I'm very sorry about the delay, I just didn't like the chapter and then school was hell…but here it is! Next update will be on time! Enjoy!

Chapter 5: Sharing secrets

''Really?! That's how I got that scar?'' Jason asked incredulously while Thalia chuckled.

''Yep, you actually tried to eat a stapler. Honestly, I've never kept you hungry. I don't know what in this thing you found appealing.'' She shook her head, a wide grin stretched easily on her face.

It was way past curfew, probably around midnight but neither of them felt tired. Despite the other huntresses being in the Diana/Artemis cabin Thalia had decided to spend the night in the Jupiter/Zeus cabin and catch up with her little brother.

''Huh, someone might think I would have remembered that.'' He mused, a smile of his own splitting his face.

''You were around three years old and a lot of things happened after that. I'm surprised you even remember me.'' The words come out a little rushed as she shrugged but Jason didn't miss the strange edge in her voice.

''Thals, you practically raised me. I'm sure that that is not so easy to forget even though I was a toddler back there. Besides, how can I forget that song you used to sing to me when I was scared…''

Thalia laughed again.

''The one about the rabbit in the hole? You used to hop in bed like a bunny while I was singing it.''

They both sighed, still smiling. Jason couldn't believe that after all this time he finally found her, his bigger sister (though technically now he was the older one).

''I can't believe you're alive.'' She mused out loud and the son of Jupiter found himself embraced into a tight hug. He didn't hesitate to return it. ''I never forgave myself for that night…for loosing you. I'm sorry.'' She whisper-croaked in his shoulder and he had the feeling that she was silently crying.

''It wasn't your fault.'' He just said, his vision getting blurry and he had to blink a few times to prevent the falling of tears. He wasn't going to cry.

''Yeah, it was her fault.'' Thalia spat venomously ignoring the booming of thunder outside. ''Oh, shut it!'' She yelled, detaching herself from Jason to look up at the ceiling. ''Everyone knows that you hate Zeus' children. For goddess of the family, you didn't do a great job with us. You separated us!''

As much as Jason agreed with his sister (gods, it sounded strangely amazing to be able to say that word), he didn't think that it was appropriate to get on the queen of the gods' bad side.

''Thals, calm down. We shouldn't fight with the gods now. Besides, she's the one that brought us together.'' He reasoned and her electric blue eyes met his identical ones.

''She's the one that got us separated in the first place…''

''Does it really matter? We're together now.''

It was silent for a while, Thalia's eyes stopped blazing dangerously but didn't cease to intimidate. He knew that look from the mirror. Guess that they weren't as different as he first thought.

''I know but…we could have been together all along. Sharing quests, memories, fights…being able to trust someone in this world…'' her voice wavered as she looked away.

Jason didn't know how to react to this. It seamed as some memory was haunting his sister and he wanted to help. The thing was that he didn't know what was wrong. From what she had told him about her life during their separation, she had been through a lot more that he would have thought. No wonder that she had decided to join the hunt.

''We've both been through a lot. But that's in the past and we should look to the future. Where I'm not planning on disappearing again.'' He decided to try to joke and surprisingly it worked. Thalia chuckled weakly, looking up at him.

''You better.'' She smiled which turned into a yawn. ''We should better get to bed.'' She sighed.

Jason didn't want to fall asleep, afraid that maybe he was dreaming right now and in the morning she wouldn't be here. Thalia had probably guessed his thoughts by looking at his face because she smiled tenderly at him and hugged him again.

''Don't worry little brother; I'm not planning on going anywhere soon. I'll see you in the morning.''

''Ugh, morning. I have to get up early before the meeting in the big house because Reyna wants to discuss something about Octavian. Gods, I hate that kid.'' Jason complained, snuggling in one of the beds near Thalia's niche.

''The scrawny blond one that is always carrying around a stuffed toy?'' she asked, amusement clear in her voice even though it was already dark.

''The same. Sneaky little weasel. He's trying to turn the Romans against you guys. Like it's not difficult enough without his machinations.''

''You're a good leader Jase, I'm sure you'll figure it out.'' Thalia assured him.

He thought that she had g\fallen asleep before her voice sounded again.

''Hey, I was about to ask you something. Do you know Piper from somewhere?''

