I glanced at my new half-siblings and the leader of the cabin walked over to me. "I'm Annabeth Chase. You would be?" she asked. I gulped and thought. Technically, I didn't exist—I didn't have an official identity—so I used my real name. I had to trust my cabin mates—they were my family. "I'm Madison Tiffany-Crystal Ride, otherwise known as Mads. Don't ask." I advised.
Then, after I ditched most of my stuff—my bag basically—at the Athena cabin, Annabeth took me to the training field. I looked around and spotted another girl. "Who's that?" I asked, motioning with my head. "Clarisse—she's Ares' daughter," Annabeth said. Then I cocked my head and asked, "The Greek god of war?" Annabeth nodded. Then she asked, "You know Greek mythology?" "Yeah, it's sort of been an interest of mine for years—the—my keepers couldn't get it out of me." I admitted. Later, I told myself. Tonight—I tell them the truth. She grinned at me and I said, "I think I should get in some practice, do some training." Annabeth nodded in agreement.
I walked over to Clarisse. "Hi, I'm Madison Tiffany-Crystal Ride..." I began. "Yeah, Athena's daughter," Clarisse scoffed. I closed my eyes and swiftly began picking up her thoughts. This girl is no warrior. I could easily beat her. I grinned and said, "So, are you looking for a challenge?" She nodded and I asked, "Sword-fighting?" She rolled her eyes and said, "Bring it, Athena's daughter." I smiled and drew my own sword—the pen Jeb gave me was a sword—apparently Athena had given it to him to give me on my sixteenth birthday.
I spun and Clarisse countered. I was quickly able to keep up with her. Finally, after ten minutes, it became clear that neither of us would win. She stared at me and asked, "How are you Athena's daughter?" I shrugged. "You're as good a warrior as me." I smiled and walked, saying, "Years of training."
Then I caught with Annabeth and saw my other half-siblings all staring at me. "You beat one of Ares' children in swordplay?" One asked, shocked. "Sure did. Well, actually, it was going on too long, so we agreed to call it a draw," I said, casually. "That wasn't a good idea," Annabeth said. I sighed and said, "I know. I just have freaky powers and I wanted to prove her wrong." "What?" Annabeth asked. "Explain later," I said, rapidly.
Then Annabeth lead me to the Big House. I stared up at it and whispered, "Please, no dog crates, please, no dog crates." Annabeth stared at me and said, "You are crazy." I smacked her swiftly and said, "It's a long story. I promise, I'll explain everything to everyone else in Athena's cabin tonight. I promise." Annabeth nodded and introduced me to the activities director Chiron and the head of camp, Mr. D.—who was really the Greek god Dionysus.
