Percy's POV:
"What?" I asked because they were silent for quite awhile. I guess it's not everyday that a kid comes waltzing in saving two people and defeating a famous monster. And already knows of the Greek world and his parentage.
"That's not possible!" Annabeth said. I never forget a face and the name that comes with it.
"What's not Annabeth? The fact that I know about the gods and everything or the fact that I'm not dead." I could see in her stormy grey eyes that she recognizes me.
"Do you know each other?" Chiron asked from his wheelchair.
"Not particularly, I just ran into her awhile ago and saved their butts. Didn't they ever mention me?" Annabeth's eyes grew wide and she pointed right at me.
"You're the lunatic with the flute! Chiron, I thought he was just a dream... Neither Luke or Thalia" Her voiced hitched at her name, "ever mentioned you so I thought you were just a figment of my imagination or something." She mumbled the last part, but I caught it and from the looks of it so did Chiron. She went on to tell the story of our meet and didn't leave any details out. Earning quite the shocked looks from everyone present.
"I think we have much to discuss?" Chiron stopped talking and waited for my name.
"Percy. Just Percy."
"A pleasure Percy." Chiron swung his wheelchair around, "Now would you please leave us be for a moment?" He asked the other attendants. Who made haste in leaving, leaving the three of us and two unconscious bodies alone.
After a moment of silence she burst out, "You promised that we would meet again! Alive! Now... Now it's just Luke and I." She began tearing up and sat down on the bed across from mine. Putting her face in her hands.
"What happened?" I asked swinging my legs over the edge of the bed as I clenched the sheets tightly. She didn't answer me, just continued to sob. Hopping off the bed I sat next to her and hugged her tightly. Letting her head rest on my chest. She didn't resist, just continued to shed a few more tears. After a couple of minutes she calmed down. "What happened?" I asked more tenderly. In the corner of my eye, I saw the Minotaur horn placed at the foot of the bed.
"A week after our encounter with you-" She began saying that they were hunted relentlessly by monsters. And finished off by saying that Thalia saved them while facing the horde all by herself and turning into the giant pine at the top of the hill. If that were me, I'd do the same for my friends. I couldn't help, but think that it was my fault. My scent was stronger... it might have cause monsters to attack them. Maybe if I went with them? "I know there is more that I can do." She spoke in a barely audible whisper.
"Sorry for interrupting, but Percy we need to talk. Alone." The last part was definitely for Annabeth. Chiron started making his way out of the infirmary, thank the gods. I started to feel cramped inside.
"Annabeth? Would you like to talk a bit later?" She gave a shallow nod, and I began making my way out of the room. As soon as I left the house? I stood on a porch that wrapped the entirety of whatever the building was, but I didn't have time to admire it because Chiron just kept rolling away. I soon caught up to him as he turned the corner.
The camp was absolutely breathtaking. The valley marched all the way up to the way up to the water, which glistened with a resound beauty about a mile in the distance. The rest was dotted with Greek buildings, an open air pavilion, an amphitheater, and an arena that was circular in design. All stunningly clean and white in the shining sun. Demigods and satyrs all played volleyball, while others sat in canoes in a small lake. Everyone was wearing bright orange T-shirts and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Others were practicing their shots at an archery range and riding horses or Pegasus... It honestly reminds me of home.
But the weather wasn't as magnificent. As soon as I was outside a massive storm hit the borders of the camp, Zeus was definitely not happy. While clouds covered the sky directly above, making the camp's residence on edge. At the end of the porch Chiron sat down at a card table with another man. My first impression was a god. He was small, but porky with a red nose and big watery eyes and curly black hair that was nearly purple. He had a Hawaiian shirt on and was ready to deal. "Who's the brat?"
"This child here is Percy Mr. D. He claims to be a son of the sea." For just a moment he stopped shuffling, but he quickly overcame whatever it was and then went straight to dealing for three people.
"It's the truth, it is also the reason why I'm here." I told them, not bothering to take a seat and play their game.
"Oh, so you father told you to come here." Chiron said.
"No he didn't. I came because of the missing master bolt-" As I finished the statement, thunder screamed all throughout camp. As if I was the one who stole it.
"What do you know Perry?" Dionysus said with a dangerous tone laced in with his voice. I looked into his eyes which held a purplish fire deep within, showing only a part of his true nature.
"I didn't steal the bolt if that's what you're implying. I came here to stop World War Three! If I don't then who knows how many lives will be lost."
