Disclaimer: I do not own the Percy Jackson series or the Heroes of Olympus series.

Calla

I groaned, loudly, as rays of light streamed in my room through the blinds of my large window. I was about to bury my face inside my memory foam pillow when someone gently poked my arm. Slowly my eyes fluttered open. Immediately, I noticed a pair of sea green eyes bearing into mine. I leapt out of my bed, revealing my blue pajamas with dancing penguins and causing the person to jump back a step, their green eyes like emeralds full of surprise.

"Percy Jackson! What are you doing here?" My eyes were widen in shock as I rubbed the sleep from them. He laughed, his eyes sparkling.

"Your dad asked me to wake you up. He said not even an earthquake could wake you up," he chuckled, lightly. "Turns out all you needed was a poke in the arm from your best friend." I giggled before pushing him to the door.

"I gotta get ready then you can have the pleasure of walking me to school."

Percy raised his eyebrow, his cheeks slightly rosy. I know what you're thinking head, but Percy is my best friend, I thought, warily. Percy has always been my brother. I admit I had a small crush on him when I was younger. I mean, who wouldn't? He had messy raven black hair and eyes that resembled the color of the ocean, a beautiful sea green. Sun kissed skin with sharply defined features. An athletic body with lightly toned muscles. He was mostly scrawny, but in a cute way. But I knew Percy since I was practically a baby, barely able to walk. His mother knew my dad in high school and were the greatest of friends. Percy and I have always been best friends.

He stepped out before heading down my house's grand staircase. I sighed before closing the door. I headed to the bathroom. With a small twist of the knob, the water drizzled from the shower head before streaming out in strong jets that was steaming. I massaged my hair with vanilla shampoo and conditioner. Finally, I scrubbed my body with a matching soap to rid myself of dirt and sweat. Once I finished and turned off the shower knob, I dried myself off before changing into a pair of faded jeans and an Aztec style shirt. The top part of the dress was a navy blue spandex type material with swirly type designs that clung to the top part of my chest and curves. The rest was a soft, cream colored flowing material that hung loosely on my waist. It matched my sun kissed skin perfectly, which is why it was my favorite shirt. First day at a new school, I should at least dress nicely.

I brushed my hair, roughly, the knots coming loose under the pressure of the bristles. I braided my hair until it hung loosely over my right shoulder. I stared at myself in the mirror. My sapphire blue eyes shone with excitement. A smile was dancing on my lips. My dad always told me I resembled mom with my high cheekbones, my slightly upturned nose, my eye color and the almond shape of them, my full fleshy lips, and even the same hair color. I was an exact replica of her, even our personalities were alike, and that's why my dad's eyes always hold a type of sadness in his eyes when he gazes at me. I sighed before heading downstairs for breakfast.

Percy was already chowing down on some blue pancakes my dad had made specifically for him. Don't ask about the blue. He just always loved the color blue. He was chatting with my dad, his eyes light with laughter and a goofy grin on his face. He always smiled. He must have heard me coming, because he stared up at me. He nearly choked on his pancakes.

"Calla, you look amazing!" He murmured, smiling.

"You don't look to bad yourself, Percy." It was true. He wore an olive green t-shirt with a nice pair of washed out jeans. Any girl would've fainted at his feet.

He laughed at my comment, waving at me to join them. I strode over to him and plopped down on the wooden chair next to him. My dad had already set a plate there so all I had to do was wolf down in a few bites. After 20 minutes, Percy and I were ready to go. I gazed back at my dad, shouldering my empty backpack. His brown eyes sparkled, but I could see the sadness that was always hidden beneath. He ran his hand through his thick brown hair before ushering us out, exclaiming that 'we'll be late'. Ha.

Percy and I were walking down to my new school, Yancy Academy. He's been there a year longer than me, so he knows the place way better than me. I was so excited and so was he. We were in mostly the same classes, but I was placed in some higher classes, because of my intelligence level. He kept rambling on about his friend, Grover, whom I already met. I never knew why, but I had always felt safe around him.

Finally, we arrived at the school and I felt my breath hitch. It was beautiful with its Victorian appearance and the lush pines that surrounded it. In large gold print letters, it proudly stated YANCY ACADEMY. Students bustled in and out of the large entry way. I just then noticed Percy's stare and his goofy grin. I snapped my attention to him and playfully hit his arm.

"So, Cals, you ready for your grand tour?" He teased, lightly. I smiled, shaking my head, Yes.

"Okay, so…" He started explained everything in a fair amount of detail, like classes, teachers, and even pointed out some of the students.

His lip curled in disgust when he mentioned a girl named Nancy Bobofit and Mrs. Dodds. I pursued my lips, deciding against saying anything. His eyes sparkled though when he mentioned his other best friend, Grover, and a teacher named Mr. Chiron. Percy explained how he was always tough on him.

