his own scythe, then scattered his remains into Tartarus. Good job." I blushed, looking down timidly. I wasn't used to being praised or being the center of attention. Mama sometimes told me I was too humble.

I can agree with mom on that one. Arco snarked deep in my head. I turned even more red. You are too humble sometimes, buttercups. I huffed. Don't call me that!

When I zoned in again, Grover was pulling me outside. He was used to my little 'black outs'. As was Jacob and MacKenzie. "You alright, Penny?" He asked me worriedly, noticing my sour mood. Empathetic!Grover on the go!

I blinked and a pinched smile made its way onto my face. "I'm fine Grover." I spoke softly, almost silently. I nearly winced, the words sounded hollow, a lie. I'm not surprised. They had been a lie ever since that day...

He just sighed, knowing that when I said that he wouldn't be getting else out of me. I was terribly stubborn when I wanted to be. "Like your papa", mama always says with a pained, but fond smile.

Speaking of my father, I never really knew him. Mama always told me he disappeared when I was three years old, leaving behind only a few things. The ring mama always has on a chain around her neck, an old book in a strange language I could barely understand, an old music box, and another thing that mama won't show me. She always says I remind me of him, with my stubbornness, my infamous temper, and my unpredictable humor and sass. Oh, and you can't forget the mostly hidden and mostly nonexistent sadism I inherited from him.

But if anything, I took after my mama and, from what she mentioned, her mama.

"Ms. Jackson!" I tilted my head slightly, only to see Mr. Brunner beckoning me over. I bit back an exhausted sigh, my chest constricting. I flinched, trying to make it go away.

"Go ahead of me, Groves. I'll catch up in a bit?" He hesitated, glancing at a slightly concerned Mr. Brunner and my pained face. He hesitantly walked out of the museum, catching up with the rest of the class.

Mr. Brunner looked at me with his thousand year old eyes, his expression worried. "Ms. Jackson, I need you to remember that everything you learn from me is vitally important." He looked at me seriously, a hint of concern in his voice. "So do your best, Penny Jackson. And be careful of who you associate with."

I smiled painfully. "Th-Thank you for the advice, sir." My hand went instinctively to my chest, clutching at it so much that my knuckles turned white. He looked at me fully alert, his brown eyes intense and inquiring.

"Ms. Jackson, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." I said. "Just the heat is getting to me is all." I laughed slightly, even if it hurt to do so.

Mr. Brunner looked at me seriously. "Last I checked, the heat never bothered you till this moment." True. It was like I was fireproof! "So what's wrong?"

I sighed slightly. "I'm just not feeling well." I lied swiftly. Though, it wasn't really a lie, but a half-truth. A lie, yet the truth.

He frowned at me, and I had a feeling he didn't believe me one bit. "Very well then. Go on and eat to restore your energy, Ms. Jackson." He told me and I turned around slowly and walked outside.

I viewed him as a great teacher –not to mention those fun days when he comes decked in full Roman armour complete with a sword pointing at the board, to name every Roman and Greek person that had ever loft and the deity they worshipped – because he always believed that I was an amazing person, despite with my ADHD and Greek&Latin-oriented Dyslexia. I also had bad grades – never better than a B+ or a A- – but he just smiled and encouraged me to be as good as everyone – no, better than everyone. Sure, that makes me angry, but he was still awesome.

As soon as I was out there, the painful feeling in my chest (it'shappeningAGAINisn'titIT'SyourFaultyouknow?) slowly disappeared before it was completely gone.

I glanced up. Storm clouds blacker than the night were rumbling in the distance. A storm was brewing. And I got the feeling it wasn't the literal one, but the metaphorical one...

The weather all over New York has been wacky ever since December, when something had happened, and we've had massive floods, uncommon snow storms, wildfires from storms... Something had happened, something definitely not good.

Seeing as nobody else was noticing it, I walked past the boys – who were cruelly pelting cracjers at the poor pigeons – Nancy Bobofit, Mrs. Dodds and MacKenzie and Jacob who were arguing about something totally useless.

I made my way over to my friend, who was sitting awkwardly on the edge of the fountain. Sitting down next to him, I offered him a smile. He returned it, though fidgeting nervously. "You alright, Penny?"

"I'm fine."

With those single two words he relaxed. The tension was gone from his shoulders and his face melted into a smile. "What happened with Mr. Brunner?"

"Nothing. Just the regular old 'be careful' speech. And then he asked me if I was alright." He nodded slightly. "And what did you say?"

