The first chunk, seven hundred or so words, are from the OG story as it still fits... honestly, it fits this version better then the old version by far. I used a little of the next chapter too... eventually I wont' use any of the OG story as it started to suck but the beginning was good to a point. A huge part of this is still unique and most of what is used has been altered.

Anyway, I want to ask a question... Aaron is gay, so if I do a pairing... who should he be with? I might do no pairings, but... if I did?

The next day a mix of odd and painful, due to being an acolyte of Hecate he was allowed to participate in training but he had to do them often on his own. As he quickly discovered, he was not considered important by most of the people in camp. Many even seemed to resent him, he guessed due to being accepted and chosen by a goddess when most of them were outright ignored by their parents. He had to teach himself Ancient Greek and Latin, though Alabaster helped whenever they crossed paths. He spent most of his time at this, hunched over a book and because of that he missed out on a great many other things. Still, being smarter then your average bear, he managed to learn the basics over the course of a few days, enough to feel comfortable with at least attempting to pronounce a few words. Maybe a few demigods mocked his attempts, maybe it kind of stung, he didn't care. He was used to adversity, to bullies and abusers, these kids weren't any worse then his mother.

The rest of the day, from after lunch to sundown, he spent his time trying to garner at least some combat ability through the various activities they allowed at the camp. Archery quickly became a favorite, even if the Children of Apollo liked to show off by making countless perfect shots. One kid named Lee did have the decency to show him how to hold a boy and actually corrected him a few times before leaving him alone to attempt to learn. He was actually a good shot for someone just trying, he never missed the target but was not quite good enough to get it on the bullseye. This actually made him smile, perhaps the only thing that did at Camp.

He refused to wrestle or canoe, not wanting to get attacked by kids with a preternatural amount of physical strength or risk drowning since he couldn't swim. Still, he did try his hand at racing the nymphs and though he lost, it inspired him to start jogging. He realized how poor shape he was in, and so he decided to start jogging for the fun of it. It wasn't as fun as he'd like but he was hoping to get in good enough shape to really hold his own.

Despite their cruelty and dismissal, it was fun to watch the demigods and how unnaturally good they were at things. There were a few kids that were pretty new but already they excelled at random tasks. A Son of Demeter who could garden like a professional after only two weeks at camp, having come just before Percy and Aaron. A Daughter of Hephaestus that could make incredible statues detailed with a stunning level of skill.

Then there was the magic, for example watching Castor and Pollux the twin sons of Dionysius in the gardens, witnessing the fields growth become noticeable just by them standing in the field. The tendrils of vines literally wriggling like overactive puppies as they stroked the plants, the scent of strawberries and wine filling the air and getting the adorable twins to smile in a way that made him realize that their father might actually be handsome if he took on his original form.

Nothing was as amazing however as watching the healing touch of the children of Apollo, singing a powerful Hymn that eased pain just by hearing the song. Delicate light filling rooms and reversing all sorts of damage, from burns from the Colliding climbing wall to concussions. He was afraid, nervous even, to walk into their domain and ask them about their magic, and so he kept on looking from affair whenever they were called to help a random kid who was dumb enough to hurt themselves, usually during sword practice...

Which lead to the most unfortunate part of his time at the camp, Sword practice.

Luke, their teacher, assumed he had no weapons and apologized. "Sorry but our weapons won't work for mortals. Your just not considered important enough for it." The boy cringed a little, looking pained to say as much. The idiots snickering behind them only added to that pain. Percy, who was also in the group of Unclaimed kids, looked irritated but not ready to defend him.

So, naturally, Aaron was happy to showcase the weapons that Alabaster had given him. Enchanted iron wrote with a rose pattern delicately embedded into the metal, the sword was almost two and half feet long and covered in runes that allowed him to kill Monsters and fight demigods. The shield was round and covered in more runes, it was heavier then he'd like but still comfortable in his arms. It helped he was stronger then your average bear given his large size.

"Will this work? Alabaster gave it to me, it works for mortals but against mythological beings like Demigods and Monsters." he tried to hide a smirk at the rage filled glared the demigods sent his way. Not all of them of course, but enough for him to feel sort of smug about it. Really it wasn't his fault their parents didn't care about them.

Luke, definitely noticing the hateful glares, nodded hesitantly. "Sure... um... no sparring today."

And so they each went off, fighting against evil straw filled dummies. He did his best to ignore the various nasty comments he heard behind his back from the oh so subtle idiots around him.

"He's mortal, what makes him so important that he got claimed?"

"He's kind of fat, why does he even matter?"

