Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or any of the characters.

Thinking

"Speaking"

CHAPTER 1

I walked out the house as I remembered the night, I had a flash of my siblings' dead bodies. My younger brother and sister. I had sworn to protect them when my parents adopted them.

We had lived a happy life for three years, before our parents died in an airplane crash. That was a few months ago.

I'm fourteen, and we had decided we would continue living in our house. I didn't want to get adopted, nor did I want my siblings taken away from me. So, I took care of them.

They were twins, and both 11 years old, so it was easy to manage. Our parents were extraordinarily rich and left us a lot of money. At times, our grandparents would come for a while to help.

I loved both, Bella and Nico, a lot, and I was willing to do anything for them.

Then today happened. Someone broke into our house, and stabbed my siblings. If it wasn't for their screams, I would never have woken up, and would be dead like them.

I ran into their room, to see Bella bleeding to death because of a stab wound on her chest, and a knife being plunged into Nico's stomach.

Blood spurted out, along with a blood curling scream from both of us. Tears ran down my face, seeing them be killed. There was nothing I could do.

As soon as I started running towards the murderer, he jumped out the window.

I rushed to my siblings. I hurriedly checked Bella's pulse and let out another cry when I couldn't feel anything.

I saw Nico's breathing slowing from the corner of my eye. I sat down beside him, sobbing and muttering, "No no no, please don't leave me, Nico. Stay with me."

"K-Kristina?" Nico whispered my name.

"I'm here. I'm here, Nico. Stay with me." I said, wiping my tears with one hand and firmly grasping his hand with the other.

"What ab-about Bella?" He whispered.

"Shh, don't say anything, Nico. Just hang in there. The doctors will be here soon." I murmured, not wanting to tell him about our sister. I fumbled with the phone, trying to call the hospital or police.

"Kristy, I-I'm dying, a-aren't I?" He said in the same low tone, struggling to breathe.

"No, y-you're not. You're going to be fine, Neeks. We're going to be fine. We'll be fine." I muttered mostly to myself.

"I'm dying. I'm sorry, K-Kristy. I d-didn't mean to l-leave you. P-Please don't cry." He mumbled, raising a trembling hand to wipe my cheek. That only made me cry more.

"D-Don't cry, Kristina. Y-You must be strong. Like h-how you were all these months. You said we have to be s-strong for e-each other, right? So, don't cry. Please don't cry." Nico tried to comfort me, tears starting to fall from his own eyes.

"I love you, Nico. I'm so sorry, I couldn't protect you. It's all my fault. I should've been here to protect you guys. " I cried, wrapping my arms around my brother.

"I-It wasn't your fault. You didn't know it was going to happen. It's ok." He said, giving me one last hug. "I love you. So does Bella. We always have. And we always will. We'll always love you." He whispered before his body went slack.

"No! No, Nico! No..." I cried my eyes out, hugging Bella and Nico's body.

I can't believe it. They're actually gone. All because of that man. He stole my siblings from me.

I wept for hours. I wept till the sunlight shone on me through the window.

You have to get up. A little voice whispered in my head. You have to go back to your routine. It's what they would've wanted. They wouldn't have wanted you to be this crying mess. They would want you to be strong, like Nico said.

"You're right." I muttered, wiping my tears away. "They wouldn't want me to be here, crying. They would want me to move on with my life."

I took a shaky breath and dragged my feet to my room. I washed my face, and prepared to leave for the police station, seeing how I wasn't able to call them.

On the way out, I noticed blood on my clothes. It must've spread when I hugged them.

I shook my head and left the house. Just as I was crossing the street, a car came towards me, picking up the speed.

I froze in fear. The driver didn't make any move to slow down, instead he sped up even more.

I felt immense pain as it connected with my body. I felt pain for a few seconds before I blacked out. When I fell, I felt light, suddenly. I floated up and realized I was looking at my own blood splattered, mostly crushed body.

Yes, I had died. In a horrible way. Then I felt guilt at having an almost painless death, while my siblings had to feel the pain as the blood flowed out of them.

My heart felt another pang of sadness at the thought.

I looked around me and saw the car going towards the end of the road. I started following it, but then the world started spinning, and I was sucked into something.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I awoke with a gasp and cold sweat clinging to my forehead and clothes.

Suddenly, a ton of memories flashed through my mind, giving me a headache, and causing me to gasp again. I clutched my head in pain, as I saw a memory with a woman who was familiar, but I couldn't recognize. And two kids who also looked awfully familiar.

It's like their names were on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't name them.

Many such memories surged through my head before they just stopped in an instant.

When someone knocked on the door to my room, my head snapped up. I looked around as I moved to open it. The room was the same; familiar, yet new.

When I opened the door, two people entered the room. A girl and a boy. They were the ones from my memories. They both had olive skin and silky black hair. The girl had black eyes and the boy had brown eyes.

"Why aren't you dressed?" The girl asked, frowning.

"I, umm, I'm not feeling very well, so I thought I would take the day off." I spoke. Well, it's not a total lie.

Then the name Bianca clicked in my mind. Her resemblance to Bella was uncanny. So was the boy's to Nico.

My heart clenched as I thought of my brother. For some reason, whenever I thought of my brother, the image that came into my head was this boy's, not Nico's.

"Oh ok." She nodded slowly, "Well, we'll go tell the teachers then. Let's go Nico."

My eyes widened at the name.

Nico? This boy's name is Nico too? Maybe it's just a coincidence? No, there's too much in common for it to be a coincidence.

The boy, Nico, nodded and followed his sister. My brow furrowed at that thought. How did I know they're siblings? I shook my head and closed the door as they left.

I sat down on my bed and went through my memories.

At the end of everything, I figured out my name is Kristina Di'Angelo, oldest sister to Bianca and Nico Di'Angelo. We're currently at Westover Hall, a military school. A while ago, we were at a casino till an agent got us out and sent us to this school.

