Helloooooooooo again! I'm back! Survived the final exams! I was so annoyed to think that when I was fighting my sleepiness trying to finish the test papers Hazel was at home watching soap operas! Anyway, the results are good and I got on with this chapter right away. So here it is: Ta-da! The mysterious third OC finally shows up! Who will he be? Ah, I am so excited.

Well what are you waiting for? Go on and read!

-Amber-

Chapter 4: June

I am really going to kill Di Angelo. I cursed under my breath as I watched July got sucked into the blackness with Nico, stomach tightening and lurching all of a sudden. They just disappeared in the dark! The damned dark. Fear almost overwhelmed me as I stared at the hallway. I knew I would do what July did if I was in her place, too, but now I hoped with all my might she hadn't.

Horrible things happen in the dark, where no light can reach. We were afraid of the dark since who knows when. Now that I consider our being Apollo's kids, I realized it made sense. In the light (sunlight and moonlight both work), we are relatively safe, as we feel the presence of either our father or his twin sister.

"July? Where did she go? And Nico! " Mom was yelling in panic, searching for my disappeared companions. I wanted to reassure her, but I was so freaked out as if I was the one swallowed by the shadows that I couldn't move a muscle.

Just as suddenly as the fear occurred, the knot in my stomach loosened. I let out a breath. Maybe July was out in the sun again. It's curious how sometimes we know how each other are feeling though we aren't in the same place. I guess July was safe now.

I turned to Mom, made up my mind and said: "Mom, calm down, they're all right." She looked at me incredulously. We never told her about that night. Mom was struggling to maintain a comfortable and leisure life for us. With our various school problems caused by our ADHDs and dyslexia, Mom had a heavier load than you can imagine. I didn't want her to worry more. All my life, I tried to protect July from bullying or depressions, trying to make it easier for Mom. I hoped that Mom could always know us as almost-normal kids with just a little more trouble than our peers, instead of as Greek half-bloods that fight monsters all the time to stay alive. But I knew this wasn't working anymore. If we disappear like that or come back home scarred and battered again, Mom would just get suspicious and more anxious. I had to tell her the truth, about us, and about the only man she truly loved.

Mom took it silently. She fell back into her chair and closed her eyes. "Greek gods in America? He, I mean your father, is Apollo? That sounds so ridiculous. I…I can hardly accept that." A crease formed on her forehead as she frowned slightly. I sighed and said: "Trust me. We didn't believe it at first either. But other than being attacked by mythological creatures, how else could we have got hurt?" Mom winced, probably remembering the many lies we fabricated whenever she spotted our wounds. We tried to heal them with the little Apollo magic we could muster on our own before going home, but we weren't that skilled.

"I was starting to think you joined a gang, showing up with so many cuts and scratches so frequently. I should've paid more attention." She laughed softly and opened her eyes again to look into mine. Her eyes were filled with worry, regret and sadness. I could tell she really didn't want to believe the things I said. Who would, after all?

My heart wrenched. I wrapped my arms around her thin shoulders and whispered: "No, Mom. It was my fault. I didn't want you to worry. Anyway, we're tough, even Nico thinks so!"

Mom smiled and ruffled my hair playfully: "Of course you are, you are my little fighters! And since when are you taking handsome boys home? Growing up already?"

I drew back in horror. "What? No! He's not our boyfriend! I mean, he's neither July's boyfriend nor mine!" Mothers. They are always like that.

Mom chuckled and patted my shoulder: "Didn't you say you were going on a task with Nico? Get going then. Actually I was going to invite your band and some other friends over for a party some time or other. Your birthday, you know. I guess the effort will be saved then."

My jaw dropped open. Our 14th birthday. It was only about two weeks away. We hadn't had a birthday party ever since we were 6, when Mom got too busy with her work in the company. I'd almost forgotten. I stuttered: "Oh Mom…I…we…Well, we should be able to come back in time for our birthday."

Mom shook her head and said: "It's Ok, really. Take your time. You shouldn't let an old babbling woman hold you down. But if you do come back early, I'll make sure you get the best party ever. Now go find July and take care of her."

I replied: "Absolutely. You know I will. Taking care of that brat is what I have been doing for forever, even though she doesn't take notice of it."

Back in my room I flung clothes and toiletries into our backpacks and rummaged around for no special reason, having no idea where to find July. Just as I was about to go crazy trying to think of a solution, I heard a familiar voice. "Cold Eyes? Hellooooo there!" I stiffened. Revolving slowing in my spot my gaze stopped on the face of a certain guy with silky black hair that swept a certain pair of midnight black eyes.

I stumbled back in surprise, shouting: " Nico? What the heck? How did you get in my…" Then I realized he was more of a shimmering image than the real annoying escaping wimp.

