Goodness! It's been a while, hasn't it?

But I think I'm back. I have over 40 Chapters written up for you guys, I just need to edit them and get them uploaded. So prepare for a spam of new chapters (hopefully!)

ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize (Riordan)

The next morning began my first day at work. I didn't know what to expect. I thought that they would try to start me off doing things that the other cyclops did, like standing in front of twenty million degree flames hitting hunks of metal with large hammers. But cyclops are smarter than you would think. Most of the time they had me working with some of the smaller cyclops in the kitchen around the back of the forge. I helped prepare the cyclops sized dishes for their two meals: Brunch and dinner. I went out and gathered the ingredients and plated food. The cyclops eat pretty well down there, even though everything is vegetarian. The cooks have quite a bit of time on their hands and they come up with some amazingly delicious cuisine. I also did some work in the forge. Since I was small, I was the one they called on to fix any of the machines that broke down. It was a fairly dangerous job since most of the breakdowns had to do with the making of the underwater flames. As soon as it was fixed, I had to get out of there fast because that heat stops for no one. The cyclops found out pretty quickly that I was not as fire tolerant as they were. Let's just say I have quite a few burn scars to add to my collection.

But I was doing great. I wasn't bad at what I was helping with and the cyclops actually appreciated my being there. Whenever I got things working again, the cyclops in the forge would clap for me and give me big, soot-filled hugs. The cyclops in the kitchen liked me too. I could do fine cutting and slicing that they couldn't do with their large hands. I learned how to understand their broken speech and they didn't mind that I didn't talk all of the time.

Tyson was definitely my favorite though. He knew how to talk the best and we had a lot of great conversations during break times and right before bed. I learned a ton about him.

I didn't know, but he was Percy's closest sibling. He went on some of Percy's quests with him. Gosh did Tyson idolize that boy. He spoke so sweetly of Percy and how much he missed him. He told me that for his next birthday, Percy was going to send him a cake. He was very excited for that day to come. Tyson was also a pretty young cyclops, he would live way past any human would, but right now he was only 112 and still growing. He was already way taller than me but about half of the size of the other older cyclops. I thought it was just amazing.

I told him a little about me too. I finally decided that it was okay for him to know that sometimes I talk with my hands. He thought that was really cool even though he didn't understand any of the things I said. I told him that I didn't have any brothers or sisters and that I didn't have parents. A little lie, I know, but I couldn't tell him everything. He never asked how I could breathe underwater or control the currents or anything like that. He was just glad that I was his friend. But he absolutely needed to know what my favorite color was. I told him that I liked yellow and the next day he found a bunch of yellow sea flowers for me. Tyson was pretty funny and sweet. He reminded me of Will. I tried not to think about him a lot, but he just always seemed to come up. Luckily, the days were busy and I didn't have a lot of free time on my hands. I liked it that way. And I liked what I was doing. I felt like I had a family, and it was absolutely fantastic.

If this was my new life then I've fallen in love with it. I cherished every moment and I'm glad I did, because it was less than a month before my life was thrown back into chaos...

Tyson and I were on break right before lunch when Tyson received an incoming iris message. He went over to the wall to take it and I sat on his bed a ways off.

The message opened and I almost puked.

Percy's face was on the wall. I quickly moved off the screen's visibility. How did I not see this coming!? My mind went into a panic and I prayed to the gods that Tyson wouldn't say anything.

"Percy!" Tyson exclaimed.

"Hey Buddy!" Percy laughed. "How are you doing?"

"I am still good yes haha. How are you, brother?"

"Haha I wish I could say the same." Though I couldn't see Percy's face anymore I could hear the distress in his voice.

"What? What wrong brother?"

"I… I don't know Tyson. We're at a loss," He took a long deep breath and then sighed. "You see we got this new girl at camp a couple months ago. She came in with a nasty fight against the minotaur at the beginning, but we got her on her feet again and we thought she was doing fine. But then she disappeared."

"Uh oh," Tyson said, "Where did she go?"

