Disclaimer: Percy Jackson © Rick Riordan
Rating: T for mild violence and language.

AN: Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays guys~ Hope everyone is treating everyone else nice!

The Forgotten: Denise Gilroy

Chapter 3: Family

The next morning I was given the full thumbs up of health approval. Weird. It seemed like the car incident was just days, hell, weeks ago. I couldn't understand how my body could physically get over that but my brain couldn't. Stifling an ominous shudder, I followed Ace along a tour of this camp I'd be staying at. Fae was originally going to show me around, seeing as I was awake so early. It's a little hard to sleep when your dreams only want to remind you of your new reality. Anyway, an issue rose up between her cabin and another and she was called back to help with diplomacy. Ace happily filled in the role of tour guide and set forth before Chiron could change his mind. She took me along the lake side that separated the volley ball court, and amphitheatre. Backtracking to the Big House she circled around to the fields, stables and arena before finally touching base at the cabins.

Ace was an interesting gal; an older daughter of Hermes that seemed very proud of her father, and her Greek heritage. She proudly stated that her skills had come in plenty handy on her quest beforehand but she always paid back her debts. I wondered briefly whether those talents were what helped her acquire that nice looking truck. I shoved that away though. Her crooked smile stirred some semblance of joy out of me so the whole tour wasn't that bad. The camp was beautiful, and some of the activities were definitely… magical for lack of a better word. There was lava spewing out of some sort of wall after all. She explained that I could move into the cabin after she rounded me back to the Big House.

"Are there many children for Dionysus?" I inquired. I had never undertaken any kind of Greek education and I think Ace assumed this. She didn't seem fazed that I asked about the only God I'd met.

"Not really. The popular cabins are ones like Hermes, Aphrodite, Ares, Apollo kinda. Chances are you'll be in one of those cabins. Don't worry, there's plenty of new friends to make." She beamed, with an extended arm she gestured the cabins, "When we get your stuff we'll take you by the cabins and see who claims you." I hadn't mentioned my father to Ace. It was kind of awkward with him just sitting out the front drinking Diet Coke and all. I just wanted to get moving, after feeling like an idiot the previous night for what I suppose were just unrealistic expectations. My thoughts stewed over it for longer than I'd like to admit resulting in a lack of sleep despite my healthy body's opinion. I suppose being a God of stuff was a good reason to not be around for birthdays though. Still…

I realised it had gotten a little too quiet and quickly opened up another question that had been bugging me. "Thanks. What cabin is Perry?" Ace blinked in surprise but quickly answered.

"Hephaestus."

"Are they naturally very heavy?"

"Uhh, well…" She considered how to answer, "No? But maybe yes?" She shook her head and explained, "They usually grow to be kinda tall and they're always lugging metal around so you'll find they're pretty damn fit. Why?"

"Nothing," I guessed it was an odd question. Something I remembered from yesterday, flying with Perry, she wasn't too light for someone her age but that didn't make sense with her thin frame. I shrugged it off. "Can I see her later? I wanted to thank her for my stuff."

"You'll see her at the breakfast."

"Cool."

Ace stopped outside the front porch of that famous 'Big' House and I leapt into the building quickly, wanting to avoid my Dad as much as possible. Snatching up the bag I looked around the bed I'd been in. I didn't want to leave something behind and have to stupidly come back. I jogged down the stairs and gave a small nod to Chiron as I passed. Out the door, just a few more steps and I would be completely away from this guy… "Mr D." I slowed, tipped my head and mumbled. Begrudgingly I guessed at the last minute I should at least be respectful to some degree.

"Denise." I almost tripped over myself, stopping at the porch fence. I glanced over at him; he was staring intently at his cards. Looking back I noticed that Fae had appeared and was talking over something with Ace. I smiled to myself and stepped down over to them.

"Denise, good morning," Fae greeted, she held out an orange shirt. "It's the camp shirt; I hope I got your size right." It did look pretty close to my shape. I just couldn't believe the colour. So… Autumn. I almost rolled my eyes at my preference in clothing colour. Flashing a quick smile to Fae in thanks I tucked it into my bag.

"We were about to head over to the cabins. Hopefully something happens while she's down there, you see?"

"It's certainly an option." Fae agreed, "May I come with?" She directed the question to me. I guess it would make sense for any normal person to be sour about being kidnapped and then choked by a madman… or madwoman. I shrugged and made a kind of 'meh' sound.

"Let's go." I nodded. "And you really don't need to worry about the whole, you know, kidnap and completely redefining all reality in my life thing. No hard feelings."

"Really?" Fae asked incredulously. I swung for her shoulder and with a quick turn she avoided it. I followed through, sweeping my foot forward to reposition and elbowed her in the stomach. Over my shoulder I smirked. I don't think Fae was used to taking punches or, at least, I suspect she's the kind of person who would usually be able to dodge any.

