A/N: Hey awesome people! How's it going? School is almost out… It's going to get busy and I'll be unable to update as often as I would like, but I'll try to do my best…on all my stories. Anyway, quick question, are any of you guys from San Francisco? I was just wondering because I went there last month for a jazz festival and it was awesome. Oh and I redid the poll, so please check that out if you haven't, it would really help. Thanks! Enjoy and review!

Disclaimer: PJO is not mine. Tabitha and Delilah are, however.

Creep

Chapter 12

Because of the differences in weapons, Tabitha was forced to train one-on-one with Quintus. For an older man, he was quite agile. With each swipe of his blade, he would push her back until she was against the wall. She would block with the staff of her scythe, using brute strength to push him away in order for her to strike accordingly only to be blocked and thrust back again. As she heaved, practically gulping down air, and sweat rained down her face, he made a move to strike and she made one in order to defend. He skillfully sidestepped, turning as he did so, and shoved the butt of his sword along with the back of his hand into her gut. The force of so strong she felt it through the armor. Her knees buckled under her and she collapsed coughing harshly. The clanking of swords immediately stopped.

She suddenly felt hands on her shoulders and looked up to see Pollux staring at her in concern. "Are you alright?"

She heaved a little as she nodded, rubbing her stomach and saying hoarsely, "Yeah, just got the wind knocked out of me."

Quintus kneeled in front of them, his countenance one of remorse and worry. "I am so sorry. I don't know what got into me… For having never fought before, you did very well."

"It's fine, and…thanks." Her voice quivered as she said this with as much politeness as she could muster in her state of pain.

The old man eyed her for a moment before announcing loudly for everyone to hear, though his eyes never left her, "I believe that is all for today."

The twins helped her up as carefully as they could and walked her over to a bench at the edge of the arena. She attempted to remove her armor, but her limbs felt like jelly. Just then Delilah rushed over to assist and brought a towel and bottle of water. When she was relieved of the heavy metal, she threw off her sweater, tilted her head back, and poured half of the bottle over her forehead. She then sat forward, letting the water rush down her face, neck, and back, and chugged the rest of it as if her life depended on it.

"Thank you," she told Delilah breathlessly.

"It's no problem," she giggled softly, and Tabitha wondered curiously how she was able to practice in a dress.

Tabitha patted her face dry and leaned back. As she stared up at the sky, the blue and white began to swirl together in a surreal fashion, making Tabitha shut her eyes tight.

"What are you guys doing next?" she murmured groggily.

"Oh…we have to help the strawberries grow, so… I guess you can hang around for a while until we're done." She could tell it was Castor who said this because his voice was a little higher that Pollux's.

"Are you okay to move yet?" Pollux asked.

Without another word, she slipped her hoodie over her shoulders and stood slowly. The world spun for a moment before becoming still again. She nodded silently. The boys reached to walk her out, but her attention was directed elsewhere. She brushed passed them and kneeled down next to her fallen weapon. Her hand was held hesitantly over the staff for a moment. When she grasped it in her hand, she slid her fingers across the blade in the opposite direction as before and the scythe reverted back into a bracelet. She clutched it tightly as she stood.

"Do you guys know where Chiron is?" she asked as she turned.

"Um," Pollux scratched the back of his neck, "I believe he's teaching archery at the moment. The Aphrodite cabin, I think…?"

"Why?" Delilah asked curiously.

"Oh, I… I think I'll hang out with him while you guys are busy."

A loud whimper off to her right caught her attention. Mrs. O'Leary had been preoccupied with chewing the head of a dummy when she noticed Tabitha leaving. The hellhound had her head tilted to the side with longing in her eyes. Not quite sure what to do, Tabitha gave a weak wave promising to return soon.

The boys said they would find her when they were done with their duties and stalked off. She and Delilah stood there at the entrance of the arena awkwardly for a moment before the daughter of Hebe remembered she had duties of her own and rushed away with a quick good-bye. Shifting from heel to heel, Tabitha gathered in the scenery for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. A pessimistic voice kept pinching at her psyche, but she tried to ignore its anguished cries. Taking a big gulp of air, she strolled to the archery range.

A/N: I know it's a little short, but I hope it was good. How do you guys like the story so far? I know it's a little slow, as well, but I have a plan and kind of know how stuffs going to go… Tell me what you think of my OCs, because I really want to know. Thanks and keep being awesome!