Why is this so familiar? Di'Angelo, Westover Hall, Nico and Bianca, Casino... Shit, am I in the Percy Jackson world?

Holy shit! Again; too many things in common to be a coincidence. And if I'm not in the Percy Jackson verse, how the hell am I still alive? I mean, I saw my dead body.

I sighed, "What the hell is going on here?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A few hours after I woke up, someone knocked on my door again.

"It's open!" I called. Nico and Bianca opened the door and came in.

"Hey." I smiled.

"How are you feeling?" Nico asked.

"I'm fine now." I patted the sides of my bed, signaling them to sit down. They exchanged glances but hesitantly sat down. I frowned a little at their hesitation, but didn't say anything.

"So... what's up?" I asked.

"Umm, there's a dance scheduled for tomorrow." Bianca replied.

So, it starts tomorrow, huh?

"Really? Are you guys excited?" I looked at my siblings.

"I guess." Nico muttered.

"Ok, why are you guys so... nervous?" I arched an eyebrow.

"Well..." Bianca started.

"It's just, you're usually not so... friendly." Nico looked down at his shoes.

"Yeah... you usually don't talk to us. Much." Bianca added.

"Cough-at all-cough." Nico said in between fake coughs.

"Ok that's a pretty good reason." I admitted. I had seen the memories and I was cold towards them before.

"But that's gonna change." I announced. "I was an idiot for treating you guys like that. You're my baby brother and sister, and it's my job to care for you."

Nico and Bianca both looked at me in shock and surprise before she smiled and Nico grinned.

I grinned and put my arms around them both.

"I love you both, and I always will. Got it?"

I gave them both a hug, and it was a few seconds before they put their own arms around me.

I smiled and felt like I was hugging Bella and Nico.

I will protect them. I swear, Nico. Bella. I couldn't protect you guys, but I'll protect them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Next Day

I had worn casual clothes for the dance, and I was on my way to get my siblings. Today, Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Thalia were supposed to come here.

I knocked on the door to my sister's room.

"Come in!" I heard her yell.

I opened the door slowly and popped my head in before entering.

"Hey Kristy." Bianca smiled.

"Hello!" I said cheerfully. "Ready?"

She nodded and put her floppy green cap on. We both exited the room and made our way to Nico's.

We knocked, and when we entered, Nico ran to me and gave me a hug. It caught me by surprise and I stumbled. I laughed and wrapped him in a quick hug.

"What was that for?" I questioned when we broke apart.

"Oh, nothing." He replied, the grin plastered on his face.

"Uh-huh." I said skeptically. "Well, let's go."

Bianca left the room, and so did Nico and I after he grabbed his Mythomagic cards. I shook my head when he put them in his pocket, but didn't say anything.

On the way to the gym, a few guys shoulder shoved Nico.

"Watch it!" I snapped.

"What are you going to do? Tell a teacher?" He mocked. I narrowed my eyes and stood in front of my siblings.

"No, but I can do this." I did a quick foot sweep, making him fall on his ass.

He glared at me while the rest of his crew looked at us in shock. I quickly herded Bianca and Nico away before he could get up, and into the safety of the gym.

Just as we reached, Dr. Thorn, our principal, stood close to us. He nodded somewhere in front of him, and I followed his gaze. That's when I noticed the three demigods and Grover.

A boy with messy black hair and green eyes, a girl with blonde hair and grey eyes, and another girl with black hair and blue eyes. Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Thalia Grace.

I kept an eye on Dr. Thorn, since I knew, he would try to kidnap us.

Every time he came close to us, I would move to the other side of the room, along with Nico and Bianca. I could see him getting more annoyed every time I moved away, but I couldn't just let him take us.

What if I just go to Percy or someone and tell them about him? No, they probably wouldn't trust us. But then again, people trust each other easily here.

Taking a breath, I leaned down enough to whisper in Nico and Bianca's ears. When I looked at them, I saw Nico explaining something about Mythomagic, and Bianca looking around like she was expecting something to happen.

"Nico, Bianca." I murmured in their ear. They looked at me, and I continued, "I'm going to talk to someone for a minute, ok? Stay right here and don't go anywhere till I come. Got it?"

Nico nodded immediately, but Bianca frowned slightly. Reluctantly, even she nodded.

"Good," I muttered and walked straight to Percy and Annabeth.

"Excuse me?" I said from behind. They immediately spun towards me, and I saw a glint of steel from Annabeth's sleeve.

"Who are you?" Annabeth demanded. As soon as she finished her question, I saw her eyes widen in recognition.

"I'm Kristina Di'Angelo, one of the three you've come here for." I muttered.

"How did you-" Percy started.

"I just do. You guys aren't as subtle as Dr. Thorn, and I know even he's after us for some reason. And Grover. That idiot didn't close the door while talking to you. Anyway, I think Thorn's going to try and take us somewhere, and I don't want that to happen, so come with me. My siblings are over... there." I point to where I left them, and suddenly, I can't see them anywhere.

"Shit!" I curse. Thorn got to them already!

"Where are they?" Annabeth asks, confused.

"Thorn took them. I know where they went." I explained hurriedly.

"I'm going to get Thalia." Annabeth said and ran into the crowd.

I turned to Percy. "Please help me! I can't fight Thorn; I need your help!" I said helplessly. Percy looked at where Annabeth went, then back to me. He nodded, "Lead the way."

I gave him a grateful smile, grabbed his hand, and dragged him towards the exit. I continued running and it led to the end of the corridor. Percy opened it carefully, and we saw Nico and Bianca looking at us fearfully.

I rushed towards them and hugged them, "Are you hurt? Did he hurt you? Are you both ok?"

They didn't say anything, just looked at Percy in fear. Percy lowered his sword and said, "My name's Percy. I'm not here to hurt you."

I looked at him and my eyes widened. Thorn was behind him!
"Percy, behind you!" I shouted. But I was too late. Thorn made his move and a spike grazed his shoulder, poisoning him.

Thorn then used his tail to slam Percy to the wall. His shirt and coat were pinned to the wall by the spike.

