I think dying gives a certain perspective on some things.

Say your best friend, or the person you loved like a brother decides to use the thing you kind of fear the most to kill you.

Then you know he's evil.

I could hear Chiron's hooves, heard something that sounded like speech - but I couldn't move. If only he'd used something like my hand to put the venom in... Then I'd die faster.

I slipped into unconsciousness.

Thank the Fates I didn't dream.

~:~

Waking up was like a nightmare. My brother sat there, looking somber and sad - and Annabeth.

Annabeth drew closer, her eyes wet with tears.

"Meda, I'm -"

I shushed her weakly, my eyes again filling with tears at the reminder.

I didn't want to remember right now.

~:~

I was up within the week, the campers still there giving me a wide berth as I walked everywhere.

Annabeth left the camp, to try to live with her parents again. I had a feeling my talk with Ms. Chase made her get Annabeth's dad to see the fact he was alienating his daughter.

And I? Well, I wasn't sure what to do. My mom hadn't contacted me yet, but I was debating.

Then she did.

Meda,

Your brother brought me Medusa's decapitated head and I froze Gabe with it. Apparently I'm a grieving widow, though nobody liked the guy.

I disposed of my materials; no more statues. But I was able to get a new job at a cookie store.

Please come home.

-Mom

I grinned to myself for a moment, then it faded.

I didn't have my own weapon, and taking the camp blade would not be smart.

Where the blade I'd found had gone, I didn't know. Not until I returned to our cabin and found something on my bed. A box.

I opened it. A sea breeze flowed from the box.

A letter was on a pen.

Andromeda,

We haven't gotten the chance to talk much. I'd simply like to say I'm proud of you, and happy early birthday.

Uncap the pen when you see it. It's like your brother's.

There was no name.

I didn't need a name, either.

I uncapped it.

Roufíchtra: Whirlpool.

I think it suited me.

I capped it.

Yeah, I was going to go home.

~:~

For the first time in forever, I stepped out of Camp Half-Blood, going home with my twin brother, who smiled at me reassuringly.

I took a deep breath. Chiron stood in full centaur form, sending us off with a salute.

Watch out, world. The Jackson twins are coming. I smiled to myself, and faced the front.

END OF PART 1