Here's the next chapter, and I'm so sorry I didn't update sooner! I had a really huge writers block for all my stories. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter (to make up for the slow updating). =)


Trina's P.O.V.

This morning was pretty hectic. I mean, the whole plan thing for capture the flags. I couldn't wait for it, we are seriously going to win now.

Walking over to the Athena cabin, I thought over strategies we could use tonight. But thoughts of Nico kept getting in my head. He's changed a lot, something about him was more... confident than he used to be. Not to mention the way he changed on the outside... not that I was complaining.

"Ugh! Why can't you just leave!" I quietly whispered to myself, trying to shake off that determined look on Nico's face on the climbing wall.

"Excuse me?" I whirled around to find no other than the son of Hades himself, standing right behind me looking slightly offended.

Blushing slightly I tried to shake it off with a smirk saying, "Wow, Nico. Way to be a stalker."

He laughed holding up his hand, "Stalking? Nooo, there's suppose to be this secret meeting at the Athena cabin. I thought I might as well tag along. But, that doesn't mean I'm not a stalker."

I had to laugh at this. Of course, what do you expect from someone like him?

...

"So... there is no plan?" Percy said, leaning on the table while looking around at most of the camp leaders that gathered in the Athena cabin.

"What do you mean? Of course we have a plan!" Annabeth said glaring at him.

"And... now they argue." Nico whispered to me, crossing his arms over his chest.

I laughed. Yep, those two sure can show their love for each other all right. I looked around the room, finding some cabin leaders were sighing, rubbing their temples, or just sitting back watching the two fight.

It had been about an hour and a half since this 'secret meeting' started, and there had been exactly three fights between Percy and Annabeth since then. It was impossible, they fought over the smallest thing. Percy usually starts it though, making random comments when he doesn't get something. This was the fourth fight, and we only got as far as discussing the defense for our team.

It kinda amused me watching them, until it got to the point when Beckendorf would stand up and yell at them to stop. At which point, Annabeth apologies and continue with the meeting like nothing happened.

Sighing I decided to end this fight, to give Beckendorf a break. Standing I summoned a gale of wind to blow over the table and the room silenced. Looking around at the surprised people I spoke, "Yes Percy, we do have a plan..."

"But... you know they've never been defeated before, Sparks!" He said, turning his anger on me. Why did I even try to stop this. Why?

"Chill Jackson. I was there that winter too. Remember?" I said calmly holding up my hands.

A look of understanding passed him and was instantly blocked by one of confusion. He asked, "That doesn't mean we're going to win."

Everyone groaned and some threw up their hands. For the short time I've known Percy, I learned that when he's nervous or just plain scared he tends to be more of a seaweed brain.

Still keeping my calm, I answered, "This is why we're all here, Percy." I said gesturing at everyone in the room.

He nodded once and sat down on his chair, finally satisfied he finally understood.

Annabeth stood again, giving me a thankful look and went on, "So anyways, we all know Thalia and Trina are probably going to be pretty equal out there, right?"

I responded, "We're both capable of the same things. But I gotta admit, she might know more."

"Not if she doesn't even know you're her half sister." She said smiling mischievously.

"We're going to win this one, I can already tell." I said smiling back at her.

"Whoa! Wait a minute." Percy said standing up. People started to groan again as he said, "Don't get your head in the clouds Sparks. You can't underestimate the hunters that easily."

Conner and Travis laughed out loud. Curious everyone turned and stared at them. They burst out laughing again. "Dude! You get it! Hahaha 'head in the clouds'!" Conner tried to say between gasps of air.

Some campers got it and laughed along with them, but to tell you the truth, it wasn't really funny (not to me anyways). The Stoll brothers laugh was just contagious, no one can help but laugh along.

After that died down, the meeting was a bit more of a breeze. I guess the Stoll brothers helped ease the tension that was unsuspectingly building up in the cabin.

...

"Good luck, Sparks." Nico whispered to me while putting a helmet on.