"It was just the heat."

"But the heat never bothered you before." He pointed out, his brows furrowed in confusion. I hid a wince. Of course, just like Mr. Brunner, he would notice my fire-resistance. "..." I stayed silent, a guilty look plastered on my face. I really wanted to tell him why – because with his pitiful eyes and nice demeanour – but I couldn't. Not even mama knows...

We both stayed silent for a while. Then, he looked at me with his wide brown eyes and opened his mouth. I assumed that he would say something wise about me not keeping things from the people I trusted, or to ask again, hell, or even to talk about the upcoming summer vacation, but then I was reminded of who he was. He was Grover Underwood, an enchilada-obsessed, crippled, cute little puppy. "Can I have your apple?"

I couldn't help myself; I burst into soft giggles. He blushed and looked everywhere but me. Grover sure is obsessed with food. "I wonder," I mused with a teasing edge to my voice. "How much space do you have down there? Or is your stomach an eternal pit?" I teased him, my golden eyes glowing brightly in response to my amusement.

He turned beat red and started stammering, avoiding looking into my eyes as he flailed his arms around. I frowned. Sure, I had teased him but I never expected him to react so... extremely, I guess? I tilted my head to the side slightly, my dark bangs falling into my face. I blew them away and saw that he was even redder than before.

"Grover, are you alright?" I asked him concerned. "Do you have a fever?" I placed my hand on his forehead. Strange. It wasn't warm, quite the opposite. It was cool. So then why was he red? "It doesn't seem like you do..." I muttered to myself.

He took my hand and held it away from his red-as-a-cherry face. "I-I'M FINE!" He squeaked.

I sat down with a concerned pout. Why was Grover acting so weird?

Deep in my head, unaware to me, Arco sighed in exasperation. Of course I'm stuck with the idiot. Sheesh. Even that person isn't as stupid as this brat. She huffed, fully aware that her... whatever couldn't hear her.

Anyway, unaware of my facepalming other personality – and is it just me, or does that sound a bit more than strange? – I watched a flustered Grover with a pout. Boys were sometimes so confusing...

Every boy was confusing, especially those I knew. Including my papa, who I had never met before... We just had those few trinkets he left us. I never understood why he left my mama. She was the most amazing person in the whole entire multiverse, and he left her. Why? She was hardworking, a doting mother, kind, caring, and most certainly a loving lover and wife. So why..?

"Well looky, looky. What do we have here?" A sneering voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I nearly scowled at her. "Bobofit. What a pleasure." I drawled, my voice dryer than the Valley of Death or whatever it was called.

She snorted, her two goons behind her looking slightly nervous. "I'll believe that when hell freezes over and pigs start flyin'."

"That seems nigh impossible." I raised an eyebrow.

She sneered, her muddy brown eyes shining. "Are you stupid or what?" Bobofit wondered out loud, a mean smirk on her round face.

I chuckled lightly. "Seeing as I have better grades than you, I think not." I told her, thoroughly amused.

She sneered, her face a deep red that did not compliment her liquid Cheetos freckles. "Says a girl who's own father abandoned her!" She nearly shouted. I froze, my bangs covering my eyes. I didn't wonder back then at how she found that little tidbit out.

Inside, my red hot rage grew into a storming inferno of fire. How dare she? HOW DARE SHE?! This little..! This little harridan has the nerve to say something so insulting right to my face?! Ignoring the voice that sounded suspiciously like my mother saying "Honestly, Penelopeia! Get control of that temper of yours! Count to ten... Honestly, you're like a mini female version of you papa..." and I stood up. My face was dangerously serene, and that kind smile that was plastered on my face made it even worse.

The last thing I saw was Bobofit's terrified face before everything went black. And the next thing I know, she's in the fountain shrieking while clutching her slightly burned shirt.

"P-Penny tried to kill me!"

Mrs. Dodds materialized next to me, a sickly sweet smile on her wrinkled face.

Around us, people were whispering in awe, stealing glances at me every once in a while.

"Did you see tha–"

"–it was like the fire–"

"–her hands–"

"Did you see her eyes?"

Was thoroughly confused. Fire? Did my pyrokinesis activate in my rage? Sure, I was pissed but I was pretty sure I had control over my fire... And what about my eyes? Sure, they were gold, but that was it...

A very triumphant Mrs. Dodds put a hand on my small shoulder after she made sure that Bobofit was alright and promised her that I would get her a new shirt. Her vicelike grip on my shoulder made me wince. For an old lady, she sure was strong.