Percy started leading me to my first class with him. I squinted at the name tag, trying to identify a name, but it swirled confusing the letters, replacing it with a weird assortment of letters. I blinked and it was gone. Just disappeared. I blamed it on my dyslexia and even slightly on my ADHD. He hauled me into the back room where he plopped down into a seat. I took the seat beside him. Soon other students started filing in the class. A familiar looking boy with reddish hair covered by his rasta hat appeared in the class, looking disheveled. His eyes locked onto Percy's. A smile appeared on his lips before taking the only available seat that was ahead of him.

"Hey, Grover," Percy and I said in unison, causing us to burst into laughter along with Grover. I was about to say something when a teacher silenced us, well more like Percy.

The rest of the day was actually pretty good. The teachers were nice enough, the classes were entertaining, and most of my classmates were actually fun to get to know. I finally understood Percy's hatred for Mrs. Dodds. She was very strict and always found an opportunity to yell at him. She didn't seem to like me very much either, because whenever she thought I wasn't looking, she gave me a hard death stare, cold enough to freeze any person who dared to even sneak a glance at her.

I was heading to my last class with Percy, Greek, when I slammed into a small, petite girl. Her red hair was pulled back into a tight straight ponytail. She had a scowl plastered on her face when she noticed me, her arms clutching her books tightly to her chest.

"What where you're going, Spas!" She spat, angrily, before pushing all my belongings onto the ground. I growled at her as she walked away. Percy gently took my arm, steering me into Greek class.

The class itself was great. I had always loved Greek. The culture, the architecture of their buildings, everything, even their choice of religion always captivated my attention. Mr. Chiron was an amazing teacher, probably the best in the school. He could probably make a shopping trip to the supermarket entertaining. He did seem to push Percy harder than the rest of the class, though I didn't know why. I just shrugged it off like I would anything else.

Once the bell rang signaling that school was finally over, Percy and Grover happily walked me home. I waved them goodbye when we stopped at my house. I watched them shrink as they grew farther away from me, laughing until they were just a speck in the distance. I sighed before climbing up the stairs of the porch and wandering into the house.

"Dad!" I shouted into the emptiness of the three bedroom condo. I sighed. Typical. No response. I kicked off my shoes, dejectedly.

I climbed up the stairs about to head into my room when I noticed my dad's office door slightly ajar. Hm. I thought, suspiciously. His office door is never open. Never. I headed towards the door, walking on the balls of my feet to create even less noise. Hesitantly, I peeked inside the dim-lighted room. I screamed a blood-curdling scream. There in a pool of blood laid my dad, his eyes closed and his face eternally peaceful. His shirt was torn open, revealing a sickly jagged gash that spread from his collarbone down to his abdomen. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I shakily laid my hands on his cool chest. I checked his pulse, but no vibration was found, meaning he was dead. Never again will he open his eyes.

I screamed again before lying my head on his chest, not caring if the blood seeped into my knees as I knelt in his blood or if it even got in my hair.

I wanted my dad back. To hear his laugh. To see his sparkling eyes as he watched me exit the house with Percy. To hear his stories of Greek legends. To hear him sing a lullaby as he kissed my forehead. To go to the beach and splash in the ocean. To hear him say I love you. One last time. But no. The Fates are cruel.

Percy

I entered my small apartment, my footsteps echoing throughout the corridor. The horrid odor of Gabe engulfed my nose. I gagged, trying to breathe through my mouth. I pushed the door closed and headed to my room, trying to ignore him as much as possible. Before I even managed to take a step near my room, there was Gabe playing poker with his friends, their shirts stained with beer and sweat. I bit my lip to stop myself from saying anything I'd regret. Gabe noticed me and sneered before demanding my mom for some more beers for his 'guests'. I curled my lip in disgust. How dare he treat her like that! Before I could even stop myself, I sneered out some nasty comments which he happily returned without a moment's hesitation. My mom pulled me back before I could do anything more.

"Gabe has done more for this family than you know," she murmured, sadly. I was disgusted when Gabe smiled, arrogantly. I stomped my way into my room, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.

I let my anger get the best of me. I scowled at myself. Calla would kill me if she knew about this. I couldn't help but smile when I thought of her. She was my best friend. I knew her since I was a baby, when the only word I could say was water. I admit I did have a small crush on her when I was little, but it was soon replaced by a brotherly love. She was like a sister to me. She helped me through Gabe and homework. Gods, I hated school. I thought. It was like a nightmare you'd never wake up from.

To be honest, I'm surprised she doesn't realize how beautiful she is. Calla always told me it's what's inside that costs, not out, but she was beautiful, inside and out. Her chocolate brown hair was slightly curly, though usually it preferred to be straight. Her sapphire eyes always held kindness and intelligence. They were unique just like her. Her right eye had outlined the pupil with gold while gold specks danced in the blue while the other was the same but with silver. Her sun kissed skin matched mine perfectly. Though we were only 12, I knew she was going to grow up to be even more beautiful. I sighed, pushing away the thoughts.