"That's just it, Bud, we don't know. You know this doesn't happen a ton, but when it does we send out a small team to look and if we can't find them after a week we bring the team back home." Percy paused again. "Tyson, Chiron has gone nuts over this girl. Once he found out she was gone he sent out three teams. But dude it's been almost a month and they haven't found her." I heard his voice crack a little. "Tyson, I want her back. I don't know what it is but I know Chiron feels it too. This girl is important. We have to find her, bro. I just don't know what else to do."

Tyson's face grew distraught. "I am so sorry brother."

Percy sniffed a little.

"No, man, don't be, it's alright. We'll find her."

I exhaled deeply. I had been holding my breath throughout the entire conversation without realizing it. They were looking for me. Damn. I mean, I was flattered, but very concerned. I wasn't sure I wanted to be found. Percy's voice came back to my attention.

"Tyson, I haven't even asked what's happening down there. How are things going?"

Oh no.

"OH PERCY!" Tyson exclaimed. "Percy I have a new friend!"

Well shit, Tyson.

"Oh really? Who's your new friend?"

"It's a blue girl, Percy. She is very nice."

No, Tyson, no, come on man.

"Really? Tyson are you sure she's a girl? Like a human girl?"

No, Percy.

"Yes she told me. She is bright blue too!"

"Well, what's her name? Gosh, Tyson, you always get the cute girls"

Tyson, don't do it.

"Her name is Trina."

"Trina… Tyson, are you sure?"

"Yes brother she told me."

Percy's voice turned stern.

"Trina… Katrina… Tyson. You have to be really honest with me okay? This is important. Does Trina wave her hands a lot?"

Percy, no Percy please. My head started to scream no no no. I was happy here, Percy, let me be happy here! My saltwater tears mixed in perfectly with the salt of the sea.

"Um… sometimes she does yeah. Trina likes to use her hands but I don't know what she says sometimes. She just talks to me."

Percy's tone got more rushed, more intense.

"That doesn't make sense… but it has to be. Tyson what does she look like? Does she look a little like Annabeth?"

"Annabeth, yes!"

No I had to get out of there now! I couldn't move I was too scared. My anxiety took over me and I couldn't even breathe.

"Tyson, where is Trina."

"Haha Trina is right-"

I wasn't there anymore. Something in me switched on, like a horse being hit in a race, and I bolted. The current was there and ready and I cut through the water. It was dark in the ocean, because it was night time on land. I couldn't see where I was going, but my heart said land land land and that's where the current took me. Once the current stop I swam as hard as I could to get to the surface. My head popped up breaking the tension of the water. I gasped and felt the cold clean air fill my lungs. I located the shore in a hurry and dove back under the water to minimize my chances of being caught by the Harpies. No doubt Tyson told Percy that I had left. I bet he was getting a team together right now. I had to be fast.

I was to the point where I couldn't swim anymore, the water had gotten to be too shallow. Suddenly a flashlight beam skimmed the top of the water. I ducked quickly to get my head underneath the waves. They were here. And I bet you anything Percy was with whoever was out there. I made the decision to traveling further east before heading up out of the water. I would be closer to the forest and farther away from the search party. Then I made my move. I sprung out of the water and ran towards the cover of trees. Luckily, the bright blue designs faded from my body as soon as I left the water. From behind me I heard someone yell 'did you hear something?', but other than that, I couldn't hear the sound of footsteps or anyone trying to follow me. I continued to run until I was deep in the forest, near the same spot where I sat and decided I would take an attempt on my life.

Now I had to come up with another plan. It was beginning to get lighter, a sign of day approaching, which didn't give me a lot of time. I was out of ideas and completely exhausted, mentally and physically. What else could I do? I just walked and thought about the mess I had gotten myself into. I wasn't safe anywhere. From the sound of it, Percy and Chiron would stop at nothing to get me back to camp. That would be problematic.

I could definitely feel a panic attack coming soon. What the hell was I supposed to do?! Go back and be faced with the same problems I had to begin with? How could I even fulfill my duty while being made to feel like a piece of shit every day?!

I was really happy down in the ocean with Tyson. And now I couldn't go back. Ever.