It was finally capture the flags and everyone was pretty much being all jumpy and hyper. All the leaders that were in the Athena cabin told all the campers about the plan, and everyone was trying not to blow it. You can tell by the little sideways glance directed at me the whole time.

"Thanks." I responded plainly.

"Demigods, and Hunters! You know the rules. Campers will get the east side of the forest with Zeus's fist. Hunters get the west. I will be referee and medic if anyone gets hurt. With that out of the way, let the game begin!" Chiron called out to the group of kids gathered near the forest entrance.

Everyone yelled in excitement and banged their shields to their armor signifying their understanding.

Chiron trotted to one side and demigods and hunters rushed into the forest, positioning themselves.

"Trina, you know what to do." Annabeth called to me, while directing a camper to put the silver and sea green flag between two rocks on Zeus's fist.

After the battle of the Labyrinth, campers usually stayed clear of the pile of rocks. That didn't mean it wasn't safe again. There would be no more entrances in there since Daedalus died, but people still remembered lost friends that died in the fight.

Taking a deep breath I quietly ran to a tree that had a pretty good view and shaded a branch I was planning on getting to. I jumped and grabbed the branch, swinging until I slowly dragged myself up.

It wasn't hard really, and I know I could have just floated up there, but I did it for old times sake. Placing a foot on the branch, I hoisted the rest of myself with more ease. Satisfied I sat down in the covers of the leaves and peered at the quietly moving campers trying to get to their position.

Finally I heard a horn, signifying the start of the game and I looked towards a group of rustling bushes across the river. Tapping my bracelet, I felt the leather of the quiver straps wind itself around my right shoulder and a bow forming in my hand.

Still looking at the bush I notched an arrow to my bow and drew it. Squinting to position in the moonlight I aimed the bow to the cluster of bushes. Then I remembered that this wasn't any killing game.

Cursing myself for being so stupid I released the arrow and watched it whiz through the still air and land on the other side of the bush. Satisfied I watched as three hunter bows slowly emerged from the bush and following was three cautious hunters all facing a different direction.

Drawing my bow again, I aimed for the tallest girl's quiver and shot at it. The arrow lodged itself halfway in the quiver. Shuffling erupted between the three as they looked around nervously. I guess these were new recruits, still not fully trained in the hunter's ways. I mean, they were in plain view, easy to attack. No trained hunter would be that easy to target.

Then I noticed our plan finally unveiling. Our decoys (Percy and Annabeth, go figure) were moving on the edges of the small clearing, hiding from tree to tree. Two groups of demigods were moving in on the other side and Nico was shuffling slowly forward, in plain view of everyone.

Glancing on last time to make sure that our flag was well guarded I waited as the three hunters yelled in alarm as Nico summoned a small skeleton army to surround them.

I prayed that more hunters would hear them and come help. Thankfully they did, and a whole bunch rushed over and started shooting arrows at the two groups.

I sighed in relief to notice that Percy and Annabeth were being followed. Then out of nowhere Thalia came out of a bush and started shooting fog arrows at them along with a whole band of hunters.

Drawing another arrow I smiled watching two clusters of hunters in easy range. I've been waiting to try this out anyways.

Closing my eyes I mentally transferred electricity flowing from my body to my arrow and I heard crackling as I opened my eyes again. A small ball of electricity was gathered at the tip of my arrow, draining my body a little.

I waited for a familiar voice to say one word. Time, seeming to slow down around me as I kept my aim at the nearest cluster of hunters.

Then down bellow I heard a defiant voice yell "Now!" and the world snapped out of it's slow momentum and I released the arrow, and jumped down from the tree running as fast as I could, not even looking back at the distraction I created.

I heard hunters yelling at each other or screaming, and the slight sound of victory among the campers.

I ran to the small clearing where the hunters kept their flag and only saw two girls guarding it. I guess Thalia found no need in actually defending their flag because these girls were just talking to each other, their bows drawn at the opposite direction.

