Welcome to my second PJO fan fiction!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS! RICK RIORDAN DOES!

I do however own:

Roxie Belle

Cherry Belle

Nero Huthanial

Max Trival

Chapter One: So, I Officially Hate Taxis and Funky Furry Things…

I was pretty normal up until the point when I learned the truth. I had two best friends, Nero Huthanial and Max Trival. An abused shy kid and a big-mouthed cripple. They were basically the only people I kept close to as no one else particularly liked me at school. They said I was a jerk and other unmentionable things, which was probably true. I had a bad temper.

Well, the truth finally spilled. It was more of an accident, really. Max said it was never supposed to happen. See, this is how it started…

An average day for gym class at Phyit's Academy for the Gifted. I don't know who Phyit is, by the way, so don't ask me. I walked out of the locker room in snug gray shorts with white stripes on the side matching a white tank top. I tied my long, knee-length inky black hair back in a loose bun as I walked toward the boys' locker room, waiting for Nero as Max shifted uncomfortably on the bench nearby.

"What's up, Max? Gotta pee?" I asked, cocking a brow as Max shook his head, adjusting the navy beanie on his head as it brushed his chocolate hair over his face.

"Nah, it just reeks in this place!" He huffed, pulling his crutches up beside him. I sighed, shaking my head as he crinkled his stud pierced nose up. I didn't smell a thing, but then again, it was a gym room. I shrugged it off and looked up as Nero came out of the locker room in his gym attire. He was fingering the trio of silver hoops in his left ear, his aqua green eyes lazy with lack of sleep. I also noticed a band aid on his cheek and it made me frown.

"Hey, sup." I greeted. He glanced up past his choppy loose and stereotypical emo-styled platinum blonde hair that had a bit of a grayish blue tint to it.

"Hey."

"Is it just me or does it really stink in here?" Max asked again, covering his nose and making a face. Nero rolled his eyes as I put a hand on my hip to glance at him curiously.

"He's been saying that all day, ignore it. He probably smells the SHLB." He replied, referring to the name we called the bullies at our school. Selfish Hypocritical Little Brats.

"It's stronger than B.O," Max complained rather loudly, "It's worse too. Haven't you guys ever smelled rotten meatloaf mixed with dead fish and dirty sneakers?"

"No." Nero and I stated in unison, making equal faces of disgust at the thought. Soon, the other children piled in and we lined up as the gruff looking gym teacher came in with a clipboard, barking out our names in roll call. I noticed a couple of new students and they looked almost exactly alike. A couple of cute perky brunettes with perfectly shaped bodies in rather tight gym uniforms. I frowned a little as I looked up, the teacher placing us on teams for a good old game of soccer.

I was thankful that he put me on a team with Nero because we were almost inseparable and I would be desperate to beat him too. I was placed as the goalie, wearing a pale blue vest over my uniform while Nero stood by.

"All right! Let's do this!" The gym teacher shouted and blew extra hard on his whistle, dropping the ball. One of the new girls kicked the ball toward our goal, moving pretty fast. I narrowed my eyes, tensing up and getting ready to block when the girl looked up with a really nasty look, her tongue flicking out over her lips. A chill shot up my spine and I realized something was wrong. Not only the fact that her legs started to look weird, but also the fact that she was growling.

She kicked the ball hard and I could of sworn the thing caught on fire or something as it raged at me. My eyes widened and I immediately sidestepped it. This earned some loud shouts and boos from my teammates, but I didn't care as I looked up to stare at the girl.

She beamed, cocking her head ever so cutely as she folded her hands behind her back. I clenched my fists, gritting my teeth in annoyance. Who the heck was this girl? She was totally trying to hurt me! Che, two can play at that game then.

"Roxie…" Nero started, obviously taking note to my intentions as I went and retrieved the ball. I just shrugged my shoulder at him before holding the ball out. I dropped it and swung my foot back, bringing it forward as hard as I could. The ball shot forward and the girl blinked before quickly sidestepping it so it flew out the gym doors. She whipped around to glare at me and there were some dangerous oos from the other students.

"Miss. Belle," The gym teacher barked at me, stalking over, "There will be no fighting in this gymnasium. Go get the ball." I rolled my eyes and started to walk toward the doors. On my way, the new girl easily elbowed me in the ribs, making me feel hot with anger and I could feel my temper rising to a boiling point, so I just took off running after the ball to avoid slaughtering that brat.

I walked out the doors, slamming them shut behind me as I went for the ball. It didn't take long before I heard the doors open behind me. I turned to see the new girl, along with her twin, come out, smirking at me almost playfully.

