When I woke up the next morning, it wasn't because my so-freaking-amazing musical alarm clock (which I still haven't gotten around to putting playlists on) went off.

Some jerk had slapped me across the face. I snapped my eyes open and sat up like someone had just poked me with a cattle prod (and I know what that feels like from experience). My vision was filled with oddly shaped black dots. I shook my head like a wet dog until the dots cleared. The grinning face of Jason swam into focus. I narrowed my eyes.

"What the Hades do you think you're doing?" I growled good-naturedly. His grin just widened.

"It's Pluto here. We are in my territory, now. And breakfast starts in five minutes," he shoved me on the shoulder and walked out of the dim barracks. I looked around; everyone else was pulling on socks or putting on deodorant. Apparently, the concept of sleeping in was lost upon Romans. I checked my so-freaking-amazing clock. 7:45. Freaking Jupiter, how could Jason be so disgustingly cheery at such an obscene hour?

Sometimes, I hate my best friend.

Anyway, I grabbed a neon orange Camp t- shirt (who came up with that color? It's like a billboard for monsters), and some frayed jean shorts. I pulled on a mismatched pair of white socks (who even inspects your socks?) and rubbed some Old Spice in my pits. Then I headed to the community sink and scrubbed my teeth. You're welcome, ladies. I shoved on my pre–tied sneakers, decided my hair was a lost cause, and walked through the heavy wooden door. The sun was so bright I had to squint. I guess Apollo was in a good mood. That was when I realized I had no idea where the dining pavilion was. Damn it. Seriously, these Romans with their fancy roads need maps. After I glanced side to side for a few minutes, debating which path to take, it came to my attention that dozens of people were walking in the same direction. Well, that's my problem solved. As I followed the flow to food, I kept a look out for anyone I knew. Which, come to think of it, was only about five people. Finally, I spotted a dark braid swinging over most heads. There was a three- foot radius around her. Looks like I spotted our favorite praetor. Jogging and elbowing through the crowd, I caught up with her.

"Hey, Reyna," I was only panting slightly. Reyna's mouth stiffened.

"Hello, Leo," she answered in a monotone. Choosing to ignore the iciness and stares, I pushed on with the conversation.

"What are you planning on eating?" I asked.

"Why are my eating habits your concern?" she kept staring straight ahead. A few snickers ran through the people nearest us. I felt my neck get hot, but luckily my hair hid that.

"Well, I just wanted to know what was good around here. Make sure you don't poison the pancakes," I defended myself.

"We don't poison the pancakes. But watch out for the sausage," she replied. I'm pretty sure the corners of her mouth twitched upwards. I entered a shock-

induced silence. Reyna, cracking a joke? The world might be ending. When we finally reached the wide marble steps, she nodded at me and turned left. Great. I was just ditched. I scanned the tables and found Percy sitting next to Annabeth. Thankfully, they weren't attached at the mouth. I slid onto the bench next to him.

"Hey guys," I said. Annabeth smiled and greeted me with a "Hey." But Percy only nodded. His eyes were slightly glazed. Guess I'm not the only one who thought breakfast time was ridiculous. I yawned then stretched my arms, hitting some random passerby in the stomach. They stopped and glared at me. It was some tall and skinny blond kid, with messy blond hair. But what really got me was the teddy ear he was clutching. I saw Percy sit up straighter from the corner of my eye.

"Umm, sorry for hitting you. Why are you carrying that bear?" I asked hesitantly. Maybe he had a mental disorder. The kid's scowl deepened.

"I am Octavian," he announced like I should already know who he was.

"Well, okay Octavian. It's okay to like stuffed bears. There are plenty of people missing you right now though, so shouldn't you run back to the infirmary?" I said in a kind tone. The kid's back stiffened and his scowl deepened.

"This is no stuffed bear. This is the future!" his eyes widened, giving him a crazed look. This guy was a freaking nutcase.

"Um, whatever you say, Octavian. Help! Any doctors around? I think we have a camper with a head injury!" I called, glancing around for help. Most of the people within earshot started snickering, but a few looked indignant. I felt Percy shaking with laughter behind me. Octavian looked indignant.

"I am the augur for Camp Jupiter! Your actions will not go unpunished!" he shrieked. Whoops. The entire pavilion went quiet. Dinner and a show. Don't forget to tip your nymphs.

"Umm, yeah, like, I'm really sorry dude-" I started apologizing, but Octavian cut me off.

"Do you have any idea how important I am? I am a descendant of Apollo, god of the sun himself! You will be cursed!" he heaved in huge gulps of air.

"Descendant? As in son?" I asked, eyebrows furrowing. He stomped the ground like a bull.

"No! My great- grandfather was the son of Apollo! I am his legacy!" he screamed, chest puffing out.

"Wouldn't that make you less powerful? I mean, your godly blood would be diluted," I stated reasonably. Octavian was too enraged for words. He lifted the bear and was about to chuck it at my beautiful face when a gold dagger appeared on his right wrist. Reyna had crept behind him.

"Now, Octavian, let's be reasonable. He states valid points. He only has been at this camp for a day. He cannot be expected to know all our customs. After all, he is a Greek," she said, lip curling on Greek. "And to outsiders, a fifteen year-old boy walking around carrying a teddy bear does seem strange." Reyna's dark eyes sparkled with amusement. Percy's shaking got even harder next to me. Octavian pouted.

"He should know our customs, they are very important. But since you, Praetor Reyna, order me to, I will not attack. And it is not strange," he whirled around and stormed off, his teddy bear bouncing against his leg.

"I cannot believe you called Octavian insane. Oh, this is great," Percy was gasping for air but had a smile plastered across his face.

"I'm guessing you're not a fan?" I said shrewdly.

"No, he's not. Neither am I, for that matter. But be careful, Octavian has a lot of power in this camp," Reyna warned. Percy snorted.

"Please. I became praetor, didn't I?" Reyna nodded slowly.

"You did. Enjoy your breakfast. Stay away from those sausages, Leo," her mouth definitely twitched this time. Percy's mouth was hanging open.

"That was possibly the most emotion I have ever seen her use at once. And what's wrong with sausage?" he said, spearing one and shoving it in his mouth. I smirked (having practiced in the mirror).

"It's poisoned."

word count: 1223

Author's Note: I am so sorry. Seriously. Please don't hate me. I had such bad writer's block, and then I forgot how to write Leo's character. Like, this chapter didn't turn out the way I planned at all. Anywho, don't you love Octavian's grand entrance? I hate him so much :). But I always felt that Leo would inadvertently screw with him.