"Ah, Perseus Jackson." Thorn laughed, his accent mangling the J, "I know who you are. Thank you, Kristina, for bringing him here. I hate school dances."

"You're a monster, Thorn!" I snarled.

"Why, yes I am." He laughed again. Another spike came towards us and impaled itself in the wall, a few inches from Bianca's face. Bianca let out a yelp. I glared at the manticore and pulled Nico and Bianca closer to me.

"Now all four of you will come with me, quietly and obediently. If you try fighting or calling for help, I will show you how accurate my aim is." Thorn said.

He started leading us outside when Percy closed his eyes. I knew he was trying to contact Grover, but Thorn hissed, "What are you doing, Jackson? Keep walking!"

"My shoulder is burning." Percy lied.

"Doesn't matter! My poison only causes pain. It doesn't kill!"

"I'm sure he'll commit suicide just to stop having to listen to you." I muttered under my breath.

He glared at me.

Thorn herded us into the woods, and we took a snowy path that was dimly lit.

It was freezing, and I could see Nico shiver, so I pulled them both closer to me.

"There is a clearing ahead," Thorn said without looking back, or stopping, "I will summon your ride there."

"What ride?" Bianca demanded before I could stop her, "Where are you taking us?"

"Silence, you brat!" Thorn snapped.

"Don't talk to our sister that way!" Nico and I said together. Nico's voice was quivering slightly, but he still stood up for Bianca.

Thorn growled. It made a chill run up my spine, but I continued walking.

"Stop." Thorn commanded.

We had reached the clearing. We were at a cliff that overlooked the sea. At least, that's what the book said.

Thorn pushed us further toward the edge. Percy stumbled, but I caught him.

"Thanks," He muttered.

"Just tell me how I can help." I whispered back.

"I'm thinking!"

"I'm scared, Kristy." Nico mumbled as he pressed himself to me. He was fumbling with one of his Mythomagic figurines.

"We'll be ok." I whispered to him, as Bianca and I gave him a one-armed hug.

"Stop talking, you brats! Turn around!" Thorn said.

We faced him. His two-toned eyes glittered and he had a slight smirk on his face. He pulled out a phone and spoke into it, "The package is ready."

There was a reply, which I couldn't make out. From the corner of my eye, I saw Percy look over the edge.

"There's the sea! Jump, Son of Poseidon! Jump and save yourself!" Thorn laughed his cold laughter.

"Did he just call you a son of... Poseidon?" Bianca whispered to Percy.

"I'll explain later." He replied.

Percy looked over the edge again, then at us. I knew what he was thinking, and I also knew what was coming next.

"You do realize I would kill you before you even make the surface, right? Have you even figured out who I am?" Thorn said cockily.

There was a flicker behind him, and another spike flew past Percy. A tail had appeared behind Thorn.

"Alas, you all are wanted alive. Otherwise, I would've killed you already."

"Who wants us? Because if you think yo-" Bianca started before I covered her mouth.

I leaned down again and whispered, "Stop talking, Bianca. For all we know, things will be even worse if you say something wrong. Just trust me when I say everything will be alright. Ok? I swear I'll protect you both. I won't let anything happen to you. Don't say or ask anything. Percy and his friends will explain everything to you."

Bianca's eyes narrowed, but she nodded.

"Do not worry, brats. You'll be meeting my employer, and your new family soon enough." Thorn said.

"Luke. You work for him, don't you?" Percy said.

Thorn sneered at the name.

"You do not know what is going on, Perseus Jackson. But now worries, I will let the General enlighten you. He is looking forward to meeting you."

Just then, the chopping of helicopter blades was heard. And they were getting louder every second.

"Ah, your transportation is here." Thorn's mouth curved into a gruesome smile.

I found myself loathing the manticore increasingly with every passing second.

"Where are you taking us?" Nico asked fearfully.

"Why, you should all be honored! You will have the opportunity to join a great army! Just like your silly game." Thorn looked straight at Nico. The look in his eye made me clutch my siblings more protectively.

"It's not silly! And you can take your great army and stuff it-"

"Now, now." Thorn interrupted before I could, "You will change your mind about joining us. And there are other uses for demigods if you don't. The Great Stirring is underway; we have multiple monsters to feed."

"The what?" Percy asked, confused.

"The Great Stirring." He repeated, "The most powerful and worst monsters will come back. The most ancient. The ones that haven't been seen in centuries. And they will be the downfall of Olympus!" Thorn said gleefully.

"Great. He's nuts." Bianca muttered.

"We have to jump off the cliff. Into the sea." Percy mumbled to us.

"Oh, amazing! You're nuts, too!" Bianca said sassily. I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing.

Before Percy could argue, we were all pushed by an invisible force, Annabeth, to the ground. Thorn was caught by surprise, so the first round of missiles went over our heads.

Just as I looked up, Grover and Thalia charged in head first. Thalia with her shield, Aegis, with Medusa's head in the middle, looked straight up terrifying.

"For Zeus!" She shouted as she attacked with her spear.

Thalia jabbed at his head, but he snarled and swatted the spear aside. His hand changed into an orange paw, with enormous claws that sparked against Thalia's shield as he slashed. If it hadn't been for Aegis, Thalia would've been sliced. Thankfully, she managed to roll backward and land on her feet.

The sound of the helicopter grew louder, but I didn't look.

Dr. Thorn launched another volley of missiles at Thalia, with his tail. The missiles deflected off Aegis, but the force of their impact knocked Thalia down.

Grover sprang forward. He put his reed pipes to his lips and began to play—a frantic jig that sounded like something pirates would dance to. Grass broke through the snow. Within seconds, rope-thick weeds were wrapping around Dr. Thorns legs, entangling him.

Bianca and Nico gasped at the sudden weeds appearing, and I chuckled inwardly. I focused on the fight again.

Dr. Thorn roared and began to change. He grew larger until he was in his true form—his face still human, but his body that of a huge lion. His leathery, spiky tail whipped deadly thorns in all directions.

