Okay, here's the deal, school is back in and it's the two major weeks for assignments and tests right now. All of my stories will probably be going on and off a temporary hiatus because of school. I have been writing in between and now that I have my own computer I just write new chapters in notes so I decided to finish this one because of all the support. I won't be asking for reviews anymore thought I'm always happy to get some, also, sorry if my chapters are a bit rushed. I got an influx of ideas a few weeks ago and I was trying to get them all out. RICK OWNS PJO! Not Elmo, unfortunately...

At lunch there was talk of a new Gym teacher that sounded suspiciously like 's fiancé. The Jocks were asking whether he could throw a football, the girly-girls were squealing about his 'hotness', nerds were no-go on the subject because they hated Gym and the rest were all asking different questions. Melanie wasn't sure but she thought she heard some goth asking someone whether Mr. Jackson was goth and the person responded with 'D'you reckon he's punk?'. Questions flew around the room and Melanie decided to leave. There was a group around her History class that was asking about Mr. Jackson and Ms. Chase. Joshua was probably scheming ways to get into Ms. Chase's pants. Melanie doubted that would happen. After all, the new teacher seemed pretty happy with her current partner. Like MORE than happy. The halls were silent as Melanie's sneakers squeaked on the floor. A growl sounded and a shiver made it's way down her spine. She ran to the closest open door which happened to be the Gym. (A/N: Oi! I'm Aussie. You should seriously know that by now…) She ran into someone and almost fell down except a strong hand grabbed her arm.

"Ms. Stewart, I thought you were old enough to know not to run into people." Mr. Jackson teased easily. He wore jeans and a button-up white shirt that long-sleeves he had rolled up. He was either too lazy to tuck it in or he had decided it looked better which it did, on him. She looked at his shoes. He was wearing flip-flops.

"Uh, shouldn't you be wearing proper shoes?" He looked down at his feet too.

"Probably. I don't care though."

"That's not very professional." He shrugged.

"Who said I was professional? For all you know I might make you all do the hokey-pokey in Gym then let you sit around bored out of your minds." He sounded so serious she wasn't sure if her was joking. Then he laughed. "I am joking, your eyes aren't that hard to read. Don't take me serious all the time, okay? Anyway, why did you come in here?"

"Umm, I heard a noise."

"What type of noise? Was it like a growl or something?" Melanie nodded. Mr. Jackson looked surprised. He muttered something under his breath. He started to walk out but stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Wait here. Don't do anything." He left and Melanie wondered why he guessed so correctly. She heard a shout then laughing. She poked her head out of the door, against the teacher's orders and saw a huge dog licking him. Now, the words huge or big didn't do the dog any justice. It was bigger than a car, more like a small truck. It's claws were sharp and long, fangs huge and ruby red eyes that seemed to glare at you. Despite all of this the hulking dog seemed, dare she say it, friendly. It kept licking Mr. Jackson and whining. The dog licked his head and his hair stuck straight up. He laughed again.

"Ow, yeah, I love you too girl. You shouldn't be here." He scratched behind 'her' ear as she whined again.

"Percy?" A female voice called. Annabeth appeared frowning.

"Why is Mrs. O'Leary here?" The black haired teacher shrugged.

"I don't know. Hey, do you have any lessons?"

"No."

"Could you take her back home then? She's not leaving like usual. And I've got your history class this afternoon." Ms. Chase joined him in petting the monstrous dog.

"Sure Percy. Blackjack won't mind giving me a ride?"

"Nah, he's good. I'll just have to make sure he doesn't get into the donuts at home." Ms. Chase laughed and Melanie got a dizzy feeling. She blinked and everything looked like it had been split in half, as if she was seeing both underwater and above at the same time. She could see through her normal, colourful vision but the other half was tinted greyscale and darker colours were more prominent. Melanie felt her body freeze in shock as she took in the image. Mr. Jackson had a strong, sea-green aura that had minor colours swirling and changing. Ms. Chase had a silver-grey one that was almost a bit stronger than Mr. Jackson's then she realised why. The history teacher's womb had two colours, the silver-grey and that unpredictable sea-green. She took a step back and her vision went back to normal. Unfortunately her shoes squeaked and the two turned towards the noise but the door was now closed. Melanie tried to slow her breathing as she heard the two teachers talking quietly. She sat down quickly just before Mr. Jackson slipped back into the room, smiling. He sat down in front of her.

"So, I'm assuming you didn't stay where I told you to?"

"No." Melanie's voice was small. Mr. Jackson didn't look surprised.

"ósous eínai diaforetikoí vrei i̱sychía prókli̱si̱."

"Those who are different find stillness a challenge?" She whispered.

"So you understood. Ms. Stewart, you aren't different in a bad way and you have yet to realise that but, in the meantime, try to concentrate your studies on Gym and what you learn in History. It'll help you future greatly."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Mr. Jackson shrugged.

"Fate chooses it's own way. And it makes some people a bit similar to others. I'm like you. I'm different. What are you diagnosed with?"

"ADHD and dyslexia but what does that have to do with anything?"

