So Yeah... I'm not dead.

Hurray?

But yeah. my computer is. When it died, I lost all my files, so I've had to rebuild my stories essentially from scratch. But here it is, the long awaited next chapter of Mortal!

Yeah?

As always, I would like to remind you that the original story, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, is property of Rick Riordan, and I have no intention of stealing his intellectual property.

Also, Thanks for all those who read my story during my long absence, and sepcial thanks to 'A Dark Winter's Child' and 'trustingHim17' for their reviews.

Also, a special thanks to the user 'wisegirlindisguise'. A while ago, they not only helped me by advertising my fic in one of their own stories, they helped designed a camper for my own story, who I am pleased to say is finally making her appearance. I don't even know if they still read my fic, but I want them to know I greatly appreciate all help they have given me :D

And now, the story.

"So?"

He bulked slightly. "What do you mean, 'so'? I am the child of a titan, the enemy of the gods! Here at this camp, I am a monster. A traitor!" He was shouting now, but he didn't seem angry. More like he was sad. I could see why. Treated like an outcast by things out of his control. It was just like me and my friend back at the orphanage.

"You are who you make yourself, not what others have made you." I said quietly, looking into those golden eyes. "If you are a traitor to everyone here at this camp, then that is because you have betrayed them, not because of the acts of someone who claims to be your father."

He looked at me, right into my eyes. His gaze was piercing, like I was being stared at by a pair of flames, but I resolved not to look away, not to blink. After a few seconds, he chuckled.

"You're wiser than your age suggests, kid. Most of the adults could learn a thing or two from you." His lips turned upwards slowly, as if his face was trying to remember how to put on a genuine smile. Then, it just dropped, and he turned back to the dummy he was setting up. To my surprise, he started taking it down, putting things in the arena away as he worked. The silence dragged on just long enough for me to consider leaving when he finally spoke again. "You've had it rougher than most growing up, haven't you, kid?"

My walls flew up instantly in my mind. I felt my shoulders tense against my will, and found myself forced to regulate my breathing. Talking about this sort of thing was up there with my absolute least favorite things to do. But something in the back of my head told me not to hide. Not now, not from him.

"Yeah. I have. About as much as a twelve year old can, really."

He looked at me again, meeting my eyes with his golden ones. "Figured as much. You're older than your body knows." He started gathering up his personal belongings, and turned to leave the amphitheater, before stopping at the edge. The lantern swung in his hand, alternately casting him in shadow and light. "What's your name, kid?"

I looked at the back of his head, trying to determine what his motives were. The lantern slowed to a stop in his hand, casting a reddish glow upon his golden hair. I swallowed, before answering. "Raymond. Percy Raymond Jackson."

He laughed. Not a chuckle, like before, but a full bodied laugh that buckled his knees and forced him to grab his side with his free hand. He then turned to me, and I saw a true smile on his face. His teeth were almost too white.

"The gods have blessed that name with a kindness forgotten to mortals. The only other person who showed me such understanding bears it as well." He chuckled, the turned again to leave. "The names Raydon, kid. From one 'Ray' to another: I'll see you around."

"Pace yourselves. A quick flurry of attacks is useless if it tires you out. A tired half-blood is a monster-snack waiting to happen."

I nodded in confirmation to Percy's words and swung a quick, yet controlled, strike at the dummy, slipping underneath the armor and harmlessly passing through the straw. Around me, the sounds of clanging metal and triumphant whoops displayed the accuracy of the other junior students. The more experienced ones were already sparring at the other end of the arena, often getting their butts handed to them by either Ellie or two other students: a young girl with curly light brown hair and crystal blue eyes named Nicole, or a big brutish guy with white-blonde hair and the same blue eyes by the name of Jake.

It was Thursday, four days since I had arrived at Camp Half-Blood. We had by now experienced pretty much every activity that was available for new campers: Climbing the crazy moving wall, canoeing with the water spirits, learning Ancient Greek, tending the strawberries: the whole package. The only things left were Capture the Flag, which would happen Friday evening, and combat practice, which was now. And I was having a blast.

"Peter! Loosen your grip." Percy shouted as he circled around those at the training dummies. "You'll just tire out your hand if you hold onto the blade like a vice. Trust your strength. Alexis! Follow through on your strikes. And don't be afraid to put a little extra force into the blows."