He sniggered at my reaction and said: "Turn your voice down, girl. This is just an Iris message. I'm not here in person." I could see he was actually in some sort of park. So July did get back into the lovely sunshine. At least I needn't worry about that anymore. Nico's velvety eyes glinted in amusement.

He is actually quite good-looking, I decided. Whoa. What was I thinking? Mom must have befuddled my mind! I wanted to slap myself. I pushed the thought away and glared at him: "Hmm. Somehow I figured that out. Where are you guys anyway? Mom almost flipped out! And what did you just call me? My name is June, not Cold Eyes, if you care to realize the difference."

Nico rolled his eyes and said: "Anyway, come get your sister home, June. I have to start my task right away. I've wasted way too much time."

I smirked and shot back: "Oh don't worry, I'll come. Except you won't get rid of us that easily."

Nico started to protest but July pushed him aside and appeared into my sight and smirked too: "This time, I won't let him escape anymore."

Seeing her all fine and unharmed, I was relieved but a bit irritated too. "Yeah make sure of that. But don't just leave like that again. I had to explain everything to Mom, pack our things and wrack my mind trying to think of what to do! You always leave me to deal with the messes you make."

July shrugged carelessly and answered: "Whatever, Ms. I Do Everything. Just hurry, June, we're at Sunset Park." Before I could utter another word, she waved her hand and the image evaporated.

I growled in annoyance, grabbed our keys, cell phones, metrocards and some change. I've never been to any Sun-what Park! Great place to transport to, Nico.

As I pulled on my dark blue Converse, I remembered July was still in her slippers. I snickered as I bagged her red canvas shoes. "Mo-om" I called, " I'm leaving."

"Oh wait, sweetie," Mom hurried over and thrust a bag in to my already full hands. I took a peek in it. A delicious smell wafted out. Mom kissed my forehead and said: "You children didn't even have any of the dessert. There are some brownies in the box and some money too in the bag."

I hugged her, opened the front door and ran down our porch. " Be careful, June! I love you!" Mom waved.

I smiled back her for the last time: "Love you too, Mom."

xxx

For the second time of the day, my supreme talent of getting lost was tested. Once again, it had not failed me. After I got off the subway at Eighth Avenue, I ran straight into a bunch of Asians. Chinese, of course. They were a noisy and cheerful crowd, bustling around with their businesses and chatting with almost everybody. Unfortunately, they weren't so helpful at giving directions. 4 people kindly gave 4 different suggestions to me on how to get to the stupid Sunset Park.

When I passed the same Seven-Eleven for the third time, I gave up. I walked into the store to get myself a drink to sooth my burning throat and to cool off a bit under the air conditioner. As I was paying, I noticed a boy outside the shop stare at me through the glass. As soon as he caught my questioning look, he turned away. Some weirdo, I thought. After asking the shop assistant for directions, I stepped out into the hot sun again. He was still leaning on the glass wall, a baseball cap pulled over his eyes. I pretended not to see him and set off towards the way the shop assistant just pointed out.

Having no sense of direction, I should keep my mind on getting to the right place at all times, but I couldn't. I knew someone was stalking me. With the help of some shop window reflections, I recognized the guy from the shop lurking a close distance away from me. What did he want? He doesn't look like a robber or something.

Some time later, I didn't have a clue where I was again. But to my relief, my stalker seemed to have given up following me too.

I plopped down onto a rickety old bench and threw the big jumble of our things beside me, too tired to walk any further. I closed my eyes and breathed slowly, taking in the hot dry sunshine on my skin. Then, I heard the wood creak and felt somebody sit down. I tensed and my eyes flew open. It was the guy. That guy, the one outside the store. My hand crept to my knife hanging by my belt and gripped the handle tightly. Trying to keep July away from monsters, I had developed a seriously heavy trait of mistrust.

"Hey," He said casually, tipping his cap back. I, on the other hand, almost dropped my knife. I stared in confusion. Why did he look so familiar? He seemed to have sandy hair and bright blue eyes, which reminded me of someone I couldn't place. Then he suddenly looked sort of like Nico, black- haired, pale and silly looking. I must be hallucinating. Or he was really somebody to worry about. I gritted my teeth and tore my eyes away from his face. I pulled out my knife and pressed it to his side.

"What," I tried to steady my voice, "was that?"

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that!" The guy said quickly, scooting away from my blade. "I can't control it very well yet."

I kept my eyes on his T-shirt and demanded: "You can't control what? And why did you stalk me?"

"Just put down that pointy things of yours first, OK? No need to sound like grumpy head at our first meeting. I just want some information about camp. You should feel lucky to be followed by me, in fact."