"A manticore!" Annabeth said, now visible. Her magical New York Yankees cap had come off when she'd plowed into us.

You don't say. I deadpanned in my mind.

"Who are you all?" Bianca demanded.

"A manticore?" Nico gasped, "He's got three thousand attack power and plus five to saving throws."

I crouched down, "Nico, Bianca," I started patiently, "If you both sh- keep quiet till all this is over, I swear you'll get your answers, ok? So please, don't ask questions when people are trying to save our life."

They both looked at me like I grew a second head but agreed.

Then I suddenly heard a hunting horn.

Yay! Artemis and the Hunters are here!

Dr. Thorn froze. "It can't be."

Just as he finished, a silver arrow shot past Percy and plunged itself into Thorn's shoulder. He thrashed and his tail let dozens of spikes fly around. But the arrows intercepted them and cut them in half.

The manticore pulled the arrow out of his shoulder with a cry. His breathing was heavier. Percy tried to swipe at him with his sword, but the manticore dodged the attack and slammed his tail into Percy's shield, knocking him aside.

Then, finally, the Hunters emerged.

Artemis was in the form of a 12-year-old girl, and at her side was Zoe, fourteen, like me.

All of them had their bows and advanced on the manticore with determined expressions.

"The Hunters!" Annabeth cried, relieved.

And this is the daughter of Athena?

"Oh, wonderful." Thalia mumbled.

Zoe stepped forward with her bow drawn. "Permission to kill, my lady?"

Thorn wailed, wailed, "This isn't fair! Direct interference is against the Ancient Laws!"

"No." Artemis replied coldly. "The hunting of all wild beasts is within my power. And you are a wild beast of all accords. Zoe, permission granted."

"No! If I can't have the children alive, I will have them dead!" He lunged at Thalia and Percy, knowing they wouldn't be able to defend themselves well.

"No!" Annabeth yelled. She tried to charge at the manticore, but I managed to tackle her to the ground at the last second, keeping her out of Zoe's line of fire.

"What are you doing?!" She yelled at me.

I ignored her.

"Fire!" Zoe commanded.

All the Hunters let their arrows fly. The manticore staggered back, yelling, "This is not the end! You will pay, Huntress!"

The manticore jumped off the cliff and fell through the darkness.

"You would've been caught in the line of fire. That's why is stopped you." I said, getting off Annabeth.

"I-I didn't think of that. Thank you. I'm Annabeth. Annabeth Chase." She smiled at me gratefully.

"Kristina Di'Angelo." I returned her smile. I turned away and moved back to my siblings.

Nico and Bianca looked very confused, and I chuckled at their expressions.

They opened their mouth, but I held up a hand. "You'll get your answers soon."

Both scowled.

I turned back to see Zoe looking at Thalia with distaste.

"You."

"Zoe Nightshade." Thalia said angrily. "Perfect timing, as usual."

She ignored Thalia and looked at all of us.

"Six half-bloods and a satyr, my lady."

"Yes," Artemis nodded, "Some of Chiron's campers."

"Um, technically, we're not campers. Yet." I chimed in.

Artemis looked me up and down before nodding.

"Who are you?" Percy asked.

"I am Artemis; the Goddess of the Hunt." Artemis replied.

"Um... ok." Percy replied oh-so smartly.

Grover on the other hand-

"Thank you, Lady Artemis! You're... wow, you're-" He knelt down.

"Get up, Grover!" Thalia snapped.

Bianca looked at me. I nodded and she said, "Hold up. Who are you all?"

"I think the better question here would be Who are you? Who are your parents?" Artemis's eyes softened.

"Our parents are dead." I answered. "Or at least mortal parent. We don't know our Olympian parent."

Artemis's gaze rested on me. "How do you know that?"

"Um, it wasn't hard to connect the dots. Scary monster from the Greek myths, Olympian Goddess from the Greek myths," I pointed at Percy, "Boy who was called son of Poseidon, also from the Greek myths, and they're all trying to get the three of us? I guessed we were demigods. Oh, and Grover. He's not very subtle." I shrugged.

"...You are very smart. A daughter of Athena? Hm." Artemis mused.

"Back up!" Bianca said, "You know what they're talking about?"

I nodded.

"Yes, and I'll explain it to you too. Sit." I plopped myself down onto the soft snow, and Nico and Bianca followed.

I took a deep breath, "Ok, so you know how we studied about Greek Mythology, right? And Nico, your Mythomagic game? Yeah, so the gods exist and we're their children. All three of us."

"That's so cool!" Nico exclaimed.

"No! This is not cool!" Bianca said.

"Does Zeus really have lightning bolts that do six hundred damage?" Nico asked, excited.

"Nico, this isn't your Mythomagic game!" I laughed.

"Gods don't exist! They're just myths!" Bianca insisted. Her voice was quivering.

I stopped laughing. I scooted over to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Bianca, I know it's hard to believe, but trust me; Gods do exist. Lady Artemis over there is one too. They're immortal, and occasionally come down to the mortal world, and have kids with a mortal.

Those kids are called demigods or half-bloods. And our lives are dangerous. You saw the fight today. You saw how they all fought and got injured. If I hadn't tackled Annabeth to the ground, she could've fallen of the cliff with the manticore." I explained. "Doesn't this explain those guys who attacked us in the valley in D.C? Or the bus driver with ram horns?"

Bianca shivered and nodded.

"That's why Grover has been watching you. To keep you safe in case you turned out to be half-bloods." Percy added.

"You're a demigod?" Bianca looked at Grover.

"No, I'm a satyr." He kicked off his shoes to display his hooves. Bianca let her head fall on my shoulder.

"Grover, put your shoes on. You're scaring her." Thalia said.

"Bianca, we came here to help you. You three need to come to Camp Half-Blood to train. There will be more monsters like Dr. Thorn after you, and you need to know how to fight them." Percy said.

