Reyna kept glancing back at Madeline, as if expecting her to disappear at a moments notice. Madeline knew better than to ask questions so early into the tour and remained silent, counting the cobblestones as she stepped on them. Finally the duo reached a temple, lightning flashing overhead, making the building seem more intimidating than it really was. Reyna walked through the open door, Madeline at her heels. Inside, stuffing covered the floor, like fluffy clouds that had fallen from the sky. A scrawny blonde kid with blue eyes, either 15 or 16 coming into view. Reyna cleared her throat and spoke with distaste, as if it pained her to use her voice.

"Octavian."

The kid looked up from poring over the remains of a stuffed giraffe. He bowed his head.

"Reyna. I was just finishing my predictions. What is it that brings you here?"

The kid, Octavian, eyed Reyna warily, as if she was going to stick her spatha through his stomach any second.

"We have received a new camper. I need you to consult the auguries."

Octavian finally switched his gaze from Reyna to Madeline and tried to evaluate her skill and her personality. She had auburn hair that was in a tight braid down her back, with clear brown eyes that betrayed no emotion, only impatience and annoyance. Her muscles were defined and lithe, and he just knew that this girl would make a fearsome enemy. A bow and quiver of golden shafted arrows were slung on her back, a silver and gold tinted sword hung from her side. Octavian also got the feeling that she knew how to use them.

"Done looking yet?" Her annoyed voice startled him, making him realize he had been looking at her the past two minutes. Reyna smirked slightly at Madeline's side. I could use a girl like this. Reyna thought, Maybe Madeline could control Octavian so that I could continue preparations for the war… She was snapped out of her thoughts. Octavian addressed Madeline,

"Excuse me, but what is your name?"

"Madeline. Just Madeline." She quickly replied.

Reyna thought she saw the corners of Octavian's mouth tilt up slightly, but it was gone so fast she couldn't be sure.

"Madeline. Would you please select one of these?" He said, gesturing to the stuffed animal belt he was removing and handing to Madeline.

Reyna was shocked. For one, Octavian never, ever, says please. And two, he has never before taken off his belt before. He protected that thing with his life. Madeline seemed to sense how weird this was and took the belt gingerly, as if it were a ticking time bomb that was about to explode.

"Um, thank you."

Madeline inspected the animals carefully, before selecting the green dragon that was separate from all others. Octavian looked at her curiously for a moment, as if surprised by her selection, but just told her,

"Fine choice."

and walked over to the altar where he drew his dagger from his sleeve and gutted the dragon, scattering the white fuzz, chanting an incantation. He stepped back over when he was finished, a genuinely happy smile on his face.

"Excellent! It seems that we will have new recruit by evening muster!"

Reyna didn't hesitate to wipe the joyous smile off his face.

"Not so fast Octavian." She turned to face Madeline. "Unfortunately, after dinner you will have to best the newest legionnaire, the eldest, and the praetors, one at a time, sparring."

The grin quite literally fell off his face, and he looked like a berated puppy. Madeline only nodded her head and said,

"I had expected as much." with a shrug.

Reyna shifted her attention back to Octavian.

"I will speak with you later, as of now I must resume giving Madeline a tour. Goodbye."

Reyna looked thoroughly relieved when she led Madeline out of Jupiter's temple.

"Gods I hate him."

She muttered, cursing him silently in latin. Madeline was almost completely lost by now

. "Um who was that?'" She ventured.

Reyna glanced at her then replied.

"That was Octavian. He's the camp augur, descended from Apollo, notorious lunatic."

But Reyna said that part so quietly that Madeline couldn't be sure she had heard quite right.

"If he's a lunatic then why is he still the augur? Why not another child of Apollo?"

Reyna just shook her head sadly.

"We can't. Apollo himself came to camp to claim him, and declared that he had the Sight." Madeline's shoulders slumped, exasperated.

"Well I'm sorry but that's stupid."

Instead of taking offense Reyna just smiled and thought to herself, I could like this girl…

3rd Person POV

After the tour which had made a detour to the bathhouses so that Madeline and Reyna both could wash up, Reyna took Madeline back to the forum.

"It is time for evening muster." Reyna said. "I just need to announce that we have a new probiato, and when the next war games will be. Just go along with it, and after we'll have dinner and then your battle. I will see you after."

With that Reyna strode to the front of the forum, and soon around two or three hundred demigods were assembled, looking like a force to be reckoned with. Imperial gold weapons gleamed, and boots shined, polished shields held in hands. Soon role call was over and done with and Reyna and another kid (Madeline assumed the other praetor, Jason Grace) began making announcements.

"War games will be held Tuesday, and Cohort Four will be beginning the construction Monday. Cohorts 1,2, and 3 will be attacking, 4 and 5 will be defending." Jason said.