The nasty comments went on and on, and he ignored then easily, but it was only when he heard one particular comment that he actually sort of felt bad for some of these kids, realizing he was just an easier target then their awful parents.

"Hey, Conner, he was claimed so quickly, do you think my mom is going to claim me too?" The owner of the voice was soft, sweet and young. It was a boy's voice, and he was maybe six or seven.

Conner, he assumed, answered him with a lot of pain in his voice. "Maybe, kiddo... maybe."

'Fuck... that's rough..." He slashed through his dummy, trying not to growl as he considered the fact that a mere child, a little kid, had never talked to their parent or had even been acknowledged by them. It was wrong... and with that he started to understand the hate he sensed in Alabaster whenever they spoke about the gods. He swore, in that moment, to talk to Alabaster about the gods and that crap the next time they were in the cave.

Eventually, after about twenty minutes of sparring against the dummies, they each moved onto pairs. Alabaster, to his shock, moved towards him with a happy smile. " I think it 's best if you and I go against each other."

"That might be for the best."

Alabaster turned out to be a great swordsmen and showed Aaron the thrusts and parries and shield blocks the hard way. He held back only a little, knowing there was no literal way for his sword to even touch Aaron, but Aaron's sword could easily touch him and so he was forced to dodge and block and knock to the side each and every blow Aaron attempted to let at him.

By the time Luke called a break, Aaron was soaked in sweat. Everybody swarmed the drinks cooler and Aaron was no exception, he was utterly worn out. His arms were shaking, his core was a mess, and he was totally wrecked. The other kids were recovering at supernatural speeds, their breathing evening out in mere moments where as he was a shaking mess even when the break ended.

"Okay, everybody circle up!" Luke ordered. "If Percy doesn't mind, I want to give you a little demo."

The Hermes guys gathered around. They were sup-pressing smiles, like they were looking forward to seeing Percy get pounded. Aaron wasn't as enthusiastic, he liked Percy well enough and didn't like the idea of him getting hurt.

Luke told everybody he was going to demonstrate a disarming technique: how to twist the enemy's blade with the flat of your own sword so that he had no choice but to drop his weapon. "This is difficult," he stressed. "I've had it used against me. No laughing at Percy, now. Most swordsmen have to work years to master this technique." He demonstrated the move on Percy in slow motion. Sure enough, the sword clattered out of his hand. "Now in real time," he said, after Percy retrieved his weapon. "We keep sparring until one of us pulls it off. Ready, Percy?"

Percy nodded and Luke came after him. Somehow, he kept him from getting a shot at the hilt of his sword. Percy countered, he stepped forward and tried a thrust of his own. Luke deflected it easily, but Aaron saw a change in his face even from his spot in the crowd. His eyes narrowed, and he started to press Percy with more force. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Percy's blade hit the base of Luke's and he twisted, putting his whole weight into a downward thrust.

Clang.

Luke's sword rattled against the stones. The tip of his blade was an inch from his undefended chest.

The other campers were silent but Aaron was not. "Damn, cute and good at swordfighting. Good on you, Percy." He enjoyed the blush on Percy's face as he turned towards him, scowling a little.

Luke was more moved. "By the gods, Percy, why are you sorry? Show me that again!"

This time, there was no contest. The moment their swords connected, Luke hit his hilt and sent my weapon skidding across the floor.

After a long pause, somebody in the audience said, "Beginner's luck?"

Luke wiped the sweat off his brow. He appraised at Percy with an entirely new interest. "Maybe," he said. "But I wonder what Percy could do with a balanced sword... ."

Aaron just smirked at the rest of the idiots, happy that someone had finally shut them up. He turned to Alabaster, who was next to him. " I wonder if you can do that?"

"I can, but not as good as Luke. I am probably the next best swordfighter in Camp... other then Clarisse of course." He offered his own smirk. "Want to see what I mean?"

"Why not, you've already beaten me three times, lets go for four."

'''

"Magic is, in essence, the power of thought." Alabaster said as he sat across from Aaron in the cave. "To make magic work, you must will whatever you want into being. Seriously half of magic is believing it will work and putting power behind a word or symbol. For you, that power is stored in your talisman, so you need to touch or channel power from it and will it into being. Start with casting small spells, or more simply Telekinesis. Moving objects with your mind is a great way to get a grip on your focus and control, it also helps to define your limitations with magic."

"How do I start?" Aaron asked, fingering his talisman, feeling it's cold power washing through his cells. "I can feel the power just fine, but how do I use it, channel it?"