Jason froze in his bed. What was he supposed to answer? Yeah, actually. She's my secret girlfriend who I thought was mortal but she isn't. She too thought I was a mortal but I'm not and I'm not quite sure where we are right now. Could he tell his sister that? Sure, she was his relative but she was also good friends with Piper. Maybe she would take her side in this? Not that there was some rivalry, just a big misunderstanding and lack of time to talk. For gods' sake, he didn't see her all day, let alone got alone with her to be able to sort everything out. And he had the feeling that they desperately needed to talk soon. Like, really soon.

''Jase, are you asleep?''

''No, I'm not. Uhm, why do you ask about Pipes?'' he asked back feeling slightly nervous.

''Pipes?'' Thalia sounded suspicious now. Oh great! He heard quilts shuffling. ''What exactly are you hiding here little brother?''

It didn't help that her smile was evident in her voice. If anything, it made him fidgety. Finally he sighed. What could be the worst thing to happen?

''But swear to me that you won't tell anyone! At least until I sort things out.''

''I'm all ears.''

''Piper, are you alright?'' Annabeth's voice brought the daughter of Aphrodite out of her thoughts.

The brunette jumped a little while strapping her breast plate around her torso. They didn't have much time left until the start of the game. They had already gone through the battle plan, the positions were arranged and all they had to do was get ready for capturing the Roman's flag.

It was actually good that only head councilors participated in this. Smaller the team is, the easiest it would be to walk around without getting noticed. They were twenty people in their team. Even Clovis from the Hypnos cabin was there, more awake than Piper had ever seen him.

''Yeah, I am. I just got a little carried away, that's all.'' She shrugged, turning to smile at her best friend briefly before looking at the straps again. ''This isn't going to end well, is it?'' she suddenly asked.

The daughter of Athena didn't answer immediately, looking around.

''I'm not sure. This game can turn into something much more. For example Clarisse is pretty excited to 'kick some Roman but'. I heard Lou talking with Katie that it was about time to show them what we're made of. I know that some of the Romans don't take us so seriously but I hardly believe this is the time to solve problems like this.'' She said seriously.

Piper nodded, while strapping her dagger to her belt, along with a sword. She wasn't very keen on using the long blade since she was close to horrible with it but it was just in case. Just in case she lost her dagger and someone attacked her. She was in the attacking team after all and things could really get ugly.

''Okay, I need to find Will and Leo, they will be leading the distracting squad. Stay concentrated and don't let stupid remarks distract you. You know it's not true.''

''Thanks Annabeth.'' Piper smiled again before the blond disappeared from sight.

The daughter of Aphrodite sighed. She hated battles. They weren't the best way to solve problems. Almost every time, they caused even more damage actually. And right now, with the fragile…alliance (still not a friendship, they had long way to go if they were ever to get there in the first place) between Greeks and Romans a game like that could turn into a bloodbath. The Romans were known with their battle skills and how ruthless they were. What if…

''Hey, you ready?'' Thalia's voice sounded as she came to stand beside Piper, her bow and quiver over her shoulder and a blade strapped at the side.

''I think so. I just hope that they wouldn't be as competitive as I think.''

''Well, we just have to end this quickly then.'' She shrugged. ''You're in the attacking team, right?''

''Yeah, not that I know why.'' Piper mumbled grabbing a helmet that she didn't think of actually using.

Thalia took a quick glance at her friend, raising a questioning eyebrow at her. ''What is that supposed to mean?''

''Well, I'm not a swordsmen as everybody knows. I can hardly run if I'm with a shield, let alone fight. And I can't...'' Thalia's laugh cut her off, catching her completely off guard.

''Don't underestimate yourself. If Percy and Annabeth put you here then there is a reason for it. Just don't over-think it. We're demigods after all, it's in our blood to fight. And thinking about your abilities help too.''

The first conch horn blew, which meant that they had only five minutes to take their places.

"Good luck Pipes.'' Thalia snickered making the daughter of Aphrodite turn sharply on her heels to look at her friend. Her eyes were blown wide with surprise.

Only two people had ever called her that.

And only one was currently in this camp.

Shit!

A\N: So the game started. What will come next? Who will face who on the battle field? And who will capture the flag? You'll just have to wait another week and see.

This story is actually nearing its end. Just maybe two or three chapters at most. It was usually planned as three-shot so even this is quite longer than I originally planned.

Please review and tell me what you think. I decided to put both some sibling reunion and the beginning of the game here so I hope that everyone is happy. More of the game will be seen in the next chapter which will probably be Piper's POV.

I really hope that you enjoy the story so far! LOVE YOU GUYS and thanks for the INSPIRING reviews! :))