Snap.

I lifted my head to the sound of a tree branch breaking underfoot. I look just in time to make out a small body hidden behind a tree. I started to say hello, but come to realize my voice is gone. I lost it when I came out of the water. Everything was exactly the same as before.

Tears began to flow from my eyes and I didn't care who hid themselves behind that tree. It could be Percy and I wouldn't give a damn. I dropped onto my knees and held my head in my hands just hoping and praying that whoever it was would leave me alone. There was silence for a moment, but slowly there came small, light footsteps. Suddenly, there was a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see a petite, green Dryad with amber hair. She looked caringly at me, but she also seemed scared.

"Are you alright?" She asked sweetly.

Not bothering to wipe the tears from my eyes I shook my head no.

"You are a camper, yes?" She inquired.

I didn't want to, but I nodded yes.

"Well, you must have ran out here for a reason," she moved so that she sat in front of me and looked into my watery eyes. "I'm not going to pry, but you do seem weak. Maybe you should come to my place and rest for a while. Would that be okay?"

I looked at this nymph who was my one true miracle. I debated for a moment and then slowly nodded my head. She smiled sweetly.

"It's not far, can you walk?" the Dryad proceeded to stand and then reach her hand out for me to grab. I was able to stand and walk just fine. We didn't talk as we walked, but she looked over at me every now and then to offer an encouraging smile. I began to wipe my face dry and thank the gods extensively. Maybe this Dryad was a sign that reminded me that I would never be alone; the gods would look after me.

We soon reached a juniper tree that was fairly tall. It was framed by large boulders and other vegetation. The Dryad spoke softly as we approached the base of it.

"It's a little cramped in here, because it's just me and Grover, but it shouldn't be too bad, just watch your head."

With that she slipped through a small opening between roots and pushed her way inside. Luckily, my small frame was just small enough that I got inside no problem. She was definitely right about it being tiny. She was about a foot shorter than I was, so I had to duck a little to fit under the dirt ceiling. But she had made a cute little home out of this tree. There was a small kitchen against the left wall and a couch facing the door. Everything was made of wood and moss, but it was very cute.

"Come this way," the Dryad instructed. I followed her into a space in the back that had a small bed and a large moss rug. "I would let you take the bed, but I'm afraid it might be too small for you," she let out a small giggle, "But the rug is fairly comfy. I hope you don't mind resting here."

I shook my head no as I sat on the floor. I mouthed to her, 'Thank You.'

"What was that? I couldn't hear—" the nymph stopped mid sentence. "Oh I understand, that was a thank you wasn't it?" I nodded.

"I'm so sorry," she came over and sat by me on the floor. "I had no idea." She put a consoling hand on my knee. I just put my hand over hers to show that it was alright. She smiled and then rose to leave.

"I'll let you rest now, you look exhausted," she turned to exit the small room, then stopped. "My name is Juniper by the way, just come on out if you need anything." I smiled at her as a thank you. Once she left the room I cried in thanks to her and the gods for their mercy. I also cried from being totally and utterly exhausted. It wasn't long before I fell asleep in the room of a stranger. But really, it's not like this was anything new.

I woke up to the sound of people bickering.

"Juniper, you do not understand what a big deal she is, the entire camp is looking for her."

"Grover, she needs rest and someone to look after her. She doesn't want to go back there. I could see it in her face when I mentioned it, she needs time away from there."

"Juni—"

"Look, I know that it is a good place for demigods to find their strengths and be accepted but it's obviously not a positive place for her."

"But they are going nuts looking for her."

"Do you know why they are looking for her?"

"She's important."

"In what way, Grover?"

"I… I don't know."

I could hear the sound of hooves walking away.

"Fine, Juniper, she can stay as long as she needs to. But if they come here looking for her, we can't hide her."

"Thank you, love."

The hooves walked out of the tree hole and Juniper gave a long sigh. At that I decided to get up and go to see her.

"Oh dear," she said regarding my presence, "did you hear all that?"

I decided to go ahead and shake my head no.

