Okay... *dodging non-existent readers' keyboards and monitors* So we got that over with.

I will apologize for the five month absence from my beloved story. Throughout that timeline, I have tried and failed miserably to make a new chapter, but at latest, this is what I've come up with.

I'm not really sorry for not updating frequently, but it's not like anyone actually asked for it. Anyhoo, here ya go...

Recap:

Shoes removed, I tucked myself in, as I wondered how the hell I was gonna fall asleep in this light, the room suddenly darkened on its own, moonlight shining through the glass-less windows. It let in a cold breeze that my fleece blanket only lessened. I was about to fall asleep when I realized that tomorrow is my second day—technically—at Camp Half-Blood, and things were starting to get interesting.

I wish I could say my sleep was as great as my day. Because it wasn't, and in fact, I kinda wanna sue the sandman for that. Seriously, nothing creeps me out worse than my dreams—in this case, my nightmares.

I was in a garden, and though it didn't look tended to, it was beautiful. There were some flowers I recognized, and some that didn't exist in the normal world. There were three that caught my attention, though. They were entangled, right in the center of white roses. It was a violet in between a rock rose and a crocus.*

As I approached to disentangle them, the ground suddenly grew thorns. The once clear sky was shrouded of red clouds. I should be able to see the sun setting down on the horizon, but instead there was a cloaked figure. Now, I know that my height isn't exactly one to boast about, but when I say that this guy is tall, I mean tall!

From where I was, I could only guess that if I were right next to said cloaked figure, I would be lucky to be up to his chest. If I were to imagine human sized gods, they would be that tall. But I don't think this is an ordinary god.

"So you are the daughter everyone seems so interested in… I wonder what's so special about you…" a voice said. No, I'm being nice, it sounded more like a…a chalk or a nail on a chalkboard? Maybe a knife being sharpened… Honestly, I barely understood what he said.

"Who are you?" 'What a stupid question, Lee. You don't ask people in your dreams their names.'

"Oh, you shouldn't bother yourself with little details such as names right now, young demigod. Right now, you should be careful on picking and choosing your side. And I sure hope you choose the correct one." The voice said. I approached the figure carefully, but heck, it's a fricking dream. I don't think anything can hurt me here, at least physically, right?

As I walked to the cloaked figure, I noticed some strange things. (1) His cloak reached to his feet, except they didn't look like feet. They had a weird shape, like a semi-circle. (2) His head was in a similar shape, his neck not visible, but his shoulders were. They looked a little hunched, which might've been awkward for his height.

I circled him, to see his right, and to my complete surprise, it was no man. It was a sarcophagus.

Now I wish I could say that I didn't wake with a start, but then again, I'm glad I did. That dream was something weird. Morning can't come faster. I lay frozen on my bed, (as I often do when I get nightmares) and tried to look out the window. I saw a little part of the cabins and wished that I could sleep peacefully like them. Apparently, that was too much to ask.

It took a few minutes until I finally sat up, and looked at the time. 2:46 am. Seriously?

My morning wasn't better. First, I fell headfirst from the bed. I almost got up, but I hit my head on the open bedside table drawer. I have two bumps on my head. I approached the bathroom door and stubbed my toe. I carefully entered the shower, and turned it on. Thankfully, I came out alive and well. That luck continued until I left my cabin. I tripped four steps later.

So much for that, I went to the dining pavilion, and sat right on my table, completely ignoring the two stares from two different tables. I grabbed some eggs and bacon, and some rice. I asked for some water (it's early) and drank some. I ate peacefully.

The sky was clear and the air was cool. It's like the camp was made especially for comfort and safety for demigods. (Except, of course, when some demigods can't help but be clumsy and hurt themselves)

"It's magic," Percy's familiar voice said. I could almost see him smiling behind me.

"How exactly can that be?" I replied. He took the seat beside me and grabbed some bacon.

"I dunno, but ever since I came here, it's always been gradual weather." He took a bite. "How's your morning so far?" I cringed and grimaced, facing him.

"Don't ask." He smiled.

We walked through the cabins. Percy started introducing me to the daily life of Camp Half-Blood. Oh, and also the campers. Apparently, there's a guy named Lee Fletcher, from the Apollo cabin. What do you know; I'll only remember him because of his name. He warned me of the Stoll brothers from the Hermes cabin, the sneakiest sons. I think it takes a lot for them to get that title. Silena Beauregard was the nicest, sweetest Aphrodite camper ever. (Oh, and please keep note that the titles are Percy's doing) And even though he knew inside that a certain Athena camper and I don't get along well, Annabeth Chase was included. She was described as a really smart, strict, and loyal friend. I guess he kept it at that bare minimum to not make me uncomfortable. Also, smart, strict, and loyal, they sounded like he just said that to excuse her rude behavior. Whatever.