Hearing the advice, I quickly checked my own grip and strikes to make sure I was doing fine. While Annabeth had proven herself the better teacher in all things before now, Percy's experience and 'hands on' training with combat was already starting to shine.

"Alright everyone, take 5." He shouted, moving towards the center of the arena where we were training. Eerily enough, he seemed to stop right where Raydon had stood just a few nights previous. I hadn't seen Raydon since our first encounter, but dared not ask.

"Alright, you've made some good progress today," Percy said, the grin obvious in his voice "so that means the challenge is open today! Anyone who wants to test their mettle against me, come and get it! Do well enough, and you are exempt from helping out in the kitchen for the rest of the summer!"

I heard several campers snort at this. While the prize was very tempting, no one seemed willing to take a test in humility by trying their luck against Percy. It hadn't taken me long to learn of his reputation in camp as the greatest swordsmen in over three centuries. Having seen him in action first hand, I was inclined to believe that boast.

"You are on, Jackson! This time, you are going down!"

A collective chuckle emerged from the rest of the stadium. There did happen to be one person who was willing to try their luck every time they had the chance. Striding towards the center of the stadium with exaggerated bravado was Jake, his sword drawn and ready.

I had learned about Jake in the short time I had been here as well. He was from cabin 22, the cabin dedicated to the Winged Enforcers: Kratos, Nike, Bia, and Zelus. Although he was the oldest of the cabin at age 14, he was beaten out from seniority by that Nicole girl. Because he couldn't be in charge of the cabin, he tried to salvage his pride by being 'the absolute best'. That roughly translated to him picking on everyone he could, and arguing that something else had interfered when someone like Nicole or Percy put him in his place.

Percy just smiled as Jake approached, readying his training blade. "Alright Jake. Let's see if you can beat your last record. Nicole, if you would start the timer?"

Nicole nodded and smiled, dashing over to Percy's belongings and grabbing a stop-watch from among them. "Okay" she called out, raising her hand above her head. "My name is Nicole Magnum, leader of Cabin 22 and Daughter of Nike, Goddess of Victory. I will be the official judge of this match between challenger Jake Bell of Cabin 22, and Instructor Jackson. On my mark!" Her hand fell quickly from the sky. "Go!"

Jake lunged at Percy with a vicious slash to his left, relying on a pivot from his right foot to provide the momentum of the strike. At the same time he ducked his head behind his free left arm, planting his hand on his right arm to help brace it. It was a very strong strike, the kind meant to cleave through limbs. Percy didn't attempt a block, instead raising his sword to Jake's hilt while he turned to show his profile, giving Jake a narrower target. Turing his sword at Jake's guard, Percy managed to redirect the strike, causing it to slide harmlessly past him, carrying Jake along with it. His back now exposed, Jake quickly tried to turn and bring up his guard, but Percy was much faster. A quick slap from the flat of his blade on Jake's exposed back sent the young swordsman sprawling onto the ground, his sword clanging away across the arena.

I blinked, just as Nicole called the match. That was even faster than I had anticipated.

"Four seconds." Nicole called, mirth obvious in her voice. "Such a shame, Jake. Another three seconds and you'd beat your best record."

"Shut it, Magnum." Jake spat, obviously trying to salvage his dignity as he scrambled to his feet. "You do not last much longer than that against Percy."

"Thirty seconds versus six, Bell. Five times better, in case you couldn't figure out the math."

"Enough you two." Percy said, his voice stern, though his face showed he was trying not to laugh. "Anyone else want to try?"

I wanted to laugh. As obnoxious as Jake was, he was still a very good swordsman. If he was beaten like that, who else would be dumb enough to try? I smiled as I took a swig of my water.

"I'll try."

I chocked. Alexis was walking up, testing the swing of her blade.

Percy himself seemed to hesitate. "You sure, Alexis? I won't go easy on you."

Alexis nodded, the lifted her blade. I noticed that it wasn't a standard training blade, but a blunt dagger instead. "Is it alright if I use a dagger? I'm more comfortable with it than a sword."

Percy nodded. "Yeah, any melee weapon is fine, as long as it's a training version. Don't want to hurt anyone by accident."