She steered me towards the museum entrance, but before we could reach the stairs, Grover jumped up. "W-Wait! It was me that hurt her, not Penny!" He shouted frantically. I was stunned. Last I checked, Mrs. Dodds scared Grover to death.

Mrs. Dodds glared at a terrified Grover so hard, that his whiskery chin trembled and his eyes watered. "I don't think so, Mr. Underwood." She told his sweetly. Sickly sweet. Doesn't this remind you of the time when you ate that honey? Arco mumbled. I hid a grimace. Unfortunately.

"–tay. Here." When I tuned back in, I heard Mrs. Dodds tell Grover rather forcefully. He flinched, looking at me desperately, as if he wanted me to say that he had hurt her. Not me.

"'s alright." I told him kindly, a smile on my face. "It'll be fine." Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say. He paled, looking around for something or someone wildly.

Mrs. Dodds tightened her grip on my shoulder. I bit back a sigh and made my way over to the museum.

I absentmindedly noticed that Bobofit was smirking at me. I sent her my deluxe I'll-Kill-You-Later smile. Safe to say, she looked ready to piss herself.

I turned around and noticed that Mrs. Dodds wasn't gripping my shoulder anymore, but at the top of the staurs, at the museum entrance. She looked real impatient.

I looked at her surprised. How did an old crone like her get up there so fast?

Sure, I had black outs because of my ADHD and because of Arco, but even this has it's limits. I mean, I was just trying to kill Bobofit with my eyes, and the next thing I knew, Mrs. Dodds was way ahead of me. That wasn't normal in the least.

Albeit hesitantly, I made my way up the stairs. Halfway up, I glanced back only to see Grover, pale and panicking, trying to get Mr. Brunner's attention, but the latter was too absorbed in his novel. He was sitting in his wheelchair, at the base of the handicapped ramp, with a red umbrella sticking up from the back of his wheelchair. It kinda looked like a café table, minus the fact that it was a wheelchair.

I shook my head, and spun around. I hastily ran up the rest of the stairs, noticing that my most hated teacher was already at the neof the entrance hall. I get the feeling, I thought sweating slightly, that buying Bobofit a T-shirt is going to be the least of my worries...

Stumbling after her, the first thing I noticed was that a few moments later that we were back in the place where we were before. The second thing was that no one was here. And the third, was that this place was eerily silent, and shadows were casting over Mrs. Dodds. Her eyes were glowing.

I took a hesitant step back, gulping. Something was wrong... Oh so wrong.

Hey, buttercups. Arco began hesitantly. I get the feeling we should get the fuck outta here... I didn't reprimand her about calling me that or her language, because I was too busy agreeing with her. Me too.

When I zoned back in, I stared at Mrs. Dodds, who was standing with her arms crossed across her chest with the shadows casting a dangerous glow to her posture. She was making a sound. Growling, I realised after a few seconds. That wasn't normal. Humans weren't supposed to sound so realistically animal like growling.

I tensed, ready for anything to happen. Guess this is why mama forced us to take self-defence... Arco mumbled. Yeah. Agreeing, I took a discreet defensive stance. Mrs. Dodds didn't notice. Good. I might be able to take her by surprise if she tries anything.

I didn't notice how even before Mrs. Dodds tried to do anything, I was already ready for her to try and do something. But Arco sure did.

"You've been giving us problems, honey." She growled out.

I was pale, sweating, but I managed a smile. "I... have?" I chuckled nervously.

Tugging at her leather jacket, she sent me a blood freezing glare. "Did you honestly think we wouldn't notice? That you would get away with it?" A shiver crawled up my spine. Get away with what? And who was she talking about?

"I'm highly confused here." I muttered under my breath, but it seems she didn't hear or just ignored it. Judging by the look in her eyes, I'm assuming it's the latter.

Outside, thunder and lightning roared to life, shaking the building. I stumbled, falling on my behind with a small squeak. I stared at a cold-hearted and smug Mrs. Dodds curiously.

"You see, child, even they have noticed you." She told me seriously. "If I do not end you here or bring you to my master," I stared at her incredulously. What was she? Part of a trafficking gang or what?! "They will surely end you before the Solstice." Solstice? Arco wondered. Does she mean the Summer Solstice? I shrugged slightly, so Mrs. Dodds didn't notice.