Grover Underwood, though, I liked. He's a really funny guy to watch. When we saw him today, he was chewing on some cans. Percy said he does that a lot, usually when he's nervous. He was with a girl that looks a bit green (and not in jealousy). Maybe my eyes are messing up.

"That's Juniper. Grover likes her. I think he's having some improvements, actually. He's been a bit shy about asking her out." He shared. I think it's cool that he's telling me these things. Not comfortable, because I'd much rather get to know those people in my own, but considering my shyness, I've decided that this is good.

So far, the morning has been accident free, and I'm still praying it goes on. 'Today's going to be a beautiful day.'

The morning consisted of the normal ruckus of cabin 11. Luke sat up slowly, not wanting to get a headache, and reached for the locket in his nightstand drawer. He had the drawer modified by a camper in the Hephaestus cabin before the 'incident'. It would only open by his hand. Someone would have to be very thorough to find the button on the table to open it. Also, there's another button that activates the 'sharing' mode. If Luke—again, by his fingerprint—pushes it whilst the 'sharee's' hand is on the drawer, their hand will be scanned and they'll be able to open the drawer themselves. It hasn't been tried, though, so he only knows how to do it in theory.

Of course, no one else in the Hermes cabin knows of this, and as he fingered the intricate design of the locket, he inconspicuously glanced around the room to see if anybody had been looking. Not that he had anything to worry about; the other demigods have been ignoring him ever since Chiron let him pass Thalia's Tree. But still, it's a Hermes kid thing.

A few minutes later, he headed for the dining pavilion, having washed earlier than most his half-siblings. They usually let him shower first. It was tradition, before the 'incident' and at first, he doubted they'd let him off easy when he came back, but things hadn't changed. It was a little nostalgic…but only for a while.

His silent brooding over his sausages was interrupted when a little ray of sunshine caught his eyes. Some campers moved aside and so passed Lee.

His gaze followed her figure as she sat down her table. She grabbed an egg, sunny side-up, and some bacon. He let a small smile creep to his often impassive face.

This might just be a start of a different day.

Neoma's eyes opened to the noise and bustle of the Hermes cabin. In the usual circumstance, she would've groaned and the world would be silent. But realizing that this cabin was full of teen campers (unlike Neoma, used to waking up earlier than most…normal teenagers), she wiped her face frustrated on her pillow and slowly got up.

Afraid to show her bed head to everyone, she quickly headed to the bathroom, but the cabin counselor beat her to it. She only knew of him because the other campers said to avoid him if possible.

"Yeah, Luke gets first shower. If you want, you can use the public ones, but Clarisse and her gang usually hang there." Jelly, a girl a few years younger than her (it's not obvious, though), with long blond hair tied into a ponytail 80% of the time. She slept on the bunk above Neoma's.

"Prick not on the top of your most wanted list?" Neoma replied. She thought twice about putting her hand by her mouth like Brendan Fraser in Blast from the Past, but it might be over the top. Jelly chuckled.

"Luke's not much of a prick, he's really nice. When he's not siding with the titans, that is." The blonde girl sat next to her on the bed. They looked almost like sisters, with Neoma's light brown hair. She recalled the titans from her short lesson with Kleon yesterday.

"Oh, then...betrayal not on the top of your most wanted list?" Jelly almost laughed aloud. Neoma was getting more confused by the minute.

"I think it's…for old times' sake. He was one of the best—maybe the best Hermes kid ever! No one knows for sure why he chose to go against the gods, the Aphrodite kids have a habit of mixing things up, if you know what I mean." She raised her eyebrows, mischievously. 'Kleon does that, too. Maybe it's a Hermes thing.'

"Right…whatever then, it doesn't matter. I have no opinion of him, and that will remain so unless he messes with me or Lee." Jelly smiled and went to arrange—if possible, the kids were really messy—her stuff, and left Neoma.

Putting on her shoes, and making sure her stuff (however small their amount is) were safe, she left the cabin and went to the public showers. She came across two girls wearing orange shirts that said, 'Camp Half-Blood'. One of them was carrying a clipboard. A few feet away from the cabin, she heard some boys yelling, "Cabin inspection!"

Neoma washed her face and neck, promising to was later in the night. Honestly, though, she felt grimy, and wished to the gods Kleon does not find her before intended bath.

"Neoma!" of course, the gods just made fun of her. She abruptly turned to face him, but did her best to hide her teeth.