"Why do you believe it has to be you?" The old centaur chimed in.
"What other way do you know of to please the King of the gods than have a child of his brother bring it to him in person? Of course it has to be done before the summer solstice otherwise I fail." Chiron seemed impressed and the wine god merely scoffed and went back to playing his game. "But I can't actually do anything now. I first need to heal first then I'll be on my merry way." It seemed that Chiron was contemplating on what I said and had no other words to give. Instead he opted to stay silent for a few minutes, only calling out for the game they were playing.
"You make a fair point Percy... The day after tomorrow you'll have a meet with the Oracle of Delphi. Which gives you plenty of time to get situated and perhaps play a fun game of capture the flag." Capture the what now? "But you won't be staying in Poseidon's cabin... We have certain rules that need to be followed and until you're claimed; you'll be staying in Cabin Eleven."
"With all do respect I prefer sleeping outside. Never had a bed in my life. Or a shirt as a matter of fact."
"We have rules for a reason Percy. Please just follow them, I wouldn't want a mishap on your first day here." Too late. I nodded to be polite, but I don't think I'll be sleeping inside anytime soon. "Now I want you to head up to your cabin and get situated, have someone show you around. Then come back down here for medical attention before dinner."
"Aye-Aye Captain!" I saluted him then turned away. With every step my body was aching and sore, no mystery why. I wanted to explore first before I have any responsibilities, so I made my way around the camp. No matter where I went, I heard hushed whispers and pointed fingers at the Minotaur horn. Seems that stories travel fast around here. Something I noticed were the ages, they all seemed older than I was, and all with that blinding orange T-shirt.
I took a peek behind me and saw the house was much bigger than I first anticipated. Fours stories tall, sky-blue and white trim, kinda like a resort type thing. A shudder in the curtain, something most certainly was up there. I basically explored the entire visible region of camp before I made my way to the cabins. Twelve of them in a u formation, with each designed to their own parentage.
...Only twelve... There are a lot of minor gods out there who have children too... Do they just stuff them in cabin eleven as well? This just won't do, I must do something about it...
I finally reached the cabin which didn't look too out of the ordinary, more like an old cabin. That's it, nothing more to it than that. As soon as I stepped in, everyone fell silent and stared. Someone asked, "Regular or undetermined?" which seemed like utter BS to me.
"Neither, I know my dad, but have yet to be claimed. Don't worry though, I'll try to not be a nuisance as much as I can. Oh and the name is Percy." That didn't seem to help. I bet a lot of kids know their parents, but they haven't got claimed yet. This just isn't right. I should do something about that.
"Welcome Percy. You can have the spot just over there on the floor." He pointed behind him. For some reason his presence unsettled mine. He was about nineteen, tall and muscular, and short-cropped sandy hair. He wore an orange tank top, cutoffs, a leather necklace with five beads, and sandals. He had an impressive scar from behind his right eye down to his jaw. That must've hurt. "I'm Luke. The councilor of the Hermes cabin."
"You don't remember, me do you Luke?" He squinted his eyes and began to think. Then he nodded no, "I'm disappointed. Do you remember about five years back when a seven year old jumped from the treetops and saved you, Grover, Annabeth, and of course Tha-" He clasped his hand over my mouth to shut me up. Glaring down at me.
"You don't deserve to say her name. If it weren't for you, she might've still been alive." He let go of my mouth then calmed down, "Sorry."
"No you're probably right. But if the fates have something planned, nothing will change it." At least that is up until now. I'm going to change fate. "I'm sorry as well. If it's alright with you, I'm gonna explore a bit more before dinner." Luke nodded a yes and I walked out of the cabin. I left nothing to claim that spot. The bow and arrow, flute, everything was still with me. Who knows what would have been stolen if I stayed any longer, especially from children of the god of thieves.
Part of the way down the hill someone called out to me from behind, "Well, if isn't Mr. Hotshot the newbie." She was big and husky with five other behind her. All wearing camo jackets and carrying weapons. She came up right behind me and continued saying "We have a little initiation for people like you."
"Let me guess, take me over to the bathroom stalls and force me to take a drink from a toilet, or is it more like a physical beating from the six of you?" I don't know what was funnier their shocked expressions or the fact that I shut up some of Ares' children. "I could tell you guys are all action, not much different from myself actually, so why don't I show you my skills... Six vs. one. Are you down?" I could see this going down two ways; I beat them and they hate my guts, or I beat them and they give me respect.