"They are not fools, Penny Jackson. They would've noticed you sooner if it wasn't for the magic placed on you." I stared at her confused. Magic? Was she mad or what? Magic doesn't exist. "Confess now, and you shall suffer less pain even in death." I nodded slightly in agreement. She was insane.

"Ma'am," I said slowly, dusting off my skirt as I stood up. Looking at her warily, I continued. "Do you need the address to a mental institute? Because, last I checked, magic doesn't exist." I told her slowly, ignoring the fact I had minor pyrokinesis.

She glared at me furious, and hissed out a reply. "You time is up!"

Then, what was probably the second strangest thing happened. Glowing eyes like the night glared at me, gone with the normal human brown ones. Sharp talons instead of fingers with a mouth full of sharp, yellow fangs. And you can't forget the leather wings, which were formerly her leather jacket. I blinked. Yup, still there.

So the old hag was a monster. Arco deadpanned. We're so screwed.

Tell me about it. I told her dryly.

Stumbling back, I couldn't help but open my mouth and try to stall. "What the hell are you on?" I squawked, which was probably not the best thing to say.

I ignored Arco's frantic, but still sarcastic, and incredulous. You think?

Mrs. Dodds shrieked angrily, her eyes glowing with fury. And then she lunged at me.

Okay, maybe I did insult her on purpose – I'll believe that when hell freezes over. – okay, fine! It was accidental, but don't forget mama made me learn self-defence!

I spun to the side, her sharp talons nearly taking my ear off, and grabbed her wrist. Flipping around, I used all my strength to throw her into a statue. I flinched when she gave an ear-piercing screech as she collided with the statue of Hades. If your real, I looked at the decapitated head of the Underworld King mournfully, then sorry about your statue.

I looked to the side when I heard someone enter the section, and nearly deflated with relief when I saw it was just Mr. Brunner. Who was holding a pen. Okay, weird. But nothing can top today's events.

"What ho, Penny!" He shouted, tossing the pen to me. I caught it, but barely, and stumbled a step back.

I stared at the pen in my hands blankly, then at Mr. Brunner. "Last I checked, this is a pen." I deadpanned, my eye twitching. "What the bloody hell am I supposed to do with a pen?!"

He looked flustered. "Uncap it!"

I heard a growl, and turned to see a pussed off Mrs. Dodds dusting off stone crumbles from her shoulders. "You. Are. Dead!"

I uncapped the pen, and the next thing I know, it wasn't a pen anymore. But a glowing 3 feet long, bronze sword that weighed approximately 5 pounds. What? I'm not a genius! I absentmindedly noticed it was perfectly balanced, with a leather wrapped grip with the hilt riveted with gold studs.

Snapping out of my awed observations, I turned to a stunned Mrs. Dodds who was looking fearfully at the sword. I furrowed my brows in concentration, and took a step forward. But of course, I shouldn't have forgotten I had two left feet.

I tripped.

I groaned into the cool marble floor, feeling a bruise already forming on my forehead.

"Is this child seriously this clumsy?" I faintly heard Mrs. Dodds ask Mr. Brunner. I had a feeling he blushed and facepalmed. "No matter. She shall die either way." I heard the flapping of wings that indicated that she had lunged at me.

"Die, honey!" Even in a moment like this, I couldn't help but think of her shouting that at a smug jar of honey.

"Penny!" Ignoring Mr. Brunner's frantic shouting, I gripped the hilt of the sword, waiting for the right moment. Fear pulsed through my veins. I was afraid. Afraid of dying, afraid of not being able to keep my promis...

Now... Arco whispered dramatically.

Oh, shut it!

Flipping around, I struck. Lifting my sword arm, I plunged the sword through a stunned monster's chest. Blood dripped onto my hand as she slowly dispersed into golden dust with a shriek.

Although the sword was perfect for me, I still felt that it wasn't perfect.

I groaned, standing up. It wasn't such an easy task when your legs were Jell-O. Golden sand fell off my front body, pooling at my feet. The pen was once again a pen, a ballpoint one with Anaklusmos written in Greek at the side.

I looked up, my vision hazy, and noticed that only I – and by extension, Arco as well – was here. There was no honey obsessed monster, no Mr. Brunner, just me, and the stench of sulfur, along with a chill in the air. I shivered.

My whole body was trembling, my face pale and my breath ragged. There was only one thing on my mind; Was this a hallucination, a cruel joke, or...was it real?

