Chapter 5

Percy woke up a couple of times, but wasn't conscious for long. Through these little glimpses of light, he could make out only a couple of things. None of them made sense though.

The first time he woke up, he saw his brother on one side of the bed talking to the girl from before on the other side.

When said brother noticed his consciousness, he lunged forward, putting his face all up in Percy's business.

"Back up, idiot." Said the girl, dragging Theo back by his hair. Theo frowned, but didn't fight back.

Theseus was replaced by a pretty face that made Percy flinch. "Hey, you, what do you know about the summer solstice?" She asked, but she quickly turned as the door was opened.

The girl frantically stuffed pudding into the boys mouth, causing him to fall right back asleep.

Before he went, however, he uttered a single word.

"Mom?"

Theseus tensed up, and the girl turned back for a second, a hurt look on her face. Percy quickly fell into the darkness for some time before he woke up to a different set of people.

In the corner of the room, Theo remained with his brother, standing while nodding his head, trying to stay awake.

Percy's eyes then shifted to a man sitting to his side, one who made him startled.

He quickly noticed the mans many eyes across his body, but couldn't say anything as tiredness consumed him, putting him right back to sleep.

The next time he woke up, he stayed conscious. He looked to his side to see Theseus jump up in his seat.

"Your awake." He said, gripping his brothers shoulders to steady him.

He felt less tired, but to say Percy was in a good position would be a lie. After a moment of silence, Percy spoke.

"So it wasn't some scary dream?" He asked.

Theo nodded. "Here." He said, handing Percy a shoe box. Percy opened it slowly to see the jagged horn of the Minotaur, something that gave him chills.

"Grover went back to get it, and I thought you should have it, as you were the one to kill that thing."

The two didn't talk for another long period. They spent the time together to take in what had happened.

"Where...where exactly are we?" Asked the boy.

Theo shook his head. "It'd be best if you found out yourself. Come one." He said, and Percy shakily got out the bed.

With wobbly legs, he followed his brother out the house and onto the porch, around the entire place.

Percy stared on as a large area filled with Greek structures was revealed to him. There were plenty of things that should've made him more excited, but he only felt empty.

The thing that caught his attention though was the people at the end of the porch.

A plump man sitting next to a man he recognized. To their side was the blonde girl, as well as Grover, the first to notice them.

"Percy, Theo!" He said, rushing forward and hugging them both.

Theo smiled lightly and Percy didn't react. The two were only separated by plump man talking.

"Ahh, the small one is finally awake, took him long enough." He said, sipping on a glass of a dark drink.

The girl turned around with a perky expression, looking at Theo waist a slight distaste, then scanning Percy.

This caught at his attention. The stare she gave, it was something different from any he had seen before. Still not anything he couldn't handle.

"Oh, your finally awake. It's a pleasure to see you, Perseus." Said the familiar man, Mr. Brunner. Please, sit down for pinochle."

Percy said nothing as he and his brother sat down, Theo across from the plump man and Percy to his side.

"Annabeth, please go prepare cabin 11 for our two new visitors." Said Me. Brunner calmly. After sharing a look with Theo, she walked off. Percy raised a brow.

"I'm sure your very confused right now, so let me just get this out of the way. Welcome to Camp Half Blood, please do not die while your here." Said the bearded man in the Hawaiian shirt, glancing at his cards. "Chiron shall explain the rest."

Perseus spoke for the first time since coming outside. "Who is Chiron, and who are you?" He asked.

"I'm Chiron." Said Mr. Brunner, surprising Percy. And this is Mr. D, the camp director."

Percy's eyes shifted back to the seemingly drunken man. He was in charge of everything here? He wondered.

"Look, Percy, you may find this all hard to take in, but please, humor a game so I can explain." Chiron said, referencing the game of pinochle, one Percy was vaguely familiar with.

Percy hesitated before scooting in, Theo doing the same with much less caution. It seemed like Theo knew what was going on, at least more so then Percy, yet he didn't care to explain anything himself.

Percy was handed some cards. Thankfully, he knew the rules of the game, more or less. Theseus could not say the same. It hadn't been a minute, yet Mr. D was already quick to scolding the older brother, calling him an abundance of insults.

It seemed he took his pinochle very serious.

"Let's start off with this. Tell me, Percy, how much do you know about the gods?" Asked the boys former teacher.

Percy's head pounded for a split second, but he regained himself quickly. He didn't know how serious "Chiron" was, but he answer honestly.