"Hi, Kleon, um, top of the mornin' to 'ya!" she added a salute to her embarrassment. Maybe that would make him go away. 'No, I don't want him away… But that would be better than me showing my dirty self to him. How humiliating,'

"Good morning to you, too…So, you headed to the pavilion?" She was surprised to find him brushing off her low hygiene and awkward greeting. She almost didn't understand what he meant by pavilion. It occurred to her before she embarrassed herself more.

"Uh, yeah. You?" 'Please escort me… Please escort me… Please escort me…' another wish.

"Yeah, I was. Want to keep me company?" Neoma praised the gods.

Percy and I went to hang out by the beach. He told me it wasn't a usual place for other campers to go, only when they were…doing censored things.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to." He said. I stopped walking and laced my hands together.

"It's a beach, Percy. Besides, you, the big son of Poseidon, look like you haven't been around water for a while. Its fine," I mentally crossed my fingers. 'He doesn't have to know.'

He smiled and led me through the forest, to the beach.

"Isn't it dangerous for us to be in the woods? I mean, I thought you said there were monsters?" I resisted the urge to hold his hand as I walked, carefully evading every loose tree trunk, rock and vine.

"It'll be fine as long as we stick by the creek." He walked faster, though, and looked to me constantly.

We made the clearing soon enough and it practically took my breath away. Percy noticed and asked.

"Never been to a beach?" I hid my grimace and sat by the surf.

"I've been, it's just been a while… twelve years." I looked ahead to the horizon.

"You haven't been to the beach since you were four years old?" He was obviously surprised. I turned and found him right next to me with curiosity and bewilderment. I couldn't hold my smile.

"Okay, not everybody can be around water all their lives, monsters kinda make it hard…" My hands traced doodles around the sand by my feet, water just touching my toes. A crab found its way around them, I froze. 'Please, gods…don't let Percy notice.'

He didn't. "Well, I didn't mean it like that. My mom and I, we used to rent out this beach house and that's where the monsters attacked us. That's what brought me here to Camp Half-Blood." He was playing with the crab, it was waving its claws out to his fingers.

I wasn't sure what to say. Hopefully, my ADHD will stay out of it. 'Please?'

"It's okay, though. I mean, at first, I thought it was really weird, but it still made sense. I kinda got tired of teachers and students trying to kill me. It also gets old having to dodge the media and the police when I destroy a school or a museum." We laughed.

"Thanks." I said, grabbing his hand already, but earlier it was because of uncertainty and fear. His curious face said enough, for me to elaborate.

"For hanging out with me…I mean, you do have friends and training and—" Percy held my hand tighter, but not enough to hurt. 'His hands are a little cold.'

"Hey, it's really okay. They'll understand why you get special time." Then it came to me. I knew I should wait to ask, because it would completely ruin his speech and it'd be completely rude to interrupt his convincing me, but the word vomit was too much.

"What about Neoma?"I bit my lip, playing with our fingers entangled. 'This is now very awkward.' I kept my eyes down. 'Stop whining, it's your fault.'

"I think the Hermes cabin provided a guide for her. Kleon or something like that," 'Maybe I should let his hand go. But it's not like I'm the only one holding… UGH! Confusion is so annoying!'

"Um…" Percy emitted. 'See? He's feeling awkward, too! Damn it, what should I do? If I let his hand go, it'll make it more awkward! If I don't it's still awkward! I have nothing to—oh, wait!'

"I think Neoma's got a crush on him. She was bombarding me with their afternoon together yesterday last night. At least she's adjusting well." I changed the topic, and finally let his hand go, standing up. I had no intention of going further into the water, but it was reaching my pants' butt. Would you like to walk around camp and look as if you peed yourself? I thought so.

"And you're not?" I couldn't answer. I didn't want to make him feel bad about the Clarisse or Annabeth thing again, but he still caught up.

"Right…sorry, I would have you spend more time with Annabeth, if I thought it would help, but I remember the first time we met, and even she wasn't nice to me then—"

"Does she really hate everyone she meets? I mean, in case she hasn't noticed, she's friends with you now. Or does she just feel like hating someone at first, and then liking them later, because she doesn't have anything more productive to do?" That took him aback. "You know what; I don't care if she'll be nicer later, or if she's interested in making friends. The whole world isn't here for her entertainment and isn't all about her. She can take all her crap and shove it—" But I stopped, realizing this is Percy I'm talking to, they're best friends. I'm taking enough from Annabeth as it is.