"Awesome, let's go!" Nico said, extremely excited.

"There is another option." Zoe chimed in.

"No, there isn't!" Thalia snapped.

The two of them glared at each other. I rolled my eyes and absently started stroking Bianca's hair, like I used to do with Bella.

"That's enough. We have burdened these children too much. Zoe, we will rest here a few hours. Raise the tents. Treat the wounded and get our guests' belongings from the school." Artemis said.

"Yes, my lady."

"And Bianca and Kristina, come with me. I would like to ask you both something."

Bianca and I exchanged looks. I knew this was coming, but I didn't know I would be called too.

"Hey, what about me?" Nico asked.

"I'll be right back. Meanwhile, why don't you show Percy or Grover how to play Mythomagic?" I spoke up.

Nico smiled and agreed, while Bianca, Artemis and I head to Artemis's tent.

When we entered, Artemis sat next to a doe and started stroking it.

"Lady Artemis?" I prompted.

"Yes, I called you both here to ask you to recall everything that happened today." She answered.

I nodded my head and started telling all the events that happened. Bianca chimed in here and there, but I said most of it.

As soon as I finished, Zoe entered.

"Everything's been brought here, Lady Artemis." Zoe knelt in front of Artemis."

"Very well, Zoe." Artemis nodded. Zoe got up and took a seat near us.

"Now, I wanted to ask you both; would you like to become Hunters?"

Bianca's and my eyes widened.

"A-A Hunter?" I asked.

"Yes." Artemis said simply, "A Hunter. You will have a new family, no responsibilities, immortality, and much more. All you have to do is make an oath. Now, I do not need an answer right now, so think about it. Zoe, please bring Percy Jackson here."

Zoe wrinkled her nose but got up.

A minute later, she returned with Percy, who also took a seat on the tent floor.

Percy, Zoe, and Artemis spoke about everything Thorn said, while Bianca and I thought about the offer.

Should I become a Hunter? Immortality sounds good, but I'll have to leave Nico. And we all know how that turned out the first time. But if I don't become a Hunter, I'll be leaving Bianca. And if she becomes a Hunter, she'll go on the quest, if she goes on the quest, she'll most probably die. Then what will happen to Nico? What should I do?

"Now there is only one decision left to be made. Have you both made up your mind, girls?" Artemis looked at us.

"Wait, made up their minds about what?" Percy asked.

"Lady Artemis has given us the … opportunity to become Hunters." I said hesitantly.

"What! But... But you have to come to camp so that Chiron can train you! It's the only way for a half-blood to survive!" Percy said.

"It is not the only way for a girl." Zoe stated.

"But, Bianca, Kristina, camp is so cool! It's got sword-fighting arenas, and Pegasus stables! I mean, what do you get if you join the Hunt?"

"Well... immortality, to begin with." Zoe said.

"She is kidding, right?" Percy asked Artemis.

"Zoe rarely ever kids. My Hunters follow me on my adventures. They are my sisters-in-arms, my companions, and my maidservants. Once they swear their loyalty to me, they are immortal. Unless they fall in battle, which is highly unlikely. Or if they break their oath to foreswear romantic love forever." Artemis responded.

"So... you go around recruiting half-bloods-" Percy started.

"Not just half-bloods. Lady Artemis does not discriminate by birth. Anyone may join. Nymphs, mortals, half-bloods-" Zoe explained.

"Which are you then?" Percy asked.

"That is not thy concern, boy." Zoes eyes flashed in anger, "The point is that Kristina and Bianca may join if they wish."

"But, what about Nico? He can't be a Hunter!" Percy protested.

"No." Artemis agreed, "He will have to go to Camp. Unfortunately, that is the best boys can do. But, rest assured, you both will be able to see him from time to time. You will only be free of responsibility. And you will have us as a new family."

"A new family." Bianca echoed, "Free of responsibility."

"This is crazy! You can't do this!" Percy said.

"Is... is it worth it?" Bianca hesitated, but asked Zoe.

"It is." Zoe assured.

"What do I have to say?"

"Repeat; I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."

Bianca repeated.

"I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt."

Bianca repeated the lines again. "That's all?"

Zoe nodded. "Now if Lady Artemis accepts thy pledge, it is binding."

"I accept it." Artemis smiled at her.

This whole time, I was quiet. I was still thinking. I zoned out.

"Kristina." Artemis called to me after a minute. I looked at her.

"Have you made your decision?" She asked in a soft tone.

"I- I have, Lady Artemis." I said uncertainly.

"And?"

"Forgive me, but I will have to refuse." I spoke. Percy looked a little happy, but everyone else was surprised.

"Please do not take this the wrong way, but I made a promise to always keep my siblings safe. I have no doubt Bianca will be safe and happy with you, but if I join, Nico will be on his own. I trust the Hunt to keep my sister safe, but who is going to take care of my brother at Camp? He will need one of his sisters with him." I explained.

Artemis smiled at me, "Your heart is in the right place. I am indeed disappointed, but you are welcome to join if you wish in the future."

"Thank you, Lady Artemis." I said sincerely.

"Zoe, dawn is approaching. Break camp. You need to get to Camp soon. I will summon a ride from my brother."

Zoe nodded and beckoned Bianca towards her. Bianca stopped in front of Percy and said something I couldn't hear.

Percy was glum, "So your brother, huh?"

"Yes, boy. It is time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo."

I got up and exited the tent.

"Kristina!" I heard Bianca call.

I looked at her and walked towards her.

"I'm sorry." She said, looking down.

"For what? You did nothing wrong, Bianca." I smiled, "I understand that you want to be free of responsibility, and I'm not angry, or sad. I am happy for you. You have a new family now, but Nico and I will always be here for you."

She looked up at me, then gave me a hug.

"Thank you, Kristy. Thank you so much."

I hugged her back. "I'm your sister. It's what I do."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Hey Nico." I sat next to him.

"Kristy! You're back! What did Artemis want with you? Where's Bianca?" Nico's questions tumbled down one after the other.