"Not much. Only what you've taught me over the year." He said. "I know there myths, though."

Mr. D smirked at the boys last remark. "I can already tell this one has a mouth on 'em!" He said.

"Well Percy, that's where you are mistaken. There's no point in trying to beat around the bush, so I'll just say it outright. Those gods that we spent so much time studying, Perseus, those gods are real.

In fact, those gods are active and on the move every day, following the heart of the west, and now they are settled here in America." He said.

Percy could've laughed at the moment, if he was in a different mood. However, Chiron didn't seem to be joking at all, in fact, he looked near deadly serious.

Percy glanced at his brother and saw he wasn't even fazed by the mans statement. In fact, he was so focused on learning the rules, he didn't even seem to care.

"So you mean to say...there are gods living above us? All powerful gods who have children with everything that moves?" He said almost sarcastically.

Mr. D seemed to be offended by the statement, and was going to say something before Chiron interrupted.

"Err, I wouldn't use that exact phrasing, but yes Percy, nonetheless, those beings are real." He said.

Percy looked at him with skepticism. Was he joking? We're they all playing some elaborate prank?

No, it couldn't be that, things were way to serious, and Mr. Brunner had never been the prank type. That said, there was no way he was ready to believe all this.

"I'm sorry uhhh, Chiron, but I find all that a little bit hard to believe. Gods? I know that was your subject and all, but it just doesn't seem real.

Chiron nodded, not surprised that the younger brother would take much more convincing then Theo. It sorta balanced out as Theo had only taken about 2 minutes to convince.

"I understand your denial, Perseus, but do you not see the impact the gods have had in your modern day life? Your money, your monuments, this country was built off what the Olympians have left behind." He said.

"If you still don't believe me, please explain Grover and his feet, or even the beast you encountered. Did those things seem like myths to you?"

Percy's body chilled as he remembered the sight of the horned monster he had just recently fought. There was nothing fake about that.

After what had happened, it donned on Percy that maybe Chiron was right. Right now, anything could've been possible to the demigod.

"So if the gods are real, what does that make me? And what are you?"

Chiron smiled lightly. "Who you are, that we're trying to find that out. As for me, I'm still just an old man who's enjoys teaching."

By the way he smiled, I knew there was more then that statement, but I didn't push it. There was something else on my mind.

"So if the gods are real, and this camps full of kids, who as far as I know don't all have wooly legs, what does that mean?"

"I think you already know, Perseus." Theo looked up for the first time, locking eyes with his brother. There was a special glint in his eyes.

"Percy, you and your brother are demigods."

-Line Break-

Percy trailed a step behind Theo who was a step behind Annabeth, the blonde girl. He was trying to keep up with the conversation, but was more focused on his surroundings.

Chiron had assigned the girl to escort the two to there new cabins, and he took this time to study the camp. A window on the top floor of the big house caught his eye especially.

"How about you?" Asked the girl, slightly catching him off guard.

"What?" He asked.

She squinted before repeating. "I asked how exactly you were taking all this. You seem much more civilized then your idiot older brother." She said, poking the boy lightly in the head.

Percy noticed the two appeared relatively comfortable with each other. He guessed they would continue to grow closer as they seemed to click.

"It's a lot, but it makes sense I guess. I'm sure I'll get used to it more as time guys by." He replied.

Annabeth seemed slightly annoyed by the answer. She was struggling to asses the boy, but she just needed time. She would figure him out eventually, she had to.

"I guess. I just hope you two know what your getting in to. Things here are different then usual, and if you don't adapt, you'll get eaten up." She said.

Percy only nodded, and Theo beamed idiotically. He didn't expect less from a camp filled with half-gods. Saying that he himself was also a half-god, he realized.

"It can't be that bad, after all, I don't think any demigod can get much worse then you." Said Theo with furrowed brows. He didn't even seem to realize his insult, but still was hit in the back of the head.

"Oww!" He said.

Percy was barely paying attention as he noticed the two reach the most boring looking cabin of them all.

Cabin 11, he presumed. Theo looked up, realizing they had reached their destination.

"Well?" Asked Annabeth, beckoning them forward. Theo stepped through the threshold without hesitation, and Percy followed.

The room was filled to the T with kids, all who were looking at the two newcomers.

Percy noticed a taller boy immediately, not even due to his prominent scar. No, it was the sense of familiarity. There was something about his vibe that clicked with him. That just made him more wary.

"New demigods? We haven't had many for the longest time." Said the boy with the scar. Percy immediately guessed he was the leader of sorts, but that wasn't what made him notice the demigod at first.

