Hey guys,

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day

and is enjoying the last days of school,

or if you're already out,

your first days of summer, depending where you are in the world ^_^

I like the way that things are going in the story right now,

and I have a lot that is coming up in the next few chapters; ish is about to get real.


**In the wake of the shooting at the nightclub in Orlando early Sunday morning,

I pray that everyone who has been affected by this tragedy,

lost friends and loved ones,

will be comforted.

God bless.**

Enjoy chapter 12.

AxD


Yasmine's POV

Last night was exhilarating. I could still hardly believe that we won the talent show! I was beginning to feel at home here at Camp Half-Blood, with all my new friends and...Nico. Nico. Where do I begin?

He's...I don't even know how to describe him really, but in a few words I'd say that he's intelligent, thoughtful, albeit a bit brooding. I don't know what he's gone through in his life. He's undeniably attractive; tall, tan, and handsome, I giggled then sighed. I don't know if dating is his thing, he seems more like a loner type. Ugh, why do boys have to be so difficult? I threw my head back on my pillow and closed my eyes in thought.

I sure as hell wasn't expecting him to hug me last night, either. No complaints, though. Nico is going to be hard to get close to I can tell, but maybe I can get him to open up and trust me. I believe that his actions last night show that he's willing to open up, not only to me, but to his friends. They care for him. I...I care for him.

My thoughts were interrupted by the nestling of covers. I peered around in the dark cabin and saw Thalia climbing out of her bunk. She usually woke up early, so I assumed that it was around 5:30 AM. Since I was already up, I decided to go ahead and get dressed for the day. I washed up and pulled my hair back into a messy ponytail, while I paced around in my fluffy purple bath robe and slippers trying to decide what to wear for the day.

I figured I'd be somewhat casual today and decided on a dark red/maroon babydoll tank from Aeropostale, light blue high-waisted jeans with rips at the knees, and brown sandals with a maroon band decorated with little beads going across the toes from Charlotte Russe. I laid my clothes on the nice sized desk table and sat down in the chair to do my hair and make up. I pulled my hair out of its ponytail and began brushing it until it was mostly straight. I set my brush down then got my portable hair straightener ready to straighten my hair. Once that was done, I put on some light brown and pink eyeshadow and blended it well. I finished with a little eyeliner and mascara, making a nice wing on my upper lids. I put on some rogue pink YSL lipstick and rubbed it in.

I carefully slipped my top over my head then put my jeans and shoes on. I decided to do my nails, so I painted my toes a light, shimmery gold from Kylie Jenner's collection then did my nails with a light nude-pink color and added two thin gold stripes on my ring fingers once the polish was dry. I put in round kate spade epoxy stone studs ringed by diamonds and a gold Michael Kors layered chain necklace. Finally, I tied a red bandana bunny-ear style on my head and was ready to head out.

Thalia had gotten dressed and was long gone before I finished. I left the cabin to head down to breakfast. I was in the mood for a big stack of pancakes. As I was making my way there, I bumped into Drew and the curly-haired girl from the talent show. Drew gave me a tight-lipped smile and the girl twiddled her fingers at me before they walked on in whatever direction they were going. Ok...what's their problems?

When I got to breakfast, I got pancakes, bacon, eggs, and orange juice. I sat by myself and ate quietly while I got lost in my thoughts again. As I was finishing up, Nico came to sit beside me. He looked like he had a lot on his mind.

Nico's POV

I rolled out of bed this morning with a lot on my mind. I got dressed in a simple outfit of a long-sleeved, navy blue and black checkered shirt, black jeans, a white belt, and black Vans. I rolled the shirt sleeves up to my elbows and rolled up my pant legs a little to reveal a bit of my ankles.

After walking Yasmine to her cabin last night I did a lot of thinking. I'm not sure where her head is at right now, but I genuinely like Yasmine, definitely as a friend, but...I'm not really sure if I'm cut out for...dating. I don't want to burden her with my woeful life. She's full of joy, happiness...full of life; she doesn't need somebody like me, she deserves somebody that can truly make her happy. What I can do for her is tell her about the strange dream that I had. It still puzzled me, so I knew that it was time for me to tell her. We may have to go to Chiron for help.

I went down to breakfast. I'd probably just get a cup of coffee and an omelet. Once I got my food, I went to look for somewhere to sit when I spotted Yasmine finishing up her breakfast. I took a seat beside her and she looked up at me. "Hey Nico, good morning. Did you sleep okay?" I returned her greeting and said that I slept fine. I glanced at her outfit quickly then looked down to my omelet, my cheeks slightly burning. I cut a piece of my omelet and stuck it in my mouth just as Yasmine asked, "Is everything okay? You seem kind of ominous this morning." I set down my fork and decided that this would be a good time.

"Yasmine...I had a strange dream a few days ago. I-I was in the throne room on Mount Olympus and I overheard Lord Zeus and another deity talking. I'm pretty certain that they were talking about you, because whoever Lord Zeus was talking to mentioned your name." I watched as her eyes widened in surprise.