"We'll pulverize you punk!" The one in front shouted and the one who lead the charge. They were pretty fast and reached me quickly, before I even got the chance to manifest my swords. She jabbed at me with her spear as I sidestepped, I felt a tingle slide past me and knew. Her spear was special. Ducking under a sword swipe I grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm, knocking the sword out of his hands and into mine. Just in time to block another sword coming down on me. Man these people don't play around.
Swiping me feet, I knock the two of them down and hit them in the head with the butt of his sword. Which I didn't like by the way. Wasting no time I rush another one, jumping high in the air I knee him directly in the face. Busting his nose on impact.
Landing back down I spin my entire body to avoid another spear that was about to stab my gut. Using my sword I slid down the frame right to her face and punched her in the temple. Knocking her out instantly and sliding past her directly in front a brute. Punching the side of the his kneecap he fell instantly and I jabbed it his gut with the butt of the sword. Knocking the wind out of him and gasping for breath.
The same tingle I felt before came back directly at my backside. The point of a spear pressing into my back and zapping me relentlessly. "You lose." She told me and insisted on putting more pressure on my bare back.
"I don't think so." The normal tug in my gut came rushing in and I used what little water I had left in my canister to coil around the tip of the spear and trace itself back to her hand. The current ran through and shocked her into dropping her weapon and releasing me. Gripping my sword I spun around and pointed the tip of the blade back at her face. "What's your name?" She blinked, a little confused.
"Clarisse." She was pretty tall and had muscular body of an athlete. She has dark eyes, and pale brown hair that was definitely stringy.
"Not many people had the privilege of getting behind my back Clarisse... I respect that." She was surprised into silence. Even more so when I dropped my guard and lowered my sword, giving her a hand to get up. She didn't say anything except for a scoff and went on her merry way, leaving her friends behind.
Dropping the sword, I went on exploring through the camp. Nothing surprised me, but I'm gonna visit the forge later to get a proper sword. That would make my life a lot easier. Especially with all the stunts I pull. It's already hard enough to kill when I have to manifest my swords, but if I had a real bronze or imperial gold sword, that would make everything go a lot smoother.
Sitting by the lake I looked down and saw some naiads and waved down to them. Waving right back excitedly. I thought why the hell not and looked around. Seeing as there were about ten people all around the, I decided to jump in and leave a nice splash. Swimming over to the naiads I sparked up a conversation with them. We talked and talked about anything that came up; a lot of gossip and stories to share. They seemed to believe I was Poseidon's son, especially since I was underwater for so long. But our time was cut short when I heard the dinner bell ring. Damn it! I forgot to go to Chiron before dinner... Actually that's ok, spending this much time in the water really helped my body.
Walking right out of the water with the naiads laughing was probably an odd sight to see, even at a camp of half-god children. The kids walking by, tripped over themselves and gave a second glance in my direction. What? Have they never seen a boy walk with nature spirits?
But man was I hungry. Running towards the dining pavilion, I met up with my temporary cabin and waved goodbye to the naiads. They were really nice.
Entering I saw that Grover was awake and sitting at the head table with Mr. D and Chiron slumped over. I waved and called out to him, excited to see that he was ok. I wonder if the other girl was too? He must've read my emotions because he perked up at the sight of me. Maybe I'll go talk with later. A moment passed and we all got settled in at our designated tables. I decided to stand instead. Chiron raised his glass, "To the gods!" and everyone responded the same. Almost.
Wood nymphs came with platters filled with some food that I didn't even recognize. My glass was empty, but I had a feeling and smirked. "Blue strawberry smoothie." Perfect, just like moms. It reminds me of the night I left my family. Once everyone got their food, they all got up and marched towards the fire in the center. Sacrifices to the gods. I didn't recognize anything on my plate, except for the fruit and meat that was covered in some sort of sauce. It smells good, but I'd rather catch my own dinner.
Following everyone, I was the last one to the flames and I just stood there with my eyes closed. I prayed... for a couple minutes... it wasn't just to my father, but my sister and some others. I was grateful and they should know that.
I opened my eyes and dumped my entire plate of food into the fire. All of it. I wasn't eating tonight.
I walked back to my table, totally aware of the stares I was receiving from the camp. It was silent. "I'd appreciate it, if the stares were directed at your food instead of mine." That shook people out of their stupor and the conversations slowly went back to normal. I could still make out the some whispers about me. That made me smile.