"We were gonna go straight after your boyfriend, but you'll do first!" The first one laughed, perking up one of her feet as if she were so cute. Yea, right. Her nose was as big as the state of New York. I glared at her, clenching the soccer ball in my fist.

"He's not my boyfriend and who the heck do you think you are getting at me like that?" I demanded angrily. The second girl just snickered while the first put her hands on her hips, her nose in the air.

"Ha! If you don't know a thing, that makes things even better."

"So fun!" The second one agreed cheerfully, although, she got a little bop on the head from her twin before the first one began to change. I mean, like, literally. I am so not kidding. Her legs started to turn into… Well, quite frankly, one of them looked exactly like a very not-cool donkey leg while her other leg turned into a much cooler bronze leg.

Well, it was only cool for a second before she swung it up to kick at me. I winced and held up the ball immediately, blocking most of the attack. My eyes widened as the ball popped right in my hands, like an explosion and fell to the floor as nothing, but a heap of black and white leather.

I looked up as the doors behind the two monsters opened to reveal Max, dragging Nero out behind him. I looked back at the monsters, who didn't even seem to notice Max or Nero yet.

"Time's up, half-blood!" The first one announced joyfully and rushed at me.

"Roxie, move!" Max shouted and I immediately ducked as Max threw one of his crutches, smacking the back of the monster's head. She yelped and slammed into the floor, her head cracking against the tiles. The second one shrieked angrily, like a cat getting stepped on as she whipped around, slashing her claws at Max, who yipped like a Chihuahua before ducking.

"Roxie!" Nero yelled as the first monster slowly rose to her feet, holding her head as she swayed before running at me again. Nero moved before I could. He ran at us, grabbing the nearest thing to him -being a metal trashcan- which he used to smash right on top of the monster's head. She howled in rage and whipped around, slashing at Nero, who easily dodged back, dropping the trash can.

My heart was pounding now, the sound of my blood pulsing in my ears the only sound other than the muffled sounds of the events. Whoa, one second, it's just a normal middle school fight and now…? I was so confused!

Even so, the idea of Nero being in danger shot adrenaline right past all the paralyzing fear and I swung my foot out as hard as I could into the monster's spine, sending her flying into her twin and they crashed into a wall.

"Run," Max yelled as he hobbled over on the single crutch before throwing it to the side, "RUN FOR THE NEAREST EXIT! NOW!" I opened my mouth to protest because I mean, seriously, what the heck was going on? But I had no time as Nero rushed forward, snatching my wrist and whipping me after him.

We burst out the doors and the only thought running through my head was the fact that I hadn't finished the soccer game and I was going to be in deep trouble for ditching school… Then I remembered the two totally not human monsters and didn't care one bit about school as we ran down the sidewalk.

"N-Nero, what the heck were those things?" I demanded as we ran. Nero shook his head, frowning as he tried to keep a pace beside me as he was used to running faster.

"I have no freaking idea, but whatever they are, they're bad news so we have to keep running! Is your mom home?"

"Uh, last I checked, why?"

"Your apartment is closer than mine… And safer, so we're going to hide out there until Max…" His voice trailed as he seemed to slow his running. I immediately skidded to a halt a foot away from him, staring down the sidewalk at the academy. We shared looks, both thinking the same.

Max.

Nero bolted first and I was on his tail in an instant, even though he flashed me a sharp glare that said 'Go home, I'll handle this'. I ignored it. He should know better than to think I'd ditch them for my own safety.

It was only natural. Your friend is being attacked by donkey statue monster things and your other friend goes to rescue him. What're ya gonna do?

"Roxie-"

"Shut your trap," I commanded as we ran, "I'm coming too! Max is my friend too!" Nero rolled his eyes, but he didn't argue as we approached the doors to the school. We went to open the door, but they burst open and, no, we were attacked by donkey statue monsters, but a goat… Or well, a half goat. What were those things called?

Star Bucks… No, that's coffee.

"RUN! RUN! BY THE GODS, RUN!" Max shrieked, louder than he usually was. Nero and I both yelped as he caught the sleeves of our shirts, tearing us after him as he galloped around the corner of the sidewalk, racing down the street.

"Max! Max, hold up!" I protested."Not with those things raging mad! One little comment about their legs and they go bonkers! I swear, no one can take the slightest bit of advice without going bananas!"

"Dude, Max, seriously! What the heck is going on?" Nero demanded angrily, louder than usual. He was normally a silent kinda guy, but he looked pretty alarmed as we ran toward my apartment. Max groaned as he let go of us to let us run by ourselves. Thank goodness there were hardly any people on the sidewalks, just a couple of bums since it was still an early May afternoon. Or else they'd be weirded out by a talking goat.