"Focus on a goal and will it to be. Mind over matter, literally. I admit, this isn't my area of specialty. I prefer actual spells and runic enchantments, but I can do this too." He gestured to the table, which had a variety of small objects including coins, marbles, toothpicks and a few locks. "Since your new, it might be easier to start with a spell... saying something helps with mental focus. Try this... Movere. It's Latin for move, simple enough for you to use."

Nodding, Aaron grabbed hold of the talisman and focused on the energy. Looking at a marble, he imagined it moving towards Alabaster with all he had. Then, with great focus, he said, "Movere." He instantly felt cold rush through him, like walking in front of a fan after a shower, and the marble scooted across the table towards Alabaster. He had did it, on his first try. "Nice, I di-woah... " he collapsed into his chair, the world rushing above him. "Why is... that's... woozy."

His teacher laughed at him. "That's normal, magic tends to do that to people on their first try. It's just your body developing the sensitivity towards magic. It's like when you look at light after being the dark for so long. Your not used to it and your lack divine blood so you can't compensate for it."

"Should have said something... woah...and that's getting better." He shook his head as the world settled down. "That was weird ... so what's next?"

"Nothing much, you just need to start moving these objects in different way. Then the real test is unlocking the locks with just your mind."

"That's going to hard... but fun. What else will I be learning?"

"Well.. for the first month or so, not much. Some basics spells, like a fire starting spell since you'll need it on quests and for most forms of magic, prayer based spells to channel the power of a god or spirit for any real big spell, plant revival since that is a good way to master channeling and get some talent at Earth magic, and a tracking spell since you might end up finding our siblings and taking them here for mother or any other task. Hmmm, am I missing anything... oh yeah, minor healing and pain relief spells are a must, the basics of runes, specifically a basic warding spelll... oh and the basics of divination. Sounds like a lot but trust me, these are your main tools for all of magic. If you can master these, you can master anything."

"Sounds fun... when do we start?"

"How about now, let's see if you can move these toothpicks into the air. Not shoot them at me, just move them." Alabaster smirked a little.

"Cool and while you do that, you can tell me why you are so angry with the gods besides the obvious."

Alabaster sighed. " That would take forever, but since your here... , I might as well tell you a story. The story of how the Barrier around Camp Halfblood and all those who were screwed over because of it. It isn't the main reason I hate the gods but it is a good place to start as it shows just how awful they are..."

:::

"Percy!" He called out, catching his technical brother by the Lakeside with Grover. They both looked a little charred, having probably been on the Climbing wall.

Percy waved him over. "Hey, how was your day? I haven't seen you at all since Lunch and you didn't stay the whole time. Your rarely around for any activities."

He smiled at his brother, shrugging. "Magic practice, unlike you demigods I lack a natural talent or power for anything so everything I do has to be sheer effort. Language, Magic, swordplay, archery... it is all I can do to just manage the basics really."

"Have you learned any?" This was Grover, meekly speaking up while sniffing at him. "You smell like magic, fresh earth and citrus."

That stopped him for a minute, looking at the little Satyr in shock before sitting down. " Just telekinesis so far, I won't start anything advanced till next week. I'm still drawing on my coin for magic. From what I gather, some things are just off limits for now, like controlling the Mist since I lack Divine blood or natural magic."

Grover nodded, a genuinely warm look in his brown eyes. "I have trouble too and I am actually magical. It's not easy is it."

"I believe in it and myself, so that part I got... but since I'm just a human I have trouble feeling the magic and making it happen... what part do you have trouble with?" He knew the answer though, just talking to the Young Goat boy, it was obvious he lacked faith in himself and that stemmed the flow of his powers greatly. It was kind of sad actually.

That Grover didn't actually answer made it even sadder.

Percy, noticing his friend clear distress, spoke up. "Hey, I burned myself on the clashing walls. You should try that thing, it's crazy."

He chuckled. "I would probably end up fried, I am not as fast or as strong as you guys are. My injuries would take forever to heal. "He sighed a little, jealous of Percy... then he noticed something. "Unlike you who is already almost healed. Look."

It was enjoyable, watching the shock in Percy's face as his arm slowly turned to normal skin. "Wow... I will never get used to that." His shock made Percy flex his feet, moving them from the water below.

'Controlling the bathroom water and healing from touching the water... Percy I think your a sea gods kid.' He wondered why no one else noticed it already, but it seemed obvious from the moment he controlled the Bathroom water. Sally didn't seem the type to attract just any old God either... so he had some theories that he kept to himself.