Alexis nodded, then looked towards Nicole. "Alexis Richardson, of Cabin One."

Nicole blinked, than gave her a kind smile. "Alright. On my mark, the match between challenger Alexis Richardson of Cabin One, versus Instructor Jackson. Begin!"

Alexis closed the distance between her and Percy with a few quick steps and made to slash as his stomach, before quickly turning the blade upwards, towards his head. Percy raised his blade sideways across his body to block the strike, but had to retreat quickly as Alexis turned on her left heel, attempting to send her right foot into Percy's leg. Alexis quickly planted her right foot and ducked low while pivoting to the left, using her smaller size to slip under Percy's guard and try and drag her dagger into his right armpit. Percy moved in suddenly, closing the gap faster than Alexis expected, causing the dagger to sail behind him. Grabbing Alexis's blade-arm with his free hand, he pivoted, dragging the arm into a brace behind her. Pushing her down, he attempted to pin her, but came up with nothing as she slipped her arm over her head pushed out from under him before leaping at his back. Sadly, as impressive as the maneuver was, it was all in vain. Percy quickly turned and, using the superior length of his sword, smacked her dagger to the side, causing Alexis to drop it just as Percy brought his sword up to rest just under her neck.

The group let out a collective held breath. A very impressive display on Alexis's part, but the same end result as before. "Eighteen seconds." Nicole called out, and everyone nodded. Not a win, but Alexis was definitely going to get some recognition for this.

Percy smiled as he lowered the blade. "That was a good first attempt, Alexis. But remember your weapon. It is faster, and can slip under my guard, but it doesn't have the reach or weight of a sword. Keep in close to your opponent, or else the dagger becomes a weakness, not a strength."

Alexis nodded, looking to Percy as she knelt to retrieve her weapon. A few campers had migrated over to congratulate her, including Peter and Abby. I started walking towards her when something moved in the corner of my eye. Turning, I saw the man from the river, Nico, at the edge of the arena. He looked uncomfortable in his black duster, but still radiated a confident power, and his eyes locked onto me. To his left was Earon, sitting on one of the benches and brushing her hair with a black comb. Our eyes met and she immediately broke out into a happy smile and waved.

I gulped, as the realization and regret for what I was about to do washed over me. Taking up one of the training swords, I went over to where Percy stood, happily watching the crowd talking with Alexis. I could just ask him to spar with the pretense that Nico was watching for a sign of whatever was messing with me, but I hesitated. I didn't want any handicaps. Not now.

"Do we have time for another match?" I asked louder than I needed to, drawing the attention of the crowd. Percy straightened and looked at me. Becoming keenly aware of how I was shaking and holding the sword like a scared child I took a breath and steadied myself. After a moment, he smiled warmly.

"Okay Raymond."

Not sure if I was pleased by this of not, I nodded despite myself, and turned to where Nicole was standing with the stop watch. "Raymond. Cabin 25."

Nicole gave me a kind smile, before turning serious – and was that a smirk she was hiding? – and raising her hand for a third time. "Raymond of Cabin 25, versus Instructor Jackson. On my mark." Her hand fell. "Begin!"

The moment our swords met, I knew there was no contest to be had. Not even bothering to use his obvious strength advantage, Percy slid his blade to the hilt of my own and began to turn it, in an effort to force me to drop it. I had just enough time to blithely realize that this match would be even quicker than Jake's.

Than something changed.

Before I knew what my body was doing, I had turned my blade and slid it backwards, preventing Percy from disarming me, before pushing forwards again, my blade gliding across his handle for a strike at his arm. I was vaguely aware of Percy's eyes widening in surprise, and his teeth gritting, as he was forced to knock my blade to the right. He attempted to bring his sword in for a jab, but I had already moved in close on the left and went for a quick left-handed uppercut into his stomach, whilst bringing my sword in for a quick swipe at the shoulder. Percy raised his sword quickly, using the momentum to slap mine towards my body, while using his other hand to block my strike and latch onto my hand. He yanked, attempting to pull me across in front of him as he swung his sword down, but I kicked off with my feet, allowing myself to move faster than he expected and out of harm's way. Hitting the ground with a roll, I quickly got my feet back under me and launched backwards, not towards Percy, but to the side, where I could stand back up safely. Percy wouldn't have it, though, and he widened his stance and took a step, his superior height and reach allowing him to close the distance easily. Yet I had apparently expected this and kicked out, attempting to catch his extended leg with the strike and forcing him to bring it back, losing his chance to strike as I quickly rose back to my feet. I looked him in the eye and was vaguely aware we were both smiling like fools.