"Should have just taken the shoulder tap." I straightened up and patted her back as she coughed in surprise. "Now we're fair. Promise. That was more for the choke hold." Ace burst into a fit of laughter, smacking Fae's back with a hearty chuckle.

"You got a real good one here. Where did you find this chick?" She continued to laugh as she ventured back towards the cabins. Fae did end up getting her lungs to work as she followed with a very close eye on me next to Ace.

We all sat at this thing called a hearth; it's kind of like an outdoor fire pit. The cabins circled around and Fae had set into explaining the different houses of the Gods and Goddesses. I really wished I could keep up with the names but it was really difficult. They told me that it could take a day or two for a parent to claim their child, they were under oath to do so but sometimes they could be a little preoccupied. I almost snorted at that, knowing mine was just playing card games, but I held it back so I didn't look like an asshole. I'm sure most of them had important stuff to do anyway.

We sat there for a good ten minutes; Fae mentioned it was getting pretty close to breakfast. I started to yawn and stretch my back when Ace tapped Fae and pointed quite clearly above my head. Being an idiot I looked behind me and up a little, thinking whatever they were staring at was in the sky. I saw purple specks and pointed my chin up to see some kind of wine red cross purple coloured symbol. I chuckled to myself and donned a huge grin. So there really was confetti attached to this thing. Sure, it was glowing, purple, more-like-sparks than confetti; but in my mind that's pretty damn close to mystical confetti.

"So that makes me number twelve?" I asked sheepishly, hoping I got the right number. From what I could see it had some vines along the walls and roofing.

"Yep." Ace jumped up and started heading over there with me. Fae followed behind, staring a little more intently at me. I assumed that was just how she was with a lot of people. Maybe the glasses made it impossible for her to not seem like she was staring with a purpose. Ace excitedly chattered about how we were gonna be close-cabins mates. Speaking of cabins though; I looked up at my new digs, or crib, or whatever it is you crazy city kids say. It was sized like most the others, the walls and roofing had grape vines intertwined within the woodwork. Three steps lead to a front porch that donned a couple deck chairs to one side and a swinging seat on the other. I beamed; these were some pretty nice furnishings. It held an earthy tone to it, and kind of felt like home; in Baraboo. "We'll let you get settled," Ace and Fae turned back towards the hearth and without a thought I turned back to the front. The sign above the door held the same symbol that had glowed above me moments ago. A collection of grapes, with a small vine still attached. I clasped the doorknob and gave it a quick twist and opened.

It seemed the cabin was already occupied… by two young individuals. Two very close individuals. Lips were locked, hands were up shirts, I didn't get much more detail as I instantly slammed the door shut leant against the wall, sliding down until I was sitting my chin against my knees. I just stared ahead of me, not really sure what to do. That was not what I was expecting on my first arrival to camp. I heard some shuffling around inside and a rather loud discussion about how the female voice should probably duck out the window. More words were exchanged before she agreed and cursed me for interrupting them. Another moment or two and a very flustered blonde boy opened the door. He glanced around frantically before finding me on the floor. He had dark night blue eyes, and his locks curled much like Dad's, or I guess I should say, our Dad's. I hadn't really thought about it but my cabin buddy was also going to be related to me. Weird. He seemed athletically built although that might have just been because he was incredibly red right now. "Who are you?" He questioned, trying to regain his composure as he leant against the doorframe. It was pretty awkward for both of us. How do you tell a guy, 'Surprise, you have a sister!'

I shuffled onto my feet and cleared my throat, holding out a hand, "I- uh… I'm Denise." He stared at me with extreme confliction. A part of him seemed confused and the other deeply saddened. I don't think I'd ever seen someone age as quickly as he did in those few seconds. I felt terrible, like I just sentenced this guy to hell. This guy had to have some history. My fingers twitched and I started to retreat it when he grabbed it suddenly.

"I'm Pollux. Are you new? What can I do for you?" His dark eyes held something slightly crazed, almost as if he was trying to believe a lie he was force feeding himself.

I swallowed hard and strangled a quick, "I just got here." A pause, "I'm a daughter of…" I barely finished my sentence and simply glanced at the placeholder above the door. I should have pulled back my hand before explaining that. He almost crushed it with frustration. He realised his mistake and pulled back, taking an entire three steps away and turning to face the forest.

"Sorry." He mumbled.

"That's ok. I… I'll just- um." I wasn't really sure what to do. Was it right of me to try and console someone who clearly didn't want me there in the first place? He leant against the porch railing and simply sighed. "I'll just drop my stuff and you can get back to whatever you were doing." I slapped myself so quickly after finishing that sentence. Oddly enough Pollux managed a deranged chuckle, I half smiled, I'm glad I wasn't the only one who sounded insane when they laughed.

"I am sorry about that I wasn't exactly… expecting-" He stopped. With a slow gait he gazed back at me solemnly, "You are really a daughter of… well, Dad?" I nodded, and he cupped his mouth, letting out a very restrained breath.