"Well good, Grover was being fickle and too loyal for his own good." Though she sounded upset she said this with a smile. There were a lot of things I wish I could ask her.

"Are you hungry?" Juniper asked. I nodded slightly although the pain in my stomach was unbearable. I was starved. She brought out a plate of mushrooms and other vegetables, which she then cut and tossed into a beautiful little salad. As we ate she asked if I would answer a few questions for her.

"Did you know that the camp was looking for you?"

I nodded yes.

"Do you like being at camp?"

I shook my head.

"Is it because of the people?"

I raised up one finger.

"One person?"

I nodded.

"I see. Do you know why they are looking for you?"

I nodded.

"You know why you are important?"

I sighed, then nodded.

"Is that another reason you don't like camp?"

I nodded again.

"I see. Well Grover said you could stay here with us until you think you can go back."

I mouthed, 'Thank you.'

"Oh and Grover will come back tonight with some paper and a pencil so that we can talk." She smiled as she stuffed another bite of salad into her mouth. "I don't go outside much and it gets lonely here with Grover out all day. I think having you here will be fun." I smiled at her in return.

"There are some projects coming up too that I would like help with if you would be willing," she mentioned this hesitantly, but I nodded to show that it was fine.

"Great!" She said, "If you don't mind, I have about 100 root cakes I need made by three o'clock this afternoon." Juniper got up from her place across from me and took both of our empty plates to be washed in the sink.

"In the cupboard above the cooling chest there is a large bowl, would you get it down for me?"

I walked over to a large rock that covered a hole in the dirt wall. I removed the rock and was shocked by the cold that came from it. Yep, definitely the cooling chest. I opened the cupboard and pulled out the bowl. I spent the afternoon going back and forth between cupboards getting ingredients and washing dirty dishes. Juniper sang quietly as she baked away. When she wasn't singing she was laughing and telling me silly stories of Grover and Percy when they were younger. Apparently, Grover and Percy were really close friends when he first came to camp; they also had some kind of dream link? I don't know, Juniper wasn't sure how to explain it. But it seemed pretty cool. Soon enough, all one hundred of the little root cupcakes were made and placed in boxes for one of the baby dryad's birthday parties. Juniper headed out the door, the boxes stacked up on a little wagon that she pulled behind her, and waved as she went on her way.

I was alone again.

Juniper was so hospitable, but I knew right away that I couldn't stay here. I would be too much of a burden, especially with Grover wanting to turn me over to Chiron. I was pretty much a fugitive, and I didn't want my weight to fall on their shoulders. Juniper would be home in a few hours, and Grover would come right after her. I told myself I would talk with them about my decision tonight. I couldn't bear to leave her without at least an explanation and a thank you.

That night, the couple came home. Grover brought home some paper and a small pencil for me to use. I wasted no time, and scribbled down: I don't think I can stay here.

"Love, please don't worry about them coming to find you here, Grover promised he would do his best to keep you safe," Juniper mentioned pleadingly.

I took the pencil: I know and I appreciate that, but I think I need to take some time by myself and think about what I'm going to do with myself.

"Do you think you'll go back to the camp eventually?" Grover asked hesitantly.

I just looked down at the paper for a moment.

"Katrina, they are so worried about you."

I bent over to write: They will have to drag me back. Grover sighed.

"Alright."

Then I wrote my last message to them:

Thank you so much, Juniper, for taking me in without question and thank you Grover for keeping my secret. Thank you to both of you for opening your home to me and letting me spend a night here. Your hospitality has made all of the difference in my direction and demeanor. I could never thank you enough.

"Oh dear," Juniper sniffled, "No, you'll make me cry! At least take a pack of food and water with you please!" She rushed off into the kitchen to quickly assemble a small backpack for me.

"I don't know why they need you," Grover said as he clopped towards me, "but Katrina they are desperate for you. Please, remember that as you go."

I nodded to him firmly, and Juniper came back with the bag, going over it's contents with me as I walked to the slit in the tree that would lead to the outside.

"Be safe," Juniper called to me.

I turned around as I slipped out the door and waved one last time.