The feeling was extraordinary. I felt like every muscle of my tiny frame was at my disposal, responding so fast to my instincts that my brain couldn't actually keep up. Each time I realized what I was doing, my body was already moving in for something else. But at the same time I still felt in control. I could stop this fight any time I wanted, but I didn't want to. I wanted to fight. I wanted to win.

But at the same time, I realized that wasn't going to happen. I was tired. Exhausted even. I was pushing myself too hard, too fast. Percy on the other hand wasn't even breathing hard. This was a battle of endurance, and I wasn't nearly as experienced in it as Percy was.

But I wasn't going to let that stop me. I needed more from my body. Closing my eyes for the barest of seconds, I breathed in deep, and when they opened again, the world had changed. The rippling muscles of Percy's body as he moved in towards me were easily spotted by my suddenly-keen eyes, the preparation of each tensing muscle clearly indicating the move he was attempting. He was moving in on my left with a sideways slash, but his muscles were tensed to allow him bring the sword in for a thrust if I attempted to back out of harm's way. Feeling like I had far too much time to react, I forced my body to move towards the right, close to the edge of his blade, forcing my own out in a diagonal slash that would simultaneously threaten Percy and guard me against the oncoming assault.

Yet although I could perceive everything faster, it was much harder to act. I felt like I was trying to force myself through a pool of gelato, and I just made it in time to slash my blade out and block Percy's strike. Seeing the oncoming jab, I threw my weight into a sideways turn, keeping my blade between myself and Percy's as I twirled in next to him and attempted to use my momentum with a horizontal slice. But here my inexperience showed, as the wide slice was too slow, and Percy was able to bring up the handle of his blade and knock me in the chest, sending me back a distance and off my feet. Tucking my arms up next to my head and curling my body, I managed to land on my left shoulder. Instantly hit with a dull pain, I knew without looking that my shoulder was bruised. Still, I managed to keep the wind in me, and thus my wits about me. Rolling as fast as I could to the left, I let my sword trail upwards in the air in an arc, keeping Percy at bay as I got my feet under me again - though at the cost of having my back to my opponent. Turning again with the wide slash, I instinctively turned my blade to slash at an angle, forcing Percy – who had crouched impossibly low to get under my attack, to back up again, before lunging at me with a powerful downward slash. I tried to get my weapon up to block, but I was too tired, my body unresponsive. Barely intercepting the strike, I didn't have enough time to brace myself against the strike, and once again found myself off my feet. This time, however, Percy was right alongside me, reaching with his hand to grab my collar. Knocking me and pinning me to ground, Percy loomed over me, the point of his blade inches from my nose. I swallowed hard, before calling a yield.

The arena was silent, save for the sounds of the wind and the rest of the camp outside. Percy helped me to my feet, before both of us turning towards Nicole. Still staring at us with wide eyes, she looked down at the stopwatch, perhaps only just realizing that habit had allowed her to stop it without thinking. She blinked once at the clock, than looked up at us with a large grin on her face.

"Looks like we have a new record on our hands. Forty-Four seconds."

I immediately find myself swamped by the other campers, my friends right at the head. Even Alexis is there, despite my recent display effectively showing up her own impressive fight. I hear cheers and cries of 'so close!' or 'you almost had him!'. I shake my head though, and look for Percy. He's standing back from the crowd, with a smile on his face, but raises an eyebrow when I catch his eye.

"You were holding back the entire time. I never even came close to beating you."

This hushes the crowd, who turn to look at Percy, giving me a little space. Percy's smile is a mile-wide now, and he gives an approving nod. "You're right. I was. And if you can tell that already, that means you're going to be a very good swordsman someday. Maybe even better than me."

I wanted to scoff at that. It was hard to imagine ever being better than Percy. He was absolutely amazing. Watching him fight was impressive enough, but being in there against him was something else entirely.

Percy called for everyone to head back to their cabins after that, and took me over to where Nico and Earon were waiting. Earon was smiling and waving at me. "That was a really impressive fight, Raymond!"

