Ashley turned to Eirene. "Sorry for, you know, bumping into you."

Eirene smiled sheepishly and nodded, indicating that it was fine. The girl returned to her table and Eirene returned to hers with a heavy sigh.

"This is actually kind of alarming…" Amber said.

Eirene turned to her. "How so?"

"Well, that's the third thing that's happened today, you know? First Matthew, then you fainting, and now Ashley getting barbecued; are the gods angry with us? Did we do something wrong?"

Eirene felt her lips go dry. It was true, a lot of things had happened today, her first day in camp. She wondered if it had anything to do with her, but she knew that it did. Even when she was little her presence usually caused trouble to erupt around her. She had assumed it was that way for every demigod, but with the events of today she wondered if her presence caused pained to everyone, not just mortals.

It could just be coincidence. She told herself. Stop trying to be so depressing and enjoy yourself for once! She forced herself to pick up her food and eat, ignoring the feeling of guilt in her stomach.

"Amber, look to yonder!

Things are not so somber

And as I sit here and flex,

I ask, join me in the corner for some—"

"Roman!" They all said in union, then busted out with laughter. I really hope, Eirene thought, that things remain like this; for once, for things to remain peaceful.

It felt like the next morning came without warning, and Eirene was having a hard time getting up. She felt hands shoving her and urging her to awake, but her body wasn't responding. It had been so long since she'd slept without disturbance. It felt much too good and she didn't want it to end.

"You really do have to wake up, it's almost dawn and if Clarisse doesn't see you then she'll call it a forfeit and demand to lead the quest."

And wouldn't it be better if she did. Eirene thought as she sat up, "I…." and then collapsed back on the bed, fast asleep.

Connor shoved her once more, now aggravated. "Oi! What's wrong with you?"

Eirene grunted, rubbing the sleeping out of her eyes and sitting up. She yawned profusely. "I'm…sorry. I just…have a hard time, waking up…is all," More yawning. "I'm not very used to sleeping a full night."

That blew out the slightly lit flame of fury as Connor felt his eyes begin to soften. "I'm sorry. But to be honest no one else can lead this quest but you. You're the only person who's seen Dennis and therefore knows where he might be."

Eirene sighed, in a way he was right. Clarisse was fueled by arrogance and pride and would probably lead the quest with a blind eye. Eirene wasn't even sure if any of them knew what he looked like. He could have very well changed his appearance in the years he's been gone. But Connor was right, she had to get up and stay true to her challenge with Clarisse; she was sure if she didn't the Ares camper would come in and get her herself.

After a quick ten minutes spent freshening up and wearing her clothes, Eirene was led by Connor down to the arena.

"So you're sure you don't want any armor?"

It was the third time he had asked, and Eirene was starting to get a little bit annoyed though she knew he was just trying to look out for her. She was sure all the other campers would also choose armor, mainly because the chance of getting cut is very high when fighting Clarisse. But she knew she wouldn't need it, she wasn't planning on getting hit. And even if she did, nothing would happen.

"I just think what the point of armor in here if there's none out there?"

His shoulders slumped, though he seemed amused. "You're…you're impossible. Why are you so confident anyways?"

Eirene just looked and smiled; some secrets were better kept hidden. "Where is Travis anyways?"

"He's not really a morning person."

"Oh, and you are?"

He only looked at her from the corner of his eyes. "Today I am."

She didn't know what that meant, and she didn't have time to dwell on it before she was almost thrown to the ground by the force of the booming voice before her.

"You're late!" Clarisse growled her sword already in hand and armor positioned. "I'd usually call forfeit and lead the quest myself, but I'm almost insulted that you came here naked."

Eirene felt her cheeks flush for a mere second as she considered her words. "But I'm not naked."

Clarisse swung her sword at her and Eirene skipped out of the way just in time.

"No armor? Are you really that arrogant?" Her voice rose in an alarming manner, and Eirene had to force herself to stand straight without shaking. She couldn't even look the girl in the eyes, it seemed like there was a fire that burned there constantly.

Connor found himself getting suddenly annoyed; he released the tongue he'd been biting down. "That's exactly like the pot calling the kettle black. Your pride and arrogance made you pick a fight with a new and inexperienced camper just because you want to taste blood. This right now just proves that you'd be horrible to lead the quest: Someone who thinks with their sword and not their brain would just get everyone killed."

He was right; of course he was right, Eirene knew it. But he wasn't supposed to say it. Even Eirene who was had just arrived to this camp knew that Clarisse was the type of girl you didn't questioned or oppose. If you did, well you were just asking for retribution.

But before Clarisse reattributed, Eirene interfered. "Um, I think I'd be best if we'd just duel and get this thing over with."

Clarisse, looking slightly annoyed, swung her sword towards Eirene. "Continue to take things so lightly; it will be even more satisfying when I beat you."

As they entered the Arena, Eirene saw that they were not the only ones present. It seemed the word had spread to a few campers and they had also gotten up early to watch the battle between them. Eirene recognized Samantha in the crowd who waved when she saw her, though she looked rather worried. Heather was there alongside Damien, who gave Eirene a quick wiggle of his fingers and a wink. She still…she still got bad vibes around him. He somewhat scared her, she felt an air around him that was close to a muffled evil. It could be due to the fact that he was both death and water, a power that she felt radiate from him so abundantly. Percy and Annabeth were there, along with Chiron and Dionysus. All sitting upon the broken aisles of the arena, watching. The pressure that had never showed itself before now was here. And Eirene felt it weighing her to the ground.

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