Chiron stomped his hoof and got everyone's attention. Mr. D started talking, but I zoned him out pretty quickly, "...Ercy!" I caught the tail end of my name and looked to the front. No one knew what to do, I guess it is time to introduce myself. "Hi! I'm Percy and I'm a newbie to camp. But I'm sure you all knew that." With that out of the way we were dismissed to the amphitheater for the campfire. Nope!
I ditched that real quick and went back to the lake to call my family. I quickly filled them in and by then the campfire was over. I snuck back to my group without them noticing and got ready for bed. Not inside the cabin however. When everyone was asleep, I snuck outside and went to sleep in the lake. The naiads said it was ok, lucky me. That was my first day of camp.
I woke up early enough to get back into bed without anyone realizing it. The day went by pretty quickly, it was mostly relearning what I already knew so I ditched the study lessons and went to train. First with my swords against straw dummies, then target practice with a bow and arrow. Not the huntress arrow though, I used theirs. That they definitely didn't need to know about.
After that I went to visit the unconscious patient. Surprise, surprise! She was awake and freaking the f out. I tried talking to her, but I was shooed out of the room. My guess was Chiron was gonna do some sort of orientation in order to get her situated. I did get her name. Jessica.
The rest of the day went by with a blur, I talked with the nature spirits and trained. Everyone seemed chipper today, I wonder why? Oh and I had one helluva conversation with Grover. As it turns out we had a lot in common and managed to get along great. He actually became my first friend here. Like a real friend. He wanted to find Pan as much as I did, if not more. Gotta love that mans enthusiasm. Then I continued to train with my sword and managed to score a sparring partner. Good ole Luke Castellan. He actually made me work for it. He was my third friend, just after Annabeth. Who by the way wasn't very sneaky on tailing Luke. She likes him, a lot.
So I tried to pry her away from him and get her to talk about the thing from yesterday. It wasn't easy but, I managed. Still... She's had it rough. It seems they all have. So we talked and talked...
Until dinner that is. I walked up the hill with my cabin and did the same thing I did yesterday with my meal. Prayed and gave it all away. I'll just eat something later. I barely noticed that Jessica joined my table and I felt kinda bad about that. So, to make it up to her I sat next to her, "Are you doing ok?" I asked in the most calming way I could muster.
I was expecting her to burst out, but she didn't, "No... this is all just to much. I never even met my mom and now people tell me she's a goddess. I just wanna go home. I wanna go home." She brought her knees up to her chest and whimpered. Tears begging to escape. "I-I heard you hel-helped me. Th-thank you."
"I only did what I thought was right. By the way, I just wanted to let you know that if you ever need anything. Anything at all, just let me know. Even if you just want to talk. I owe you that much."
"Hah you o-owe me? You saved me... I shoul-d be the one owing you."
"I don't see it that way Jessica. I saved you, now it is my responsibility to make sure you you're ok." She smiled at that. She opened her mouth to say something else, but the conch horn blew. Signaling it is time for capture the flag. "Hey, um you should probably wait a little before playing tonight." I told her rubbing the back of my neck.
"Don't worry. Chiron told me I can't anyway. So I'm just gonna hit the hay." She was silenced by cheers from all the other campers. Annabeth ran in with a couple other carrying a ten-foot long banner. That was glistening grey with a barn owl above an olive tree. While Clarisse and two of her siblings ran in with a banner, gaudy red painted with a bloody spear and a boar's head. I heard conversations that we were with Athena's cabin. Sounds fun.
Our team was Hermes, Apollo, and of course Athena. Everyone else was with Ares. "Heroes! You know the rules already. Creek boundary. Forest is fair game. All magic items allowed-" I zoned out again and waited. "-Arm yourselves!" With that he spread his arms and the tables were filled with weapons and armor. I scanned everything, but found nothing that wouldn't hinder my movements. So I guess I'm going to go the usual. Shirtless, flute, bow, and swords. Annabeth told us to move forward and we were obligated to do so.
I got crazed looks, not because they were crazy, but because they thought I was. I rushed towards the front, right to next to Annabeth. She glanced at me and did a double take when she realized I wore my usual attire. "What in the hades is the matter with you!?" She nagged.
"Is someone worried about me? I'm honored."
"Of course not. I just can't believe I have an idiot for a teammate."
"Ouch. You hurt me Annabeth. How could I possibly recover?" She rolled her eyes and kept marching forward.