Nico nodded, though I sensed immediately he wasn't quite as happy as Earon. "She's right. It was." He was looking at me, his face set and grim. Immediately, I felt the surge of energy from my fight seep away from my body. Nico had seen something.

I swallowed hard, and waited. Maybe I was overreacting, but when he turned and told Earon to head back to the cabin, I knew something was wrong. Even more so when he gestured for me and Percy to follow him over to the woods, though I was pleased enough that we ended up lingering at the edge.

"What is it, Nico?" Percy asked once we had stopped. He was resting his hand on my shoulder, gently but firmly. It was at once protective and restraining.

"First, Percy: tell me what you saw while you and Raymond fought." Nico's voice was low and quite. The air was strangely cold, and it almost seemed like the shadows from the nearby trees were reaching out to us.

I looked up at Percy, praying that he saw nothing but a talented kid. That nothing was wrong. Instead, I got a slight lowering of the head, and a low whisper, "His eyes were green."

I felt my sweat form on my brow. Green. My eyes were green. What could that mean? Nico only nodded at this. Percy leaned in a little closer, seeming to search Nico's face. "Nico, what is happening to Raymond?"

The air was freezing now. I felt like I could barely breathe. I wanted to run, but Percy's hand was still on my shoulder, anchoring me to the spot.

"He's possessed."

My rock splashed uselessly into the sea.

I stared at the spot where it had disappeared, as if willing it to return to the surface, to my outstretched hand. As if tossing that same rock over and over again would solve my problems.

We had quickly worked out that I was not in any danger, nor was I a danger to anyone else. Whatever was possessing me seemed to be benign in nature, only surfacing during moments of heightened adrenaline. All to aid me. I told the two adults about my moments of heightened senses, and Nico didn't seem surprised. Said that I had seemed liked I knew what I was doing before I should.

Both Percy and Nico agreed that I shouldn't let others know about my 'hitch-hiker'. Didn't want to sow paranoia or distrust among the campers. As for activities, I should avoid ones where my little secret might be discovered where I could. I'd have to take part in group activities, but I was 'exempt' from casual combat training and the like. Felt more like a ban to me…

I picked up a stray stone and ran my thumb over it. It was smooth from the water crashing over it, and still slightly damp. I tossed it slightly in the air, than fired it into the ocean when it landed back in my hand. It struck a small crescent of water with a loud 'Splash'.

To my surprise, another rock flew over my shoulder and hit the top of a wave, bouncing twice before sinking below the ocean surface. Turning around, I found Earon walking up beside me. She waved her hand, and a nearby rock rose lazily into her grasp. "Hey Raymond. Something eating you?"

I looked quietly out to the sea. I had been half-expecting Abby, since she loves the beach so much. I sighed. I wasn't sure if Earon had caught what Nico had, but I knew I shouldn't tell her. So I needed something else that was bringing me down.

"I can't figure out who my godly parent is." I said after a few seconds, watching the waves crash over each other. It wasn't a lie, even if I hadn't been thinking about it till just then. "It's probably not Apollo. I can't carry a tune to save my life."

Earon walked up beside me and stared out at the ocean with me. We just listened to the waves crash into the beach.

"You're a good fighter." She said after a while, turning to look at me. "And you're good with a bow. You're smart. Funny. And pretty cute." I balked at that last one, but she kept going. "To be honest Raymond, you're good at a lot of things. It's almost scary. But don't worry," She said hastily, seeing my look of disgust "you're supper nice and friendly if someone gets to know you. It's just hard to figure out who you're parent could be."

I nodded, turning back to the ocean. For some reason, my legs were tired, so I sat down on the sand. Earon quickly joined me.

"I honestly don't know what you're going through, Raymond. I came to the camp knowing who I was, thanks to Nico. But I'm here for you, if you ever need someone to talk to." She reached out and grabbed my arm, looking me in the eye. Her's were so pretty up close, a silvery-blue, only a little darker than my own. My throat felt dry as I realized how close we were.

A gong sounded to signify dinner, and she got up. Turning around, she smiled and waved goodbye. "I'll see you around, Raymond. Don't be afraid to talk whenever." And with that she was gone, leaving me alone with the waves, listing to the thundering sound within my chest.