"I'm sorry." Nope, that wasn't me. He was standing, too, now, and his hands were balled into fists. DAMN THIS MOUTH! 'Oh, now you have nothing to say, when it's obvious you should be the one apologizing? I hate you.'

"I know Annabeth can be very frustrating at times, and very rude," 'Say goodbye to your only/first friend in a long time, Lee.' "trust me when I say she was just like that with me." 'What…?' I did a damn twelve take at him, looking incredibly stupid and crazy, wondering what the hell just happened.

"Yeah, I know. One of her best friends, and most probably the only one she trusts. The only reason she looked forward to having me here in camp is because she was looking for a quest, and a prophecy said that… well, to make such a long story short, it was my quest, and she needed me to choose her as a companion."

Not two seconds later, we heard someone shuffling towards us. I could hear them calling Percy's name, running through the mess hall. 'What the… there was a way through the pavilion? I braved the damn woods just to find out there was a shortcut. Percy better thank whoever's in charge that this situation in too awkward for me to even talk to him.'

I turned to the person running towards us and he wasn't familiar. He was a fairly tall African American, with wild brown hair that he probably doesn't bother to comb—I don't blame him. When I spend my free days in the privacy of home, I don't even look at the mirror. I remove eye crusties, though. I love that liberating feeling. He was covered in soot. Oh, and he was sweating, but I doubted it was from the run.

"Chiron's been looking for you, man—" He cut himself short, I think he noticed me. I couldn't see Percy behind me, but I felt him walk closer. Don't ask me, my sixth sense isn't even high; it's too tired from my hype.

"Beckendorf, this is Lee. Lee, Charles Beckendorf." I tried my best to smile. Listen; there are several issues to me meeting people. One of them is me not wanting to meet anyone. That's why at times, I don't have any friends. Again, don't ask me why. Inner Me is very mean. The nice me is Outer Me. Those are the sides of me that are always at war. Like Charles is at war with himself whether to hold out his hand to shake mine, I think.

"Hi, nice to meet you, you can just call me Beckendorf. Everyone does. I'm from Hephaestus." 'Smile… keep smiling.'

"Um, Lee Paiman, daughter of Hemera, it's nice to meet you too." He looked a little confused but it went as fast as it came, and then turned to Percy.

"Like I said, Chiron's been looking for you, Percy. He says it's urgent, and that…" he didn't look at me, but I bet what he was about to say had something to do with me. Problem was he didn't finish. Damn.

"Okay, then. Um, could you stay with—?"

"I'll be fine." they both turned to me from their conversation. Have they any idea how much I hate being talked about as if I wasn't there? Oh, right, they don't. They shared a wary glance, but Percy's looked a bit more confused. I took in a breath and just let it go. One good thing about blending in with people is having enough patience to just observe…for a while.

"Well, okay, I guess… Why don't you look for Neoma so you can catch up?" Percy suggested. I had to ignore Charles' disagreeing look.

"Sure, maybe."

Of course, I didn't look for Neoma. As much as I love her, my curiosity got the best of me, and I just needed to see him.

I didn't know where to start looking, though, and everywhere I've been—the pavilion, the cabins, (I just glanced through the rooms, though, and avoided all the worried and also curious stares of campers) I even peeked through the camp store and the Big House…nothing.

I went near the strawberry fields, in hope that if he ever glances there, he'll approach me.

Don't get me wrong, Percy just hadn't fully warned me to stay away from him. Until then, I think I'll be the judge of my own distance, thanks very much. Besides, Luke just seems so sad, and was the only one nice enough to talk to me. Everyone else just whispered and stared.

I entertained myself with the activity of my feet; I put one in front of the other, without any distance. Meaning, they were connected from heel to toe. That reminds me to go to Chiron later for clothes. I don't like not wearing socks, it's uncomfortable and sweaty.

My thoughts ran like this for a while until I heard a faint sound…neighing.

Luke was brushing one of the Pegasi with extreme gentleness. They were the few friends he had, and wanted it to last. Lately, they've been a little hesitant to approach him to approach him. There was a sinking feeling in his chest that Jackson told them to avoid him. Thinking of which—and sinking feeling grew—he hoped that Lee wouldn't avoid him as such.

"Hello?" he heard a faint voice from outside the stables. He quickly and quietly hid behind Sunspark's stall. The door's creaking was heard.

"Wow," the stranger's voice breathed. Luke didn't want anybody to see him in here, and have them know where he often hid. Sure, it made some of them think that he was secretly running off to Kronos, but he didn't care.

Apparently whoever came in was closer because he heard, "A horse with wings…you're a Pegasus, aren't you?" (Really, he's so dumb in thinking about her that it can't come to mind that it's Lee.)