"There you have it. I'm dyslexic too and I have ADHD though I think I've got the worse case. I 'spose you saw my dog?"

"Yeah, I never knew you could get dogs that big though."

"How big would you say Mrs. O'Leary was?"

"Large car, small truck." Mr. Jackson nodded.

"Correct."

"But how is that the correct answer? The question you asked was about what I SAW. It had nothing to do with a right or wrong answer."

"Again, correct. Why I said that was because you were right despite whether that was my question or not. Now, I do believe the bell will go soon and I think I have you for Gym so get going." Mr. Jackson stood up and held out a hand to Melanie. She took it cautiously and he pulled her up easily. She felt that he possessed more strength that what he appeared to have. As she walked out the room Mr. Jackson watched her go carefully. She felt un-easy about his gaze as it was just as piercing as his fiancé's. As soon as she closed the door to the Gym she sprinted to her locker, trying to forget the experience she just had.

Gym was rough. Mr. Jackson had them jog five laps then start a game of dodgeball. He sorted the groups fairly and had an even amount of jocks, nerds, the girly-girls and the oddballs. Melanie was one of those oddballs. Joshua was on the opposite team to her which made her worry. What if he tried to pin-point her and only her? Mr. Jackson smiled around at everyone warmly. It reassured her. He wouldn't let anything bad happen? Right?

"Line up!" Mr. Jackson called. Everyone did, keeping their sights on a ball they thought they could get. Melanie just wanted a to get a ball then retreat and stay out of the way. A shrill whistle pierced the air and everyone rushed forward, some staying back to take their chances. Just as Melanie got to a ball and snatched it up did she realise that the whistle had been natural yet just as loud as an artificial one. This thought almost knocked Melanie out of the game had she not realised at the last second that a ball was hurtling towards her. It ricocheted off her own dodge-ball that was held firmly in her hands. Girls squealed and Mr. Jackson called many people out. Melanie watched as Joshua took out many of her team mates. Melanie responded in force. She didn't know what came over her but everything seemed to slow down a small fraction to her, helping her dodge and throw accordingly. It eventually narrowed down to her against her long time tormenter known as Joshua Right.

"You couldn't hit a bug on a wall!" She taunted. Joshua snarled. He pegged the ball hard. It JUST missed her. Just as fast she threw her dodge-ball at him. Thing was, it actually HIT him. Right in the stomach. Melanie started laughing as she watched the jock hunch over, wheezing slightly. She didn't notice Joshua running at her as she laughed harder. It wasn't until he was two feet away that she noticed him and then he wasn't there. Mr. Jackson had interfered, grabbing the younger boy's arm, twisting it, then pushing him to the ground. Joshua had his face being squashed into the ground and Mr. Jackson's knee in his back.

"Never hit a girl." The older man growled. The teacher got up, clenching his left hand and wincing slightly. Joshua rose slowly and glared at the teacher before leaving. "Detention tomorrow Mr. Right." The black-haired man called.

"Whatever." was the muffled reply.

"Class dismissed." Mr. Jackson mumbled. His voice was restraining something and his left hand kept clenching. Most of the class left and a few stragglers walked out slowly. Mr. Jackson leaned against the wall with one hand, still clenching the other. His breath was a little ragged as he glared at the last few students.

"Leave." He said fiercely. Melanie still stayed and so did a boy called Branden Hetherington. Sweat started to form on Mr. Jackson's forehead. He looked like he wanted to punch a wall and pass out. Melanie hope he did neither but one thing she did know was that her Gym teacher wasn't looking so good. His tanned-ish skin was turning paler by the minute and Melanie was sure that she had better do something soon, namely, getting the teacher's fiancé.

"Branden," She snapped. The lanky boy turned to her. "get Ms. Chase. Tell her to come to the Gym." The boy paled.

"But…Ms. Chase scares me." He said quietly. Mr. Jackson gave a weak, strained laugh that made their heads turn to him.

"She-she won't hurt you. Damn this arm." Mr. Jackson groaned and slid down the wall, leaning against it. He hunched over and Melanie knelt down to help him…if she could.

"Branden." She glared at the boy who scarpered quickly. She heard him yelling 'MS. CHASE!' at the top of his lungs. Melanie turned back to her teacher who had no colour left on his face and he was sweating profusely while groaning painfully.

"Mr. Jackson? Are you alright?" She questioned gently. He didn't look up, just kept his head down, knees up to his chest and holding his left arm painfully. There wasn't any blood, just scars that Melanie couldn't read. A little bit of foam appeared at the corners of his mouth as he started to shake violently.

"Oh Gods. Percy?!" A female voice called out. It wasn't Ms. Chase. Instead a girl about 14-15 stood in black ripped jeans, a shirt that read 'Death To Barbie' and, true to the slogan, had a barbie with an arrow through its head. Her leather jacket was dark black and the front of it, dotted with punk bands. She swore something Melanie didn't understand and rushed over.

"Percy, C-Mr. Brunner knew your condition! Why the hell did you agree?" The punk-goth girl punched him in the shoulder and he winced.