It was something much deeper.

Theo cleared his throat. "Well , we didn't exactly expect to end up here ourselves." He said with a chuckle. He shook the guys hand.

"Well, the names Luke." He said.

"Theseus." Replied the slightly smaller boy with a warm smile. Luke had a similar expression.

Percy wasn't convinced.

"And you are?" Asked the boy.

"Percy." He replied, short and sweet. He didn't make a move to shake hands.

"Well, err, are you two claimed or undetermined?" He asked, a little shook.

Theseus raised a brow. "Hmm?"

"Undetermined, for now. They didn't even know about anything till recently, so there kinda new." Said Annabeth, stepping forward. She had been quiet the whole time, but chose now to step in.

"I see." Said Luke with a thoughtful look. "We'll just have to give it time, I guess. I have a feeling that y'all two are special. But until you get claimed, we at the Hermes cabin welcome y'all!" He said.

The cabin gave a little cheer before Luke got them back on track, and they continued on with their lives.

He turned back to the brothers one more time. "Have fun getting used to the rest of the camp. It may be a lot at first, but you'll get used to it soon." Said the boy one last time.

Percy glanced to his side to see a slight blush on Annabeth's face. He got the idea.

"Thanks man, we appreciate it." Said Theo. He was so friendly it was painful.

The three turned around to continue there tour, but before they could all leave Luke called out.

"Hey, Percy, was it? I know y'all are busy, but can I talk to you for a second?" Asked the boy."

Theo looked confused for a moment, but Annabeth nodded in his direction. "I'll catch up." Mumbled the boy, turning around.

He walked up to the taller demigod and looked up with hands in his pockets.

"Yes?" He asked. No one in the room was paying attention to them, all busy doing their own thing. It felt like the two where in there own separate world.

Luke smirked. "You don't seem like the friendly type, unlike your brother." He said. Percy didn't like his tone of voice too much. It was much different then before.

"Well that friendliness doesn't always work out for him. It's called being cautious." He replied.

Luke chuckled a bit, before turning more serious. "Look kid, just tell me your deal. What's up with you?"

Percy nearly took a step back. He had noticed the change, but this swing was a little u expected.

"What do you mean by that?" He said lowly.

Luke crossed his hands. "The second you walk through, you scan the room in a second before locking on to me, giving off a crazy vibe. No normal kid does that." He said.

Percy looked at him skeptical. "Well I'm not a normal kid. Isn't that the whole point? We're supposed to be half gods and everything." He said.

"Yeah yeah, I get that, but your different. Y'know, I don't usually take interest to many newcomers, but somethings telling me that your different.

After all, you and your brother come here during a demigod drought, and the first thing you do is kill a Minotaur?" He asked.

Percy held his gaze for a moment. He didn't know exactly what to say, but he was careful to pick his words. He felt like he needed to keep talking to the boy in front of him, but he didn't know if he trusted him.

"I don't know what to tell you. Me and my brother have gone through some stuff these past few days, and we're just trying to get by. I don't know whatever it is that your feeling, but I don't got any answers." He said.

Truthfully, he too got a certain vibe from the demigod, but he didn't think it was enough to act on.

Luke's expression went darker for a second, but he held that confident smirk. "I see how it is. But what if I told you I knew you'd come here, Percy, in fact, I was waiting on it." He said.

Percy's body snapped. Off those words alone, he could feel a hostile presence cloud his senses.

"What?!" He said, losing composure."

Luke laughed, almost darkly. "Cmon kid, don't think your the only one with secrets. I'll tell you what, you go catch up with your brother or whatever, and right after you come see me. I'll be in the little run down shack not too far from behind here.

You won't miss it. If you wanna learn some stuff, come find me. If not, go on about your day, it doesn't matter much to me. He said, halfway turning around to go back to what he was doing.

Percy scowled before turning around as well. "I'll think about it." He grumbled, trudging out. He didn't like being pressed by the demigod, but he wasn't too surprised.

There were some pretty twisted people at Yancy, but he decided the people at a demigod camp would be on a whole different level.

He was nearly lost in his anger when he noticed Annabeth and Theo being confronted by a large girl. Right before he reached them, the girl took Theo away, both looking defiant.

"What is that all about?" He asked. Annabeth was started to see him for a second before she replied. "Your brother decided it was a good idea to challenge Charisse on his first day here. She's a child of Ares, by the way, not the best enemy to pick." She said, verbally facepalming.