"Lucky?" I cried incredulously. What was he talking about? As if he was a superstar that all girls swoon over. Such an insufferable conceited git. However, conceited gits are often not much of a threat. I withdrew my knife I dared a glance at him. Thank goodness, he no longer looked like someone that would haunt me. Looking himself (I hope), he had tousled honey brown hair and eyes that sparkled in the light, whose color I couldn't decide. They seemed to be changing.

"Now that's much better." He let out a breath and leaned back. "I'm Landyn, Landyn Green. And you are…?"

I glared at him. Oh yes, the Loras twins love glaring. "You don't need to know who I am."

Landyn didn't look fazed. He replied casually, sweeping a glance at me, "That's fine. I know you much better than you would like it anyway."

"What are you talking about?" I was getting irritated. The sun was setting. I needed to get to July fast and the conceited know-it-all was talking nonsense again.

"You people just don't see, whereas I, and Sherlock, do." Landyn started.

I stared at him. Who was Sherlock again?

He seemed to read my mind: "Sherlock Holmes, as in the popular British TV series. Based on the novel series done by Conan Doyle. It's huge around the world! Can't believe you don't know it. Anyway, I know you have a close sibling who you're looking for right now. You are also from a single parent family, probably your mom, who is probably currently not holding a great job, because she lost her old one some time ago. You play music and hate your school and have ADHD and dyslexia. Anymore?"

That guy is an idiot who has such a big mouth. "I know how you know those things about me. I know you are a demigod who can't find your way to camp. I know you probably seem popular at school but actually you hate those people. I know you are most likely have ADHD or dyslexia or both too. Now are you still feeling so great?" I am ready to bet he wasn't expecting that. Ha, I thought. He was just making possible guesses by scrutinizing things like my two bags and old shoes that were actually special editions the time we bought them. Did he really think I was stupid enough to fall for the trick and feel impressed? Then he has no idea who he is dealing with.

Landyn fell silent, looking a bit sad. Oh. Had I hurt him? July once said I hurt people sub-consciously all the time (not that she doesn't, though only to a particular someone). I guess that's because I trust few people. I felt a little bad, so I tried to make an apology: "Um…sorry, that was a little mean. I didn't really want it to sound that…"

Before I finished, Landyn cut me off, his face cracking into a grin: "Are you kidding? I was just messing with you. That was the first time anybody wasn't impressed! You're quite a Sherlock yourself! Come on, tell me your name. I promise I'll take you to the place you're looking for. I've lived here all my life."

Jerk! He dared to make me feel sorry and interrupt me! I wanted to punch the guts out of him. But I did need help. It would definitely take a century for me to find the place. I gave him one of my iciest stare and said: "June Loras, daughter of Apollo. I'm looking for my sister July and our friend Nico. Now, your promise. But first, explain what you did with your face."

"Allll-riiiight." Landyn sighed. "I am a son of Aphrodite. It's quite obvious, actually, if you care to notice my looks. That hallucination, it is one of my powers."

"Like you have any else." I muttered. A son of the goddess of Love and Beauty, no surprise there.

He ignored me and continued: "I can make people see guys that matter a lot to them in me. But you have to look into my eyes, or it won't work."

I was speechless.

"Not that with my handsome looks, I would want to change my appearance." Landyn shrugged smugly, smiling a winner's smile.

I hardly heard that stupid sentence. I was busy thinking about the two faces I saw. Who was that blond guy? I was sure I'd never seen him before. And Nico. I felt my face growing hot a bit. No, it didn't mean anything. Nico is important just because he's leading our first task and he will send us to camp. That must be the reason he matters.

"Um, hey, are you blushing?"

I could've smacked the brown haired boy's changing face. "I am NOT blushing. Tell me why you were stalking me. Is it because you think I can lead you to camp? You seem to know a lot about demigods so you might have had a satyr friend. But where is he? Isn't he supposed to take you to camp? "

Landyn nodded, frowning slightly: "Although I would hate to ask somebody with such a blunt sense of fashion, I do need help to get to Camp Half-Blood. My old best friend at school was a satyr. He told me everything but he went away to support some wild life saving activity and forgot to tell me where camp is."

I bit my lip. I wasn't going to camp any sooner, by my expectations, but I didn't think Landyn would accept my excuse anyhow. So I simply said: "Ok, take me to Sunset Park, I'll tell you about camp afterwards."

Landyn bounced up immediately and hoisted one of our backpacks up, starting down the street, "Great! Let's get going then. You'd better catch up, I won't wait for you!" I rolled my eyes and gathered the other things. How in the world did I get myself into this?

Yo, folks, how did you like it? I actually had some kind of a block writing the part about Mrs. Loras. I hope I managed it well though! How about Landyn? Do you like him? What do you think about his power? We made it up…

Can you guess who that blond guy June saw is? Hint: Rick Riordan described his looks before. The answer will be revealed as our story goes on!

As usual, PLEASE REVIEW!

-Amber-