Once we reached our flag spot. Annabeth went on and on and on about a very intricate plan. I ignored her and once the conch horn blew I booked it. Running straight for their flag without a moments hesitation. I heard her shout and curse at me, but I just kept going. She wanted me to guard the creek. HA! Yea, like that was gonna happen wise-girl.
I kept on running, even when I felt an eerie presence in the woods. Something different from the usual monsters.
I got so distracted that, I didn't have enough time to dodge a snare placed directly below me at the other side of the creek. I was wrapped in a bronze mesh and flung high into the tree. Celestial bronze with no chance to escape. "Looks like we caught one boys!" Clarisse shouted from behind a bush. I heard hoots and hollers coming from all around me. And the this gave me a nice vantage point to see their flag. "Oh and if it isn't the newbie! This is going to be fun." She growled the last part. About ten of them came crawling out armed with sharpened weapons. A few of them I recognized.
"Aw come Clarisse, I thought we were friends." She scoffed and I looked at the mesh net I was trapped in. I know I can't use my powers in it, but if I can find way out them... There! The rope tying the trap together had a small gap that I could use. Snatching the dagger from my ankle I cut the area just enough to cause my weight to rip through the rest of the hold. Falling down to the forest ground beneath, I was met with ten angry warriors. Each ready to tear me limb from limb. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I got a flag with my name on it." The ever so present tug in my gut came rushing back to me as I thrust my hands forwards.
A low rumbling could be heard coming from the creek, moments before a tidal wave of cold water swept the ten crashing into the ground. Wasting no time I, ran towards where I saw their flag earlier and swiftly went to retrieve it. Dodging countess more traps and contraptions and the occasional enemy. I grabbed the flag and jumped back before an electric charge swept the area. Alerting the rest of the team.
Getting back was much tougher than I thought it would be. Every step lead to vines or traps trying to maw away at my feet or a jumper trying to tackle me into the ground. Or even shish-kabob me with a spear. Everyone merged towards the creek as I hopped over and into home territory. Their flag no longer the gaudy red, but now a glistening grey.
The conch horn blew signaling Athena's win. I gotta say, not too shabby. "Not terrible, but if you listened to me. This would've gone so much easier." The air shimmered next to me, revealing Annabeth taking of a cap.
"Well, it worked didn't it?" She laughed and a little, but I could tell not pleased with my actions.
With one foot out of the creek and closer to the cheering crowd, a deep growl rained through the forest. The cheering died off and Chiron shouted in Ancient Greek for his bow and for everybody to get ready. Appearing as if it crawled out of the shadows a Chimera the size of a hippo lunged at me. His claws imbedded themselves into my shoulders and cut down right to the bone, dislocating it with his weight. Blooding pouring out like a shattered dam. I screamed, turning the clear creek red with my blood. I lost all feelings in my arm... Damnit I should have seen that coming.
"PERCY!" Annabeth shouted. He was too fast and pinned me to the creek bed. Anyone who even tried to come close was snapped at by his head or tail. Any arrows shot only pierced his skin or deflected. Even Chiron was having a tough time because kids were everywhere and he couldn't risk hurting one of them. But, also because he didn't want to aggravate the Chimera anymore as to not hurt me.
Too bad they failed to realize I was already gone. I water traveling about twenty feet up the creek and climbed directly above the Chimera. I grasped my shoulder and swung it into a branch *POP* was the disturbing sound it made as it shifted back into place. He still had one paw on where I used to be, to distracted to feel that I was gone, believing I was still under him. The blood covering up my escape. It was utter chaos. I manifested a sword of ice and fell forward using my entire body weight to push my weapon down.
I felt weightless as I continued to fall, it felt like minutes have gone by. No one saw or noticed me until it was too late. My sword penetrated his skull with an audible crack directly into his brain, killing him instantly and showering the area in his fine gold dust. Sending him back to hell.
I rested on one knee as everyone registered what just happened. A Chimera got into camp, not without help however. "Di immortales!" Annabeth spoke, "That's shouldn't... be possible!"
"He was summoned by some one, some one from the inside the camp." Chiron stated. Their eyes glued to my scarred body. The water slid against my skin and around my wounds, healing them with incredible speed.
Yet, when I looked around no one was actually looking directly at me, but right above me, "I don't believe it." Annabeth shared her thoughts. I looked up and there it was. A holographic three tipped trident with a light flurry of snow. Glancing again, everyone was kneeling.
"Hail! Perseus! Son of the Sea God! Poseidon! Earthshaker! Stormbringer! Father of Horses!" Chiron declared. I am no longer undetermined. Finally.