Look in a shiny object, buttercups. Aeco suggested. Confused, I did as she said, and nearly had a heart attack. A drop of red liquid was splattered on my cheek. And that wasn't the worst part. My whole hand was covered in blood. The stench nearly made me gag. It was horrible. It caused me flashbacks of that time...

I went back outside, after I thoroughly scrubbed my face and hand clean of any leftover liquid. I could still feel the warm blood... Everywhere...

I looked up at the grey sky, the rain sliding down my cheeks like tears. In my absence it seemed that it had started to rain.

I made my way over to Grover – who had a museum map tented over his head – dazed. Bobofit made her way over to me, still soaked and singed, and sneered. "Hope Mrs. Kerr whipped you butt!"

I stared at her blankly,my eyes glazed over. "Mrs. Kerr?"

"Our algebra teacher! Duh!" She rolled her eyes and stalked away, back to her ugly friends.

I stared at her back, blinked my golden eyes in confusion. We don't have a teacher named Mrs. Kerr do we? I slowly asked my tenant. Nope. Popping the 'P', Arco replied.

I made my way towards Grover, and after handing him a yellow and red umbrella – which he took thankfully – I asked, "Where's Mrs. Dodds?"

He paused, hesitating, and found the bunny patterns on my umbrella real interesting. "W-Who?" His voice trembled.

"Mrs. Dodds. Our algebra teacher." I told him calmly. Ha! As if! I was slowly losing my temper, and that would be ugly. Let's just say that what happened to Bobofit will seem like a tap on the shoulder compared to what I can do when I'm really furious.

"I'm being serious." Thunder boomed overhead. I ignored it, save for the small, surprised flinch I gave. I hate thunder and lightning and storms. They always remind me of...

He winced, looking guiltily up at the bunny patterned, yellow and purple umbrella.

Sighing in aggravation, I made my way over to Mr. Brunner. He flipped a page in his novel. I stared incredulously. Seriously, of all books, he reads the cliché Twilight?

"Ah, Ms. Jackson." He looked distracted. "That would be my pen. Please don't forget to bring your own pen in the future." He told me kindly, his arm outstretched.

I'm embarrassed to say, I panicked. "Er! Sorry sir, but I don't have apen." I rubbed the back of my head embarrassed. The pen mysteriously disappeared from my hand.

"But I could've sworn..." He mumbled, looking at my empty hand in confusion.

"By the way sir... Where's Mrs. Dodds." I asked. Hestared at me blankly, a shimer of something in his eyes. "Who?"

I hesitated, sending him an incredulous look. Was he joking with me? I decided to elaborate. "The other chaperone. Our algebra teacher who has an obsession with honey." There! His mouth twitched. That surely has to be a sign for something.

"Penny, last I checked there is no Mrs. Dodds. Not on this trip, and not at Yancy Academy. Ever. Are you feeling alright?" He asked me concerned. But I saw guilt flicker in his eyes. He was lying, but why? What was so dangerous about knowing Mrs. Dodds so much as someone replaced her? And who replaced her? And what the bloody hell was she talking about? Oh, I've turned British! Hmm, tea doesn't seem so bad now...

Arco facepalmed. Stupid ADHD.

I blushed a bit, averting my eyes. Stupid bow.

Tuning back in, I saw a very concerned teacher trying to get my attention.

"I'm fine." I unwillingly repeated my earlier words.

(He had a very bad feeling. He stared into those false golden eyes, at that painfully fake and blank smile... 'I'm fine.' She says... But is she really?)

I'm assuming Grover has a small crush on our little Penny. I seriously didn't expect that. Seriously. It wasn't supposed to end up that way. And Penny is as oblivious as ever. Sigh. Why do I even bother?

As you can see, I'm in a writing sort of mood. The reason is simple. In six days is my birthday. Still underage though. ;-)

Okay, now for the important part; pairings.

Please vote in the reviews, and the vote will end when the whole Thalia fiasco will be revealed.

Nico/Penny–My personal favourite.

Nico/Penny/Will–This pairing really just hooked me. I'm half tempted to just do this right now. Probably will... Please vote for this! 'Cause I wanna take your consideration into mind, but I just love this pairing so much~

MALE!Thalia/Penny–If not, Thalia will be a girl

MALE!Thalia/Penny/Nico–Interesting...

Apollo/Penny–Because why not?

If you have anymore pairings to request, please review~

The pairings that will happen:

Leo/Calypso

Grover/Juniper

Jason/Piper

Chris/Clarisse