His voice was quiet, but easily heard throughout the area. He was a son of Jupiter from what Reyna had told her, and Madeline wasn't surprised. He had an aura of power about him that couldn't be ignored. The only other demigod that Madeline had ever known that had ever done that…. well, she couldn't think about him now. She had to focus. Reyna was saying something about a new recruit.

"I have an announcement to make as well. We have a new recruit. Madeline, please step forward."

Madeline took one step forward and was immediately thrust under the gazes of 300 kids with swords, that, although intimidating, was not the worst she had ever experienced...

Reyna POV

I was surprised. Madeline was being stared down by 297 kids with swords that knew how to use them and her gaze was unwavering. She had nerve, and I loved it. I wiped my face clean of emotion and said,

"Octavian, if you will."

Octavian walked over to where Madeline was standing, still remaining impassive, and began protocol.

"Madeline, what is your parentage?"

Madeline seemed queasy at that moment and looked at me with a faint look of desperation in her eyes, like HELP ME! Instead Madeline turned back to Octavian and asked with a level voice,

"Is that necessary?"

Octavian seemed confused but replied timidly,

"Yes. I'm afraid it is."

Madeline swallowed, fire burning in her eyes with hatred for her parent.

"My birth father was Apollo. I am the first and only champion of Vesta, goddess of the hearth." The legionnaires all began to shift uneasily. A daughter of Apollo? Okay but what's up with the sword then? I thought, I can deal with her being a daughter of Apollo but, Champion of Vesta? That's unheard of! Octavian seemed just as, if not more shocked, possibly even disappointed. He quickly regained his composure though, and continued directing questions to a ticked off Madeline.

"Do you have any credentials or letters of recommendation?"

Madeline seemed to ponder this for a moment then said,

"Wait a minute,"

She pulled a crumpled envelope out of her back pocket and handed it to Octavian, a sheepish smile on her face.

"Here."

Octavian nodded and took the letter from her. He slipped his fingers under the seal and opened it. He seemed to scan the contents for a moment, then announced,

"Letters of recommendation from Jupiter, and credentials signed by Vesta."

He turned, face flushed, and delivered the letter to me. I looked it over and let out a surprised, "Oh," I paused, then continued. "that will be sufficient Madeline. Thank you."

I looked over at her and she still seemed furious though she had her emotions in check on the outside. I glanced at Jason and an understanding seemed to pass between us. He cleared his throat.

"So it's settled. Madeline will have her initiation after dinner on the Field of Mars. I believe that is all. Get going."

Everyone shuffled to the dining hall, eventually leaving Jason and I alone. He blew air out through his teeth, then began.

"What do you think of her?"

I considered his question for a moment.

"Honestly, I think I could learn to like her. She is aware of all our traditions and how to act. She seemed to notice how crazy Octavian is. She can get ticked pretty fast but she knows how to control it, and she seems like a good enough fighter. I'm looking forward to seeing her in battle."

Jason nodded his head slowly, thinking.

"Okay. We should probably keep an eye on her though."

"Agreed."

After dinner was finished Jason and I allowed a few minutes of leisure but then decided to get down to business. Jason stood and spoke over the noise. "Legionnaires, it is time for Madeline's initiation! To the Field of Mars!" With a cheer and a clamor everyone present began to shuffle outside, still joking around. Jason and I were at the back, right behind Madeline. I tapped her on the shoulder and she had my arm twisted around my back in a painful position in less than a second. Jason just stood there and looked at Madeline agape. She soon realized what she had done and released me.

"Oh gods, I'm sorry. I just- I- I didn't know. I'm sorry."

She looked at me apologetically and I hastened to reassure her.

"No! It's okay! It was my fault. I shouldn't have done that without warning you."

She seemed somewhat content after and sheepishly smiled. Then she turned to Jason who was still standing there like an idiot with his mouth open. Madeline looked at me and winked, then smiled sweetly, evilly, and said to him,

"Jason honey, close your mouth, you'll catch flies."

And with that she pushed his lower jaw to meet his upper, effectively making him bite his tongue, hard. She looked at me once more, grinning devilishly, and strode out the doors towards the field.

A/N

Okay, hey guys. Sorry about all the confusing things and unanswered questions. This is my first fanfiction. Ever. I hardly ever actually finish anything I write so this might be a little slow on the updates, and when I update it will be irregular. I already have almost the entire second chapter done and need some motivation to finish it. Some constructive critisicm (idk if I spelled that right) would be wicked helpful and I would appreciate it. Reviews=Happy Madison. Happy Madison=Chapters. You get the hint. Now go along- R&R! Merry Almost-Thanksgiving! ;)