I jumped onto my bed, my arms spread out like an eagle's wings in flight. I needed to relax. Calla always warned me that I put unneeded stress on myself. I worried to much for the safety of others. She told me that I was loyal and kind, but someday that could cost me greatly. I was about to drift off into a deep sleep when an urgent knock sounded on my door. Grudgingly, I rubbed my eyes before heading over to open the door. Before I even had the chance to reach it, my mom swung it open, her eyes shining and on the verge of tears. My eyes widened. I opened my mouth to say something when she interrupted me, her voice quiet and shaky.

"Calla's dad is dead. She found him in his office. I was about to-"Before she could even finish, I raced past her and out the door. In the corner of my eye, I noticed Gabe's smirk. I sneered. I'll get him later. I had more important problems than a man who smiled at the pain of others.

I raced towards Calla's house, only to be stopped by a cop who told me nobody was to enter the crime scene. Desperately, I stared around at my surroundings. Cop cars surrounded her condo, along with a thin border of police tap and cops. A small crowd of people stared at the house in shock, wanting to know what in the hell had happened here. An ambulance stood at the end of the line of police cars. There I noticed a small head covered in brown hair, her hands engulfing her face.

"Calla!" I shouted, racing toward her and pushing through the surprisingly thick crowd. I noticed her head snap up in my direction as I neared her. Tears stained her cheeks and her once cheerful eyes full of misery.

Once I reached her, I wrapped my arms around her. I could feel her sobbing as the wetness spread through my shoulder. I tenderly stroked her back.

"What happened?" I asked, hesitantly. I didn't want to push her. Especially now when one of the only people you love die.

"I… I came home. I yelled for dad, but it was silent like usual," she stuttered through my shoulder. "I saw his door open and peeked in. And… And there he was, on the floor, dead. He had a large gash down his chest. Oh, Percy. It was horrible. So much blood," she cried even more, her breaths heavy.

I stood there, hugging her, comforting her until my mom arrived. She offered Calla to stay at our apartment until her living arrangement was worked out. She declined, insisting that she'd prefer to stay home, but the moment she set her eyes on the condo, she cried, tears streaming down her face like an unending waterfall. She finally agreed. We helped her pack her things in a large Caribbean blue suitcase. Before we left, she insisted on saying goodbye to her condo. I bit my lip, but she just shook her head, dejectedly.

I hauled the suitcase into the back of my mom's car while she started the car. It roared to life, grumbling angrily about the disruptance of its peaceful sleep. I stood outside the door, waiting patiently. The breeze lightly brushed my skin, causing me to shiver. The moon shone brightly in the midnight sky. Stars glowed brightly, forming shapes, or known as constellations. I squinted at the moon and for a split second, I noticed a girl's face etched into the moon. I blinked and it disappeared as if it was blown away by the wind. I sighed, wondering if I was becoming delusional or if this was just a side effect of lack of sleep.

The door swung open, revealing a heart broken Calla. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, leading her to the car. I opened the car door for her as she crawled in. Scooting in next to her, I closed the door. Her hands stayed silently in her lap. Strange. She always tapped her fingers. Always moving. Always full of restless energy. It was like all the life, all her energy was sucked out of her, leaving her drained. Slowly, she rested her head against my shoulder. Wrapping my arm around her, I pulled her closer, so her head rested against my chest. She stayed like that the entire car ride to my apartment.

Once we reached it, I helped her out of the car. Her face was blank, though I could see the sadness in her eyes and the light traces on the tears stained on her pale face. I never want to see her like this again. Calla was strong. Someone you looked up to, like me. I never seen her so. so. fragile and broken. Like if you touched her, even lightly, she would break apart like pottery. I guided her to the apartment door and finally toward my room. She knew the way after many visits and sleepovers here, but after tonight, I think she needed the help. She opened my door before I had the chance. Calla collapsed on my bed without a second's hesitance. Her eyes gazed, lifelessly, at the ceiling.

"Calla?" I whispered, hesitantly. She gazed at me, but her eyes glazed over, revealing she wasn't quite there. She was somewhere far away. Deep in the expanse of her brain.

I frowned before lying down next to her. Silence engulfed us, no one daring to break it. In the kitchen, I could hear my mom and Gabe arguing about Calla. Gabe was angry about this, exclaiming how she's probably mental after this. I sneered, before noticing Calla's stare. I gazed at her, green eyes against blue eyes. Her eyes were shining as if the dam that held back the tears was cracking under the pressure. I imagined fissures appearing and spreading down its cement walls.

"It's all my fault," her voice quiet that I had to strain my ears to hear her.

"No, don't ever say that. None of this is your fault," I whispered back, suddenly angry at her for even saying such a horrid thing. "Your fault in this is as unlikely as Gabe is nice." A smile crept upon her lips, but she held back. All that was left was a ghost of a smile. I didn't care. It was enough.

I kissed her forehead, murmuring a quick goodnight. I was about to fall asleep to her soft puffs of breath, but before she or I could fall asleep, she rested her head on my chest. Her hair engulfing her face, completely.

"I love you, Percy Jackson," she whispered, just loud enough for me to hear. I smiled.

"I love you, too, Calla Kingston."

I actually rewrote some of this chapter. Edited to be specific. Created some grammatical errors. Added some detail. I'll be doing that for the rest of the chapters.