The silence overwhelmed me. I could feel the air get thicker, the animals in the woods stop their activities, and I could see the group of girls in front of me, struck absolutely speechless. That is, until matter itself seemed to bend and a slip of paper floated down from the heavens. I picked it up apprehensively, knowing it contained my destiny.

The paper was woven from moonlight, the writing on it the brightest blood red possible. It only had upon it two words, in a beautiful script. 'I accept.'

And with that, nature seemed to sigh, emitting a relieved, patient sound. Almost expectant. I took a deep breath, and looked around. My vision was clearer, I felt stronger, and my body glowed with beautiful silver light. I knew that deep inside, I had changed. I was a new person. Better.

With the sign came motion. The Hunters all rushed to me to read what they already knew, that I was one of them. Thaila looked at me knowingly. A few others hugged me. The rest looked absolutely stunned. Thaila was the first to speak. "Well, I guess you need to get your stuff. And we should get you a jacket and your bow. Artemis left me with some; I think she knew it was bound to happen." With those words, we set off towards main camp, all of us in position, like a well-oiled machine. I didn't think about how that could have doomed me. No, for the first time, I was at peace. I no longer worried about how I looked, what boy to date, what they girl was thinking. I was part of something unbreakable. And I had a certain feeling it was going to be tested, quite soon.

I arrived back at the Aphrodite Cabin. It appeared deserted, but I knew that my sisters were at some social event. Every night. So I gathered my possessions in peace, making sure to take what was mine and leave everything else behind. One thing I made positive to take was the enchanted Chap Stick mother gave me. When all my items were collected, I looked around my former home. The mirrors, makeup, clothes, everything, was a part of me. I had just grown out of it.

So I made sure to shut the door nice and tight and made the short journey to the Artemis Cabin. There, I was presented with a silver jacket, a bow and arrow, and my bunk. It was directly above Thaila's. After I had settled in a bit, I joined everyone on the floor to learn their stories. Apparently, the Hunters did not discriminate one bit. There was a nymph, a child of Ares, Zeus, Hermes, Demeter, Athena, Hephaestus, and many other minor gods that I shall not go into. But I was the first ever daughter of Aphrodite. A specialty, you might say. But they didnt make me feel like an abnormality. I was welcomed with arms wide open. So I went to sleep that night, peacefully.

After I had awoken and sprinkled some makeup on, I pulled on my jeans and a white cami, and then donned my silver jacket. This was it, my appearance as a Hunter. I only hoped they would take it well. But, if they didn't, well, I had my new family and a bow and arrow as a back-up.

When we trooped out, I glanced at myself in the mirror. Eyeliner, foundation, lipgloss. Moccasins on securely. That was the best constant I could hope for. As we walked on towards the pavilion, I heard talking. Just another morning, eating breakfast, nothing special. They suspected nothing. And when we passed everyone and settled into our seats, no one even glanced up. It was just a matter of time. Until then, act normal. So I deposited my offering, thanking Artemis, and sending a little extra for my mother, with 'Forgive me' tagged along. Thats when people first started noticing. Athena people were first, of course, soon followed by Apollo, Demeter, Dionysos, and even the Poseidon guy showed some interest. Aphrodite girls were oblivious, until the first screech was rent upon the air. A second later, I was the most hated girl in camp.

I could put a positive spin on it, and say that the orange juice spilled on me was an accident. But then, what would be the eggs, french toast, bacon, and sausage that got pelted at me? Finally, Thaila stood up and announced in a clear voice, "Excuse us Chiron. Were going to teach our new member archery." With that, she marched out and we all followed. Somehow, someone got a bagel thrown with precision.

"Thwack" was the only sound, as once again my arrow hit the center exactly. I had amazed them all with my already good archery. We were all stunned on the matter, but had accepted it with ease. Demigods do that well. Now they were teaching me cool stuff, like how to shoot while in mid-air, and where to best hit what beast. But I couldn't be left in peace, because soon after, Darron, the son of Ares, showed up asking for me.

"May I borrow Nicole, just to talk? It will be really quick." was his promise. None of the girls really paid him much attention, so I went off with him, to behind the nearby stables, to talk.

"So." was all he had to say. I mentally rolled my eyes and said,

"So what?" I am a rockstar! I got my rock moves, played in my head after I said that, and I giggled.

"I guess I dont get my chance."

His words hurt me. He had to know, otherwise he would never forgive me. "No, you have to understand. Things happened that night. I cant do it again. Please, dont put me through that." I pleaded.

Immediately, he got deffensive. "What did he do!? I swear to Hades, I will beat the shit out of him." he said, all the while flexxing his muscles.

"No, dont. He just wanted to go a little further than I wanted to. Please, don't bring it up. Don't make me remember." I begged, helplessly.

Darrons eyes widened. "It was really that bad?" he softly considered.

"Yes" was my only reply, tears glistening in my eyes.

At that moment, he pulled me into a hug. I knew as a Hunter, I was supposed to recoil, slap him, stalk off to my fellows. But it felt to good to have a non-Hunter not mad at me. So I returned his hug, only to relent a second later when a heard something drop.

I saw Thaila, standing feet away, a shocked, betrayed expression on her face. All she had seen was the hug. And I was a Hunter.

A/N: Song-Reverie by The Morning Of