For a little while they sat on the pier, just being lazy and enjoying each other before Percy turned to Grover and asked a question that apparently was bothering him. " How did your meeting with Mr. D go?"

His face turned a sickly shade of yellow.

"I was wondering about that too, you didn't seemed pleased when you told me about it when I first woke up." He looked that Satyr, feeling some pain watching the pain and fear in the kid's eyes. He was used to that look, he had had it in his own far too many times to count. Besides, Mr. D was not a kind many by any metric.

"Fine," he said. "Just great."

"So your career's still on track?"

"Career? What Career?" He hated being out of the loop, and looked to Grover.

"Chiron t-told you I want a searcher's license?

"Well... no. He just said you had big plans, you know ... and that you needed credit for completing a keeper's assignment. So did you get it?"

Grover looked down at the naiads, who Aaron had actually not seen while they sat there, so he was enjoyably shocked at the sight of the beautiful girls. "Mr. D suspended judgment. He said I hadn't failed or succeeded with you yet, so our fates were still tied together. If you got a quest and I went along to protect you, and we both came back alive, then maybe he'd consider the job complete."

"Well, that's not so bad, right?"

"Blaa-ha-ha! He might as well have transferred me to stable-cleaning duty. The chances of you getting a quest... and even if you did, why would you want me along?"

"Of course I'd want you along!"

Aaron laughed, cringing after a pained and almost teary Grover and angry Percy looked at him. He wasn't being cruel, even if he wasn't terribly fond of the Satyr.

"Sorry, but Grover I don't know you very well but I have heard about the Thalia... Alabaster told me, yesterday actually. "He sighed as the Goat boy when he cringed and looked away in shame. "I don't know all the details but I know you saved Annabeth and Luke, two major leaders here... and you are the only reason Thalia made it this far. The daughter of Zeus and whatever Percy is plus a child of Hermes and a daughter of Athena. Two councilor heads, the best Swordsmen in three hundred years...you are skilled at finding people and caring for others. You just had a lot of monsters to fight... the Kindly ones and the Bull boy... the monsters of the underworld versus three kids and Satyrs and still two kids survived. That isn't a small task Grover. Percy ditched you, so that isn't on you." Reaching over, he grasped Grover's hand and squeezed, enjoying the literal kid's smile. He may not like him but Grover was so pitiful he kind of had to help him. "Your not a weakling or worthless, any of us would be lucky to have you on a quest."

Percy just seemed confused this time. " Thalia?"

"Oh that... sorry Percy." This time he ignored Grover's pain a little to educate Percy. "Alabaster told me the full details, he is a son of Hecate and my Tutor in magic... he told me this story, sort of as a warning I guess... anyway, Thalia was a child of Zeus. From what I understand after World War Two there was a pact, so no children of the Big Three could have kids... that is the sons of Kronos. Their kids have too much power and influence, their kids were leaders in the World Wars... America and Britain Ruled by children of Zeus and Poseidon and Italy and Germany ruled by children of Hades.

They forced Hades into an oath, on the River Styx itself, binding them for all time to obey their oath...

However, to no surprise, Zeus broke his pact and had a daughter with a TV Star, a girl named Thalia. Grover was the one to find and bring her here, but only with Annabeth and Luke... I guess they were attacked... she made a stand at the peak of the Hill and as she died her father turned her into a Pine tree. Her potent spirit amplified the barrier around this place and that is what lives around here. The power of a noble sacrifice is a mighty thing apparently, in witchcraft it can be used for a great many things."

A look of awe passed over Percy's face, something he understood. He had felt the same way, even if he also felt a wave of hate build towards the gods that would so cruelly abuse child. Actually the only god he wasn't mad at, oddly, was Hades. The man was forced into an Oath and did what they swore. Cruel but he understood. No he was mad at the god who broke his oath, an oath he forced the others into agreeing too, dooming his daughter to such a life... he wondered how Luke and Annabeth dealt with the trauma. He doubted anyone here, filled with jealous children, bothered to help them to deal with that loss or trauma. He sort of understood why Annabeth was rude now..

"How did they agree to that oath, I mean their gods couldn't they just break it?"

This time it was Grover who answered. "They swore on the River Styx. Not even a god can just break an oath on that only since Zeus had a child, she suffered for it more then he did."

"That doesn't seem right, she was just a kid! She didn't do anything!"