"Calm down, Neeks!" I laughed. "Artemis gave Bianca and me the chance to join the Hunt. You know, the girl gang who saved us? Them."

"Did you accept it?" Nico asked. I wasn't sure whether he was sad or not.

"No," I responded, "But Bianca did."

"Oh." Nico said.

"Nico, you need to know what is going to happen now, and please, try to understand it without getting angry, ok?" I requested.

He nodded, confused.

I explained everything, from the oath to the immortality and the fact that we won't be seeing her as much. Nico didn't say anything the whole time. His eyes widened, but he didn't say anything.

"So... we won't be seeing Bianca at all?" Nico asked softly.

"We'll see her occasionally, but she won't live with us. For now, though, we're all going to Camp Half-Blood. Including Bianca. So, we'll see her for a while before they leave with Lady Artemis. And Nico, please, don't be angry at her for her decision."

He didn't say anything. He continued staring at the ground.

"Nico..." I said again.

"I won't be mad at her. At least I'll try." He whispered.

"Thank you." I muttered, wrapping my arms around him. He hugged me back, and we sat there till Thalia came up to us.

"Hey." She said.

"Hi," I spoke, standing up and helping Nico up.

"I uh, I didn't get to introduce myself. I'm Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus."

"Kristina Di'Angelo, daughter of god knows who."

She chuckled. "If you don't mind me asking; what's your sister doing with them?" She jutted her chin to the Hunters.

"Oh, Artemis gave us the offer to become Hunters. She took it, I didn't." I shrugged. Thalia scowled at first, then looked back at me.

"Our ride is coming to get us to Camp Half-Blood, so get ready."

I nodded my thanks, and she walked away. I turned to Nico, "Do you wanna go talk to Bianca?"

He nodded. I pointed in her direction and off he went. I sighed and walked over to Annabeth, Percy, Thalia and Grover.

"Don't look. Not until he parks." I heard Artemis say. I averted my gaze till the bright light stopped.

I looked back, and I saw a red convertible Maserati Spyder.

The driver, Apollo, got out and smiled at us. He had sandy hair and a playful smile on his face.

"Wow. Apollo is hot." Thalia mumbled.

"I'm not arguing." I agreed.

"He's the sun god." Percy pointed.

"Not what we meant." Thalia and I said together.

"Little sis!" Apollo spread his arms. "How have you been? You never call or write! I was getting worried!"

"I'm fine, and I'm not your little sister, Apollo. We're twins! How many millennia will we argue about this?" Artemis said through gritted teeth.

He ignored her, "So what's up? You and the girls need some archery tips?" He smiled his blinding smile.

"I need a favor. I have some hunting to do alone, and I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood." Artemis sighed.

Apollo held up a hand, "I feel a haiku coming up."

The Hunters groaned.

"Green grass breaks through snow

Artemis pleads for my help

I am so cool."

He grinned at us.

"The last line was only four syllables." Artemis pointed out.

"Was it?"

"Yes. How about 'I am so big-headed'?"

"No, that's six syllables. Hmm."

Deciding to speed it up, I spoke up, "How about 'I am so awesome'?"

Everyone turned to me. I gave a wave.

"Yes, that's five syllables. Who are you, though?"

"Kristina Di'Angelo, Lord Apollo." I answered.

"Just Apollo for you." He winked at me.

"Um, thank you?"

"Anyway, transportation for them, huh?" He scanned all the demigods till his eyes rested on Thalia.

"Thalia Grace, right?"

"Hello, Lord Apollo." Thalia blushed.

"Zeus's daughter, hm? Heard you used to be a tree. So glad you turned back. Man, I hate it when pretty girls become trees. There was this on-"

Artemis cut him off.

"Brother. You should get going."

"Right, right." Then he looked at Percy and his eyes narrowed.

"Percy Jackson."

"Yeah... I mean, yes sir." Percy replied awkwardly.

Apollo looked at him for a few more seconds, then said, "Well! We should really be going now! Get in!"

"How are we all going to fit?" Nico piped up.

"Oh..." Apollo looked at all of us again. "Well, I don't really like doing this, but..." He pressed a button on his keys, and poof! The car turned into a school bus.

Zoe ordered the Hunters to load everything up, and just as she grabbed her pack, Apollo said, "Here, sweetheart. Let me get that."

Zoe recoiled, and her eyes flashed.

"Apollo, you know the rules. You do not talk to my Hunters, you do not help, flirt with or even look at my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart." Artemis chided.

"Right. Sorry. Forgot. Hey sis, where are you off to anyway?"

"That is none of your business. Just get them to Camp. And no messing around!"

"I never mess around!"

Artemis rolled her eyes, "Sure. I will see you by the Winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge till then. Do well. Do as I would do."

"Yes, my lady." Zoe stood up straight.

The goddess knelt down as if to look for tracks, then stood up with a troubled expression. She mumbled something, then ran off into the woods.

"Well," Apollo spun the keys around his finger, "Who wants to drive?"

All the Hunters went to the very back and crammed in, while the demigods took a seat in the front. I sat beside Nico, who was jumping up and down from excitement.

He and Apollo had a short conversation, during which I zoned out, but when I heard the last line of their conversation; "Well then just think of it as a really dangerous and powerful solar car", I knew what was coming next.

Before Nico could ask his question, I interrupted, "No Nico, you can't drive."

He pouted. Apollo grinned at me, then looked straight at Thalia.

"Daughter of Zeus, lord of the sky, perfect. Thalia, why don't you drive?"

"Oh, no, thank you." Thalia shook her head.

"Oh, come on! How old are you?"

She hesitated, "I... don't know."

"Hmm, you're about fifteen. You'll turn sixteen on December 22." Apollo said after a few seconds.

"Yeah, that's my birthday!"

You don't say. What is it with people and pointing out the obvious here?

"Which means you're old enough to get your license, so you can drive!"

"Um-" Thalia looked at her shoes.