Running up the small hill, I grabbed the silver flag and started running down, and only then did thy find out what just happened.

They charged after me, but I was a good ways away by the time they managed to try calling for help.

Arrows whizzed around me and I noticed Annabeth and Percy trying to knock down a few archers on my right.

I grinned as I neared the river and then I saw her.

Thalia was running towards me, our silver and green flag in her hands too. I could hear myself breathing hard and saw a quick flashback. Zoe Nightshade took Thalia's place, but flashed back to my half sister after a quick second.

I shook my head and remembered that winter, when I was sitting on a tree in the enemies border, trying to help Percy as he ran to our half of the line, but I guess it wasn't really much since I didn't know who my father really was.

Thalia smiled at me, running quickly dodging arrows and swords aimed at her. She raised up her shield, probably expecting me to flinch, but I just smiled back at her. That shield never scared me, I mean, yeah, Medusa was probably scary in real life. But hey, it's just a shield, and I guess since she's my half sister, I would be, immune to it I guess.

Cursing as a volley of arrows whizzed towards me I quickly shielded my face with my arm and summoned a gust of wind to surround me. Looking up again, I guess it did better than that.

A small whirlwind was blowing around me, deflecting arrows and other things I didn't want to know the hunters were probably trying to stop me with.

Smiling again at Thalia's confused and amazed face I splashed across the small river and bolted to our side of the camp, passing her a little less than ten feet from the line herself.

The silver Artemis flag suddenly turned silver and green and I placed my hands on my knees panting heavily.

Campers came over yelling happily and hoisting me up on their shoulders. They bought me over to where Annabeth and Percy were waiting, their exhaustion gone as they beamed up at me as I was slowly bought back down to the ground.

Annabeth hugged me and I stiffened at the surprising gesture. She yelled happily, "You did it Sparks! For the first time in a really long time! Camp Half-Blood won against the hunters!"

The crowed parted and Thalia came up just looking at me. Everyone grew silent for a split second before Thalia grinned and gave me a big hug, almost crushing my ribs again.

"Oh my gods! I have a sister." She said in wonder then patted my back and continued, "I never thought I'd see the day the hunters would be defeated!"

We laughed together and everyone even the hunters started to get in a good mood again.

We started to walk towards Chiron, and Thalia said, "So who are you kid?"

"Trina. Trina Sparks."

"Awesome! I can't believe Annabeth lied to me about a new camper."

Laughing I responded, "She didn't lie! I just wasn't claimed yet."

Thalia's look of puzzlement disappeared and she gave me another crushing hug.

Chiron was waiting near the edge of the forest and yelled out happily, "For the first time in years, Camp Half-Blood has won capture the flags!" Campers went wild as Chiron continued, "Good game everyone! Have a good sleep, and no overdoing parties." He said, looking at the direction of the Hermes cabin.

We laughed as they gave as look of slight disappointment towards Chiron.

Then I saw Nico making his way to the front of the crowd.

Rushing over to him I gave him a hug and whispered in his ear, "We did it!"

I felt his body relax as his arms wrapped around me and he laughed lightly, whispering back, "Good job, Sparks."

Blushing lightly I remembered the whole camp was around us and I let go quickly, looking at the grass underneath me.

I heard Conner and Travis somewhere in the crowd whooping and I smiled cursing myself lightly, still feeling the eyes of the whole camp on me.

The campers started to walk towards the amphitheater where a bonfire would be made to celebrate our victory. The hunters sulked a bit until Thalia had a chat with them and they seemed to get back to their old bossy selves. A few joined the campers on their way to the campfire, while most went off to different directions to hang out.

Nico's P.O.V.

Without giving it much thought, I wrapped an arm around Trina's shoulders and I felt her immediately tense at the contact. She looked at me, confusion in her eyes and I grinned at her. It just felt normal and comforting there's someone beside me who knew how it felt to lose the closest people to you.

