Author's Note:

I am very sorry for long absence. How long was I? A month? However long it was, it was too long, gotta say.

I guess you could say, there's been too much rest for the wicked. (Ba Dum Tss)

Anyway, the reason for my absence… recently, I've been working on project, you might say, with a group of my friends. All of us have passion for games, and all of us thoroughly enjoy YouTube videos. Can you see where this is going?

We've decided to tackle big wide world of YouTube with our own gaming channels.

Yeah yeah, I know, another massively time consuming hobby, how many do I need? (it could be worse… I could still be doing archery.)

Now, only two of us actually have multiple uploads, one hasn't got anything yet, and I only have one video up. The quality is so-so, and it isn't properly sized to YouTube proportions. I think I've learned how to fix that for the next video though. We're also making a group channel for all of us to work on, called the 'Bludge Brothers'. For my channel, the name is the same as here. Paper Kaine. If you're interested, you can have a look, if not, no biggie.

Anyway, I recently got my hands on 'The Sword of Summer', Ricks new book. Thoughts? Pretty good. And by crazy coincidence, Magnus Chase also has one major thing in common with my AU Percy. They're both homeless, thieves, and have been so, for two years. Go figure.

Chapter 16

Welcome to the Thunder Dome

The van ride was mostly uneventful, few words were spoken, and most people opted to nap despite the sun just about to rise.

Percy fell asleep within a minute of getting in the van, visions of the future staying away for now. When he woke up, Annabeth told him they were just a few minutes away from the Camp. He wasn't quite sure how long the drive had been, or how long he'd been sleeping.

He looked out the back window, and just saw New York off in the distance. Percy briefly wondered if he'd ever miss the place.

Probably not. Hopefully I won't have to sleep with one eye open, or keep looking over my shoulder here.

The Van eventually slowed down, halting at the bottom of a fair sized hill. At the top of the hill, there was what looked like a man in a wheel chair, sitting underneath a very large pine tree.

"That's Chiron there. The main Camp director." Thalia said.

"I thought he was half horse?"

"He is, but Argus called ahead while you were sleeping, and Chiron likes to hide his horse half for new arrivals. Less of a shock."

They trudged up the hill to meet the Camp director.

"I see you've returned. Olympus informed me of your success. While one particular outcome is regrettable… it could have been much worse." Chiron said. He had a warm voice, smelled vaguely of coffee, and was wearing a tweed jacket. He reminded Percy of a librarian.

"They told me Bianca survived… where is she then?"

"She's still… up on Olympus." Thalia answered. "Bit a situation. We'll tell you inside."

"A good idea. We'll talk over some hot chocolate in the Big House."

On the short walk through the camp, the oddest thing Percy saw was the climbing wall with lava flowing down the side. He didn't quite understand that one.

It was a nice looking place though. There were floating balls of fire lighting up the place, because light bulbs or street lamps were obviously too mainstream. There was thin layer of snow along the ground, not enough to cover everywhere, or make it too cold, but enough to give the place a wintery-feel.

The camp seemed to take up its own little valley, with a couple of large Greek style building dotted here and there.

There were a few campers here and there that gave Percy odd looks as he walked by.

They can't tell I'm mortal just from looking at me can they?

Percy also noted the fact that the camp, its buildings and what he assumed were training areas, were much too big the amount of people here. He would've expected twice the number of campers.

His face must have reflected his confusion, because Thalia said "Not everybody is here all the time. Most just come here for summer. The really strong demigods have to stay year round. Monsters track us really easily."

"So you're a year rounder?"

"Yeah, kind of. I mean, I haven't really stayed here for a year total. Unless you count the time I was that tree."

She pointed to the giant pine tree Percy had first seen at the hill.

"That's what you were? …Impressive tree."

"Was that supposed to be compliment?"

"….I really have no idea."

They arrived on the porch of what Percy guessed was the 'Big House', judging from the fact it was three stories tall.

Inside they sat on a few couches, as Grover and Thalia took turns telling the full story to Chiron. Percy was too occupied with his hot chocolate to do anything.

"That is regrettable news, though I am sure Bianca will make it through. Someone will have to inform young Nico.

"Now… sacrificing the Ophiotaurus… you took a risky move young lady. The sudden surge of power could've driven you insane."

Thalia paled a little. "Ah… I, did not know about that detail."

"That's how the rumour about it making you want to destroy Olympus started. Completely false. I assume the gods told you? How the Ophiotaurus has been used before."

"Yeah, but if the gods know, shouldn't the Titans as well?"

"They've never had one of their own sacrifice it, and have never had direct contact with anyone who has, so no. The last time that power was held… it was a few hundred years ago. America was still just a colony. We will speak of the details later, but for now…"

Chiron looked towards Percy.