"No, but that doesn't matter Percy. I agree with killing her." He faced his sort of brother and Grover fully, not ashamed at all by his statement. "If they are so dangerous that an oath had to be sworn... I get it Percy. The Second World War was one of the worst in history with a massive death told and so much slaughter of civilians. Millions were burned Percy, or gassed… if stopping a child of the Big Three from being born or living prevents that then I get it. I don't like it … but the needs of the many out weigh those of the few. That's why I still respect Hades. He may have been cruel but the death of one to save all of us... that was an needed evil I think. I don't like it, who would, but if it meant the safety of all of us then I can see where he was coming from...

Pity, though. This place is so afraid of Hades he doesn't even have a cabin. If it was Zeus that did it and she was a child of Hades people would have probably celebrated."

He was kind of stunned at the irritation in his voice, but he knew the source. He hated irrationality, having lived around bullies and abusers his whole life he couldn't help but feel empathy for the God of the Underworld.

From the pained look on Grover's face, he seemed to understand but agree with his statement. "I hate to admit it but your probably right. Children of Hades tend to be a bit... " He looked around, eyes wide as he realized his words.

"Evil?" Percy finished for him, not realizing how terrified he was.

"No just misunderstood." He sighed, rubbing his arm. "People hate what they fear Percy, and people fear Death so anyone tied it are feared. That is another thing I learned from Alabaster, his siblings aren't treated very well for the same reason. Hecate is known for being tied to the Underworld so they are judged harshly for it." He tried to keep his own hate from his words, but it was hard. Abusers were... awful.

That didn't seem to gel with Percy well, he looked back towards the cabins. " So... I get why there are two empty cabins, Zeus' and Poseidon's, but what about the others."

"Hera doesn't have kids and neither does Artemis... doesn't explain why Athena does though, but I am guessing it is like Erikthonius, born of Divine Sweat and Tears." He shrugged, dipping his own toes into the water and smiling at the lovely nymphs. " Is that close Grover?"

The Goatboy blushed. "Well no, but yes... she... she combines her divine thoughts with human ingenuity and has brain children."

"So it's like how their mom was born, cool." He sighed, taking in the warm but waning sunlight. "I guess Hestia doesn't have a cabin. I think she should, might be better for the camp. She is the Goddess of the Home so she'd be able to take in the unclaimed kids and ease up the burden placed on Hermes' cabin. It's what I'd do, I think... maybe Leto too, she's a motherhood Titan and I can't see her not loving the power to raising so many kids."

They stayed there for another half hour, shoot the breeze and talking their time at camp. Percy was particularly excited about his swordplay and how he disarmed Luke after being soaked by water which he didn't seem to realize basically was more proof he was probably a Sea gods kid. Grover didn't seem to notice, more focused on encouraging Percy and being awed that he disarmed Luke. Oddly and amusingly, Percy seemed more amazed that Aaron couldn't even touch the metal and swore that he had to see it.

Eventually, after a lull in the conversation, something changed in Percy and he said something that was, to put it mildly, kind of alarming

"Grover, have heroes really gone on quests to the Underworld?"

"Sometimes," he said. "Orpheus. Hercules. Houdini."

It was hard not for Aaron to pipe up. " Mr. D did, twice actually, bringing his wife and mother up to become gods."

Percy turned to him, excitement and pleasure in his eyes mirroring the horror and fear in Grover's. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, but keep in mind Percy he was never a normal Demigod. His grandmother was also a Goddess, Harmonia the Goddess of Harmony in both War and Domestic tasks. She was the child of Aphrodite and Ares, so she'd have been powerful and so would have been her kids." He knew where Percy's mind went, a place his own mind went more then once. "He was able to turn people into animals before he elevated to godhood, lead a conquest of India and a whole host of things. He was as powerful or stronger then Hercules, well not physically I imagine but in terms of raw skill and power. I know what your thinking Percy, put it out of your mind... but since I know you won't, at least wait until your skilled enough to be a threat. Like five years of training at least. Get the point where you can fight armies of the undead and come out on top cause if Hades is as resentful as I imagine, that is what you might need."

That seemed to ease Percy's excitement to a more manageable level. "Fine, you make a good point... :

Grover was still horrified. "Oh, listen, don't think like that. If you were-you know-, powerful enough for that you'd still never ever be allowed a quest! You're probably a child of Hermes. Or maybe even one of the minor gods, like Nemesis, the god of revenge. Please don't wish for more power then that, it never ends well you guys!"

It was pretty obvious he was more worried about himself here then Percy, knowing that he would have to join Percy on such a quest.

'Your quite the cowards aren't you, Grover... but I can't blame you here. Could anyone?'

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a fun story and chapter, I enjoy it more then most...

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.