"Look, it's a really long story! Let's just say that you guys are more gifted than the Phyit staff would have guessed! Yeesh, you'd think your parents would overcome their selfishness and send you to camp! Then again, I can understand your guardians, Nero." He added with a miserable bray following. Nero frowned and I saw his cheeks color lightly, probably in embarrassment.

I didn't see why exactly. Nero lived with his abusive aunt Karen and blind uncle Jupiter in a run down apartment in a dirtier part of the city. Nero didn't even have his own room and had to sleep in the hallways sometimes.

"What camp?" Nero decided to ask now as we rounded a corner. I could see the steps leading to our apartment. Max huffed and puffed as he stumbled up the stairs, flailing an arm rather comically.

"C-Camp H-Half-Blood! It's a place special for kids like you guys!"

"What's that supposed to mean?" I demanded, but Max ignored me as we ran up the stairs to my apartment on the fourth floor. Max thrust his fist against the door, ignoring me once again as I told him I had my key with me. Instead, my mom opened the door.

My mom, let me tell you, is pretty good looking for being in her forties. Her hair was a dark chestnut color and very thick, tied in a loose ponytail with hazel eyes. She dressed in a pair of paint-stained overalls with a bandana around her neck.

"What the…" Her voice trailed and her eyes landed on Max's legs, then back up before she grimaced.

"I see… Come on, hurry up." She commanded and we filed into the kitchen area as she shut the door, locking it. She turned around, wiping sweat from her forehead. One look around the kitchen told me she was giving it another paint job. Max sighed, trying to catch his breath. Nero frowned, but stayed silent. He still didn't trust my mom even though we'd been friends for years and years.

"From the looks of it, you're all in a hurry," My mom said softly as she took off a pair of leather gloves, moving for the pantry where she had a few old backpacks, "I can't believe it's happened already… I was so happy you lasted this long, but…"

"What are you talking about?" I pleaded, getting a migraine. I was so confused. Everything was happening so fast! It was like taking a Chemistry exam without knowing anything about the different things! Max finally caught his breath.

"You guys… Are the children of gods… Or goddess. It's hard to tell in Nero's case since he doesn't live with either of his parents." He added, then clapped a hand over his mouth as if he had said something hurtful. However, Nero merely frowned suspiciously.

"You're joking." He deadpanned.

"I wish he were," My mom sniffled and I could tell she was on the verge of tears, which had me even MORE worried now, "But it's… Look, I'm not the right person to ask. Right now, I'm packing everything I can to help you. Max, do you have any drachmas?"

"Yea, Ms. Belle, somewhere in my jeans."

"You're too old to be dressing like a street punk. What would your mother said?"

"Blaa! Don't lecture me, please, Ms. Belle, I get enough from my mother as it is." Max groaned, throwing his head back against the wall with a little childish pout. I was so lost now, standing there with Nero, who was just too confused to even speak, if he wanted to, that is.

"All right, there's some food, water, I packed some extra cash too. Max has some drachmas to call the cab. It'll be the best way to get there right now… There should be some clean clothes in the hallway in the laundry basket too. And, Roxie, I left you a little something in your room, don't forget to take it when you take the fire escape out-"

"WAIT!" I shouted, thrusting my arms out and almost hitting Nero, who flinched. I glared at Max and my mother, who stared at me in surprise.

"Explain what's going on! What are drachmas? What do you mean Max is too old to dress like that? He's only sixteen! And-And what do you mean fire escape? Where are we going? What cab?" I questioned rapidly. Max and my mother shared looks, then both sighed and looked in opposite directions. Max glanced at the clock, frowning, then looked back at me.

"All right. Drachmas are Ancient Greek currency. I'm not really sixteen, I'm almost your mom's age. The fire escape is a faster way out to the streets and we're going to that camp I mentioned by taking the Gray Sisters Taxi service. Now come on, if those empousai catch up with us here, not only are you two in danger, but so is she." He thrust a finger at my mom, who stiffened. That's what got me moving. The fact that my mother would be in danger.

I bolted for the hallway with the backpack in hand, Nero and Max at my sides while my mother hurried after to watch. I grabbed a handful of clothes, random ones, and shoved them into the pack before I went into my tornado-trashed room.