"I'll just dump my stuff." I entered and thankfully was distracted instantly. The inside was something to marvel. The vines pierced the roof and trailed along in weaved patterns. The back had a collection of beds and was separated from the front living area by an ornate archway, leaves of the healthiest green spider-webbed along the cornices. I trailed back there and found one of the beds was occupied by Pollux, a few others were leant against opposing walls I chose the bed under the windowsill, and dropped my bag. Bathrooms were at the back, and everything seemed to follow a theme of purple, strawberry, green, and browns. I liked it. I absently walked back into the living area, some sort of game system was in the corner where the collection of chairs were and the other side held a bar area. I didn't have much time to check it all out as when I went to lean against the couch Pollux was making out on I felt lace-like fabric. Glancing at my hand I noticed a bra was stuffed under the pillow by the arm of the chair. I whipped my hand back to my chest and half jogged back outside. I almost crashed into Pollux who noticed my state. "It all looks g-great. I'll uh, check it all out after breakfast. See you." I was probably as red as he had been and with a sobered stare he rushed back inside. I stiffly trumped my way over to the pavilion. Ace and Fae streamed after me, pestering me with questions. I answered it all it seemed with a very curt, "It went well." They stayed silent after that, only exchanging glances between themselves as I kept my head down to hide my blushing. We reached the pavilion and I sat my butt down on my respective table and waited, tapping my fingers impatiently.

Tex waved when he eventually got there but exchanged quizzical looks of concern between Ace and himself when I only flashed a few flickering fingers and stared back at the table. Fae, who had been bickering with Ace until then, gave him a quick hello before heading to her own table. Ace had kind of explained how this meals thing worked during the tour, and when everyone started lining up I just kind of followed their lead. I passed Mr D on my way up and noticed he seemed a little too chipper with himself. Which in his terms meant he just didn't frown as hard at everyone. I stepped up to the fire and with a pop of my lip shoved some of that food in there. You're evil, but thanks for the confetti. His expression was the same bored, though-still-not-as-angry-looking, sneer and I assumed he knew what he had done. Pollux eventually made it to breakfast. He sat down awkwardly, leaving a few spaces distance. Not a word was exchanged as we both ate.

I was startled by Perry who managed to sneak up on me in my silence. "Oh jee-" I caused Pollux to jump and mumbled a quick, "Sorry, sorry," Before turning back to the small girl. "Hi." She played with something in her overall pocket.

"Ace mentioned you wanting to see me." She whispered.

"Oh! Yeah I just, really, wanted to thank you. It means a lot to me that you kept all my stuff together." I grinned wickedly.

"Well..." She trailed, shuffling her feet in embarrassment. "It... you did..." She was so positively cute.

"Anything to help. Will I see you around?" She nodded, her hair flapping about as she did. "Awesome. See you in the forge some time?" She half smiled and nodded goodbye before backing off and disappearing somewhere. I decided I'd probably had enough food and pushed my plate away.

"Can we start over?" I asked, turning to my new half-brother. Pollux swallowed his drink and with a small pause, nodded.

"Ok."

I half smiled, "I'm Denise, sixteen,"

"I'm Pollux, eighteen,"

"Been here long?"

"Quite a few years, you could say..." He absently trailed off. It got quiet again very quickly but it felt just a pinch less awkward. "Don't take this wrong." I flinched in surprise though my shoulders instantly sunk back down in a visible sigh. What was with people suddenly causing me to jump this morning? "I need you to move your stuff off that bed."

"Is it taken? Do I have another-" I pondered aloud; maybe I had another sibling I didn't know about.

"No questions. Just move your stuff." Pollux growled, he stood up abruptly and left. I saw the girl from before quickly race after him as he did. Well just bully for me. I drew circles in the wood of the table with my fingers, leaning my chin on my left. I didn't mean to upset the guy. The scene attracted the eyes of the few that were still around but I didn't much care about that. Tex worked his way over, running a hand through his hair before tucking it behind his hat.

"How's your morning goin'?"

"Not so stellar." I admitted.

"I'd give Pollux as much space as possible. He's got his reasons to be a little... not forthcoming." I glanced up at those kind blue eyes and kind of understood the seriousness Tex was trying to portray. I stretched my neck and rolled my shoulders, I needed to not take it to heart. That would be hard, I was hoping to make a good impression on my cabin mate but I guess you can't please everybody. Including yourself sometimes.

101: That was really dramatic.
233: Well it is a play!
337: I thought you'd be a little more into it actually. This is your thing.
101: You both are cheating by literally using no wires. *flicks through script* Your entire third act is in the air! How is this possibly my thing?
337, whispering to 233: I thought you said she found this stuff cool.
233: Uhh... *shrugs* Well- I defy physics! *escapes through air vent that she couldn't possibly practically fit through*
101: Stop bragging! *throws script in air and storms away*
337: Peeps just need to chill *blows visibly cold air* 'ice *puts on sunglasses* Ba-dum tssss~
101, shouting from other room: Did you just 'nice' your own joke?!
337: Yep.