"You took a risk involving yourself in our world young man. I wonder, was it bravery or bravado that encouraged you assist us?"

"Uh, neither. I'm not feeling… particularly brave right now."

"Well, however it turns out, we always welcome new campers who have nowhere else to turn."

"So, um, how often do you get mortal heroes? Am I the first?"

Hearing other people call him a hero was strange enough, but it felt weird to describe himself that way.

"You are the first in a long time, but there was one who came before you."

"Yeah? Who was that?"

"Jason, of the Argonauts, back in Ancient Greece."

"Oh… that's a while."

"It is. If there is one advantage heroes like yourself have though, you are often favoured by the Queen of the Heavens, Lady Hera. She has always taken a shinning to mortal heroes."

"That's nice… I suppose."

Chiron turned to the others of the group. "Tonight there will be a celebration dinner, where will tell the campers of the quests outcome, and we will introduce Percy here like any other new camper. But for now you may do as you wish."

The responses included 'nap', 'coffee' and 'shower'.

"Percy, there are a few things I must still address with you."

Ahh…

"Uh… yes?"

"In this camp, cabins and tables are divided by a person's godly heritage, but you don't apply to any of them. For now, you may sit at the head table, where myself and Mr. D sit, during lunches and dinners. For rest, there is a room upstairs which is vacant. Second door on the left.

"Training and practise is also organised by cabin. Feel free to tag along any session you like. Schedules are posted up on a board just outside the Big House. You may spend the rest of the day as you like, but I do recommend you walk around, get a feel for the place. You've already befriended Thalia, Grover and Annabeth, so one of them may be willing to give you a tour. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a lesson to prepare for."

And with that, Chiron rolled on out the door, leaving Percy sitting on the couch, alone. He walked over to a window, and looked out over the camp. There weren't many people out and about.

Now that he was here, and he was left to his own devices, he could help but think…

What now?

Percy looked to the stairs.

I still feel like crap. More sleep for now sounds nice.

Sleeping in a proper room, with a proper bed, was a little… off-putting to Percy. Not that he didn't like it, but because it felt too good to be true. He did eventually fall asleep.

Percy woke up eventually, feeling like he hadn't slept that well for years.

He looked around the room, taking in what was essentially his space for now. There was a wardrobe, filled with orange t shirts that said 'Camp Half-Blood' on them. Percy didn't exactly feel comfortable at the thought of wearing one.

There was a bed side table where he'd put down I̱miséli̱nos, Zoë's knife. A chair and desk, which had nothing in its drawers. And finally, there was window, offering a pretty good view of the camp. He could see all the way down to what looked a bunch of cabins, forming a 'U' shape.

Looking at the sun in the sky, Percy guessed it was around three o' clock. He put I̱miséli̱nos in his pocket, and set off into the camp.

That thing's going to cut a hole in my pants, I swear.

He walked slowly around the buildings, taking in the sights. It may have been winter, but the cold was very manageable, unlike what he'd felt in Manhattan earlier. It was the type of winter weather where the snow made everything more beautiful instead of harsh.

"Where'd they rustle you up from then?"

Percy turned to the voice. Standing in front of him was a big mean-looking girl wearing an army camo jacket. She was a fair bit taller than Percy, and definitely bigger.

"I'm sorry?"

"Where'd you come from? First time I've ever seen a quest come back with someone new."

"Oh, um… Chiron said they'd introduce me… at dinner or something. I'm just having a look around."

The girl frowned at him. "I'll be seeing you around newbie."

She walked off.

Geez, what's her problem?

"Remember when I told you watch out for the Ares cabin?"

Percy jumped a little. He turned around again, this time to see Thalia standing in front of him. She'd ditched the long winter coat, instead wearing a black leather jacket, which she seemed much more comfortable in.

"Is that how people start conversations around here? Sneak up on someone from behind?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Well sorry, I assumed you'd be more alert, considering where you used to live."

"Yeah yeah, I probably should be, but… this place is a bit to take in, you know?"

"Understandable. Now, remember what I said about the Ares cabin?"

"Yeah, watch out for them."

"Well that girl, Clarisse, is their head counsellor."

"So watch out for her in particular?"

"Exactly. One more thing, they're all children of the god of war. That's where their… 'attitude' comes from."

Of course they are.

"… If you're not doing anything at the moment, I can give you a tour. Show you the ropes."

"Sure. Probably better than me walking around wondering what everything is."

"Okay then. First, I'm thinking… the arena, maybe?"

"Woah woah, hold on. I just got here, you really sure about jumping straight into combat?"

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Thalia smiled. "But you have to start sooner or later."