"Gross," Max wailed, covering his nose, "No wonder monsters couldn't find you until now! Your room smells like a garbage dump!" I twitched, feeling my face grow hot in embarrassment as Nero hadn't really been in my room lately. When I glanced at him, though, he was trying not to smirk. As we trudged toward the window, my mom caught my shoulder and handed me something, making me blink.

"What the heck…?" My voice drifted in surprise. My mother was holding one of the few expensive items she ever owned. It was a long black steel staff that was supposed to be hanging on the wall in our living room. An ancient artifact that my mom got on her trip to Greece with her brother, my uncle, Derrick.

"B-But, mom…"

"Take it. Believe me, you'll need this." She assured, then leaned in and kissed me gently on the forehead, giving me a tight hug before ushering me to the window. I was still confused, but I knew that I had to leave. My mom was in danger just being around me right now for some mysterious reason. I bolted out onto the fire escape and flew down it with Nero and Max ahead of me.

We landed in the alleyway and I handed Max the pack so I could strap the staff onto my back, Max staring at it in awe the entire time.

"What?" I demanded in annoyance. Why did he have to stay like that without saying anything? He was normally a bigmouthed guy and when he was quiet, I got irritated and nervous.

"That… That's the-"

"HALF-BLOODS!" A voice screeched and we all jumped, whipping around to see one of the empousai stalking toward us with bared teeth, her brunette hair tangled and ripped out as if someone had tackled her during a football game.

"Run! Run and don't stop!" Max yelled and shoved Nero and I hard in the backs toward the street. We raced out and around the corner, just in time to knock over the second one, who apparently was trying to sneak around and get us cornered, but she was now missing an eyeball so it was probably occupying most of her time.

"Wait, what about Nero?" I cried, looking at Nero, who grimaced.

"We don't need to stop at my place, come on!" He snapped, then seemed to see something over his shoulder and winced, shoving my head down as he ducked down himself as Max followed the movement. The lid of a trash can flew over our heads from behind as the empousai things ran after us, shrieking angrily some colorful vocabulary that I had only seen in road rage situations.

Max immediately skidded to a halt near a less populated street, throwing these gold coins at the ground.

"Stêthi! Ö hâma diabolês!" He shouted in what I somehow knew was Ancient Greek. It didn't take long for the drachmas to slowly sink into the asphalt before a pool began to bubble up and a smoky gray taxi revealed itself, enough to easily be seen through.

You gotta be kidding me. We'd fall right through that thing!

Or so I thought as Max grabbed my elbow, ripping open the back doors. He shoved Nero and I inside, cramming us to the side as he hopped in, slamming the door shut. The taxi seemed real enough inside. Well, for the most part. Definitely not the three old biddies in the front seat, squealing in high pitched voices before one with scraggly hair whipped around to face us.

"Passage? Ya goin'?" She croaked like she was drunk or something.

"Camp Half-Blood, passage for three! Step on it for extra!" Max commanded.

"YEEE! LES GO!" She shrieked joyously at the thought of being paid extra and the gas was hit all right. I gasped as I was smashed against the seat. Nero grimaced and he looked like he was going to be sick. He was gripping the car door for dear life before he squeezed his eyes shut. I took this chance to try and make a joke.

"Better than your apartment, eh?" I tried and I thought I saw the corner of his lips turn up in a crooked smile, but it didn't last long as I felt like I was going to explode as we rounded a turn very sharply.

"You guys can't drive worth crap!" I yelled in annoyance, trying to lunge forward, but it was too hard with gravity working against me.

"You have both yer eyes!" One of the old biddies snarled.

"EYE! GIVE IT TO ME!" The middle one shrieked and lunged at the driver, causing the cab to swivel around in a donut, making Nero slam into me as I slammed into Max, who gasped and groaned at being smashed.

"It's MY turn, Tempest!" The middle one cried angrily, flailing her nails at the one driving, who roared."GET YOUR PAWS OFF ME, ANGER!" Tempest shouted, letting go of the wheel to throw Anger at the last one, who screamed.

"AGH!" She shrieked angrily, throwing her head from side to side in distress. I groaned and covered my eyes, turning to rest my head on Nero's shoulder.

"We're gonna dieeee!" I wailed as I listened to the old ladies in front argue over their single eyeball, which was totally gross mind you. I was getting car sick as the cab swirled and whirred, but within time, we were jerking to a halt and I went slamming into the back of the front seat, my eyeballs rolling around in my head before I grimaced. Max was pushing me out, but less urgently. Nero stumbled out, swinging out and hunching over to vomit. I flinched and looked away to glare at Max, who paid the arguing biddies their drachmas.