"I know what you're going to say-"

I zoned out.

I started paying attention when the sun chariot/school bus started moving. I put one arm around Nico and held him in place.

The whole time, Percy and Apollo were telling her what to do, making Thalia even more nervous. I sighed and got up- with difficulty- and stood next to Thalia.

"Calm down. You've got this. Loosen yourself. Breathe." I said in an almost hypnotic voice. I would do that whenever Bella or Nico were nervous about something, and it always worked.

I continued muttering calming things to her, and after a minute, she relaxed. Her hands relaxed against the wheel, she wasn't as rigid as she was before, and our journey was almost smooth.

The parking was a little bumpy, but we survived.

"Nice work, Thalia." Apollo praised.

Thalia smiled at me, "Thank you." She whispered.

I smiled back and went to Nico.

"What did you say to her?" Nico said, bouncing up and down.

"Nothing." I shrugged. A sly smile threatened to break out.

He scowled at me, then got up. Everyone got off the chariot and looked around camp. The Hunters in distaste, and everyone except Annabeth and Grover was amazed by the snow.

I held Nico's hand and looked around for Bianca. When I spotted her, she was with Zoe and the girl named Phoebe, who was talking to her very expressively.

Seeing her safe, I felt satisfied.

"Come on," Percy said, "I'll introduce you guys to Chiron. Zoe-"

"I know Chiron." She scowled, "tell him we will be in Artemis's cabin. Hunters." She commanded. All the hunters followed her. Bianca hung back, gave Nico and me a quick hug, then made her way to the Hunters again.

I smiled a little sadly but started following Percy. Nico looked around in amazement, and I laughed.

"Who's Chiron?" Nico asked. "I'm pretty sure I don't have his figurine."

"A centaur." I answered. "And no, you don't have his figurine. I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a figurine."

"Ohhh."

I looked ahead to see a man with a shaggy brown beard sitting in a wheelchair. Must be Chiron. And a plump guy with a tiger prints Hawaiian t-shirt. Mr. D. Mm, guess I'll have to be polite with him.

"Ah, Percy! Thalia! Annabeth! Who are these?" He said cheerfully.

"This is Kristina Di'Angelo and Nico Di'Angelo, her brother. They're both demigods."

I gave Chiron a two fingered salute, and bowed slightly to Dionysus, "Lord Dionysus, it's an honor."

Percy, Thalia, Annabeth, Grover, Chiron and Mr. D looked surprised, while Nico just looked confused.

"At least someone with manners. Unlike Perry Johnson over there." Mr. D said, shooting a pointed look at Percy.

"We have another sister, Bianca Di'Angelo. She's a demigod too." I added.

"Ah, so your mission was successful then?" Chiron smiled at me before looking at Thalia.

"Well... not exactly." She said.

"What? Why not?" He frowned.

"Bianca chose to become a Hunter." I said bluntly.

"Oh."

After repeating everything that happened, Chiron frowned.

"The Hunters are here, huh?" He muttered, then glanced at Grover.

"Why don't you show Kristina and Nico the orientation film?"

"Yes, Chiron!" Grover said, nodding his head.

"Is it G or PG?" I asked.

"PG-13." He replied.

"Oh." I frowned. Nico shouldn't be watching PG. I looked down at Nico, who was giving me puppy dog eyes.

I sighed, "Fine."

He beamed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Once we were done with that; we entered the room again.

"So cool! You're a centaur?" Nico asked Chiron with stars in his eyes.

"Yes, child." Chiron said, somewhat nervously.

"And you're the wine dude! That's why Kristy called you Dionysus!" Nico said, turning to Mr. D.

"The... wine dude?" Dionysus's eye twitched.

I sighed, "Forgive him, Lord Dionysus. My brother forgets his manners in his excitement."

Nico gave me a sheepish look, while Mr. D eyed me curiously.

"It's alright, I suppose." He said finally.

"Thank you, my lord." I shot a mild glare at Nico.

Catching the hint, Nico bowed, "Thank you, Lord Dionysus."

"Well, Percy, Thalia, why don't you both go and inform everyone that we will be playing capture the flag tomorrow?"

"Capture the flag? But Chiron-" Percy started.

"It is tradition." Chiron interrupted, "A friendly game of capture the flag whenever the Hunters visit."

"I bet it's real friendly." Thalia muttered.

"Run along now." Chiron said with a hint of warning in his tone.

"Right. Come on, Percy." Thalia said, jogging out the room.

"And Annabeth, why don't you show them," Chiron pointed at us, "the Hermes cabin?"

"Sure, Chiron." Annabeth nodded and smiled at us.

We followed her as she gave us a tour of the whole place.

"... And these are the Cabins. Almost all the Olympians have their own cabins, except for Hestia and Hades. Artemis and Hera have honorary cabins, and the Hunters use Cabin Eight whenever they visit. For now, you guys will be staying in Hermes's cabin, where all the undetermined children stay too." Annabeth explained.

I nodded along, while my little brother just bounced along, gasping in amazement at every little thing.

Annabeth looked very amused at his antics, and it looked like she was trying hard not to laugh.

I caught her eye and she let out a giggle. I grinned at her, and she stopped in front of a plain looking cabin.

"Here we are. The Hermes cabins." Annabeth knocked on the door, then opened it. There were so many people in there. Many of them looked similar, must be Hermes's kids, but some looked glum and disappointed. Must be the undetermined ones.

"Hey, Annabeth. Who're these? New ones?" Someone said. I faced the voice, and two identical boys with curly brown hair and stunning blue eyes grinned at us.

Connor and Travis Stoll? I don't know of any other twins, and they are the counselors for this cabin.

"Hey Connor, Travis. Yes, they're new here. Kristina and Nico Di'Angelo. Undetermined." Annabeth replied.

"Ah." A look of pity flashed through their eyes. Gah, if only I could tell them who's child I was!

"Anyway, welcome to camp!" They said together, grinning again.