Yasmine's POV

My eyes widened as I listened to Nico tell me about his dream. "Did you see what the other god looked like?" I asked him. He nodded, "It was dark, but I was able to make out that he had on a fiery Greek chiton, flames literally jumping off of it, and he wore a crown of smoldering barley." I was definitely clueless; I had no idea who this could be. "I think we should go talk to Chiron," Nico said, "I'm not trying to scare you Yasmine, but I think that you could be in danger." My breath caught in my throat.

What kind of danger?

When Nico finished his breakfast, we walked to the Big House to find Chiron. Hopefully he'd be able to help us and tell us about the mystery man- god- that was talking to my dad.

We found Chiron in his office, shining a long, bronze sword. He looked up and smiled when he saw us enter. "Hello there, Yasmine, Nico. I heard that you two won in the talent show. Superb. What can I help the both of you with today?" I looked at Nico and he nervously cleared his throat. "I think that some trouble is brewing on Mount Olympus and Yasmine may be in trouble." Chiron set the sword on his desk and gave us both a troubled expression.

"I feared that this would happen." He sighed and turned to a detailed map of the world that was on the wall behind his desk. He had red push pins stuck in the northernmost region of the continent of Africa. I looked at Nico again and he shrugged. How did Chiron already know what Nico was talking about? He's good. Chiron pointed towards the push-pins in the map. "You see, Yasmine, your father, Lord Zeus, often manages to work himself into tight situations. In order to work his way out of those situations, he's willing to sacrifice his own children."

I gasped and Nico just looked straight ahead at Chiron. "There has been much discord amongst the gods ever since Gaea has started awakening. Minor gods are no exception." He turned back to the map and traced his fingers along the northern coast of Africa. "I can't say much more, but I can tell you this. You have the potential to be a very powerful demigod, Yasmine, whether you realize that or not. As exercised in your last fight, you have control over storms. To further unlock your power and become in-sync with the spirits of your weapons, you must be pushed to your absolute breaking point. Not only will your strength be tested, but your character – how willingly can you forgive? Remember this, Yasmine: your virtues will always overcome your vices. Once you realize this, you will be among the most powerful of demigods. Just remember, always forgive."

I stared down at my feet, struggling to fight back tears. Nico took notice of this and put a hand on my back gently in an attempt to soothe me. Chiron pulled a tissue from a box on his desk and handed it to me with a sorrowful look in his eyes. I just cried harder, tears streaming down my cheeks, as I accepted the tissue and wiped my face. I was embarrassed for letting my emotions get the best of me.

"It pains me to see you upset dear, but it's best that you know the truth. It's not always easy being a demigod." Chiron sympathized. He's right though; I can't just expect everything to be butterflies and daisies all the time. "Thank you Chiron." I sniffled and wiped the last of my tears away. "I promise I'll be strong. I won't let you down." Nico slightly smiled at my words and Chiron nodded with approval. "One last thing that I need to tell the both of you. In the coming days you must go speak with the Oracle. Once your training is complete, Yasmine, you must take on whatever threat is out there. I know that you can do it and you will have Nico at your side." Nico and I looked at each other, our tan cheeks turning pink.

"W-what do you mean by that, exactly?" Nico asked. Chiron closed his eyes and made a humming noise. "You'll know when the time comes." He opened his eyes and smiled.

After leaving Chiron's office, Nico and I decided to go sit by the lake and just think. I sat beside Nico in the grass and hugged my knees to my chest. This is some crazy stuff. Who is this guy that's after me?Why did Chiron keep telling me that I had to forgive? I sighed deeply, falling onto my back in the soft grass.

Nico looked over at me, a somber look on his face. "I hope you're not upset that I didn't tell you sooner." he said, looking at me with his black eyes. I shook my head, "I'm just glad that I know what's going on now. What I don't understand is, why did you have that dream and not me?" He shook his head. "Your guess is as good as mine. I don't mean to sound like an ass, but Zeus is likely up to no good, as always. I wouldn't be surprised if he's gotten himself into another mess with his crazy wife. You have to be cautious, Yasmine. There could be people, should I say gods and monsters, very powerful beings, that are out to hurt you. You and Ella need to be very careful."

I sat up to face him. "Ella? Why would they be after Ella?" I asked. Nico shook his head and stood up. "I shouldn't have said anything until after we visited the Oracle. Just keep a close eye on Ella and take care of yourself. Your next fight will be coming up soon." With that, he turned and started walking back toward the camp. "Nico, wait!" I shouted after him. He just kept walking. I put my hand down and just watched him walk away. "What am I going to do?" I whispered to myself.

Nico's POV

I know that there is trouble brewing between Zeus and another god, but I'm not exactly sure what it is yet. All I know is that I won't let Yasmine get hurt. I soon approached my cabin, but was stopped when I was met with a pair of long, tan legs along with a pair of white shorts and perfectly manicured toes in Gucci flip-flops. Drew.

"Can I help you with something?" I asked her as she flipped her long hair behind her shoulder and took a step towards me. "I need to talk to you." she said.


There's chapter 12!

Sorry if it's on the short side!

What do you all think?

Who is after Yasmine?

Does Nico know more than he's letting on?

Who's the god in Nico's dream?

What did Chiron mean by Yasmine having to forgive?

What does Drew want with Nico?

You'll find out in the next chapter! Or will you?

Hahaha!

Reviews are STRONGLY encouraged.

I write faster when I get reviews!

Have a great week!

AxD