Nero stood up at last, shaking a bit as he wiped the back of his hand across his mouth while I gave him a gentle pat on the back. When we turned, Max was holding the bag now, turning to face us as we glared at him. He blushed lightly, shifting on his shaggy goat legs.

"Eh, sorry about the rush…" He mumbled as he began to lead us over a hill. The heavy smell of warm strawberries made my stomach growl and I was on the verge of dying at the smell. It was soooo delicious~

"So, this is Camp Half-Er, somethin'…" I began and Max bleated.

"Bla-ahah! Half-Blood! It's what you two are. Half-bloods are results of gods or goddesses having relationships with mortals. They're also called demigods and they usually are claimed nowadays… I'm sure you two will be claimed in no time." He assured as we walked toward a large building that Max called 'The Big House'.

Seated at a table near the corner of the building, a stout man was playing cards with a… Horse, maybe? Half man, half horse sort of thing and it made me sick to my stomach to see another hairy thing like that after meeting the empousai. There was also another boy there with dark hair and sea-green eyes, maybe a year or two younger than me? He was so cute, though. I had to admit.

He looked up at the same time the horse man did.

"Maxwell, I'm glad you made it back safely with those two." The horse man sighed, placing his winning hand down, making the Santa Claus man snort and pick up the cards again.

"Almost didn't make it," Max groaned softly, though, as we approached, "We were chased by empousai and the ride here was rather unpleasant."

"Are you kidding? We rode with a trio of blind old biddies that squawked like dying parrots!" I snapped at him, blushing lightly as the boy twitched and the horse man raised an eyebrow. Santa Claus man huffed as he picked up a can of coke.

"Well, you're not shy. Too bad, the shy ones are usually more obedient than the bigmouths." He muttered. I frowned and went to open my mouth, but Nero caught my arm and shook his head as if to tell me to shush. I obeyed, but only because Nero still looked pale and shaky. The horse man sighed now.

"I apologize for the urgent retrieval… We really didn't think you'd be attacked as you lasted this long, but it seems we stuck with the wrong idea. Anyway, my name is Chiron and I am the activities advisor here at Camp Half-Blood. You may call this man Mr. D and this young man here is Percy Jackson." He explained, gesturing to each person.

Percy Jackson. That name sounded horribly familiar. I frowned, folding my arms over my chest before pointing at Percy curiously.

"Percy Jackson. Your name sounds awfully familiar. You on the news a couple years ago or something?" I asked. Percy turned pink, shifting a little. I tried to keep my eyes on his green eyes instead of the blinding orange shirt he wore. Staring at it too long told me I'd burn my eyeballs right out.

"Uh, possibly…" His voice drifted before Chiron cleared his throat before smiling warmly.

"We welcome you to Camp Half-Blood. Would you tell us your names as well as your parents?" He asked. Max gulped and went to speak, but I broke in.

"I'm Roxie Belle and this is my friend Nero Huthanial. Uhm, I only know my mother and her name is Cherry Belle. And, Nero… Sort of…" I didn't know how to explain it lightly that Nero had no parents, but Max did that pretty well for me.

"His parents, both of them, are unknown!" Max cried, then glanced at Nero, who just rolled his eyes.

"What?" Percy looked extremely upset now, his fists clenched at his sides. Mr. D snorted after a harsh sneeze, dealing the cards as he waved Max over, who gingerly sat down.

"Is that a problem?" I asked numbly. Chiron frowned.

"Well…"

"They were supposed to claim their children." Percy stated, directing the statement at Chiron, who averted his eyes."Maybe they don't know… I don't know. It's hard to tell. Mr. D…" He turned around to see Mr. D handing Max a deck of cards.

"Oh, fine, fine. I'll head over there and talk to the big guy after I'm done with this round." He muttered. Chiron nodded, then turned back to Nero and I.

"For now, we'll have to allow you to bunk with Cabin Eleven. Percy, seeing as Max is a bit busy, could you please do the honors?" He asked kindly. Percy looked up, seemed a bit reluctant, then nodded and waved us to follow him. Nero and I shared looks and began to follow this Percy Jackson.

Into what was about to become the biggest nightmare of my whole sixteen-year-old life.

A/N: WOW, that was long for this kind of fan fiction. Hopefully I still have my facts straight as I am rereading the entire Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, including The Demigod Files and I plan to rent the movie too for extra inspiration :D! The setting is basically the same as the last fan fiction of this that I made! OC are accepted, BTW! You may send in a character so long as their bio is detailed enough so that I don't mess up their character! I have a bio on my homepage in case you need help xD! Well, that's it! Thanks so much for reading and your reviews are greatly appreciated!