"Thals. Not helping." He managed to get past gritted teeth. She growled in frustration.

"I should zap you right now for being so stupid." He gave a weak chuckle.

"Oh you're mean, cuz." Ahh, they were cousins.

"Meaner than Death Breath?"

"Damn right. Stupid kid of…" Mr. Jackson winced, trailing off. 'Thalia' took something out of her pocket. It looked like a brownie. Kind of. She shoved it in his mouth and he choked, coughing and spluttering.

"Pinecone Face…" He grimaced. She shrugged.

"It was chocolate flavoured."

"Tasted like minotaur dung. Where- had that been?" He coughed, wincing a little. Thalia frowned uneasily.

"It should be fine. It's not like it has a used-by date."

"W-with my luck…that one probably did." Mr. Jackson started shivering and Thalia knelt next to him, her face etched with worry.

"Only you would try to joke at a time like this."

"Oh, and Repair Boy wouldn't? Gods Thalia, this is not helping!" The girl's face softened a fraction and her blue eyes didn't seem so icy.

"Hang in there Percy. That kid went to get Annabeth."

"And he won't find her." He managed to get out with great difficulty.

"She went to camp, didn't she?" Percy nodded.

"Excuse me? What the hell is going on?" Melanie interrupted rudely. 'Thalia' turned to her, blue eyes glaring.

"My name's Thalia, kid. As for what's going on, Percy is she what I think she is?"

"Almost definitely." He groaned again, gripping his arm harder.

"You're only 15! You can't talk to me like that!" Melanie protested, crossing her arms fiercely. Thalia regarded her calmly.

"I would say Demeter but she doesn't look much like her. No green eyes."

"You still can't talk to me like that! I am older!" Melanie exclaimed arrogantly. Thalia shot her a glare that made her tremble.

"Melanie? Think back to Ms. Chase's lessons. Think Artemis." Percy grumbled. Whatever pain was affecting him had seemed to have lessened. He let his legs sit straight out in front of him instead of up to his chest. Mr. Jackson was still pale though and Thalia still seemed worried in her own weird way as she kneeled next to him.

"Thalia?!" A voice almost yelled. The black haired girl turned to see Annabeth standing there, hair flying around her face as it hung loose about her shoulders. The daughter of Zeus grinned at her long-time friend.

"Annie! Where the Hades were you?" She sent an accusing glare at the history teacher who looked down bashfully.

"I had to take Mrs. O'Leary to camp."

"I'm going to kill Nico." Thalia mumbled. "I'll bet it was his idea of a 'prank'." Annabeth smiled.

"He was probably trying to get back at Percy from last time."

"When Kelp Head and the Hermes cabin painted Nico's yellow? Oh Gods I wished I had seen that!" Melanie watched, confused as the two women talked. Her attention though, went back to Mr. Jackson as he groaned again and slumped even more.

"The world is spinning." He mumbled. Ms. Chase paled and knelt next to him, her face etched with worry.

"Percy? Was it worse this time?"

"Oh, so now she listens?" He responded sarcastically...then groaned. Annabeth snapped her fingers at Thalia.

"Water bottle; now." The 15 year old girl passed over a silver flask which Melanie didn't know she had before. Annabeth poured it on Percy's arm where the scars were. Obviously it was absorbed straight into his skin. Melanie let out a squeak.

"What-? How-?" Her face was completely shocked as she backed away from the three.

"Ever heard of the Greek gods, kid? Yeah, well we're their children." Thalia said dryly. Annabeth glared at her friend.

"Haven't you ever heard of breaking it to her gently?"

"Nope."

"She's even crazier than I am." Mr. Jackson mumbled. Thalia gave him a look.

"Sorry Seaweed Brain, you already filled in that category." He rolled his eyes.

"Thanks for that Pinecone Face." Annabeth helped him up and wrapped an arm around his waist just incase he wasn't quite stable on his feet. "Percy Jackson, Son of Poseidon at your service." He held out a hand to Melanie which she didn't take, just back away further.

"No, no. Poseidon isn't real! They're just myths!"

"Oh and you call this a myth?" Thalia tapped her bracelet. Naturally it spiralled out, in shield form, Medusa's head glaring at the girl. Melanie screamed and ran.

"Well, now you've done it!" Percy exclaimed, glaring at Thalia who shrugged.

"She had it coming, mouthing off to me." Percy raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, and I haven't mouthed off to you worse?"

"You're my cousin so that's different." Annabeth rolled her eyes at the oncoming fight.

"Come on. We'd better get her before she goes running to someone." The three then left the Gym.

Not my best chapter. Oh well. It's pretty long I suppose. I am so sorry for making you all wait! Good news though, one more week of school before our two week Easter holiday! I'll try to write some more chapters over the holidays so I can update them gradually and not keep you waiting for so long. Unfortunately our teachers have decided to make sure we have enough homework, etc to keep us busy. With the teacher thing, they're about 25-27? I know, really, really, long after Tartarus. Bear with me peeps and yeah, thanks for all the support! It keeps me sane...to an extent...XD