"Go on honey, ask her out!" I heard a soft voice in my head say. Gulping I looked around me and only saw people chatting with each other. I heard the same voice sighing softly, hinting annoyance in it, "Gods Nico, stop looking around, you look stupid! It's Aphrodite darling."

"What! How!" I said out loud. The voice was freaking me out, sending chills down my spine.

Trina and a few others eyed me curiously, probably wondering why I just blurted that out.

"Uh, you okay Nico?" Trina said after a while, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

I nodded, not trusting my voice at the moment and I heard bell like laughter inside my head as Aphrodite say, "Ask her, you have nothing to lose."

I felt my heart speed up and my hands getting clammy. This was crazy. A son of Hades would never act like this, No wonder dad isn't that happy to see me turn out like this. I cursed myself lightly for being a wimp. For Hades sake! She's just a girl, not a monster. I tried to tell myself.

Stealing a glance at Trina walking beside me still, I knew I had to ask now or never. Feelings started to pour out and I couldn't hold back that small realization that I really liked this girl.

Taking a slow deep breath I cleared my throat and asked quietly, "So uh, I thought maybe we could, you know, hang out. I'm on guard duty tonight anyways."

I directed my gaze towards my shoes and kept it there. After a little uncomfortable silence I heard her smirk and I looked up, feeling heat rush to my face, "Did you just ask me out?"

Her smile spread into a grin and she laughed. I cleared my throat again and said, "Jeez, you're not making this any easier, Trina."

She seemed to realize I was serious and she looked ahead of her, smile gone from her face. I could tell she was thinking and I hoped for the best, but expecting the worst.

I finally heard her sigh and she looked back at me, our eyes meeting, and we stopped walking. People just swerved around us or smirk, either way, nothing mattered to me but her answer. Her electric blue eyes bored into mine and I saw her nod slightly.

Releasing a pent up breath, I didn't even know I was holding back I sighed in relief. "That wasn't so hard now was it?" Aphrodite said in my head again.

I nodded and grinned, silently thanking her for helping a little. I felt Trina's slender fingers lace itself around mine and I felt like small sparks were coming from the touch spreading all over my body, making me feel like I wasn't left out anymore.

We walked silently towards Half-Blood hill, and I was enjoying just being beside her.

Thinking about it, I never thought I would ever fall in love. Especially to a daughter of Zeus. To me, love was just another word in the dictionary, but I guess one person can change your view entirely.

I shook my head and grimaced, I hated being sappy about stuff. But I also felt a conscious telling me that this might not have a happy ending. Like losing Bianca all of a sudden, right when I was getting adjusted to the camp.

Trina's P.O.V.

I didn't know why a lot of people didn't like hanging out with Nico. Well asides from the fact that he is the son of the Lord of the dead. He wasn't that bad if you actually get the chance to know him better.

I smiled to myself thinking of the trouble I would probably get into once any of our dads find out.

Walking beside him, I felt something new, like a puzzle piece was finally put into the right place.

"Sorry this isn't really what you would call a date. I mean, it's just patrol duty." Nico said, breaking the silence.

Turning towards him I shook my head and smiled, "Doesn't matter, it's okay with me."

He smiled as we sat down on the same spot the night before. I leaned my head on his shoulder again as Peleus puffed out a smoke ring eying us and then going back to sleep.

As the night went on, we swapped stories and gazed at the stars, noticing the brand new constellation of Zoe, a hunter that died two years ago.

Feeling tired I looked up at Nico and noticed how the moonlight reflected off his olive colored skin and the fierce look only an offspring of Hades could have, and I couldn't help but smile.

I never expected to fall in love with Nico di Angelo, and it never occurred to me how falling in love with him would turn tragic soon.


First of all, Thanks to all the people that reviewed and read the story! Again I'm sorry for not updating sooner, but since my writers block is over, I'll update faster now =) So yeah, I finally got them together, I hope your all happy now lol (what did you think about that?).

Oh btw, sure I'll add you to the story Sierra, in the next chapter though if you don't mind. ;)

Peace! =D