"But what's up with you?" She asked. She could probably see the furrow in his brow and his visible annoyance.

"Nothing." He said.

Annabeth raised a brow, and Percy debated going to see Luke immediately. He was seconds away from doing so when Annabeth spoke.

"Follow me while we talk, Percy." She said. She started walking in the direction of what Percy thought was the volleyball pit.

Percy hesitated for a second, but decided to oblige.

"It should take your brother a little while to solve his problem, so I'd like to take that time to talk to you, Mr. Perseus Jackson." She said.

Percy squinted. He didn't really like the smart ones, and Annabeth seemed like the epitome of the type.

"How do you know my full name?" He asked. "Chiron said it earlier, but it makes sense. Perseus and Theseus, two of the greatest Greek heroes. Seems like your mom was smart enough to know what she was doing." She said.

"Well, yeah, but she's gone now." He replied, nearly emotionless.

Annabeth seemed sorry for a second before she sighed. "Look Percy, I'm sorry about your mother, I really am. I know you probably want to spend some time to yourself, but I just had to talk to you."

She waited a while before finishing.

It's just, nothing about you makes sense."

Percy perked up a bit. "What?"

"Don't what me like I'm not telling the truth. You and your brother, y'all are unlike and newbies I've ever seen, and I've been here for a longg time." She said.

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean."

"I'm a daughter of Athena, reading people is one of my specialties. The thing is though, your brother and especially you have no pattern. Theo may seem like an idiot, but I can tell he's not stupid, in fact, he even seems smart at times.

And you, your just a whole different subject. What's your deal, Percy?"

Percy only shrugged it off and continued walking. "Y'all are the ones who should be answering our questions. But I don't know what to tell you, we are who we are and that's it.

As for the difference between me and my brother..." Percy stopped and turned around, preparing to leave.

We may have grown up together, but me and Theo lived two desperate life's." He said, hands his pockets as he walked back in the direction the came.

"Wait!" Annabeth said, grabbing his hand. Percy felt a shock run through his body, making him tense.

"I don't know what your hiding, but I'll figure it out! If you and your brother are the people I've been waiting for, I can't lose this chance!" She said. She locked eyes with the boy, and Percy realized that this was much more then a mere couple of questions.

However, he didn't think it was his problem as he yanked his hand back and walked away.

"I don't got much to hide, Chase, but if you insist on being difficult then I guess I can't stop you. Also...

If you ever think even for a moment that Theseus is an idiot, you'll be proven wrong." He said with one final wave.

How did he find out my last name? Wondered the daughter of Athena.

Percy could almost feel her annoyance as he walked away.

He mentally cringed as he got a bad feeling from the demigoddess. He didn't know why he was so sure, but he knew for a fact that Annabeth Chase would be a problem.

He didn't know why, but the brain on her was one that even Percy could acknowledge.

And he also knew that she was smart enough to understand his last message. If she though she would be able to get to Theo just because he was an "idiot",

She'd have to get through him first.

Author's Note:

(Just my thoughts on the chapters and things, optional read:))

Despite being younger, Percy sure does seem to act a lot like the older brother, though Theo would never let that happen lol.

About the chapter though, I planned on it being longer, but it just seemed right to end here.

But anyways, I'm excited to see any conflict between Annabeth and Percy. There both smart in their own ways, but they seem to have opposite mindsets. They've never met someone as smart as themselves their age, so it must be new to them.

Let it be known though, despite his cocky attitude, Annabeth is one of the things he fears the most at this new camp.

I don't know, something about two smart characters duking it out is fun to read, for me at first. (Expect a lot of that in this, *hint* *hint*)

It's strange though, the two are on the same side, yet they're up against each other...

;)

But regarding my "hiatus", it was justified and I'm not upset at myself about it. In fact, I'm proud that I started today, which was as soon as I was able to, so enjoy the chapters. I'm enjoying writing this, so I'll focus on it possibly more than SoT.

It's strange because I do this a lot. Once I near the end of something, I lose interest as my mind defaults to "I'm pretty much already done." (That said, SoT Book 2 still has some twists left in it ;)

But back to this story, it's interesting to see what Luke has planned, as well as Percy's intentions. He doesn't seem to trust Luke at all, yet he's going along with him. Unlike a certain other smart Alec, Percy is t tempted by information, so he must have some other reason. I guess though, well have to just wait and see.

Lmao

(Feel free to leave reviews, I plan on replying to them all either in PM's or in the chap!)