"You're pretty. I wonder what your name is…" he barely hid a chuckle, hearing 'pretty'. Nope, of course it won't work. Lee's an observant person…demigod, remember?

"Is someone back there?" she must've asked Sunspark. Luke's breath was holding. He was so completely frozen, it as unbelievable that he didn't hear her approach and…

"Luke?"

No, his stiff posture was not at all suspicious. He turned to Lee sharply (also, not helping his situation), and slowly released his held breath.

"What—um, hi," Lee smiled. She was confused, but didn't want Luke to feel more uncomfortable than he already was. Of course, Luke wasn't sure how to act, but subconsciously (take note, Lee doesn't know this, I'm narrating in for you) scratched the back of his neck.* So Lee took another step forward.

"I, uh, I've been looking for you. I wanted to ask if…" 'Damn… this should teach me to not speak without thinking.' Lee thought. This time, Luke got himself back.

"Would you like to join me in riding Sunspark? He's that Pegasus, there." He said, turning to the copper-colored horse-bird. He glanced at her and continued, "He's also the most loyal. So if ever you fall, he'll come over to catch you, even if you were falling to fire…something like that." They smiled.

"Percy, this is something really important. I don't want anyone to find out about it, especially Lee."

"Why, just cos you think she might be the daughter of Hemera? What's so big about that anyway? And how could you assign Luke to watch out for her? I could've done that!" he was losing it, and he knew that he shouldn't be, but it was all too confusing for him. Chiron only sighed and tried to explain one more time.

"We need to see if Luke is still trustworthy—"

"Yeah, and trusting him with something this big is definitely safe." That kept Chiron quiet. The centaur knew Percy would be like this, very defiant and stubborn. It was part of the prophecy after all. Yes, he knew of the prophecy. He was warned by the gods that it should not be taken lightly, and to make sure that the four demigods were safe.

"I'm sorry, Percy. This is my decision. I'm not limiting your time with Lee, but you can't have her brush Luke off." Percy saw the look Chiron gave him, understanding that this was one rule he cannot break.

That noon was the longest he's ever had. After the conversation with Chiron, he was sure to be at least a little bit surly all day. If Annabeth tries to add some more of her drama, he's afraid he might make it storm in the camp, despite the protection from bad weather.

He knew one thing could make him feel better. Visiting Blackjack.

So he headed on to the stables, walking briskly, remembering it has been a while since he's visited the Pegasus. 'Maybe I should show Lee to the stables. I bet she'd be excited to see the Pegasi.' He thought.

Neoma couldn't believe what was happening to her. She was currently living in a camp where the children of the Greek gods were staying to be safe. Sure, the conditions were that she was in constant danger, she had to share a bathroom with countless other demigods, extracurricular activities meant trying to kill each other, but the upside was that she's never felt like she belonged till now.

"Great shot, Neoma!" Kleon applauded her. They were among other demigods who were also training. She's been wondering why Lee hasn't been present, though.

"Thanks," she smiled at her trainer, putting down her bow. "My arms are getting sore, though. Is it okay if we take like five minutes off?" Kleon just nodded, removing all the arrows on the target. She sat down and took a deep breath. They've been training since after breakfast, and she was beat.

"Later, after lunch, we can start sword training." Kleon said, sitting next to her.

"So this is what you do all day? Just training?" he handed Neoma a bottle of water, which she accepted gratefully.

"Not really. We have an actual schedule, but the year-rounders only have to do them during 'school days'." He explained.

"Well, don't I qualify as a year-rounder if I'm here, training, now?"

"Yeah, but for new campers, we have a grace period of a week, before they do the actual training." Just hearing that, Neoma wasn't sure if she was anxious or excited for next week.

The two continued their conversation, unaware of the two pairs of eyes watching them.

"That is the girl?" the god asked.

"Yes." Chiron answered.

"She must be prepared, then. It's only a matter of time now."

*= Rock Rose (Kisthos)
Sacred to: Poseidon
Association in Greek mythology: The seduction of the gorgon Medousa
Modern meaning: a mauve or purple rose generally means - love at first sight

Crocus (Krokos)
Sacred to: Hermes
Association in Greek mythology: the Metamorphosis of Krokos, Seduction of Europa, Bouquet of Persephone
Modern meaning: cheerfulness, gladness

So there ya go. Hope this wasn't too disappointing. I really wanna see where this story will go, and it helps to know that I'm not alone.

For now though, I apologize for lack of preview. I haven't really started on it yet. But I can assure you, our love triangle tension is about to start.

Would it be too much to ask for reviews? Either way, thanks for reading!