I smiled. Nico continued to bounce. He jumped in front and started asking questions about Hermes's hit points and powers. The twins looked confused, Annabeth laughed, and I shook my head.

I stepped in front and placed my hands on Nico's shoulder.

"Nico, no one knows about Mythomagic here. I'll play with you later, ok? Just don't ask anyone about it right now." I murmured. When Nico's face lit up and he nodded vehemently, I looked back to the twins.

"Sorry about that. He gets excited sometimes." I apologized.

"Uh, it's, ok?" One of them said. More like asked, actually.

"Well, come on in." The other said. Nico and I moved to one corner of the room, which was empty, and Connor (I'm assuming) explained everything we need to know.

I thanked them both again and left all our things on the floor. It wasn't much anyway. Just clothes, a few pictures, things like that.

"Nico, I'm going to go explore for a while. Would you like to come with me, or stay here?" I asked.

"Um... I'll come." He replied after a few seconds. I smiled and we headed out. After walking around for a while, I found Thalia, Percy and Annabeth talking on the edge of the river.

Thalia noticed me and waved us over. I waved back, and Nico and I started walking towards them.

"Hey, what's up?" Annabeth smiled at me.

"Oh, nothing. Nico and I were just exploring for a bit." I replied.

"Did you see the Pegasus stables yet?"

"No, we didn't reach there yet apparently."

"There's a Pegasus here? Cool!" Nico said with stars in his eyes, again.

"How about I show you the stables, Nico?" Percy offered.

"Kristy, can I go? Please?" Nico turned to me with a hopeful look.

I didn't want to say yes, but I didn't want to hurt him either.

I looked at Percy, "I like you, but if Nico gets hurt, I will hunt you down and I will end you."

Percy chuckled at first, but he got nervous at my mild glare, then nodded.

I smiled, "Then it's ok with me."

Nico hugged me, "Thank you!"

The two boys ran off, with Nico having an excited smile on his face.

"Well, that was fun to watch." Thalia commented idly.

Annabeth and I laughed.

Then Annabeth turned to me, "Why are you so protective of him?"

She didn't sound annoyed, just curious.

I smiled sadly, "We never knew our parents. He is all I have now. With Bianca joining the Hunters, I am all he has. He's my little brother, and if I'm not gonna protect him, then who is?"

Annabeth and Thalia smiled at me, "You have us now."

I smiled at them gratefully. "Thank you." I whispered.

Just then, a conch horn blew.

"Dinner time." Annabeth said, jumping to her feet.

Thali and I got up reluctantly and walked slowly to the tables.

"Guys, would you mind helping me get a weapon?" I asked suddenly.

"A weapon? Sure, I don't mind." Thalia shrugged.

"How about we do that tomorrow morning. That way you can get used to it for capture the flag." Annabeth suggested.

"Perfect." I grinned.

When we reached the dining hall, all three of went to our own tables; Thalia to the Zeus one, Annabeth to Athena, and me to Hermes. I saw Nico sitting next to Travis and Connor, laughing about something.

I sat down next to him and ruffled his hair.

"Hey Kristina." The twins said together, Nico just beamed at me.

"Kristy, you should've seen the stables! The Pegasus were so cool!" Nico gushed.

I chuckled as he continued to rant about the awesome things he saw around camp.

Then Chiron stomped his hoof to get our attention.

"To the Gods!" He bellowed, raising his glass to a toast.

"To the Gods!" We all echoed.

Wood nymphs came out of the, well, woods with platters of food.

When we got our dinner, one by one, everyone got up and put a portion of their food in the fire.

When it was my turn, I put a slice of pizza and muttered, "To Hades and Hestia. Lord Hades, please claim us."

Thankfully, no one heard my plea, so we went back to eating dinner. Travis and Connor had us laughing the whole time, and Nico kept asking his Mythomagic questions.

At the end of dinner, Chiron got our attention again, but this time, Mr. D spoke.

"Do I have to do this?" He sighed. When Chiron nodded, he continued, "Well then, hello brats. I'm sure Chiron told you already; there will be a game of capture the flag in honor of the Hunters coming to camp."

There was a round of half-hearted applause before he continued.

"And we have two new campers: Nico and Kristina Di'Angelo. Yes, hurray, now run along to your campfire."

"Wow, this is the first time Mr. D is getting someone's name right!" Connor exclaimed.

"Surprising what a little politeness can do, huh?" I winked.

The twins grinned mischievously, "We like you." They decided.

I chuckled, "Trust me, the feeling is mutual."

We all ran to the campfire, sang camp songs, toasted marshmallows, then went to bed.

Nico was half asleep by the time everything ended. Hey, he might be a son of Hades, but he's still ten!

I tucked him in bed, and went to bed myself.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Next Day-

When I woke up the next morning, I was happy. Last night, I had a dream. Surprising, I know. But it was a good dream for a change.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When I fell asleep, I was in a dark place. There was no light at all. It was just darkness. I looked around, only to find a silhouette of a man. He was tall, and was wearing something like a helmet or crown.

"Who are you?" I demanded a little fearfully.

"Soon, Kristina. It will happen soon." He spoke. His voice was deeper than anyone I've ever heard.

"What will happen? Who are you?" I asked again.

Instead of answering my question, he only said, "Tap the metal on your bracelet tomorrow. Make sure no one sees you. You will have your weapon. Tell your sister the same. And it's a black ring you will find in your backpack for Nico. Take care, child."

I gasped. Was this... Hades?

"F-Father, is that you?" I asked hesitantly.

My dream changed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

And that is the end of this chapter! Please please please review and tell me what you think. Also, do you guys want to see any specific pairings here? Tell me in the reviews.

This is the first Percy Jackson fic I'm writing so I would love some feedback. I will be posting this on Ao3 as well, under the username KristyGrace.

And for all those Naruto fic fans out there, I have a Naruto fic going on as well, name 'Mission: Fight to Survive', so go check that out.

Please fav, follow and review!

Bye!

Kristina...