Hi guys! I'm terribly sorry I delayed for so long! I was having another monthly exam again and I was preparing the second issue of my English school magazine. I was also busy practicing our class's English drama for the school's drama contest. Guess what? I wrote our script! It was based on The Tale of the Three Brothers of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! There were originally no dialogues, so I made them all up! And guess what again? I'm gonna play the part of Death! Cool, eh?

Anyway, I'm going off-topics. This is chapter 12. Enjoy!

-Amber-

Disclaimer: The Percy Jackson series and the HoO series don't belong to me.

Chapter 12 Landyn

It was an accident, I swear. I would never get knocked out again when we meet a monster. It was just bad luck and I got careless, that's all. But no matter how many times I repeated the words, I still felt like a loser. Cyclopes can imitate voices; everyone knows that! And I just had to fall for it and end up sleeping through the whole battle. How could I fall for such an obvious trick? I kicked a rock and brought up dust on the ground. We had just climbed out from the underground parking lot. I sensed the eyes of the satyr on me and turned my face away. Maybe it was because I could read expressions myself, I had the feeling that Grover could too. A second later, I felt his gaze leaving me and let out a breath.

"Hey, Landyn. What are we going to do next? I want to dump the goat and go look for June right now." July tugged at my sleeve and whispered. "But Grover wants to find a restaurant." She looked over her shoulder to where the satyr was crouching down and groping around in a small patch of weeds.

I paused, contemplating the situation. Of course I wanted to follow July's blunt plan, but I couldn't see how it would work. Yeah, we found and saved Grover, but that didn't make us super human detectors. Without any clues, we would just be wandering about, wasting time and risking being exiled from Camp Half-blood. July looked at me expectantly.

Before I made up my mind, Grover stood up and brushed the dirt off his baggy jeans: "All right, there're no monsters around here…even though there is something…never mind. Let's go find a restaurant now!"

July stared at him and then at the clump of yellow grass he was examining. "You knew that by looking at weeds?"

"Uh-huh. It's a basic tracking method for satyrs." Grover said seriously. But he was obviously not so patient when it comes to food. "Are we going to eat or not? I'm starving!"

I exchanged a glance with July. If the satyr could track monsters, there was a good chance that he could track demigods too.

"Of course. Let's go. I think there's a Burger King somewhere near here." July assured him and started to lead the way.

Though I highly doubted she would know the way and even if she did, she would still have trouble following it, I seized the opportunity and struck up a conversation with the goat.

"So, that was a cool trick." I smiled.

Grover beamed at me. "You think so? The other demigods never appreciated it much."

I shrugged: "Their loss. Anyway, if you can track monsters, can you do the same to demigods?"

"Well, not really." Grover adjusted the crumpled cap that hid his little horns on his head. "I can track different sorts of magic and powers, so I'm also able to detect if there're demigods around, but I can't distinguish them. Speaking of that…when I was detecting if there were monsters around, I sensed a pack of demigod power."

"What? Really?" My heart missed a beat. Had the Romans already arrived?

Grover's eyebrows furrowed. "I'm not sure of their location as it seems too far—out of the scope of my tracking spell, but one thing is for sure: it must be a big crowd, or else I wouldn't have detected their power from such a distance."

July was listening intently too. I realized we had stopped in the middle of the road.

"But it might just be a Camp Half-blood scout team." Grover abruptly brightened up, as if the matter was settled. "Why are we stopping? Where's Burger King? I haven't eaten for days!"

July blinked in surprise but soon enough, her face darkened dangerously. I quickly placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back. "Whoa, calm down. Grover doesn't know we're looking for June, heck, he probably doesn't even know Camp Jupiter is warring on us. Let me do the talking, all right?"

I looked into her light blue eyes, trying to read her thoughts through them. July's clenched fists lowered. She lowered her head, but not quick enough to hide the flash of tears in her eyes. I sighed and gave her a small squeeze before approaching Grover.

"Hey, bud. How much do you know of the circumstances now?" I asked casually, putting on my sunglasses—we had veered into a more crowded street.

Grover made sure his sneakers were fit on well, also apprehensive that someone would see through his disguise. "To be honest, not much. I haven't been in touch with Camp since…what, a month ago? And you know the nature spirits aren't really concerned with the affairs of demigods. Did anything happen?"

I took a deep breath and said: "Of course. We're preparing for war now."

Grover looked around for Burger King indifferent: "I meant anything that I didn't know. We've been preparing for the giants war since a long time ago."

"No, I meant a war between demigods. Camp Jupiter has declared war on us because Argo II 's plan went really, really wrong."

"What?" Grover gasped, jerking into a stop. "Then what happened to Percy, Annabeth and the others? Are they killed?" His pupils had dilated into huge quarters, with tears gathering around the rim.

"No, no." I patted him hurriedly. "They've escaped. The Seven are now on a quest to Rome. But the Romans are targeting us now. And that means…"

"The power of a large crowd of demigods is mostly likely theirs. The Romans are already near." July finished my sentence, watching Grover carefully. I could see she was trying to decide what to think of the seems-to-be-selfish satyr that also saved our lives.

"Oh Zeus." Grover groaned, covering his eyes with a hand. "I can't believe I've missed out so much! Then we must go back to camp and tell Chiron about my tracking results immediately!" He turned and blindly started walking in the opposite direction of the Burger King that we had just spotted.

I caught July's eyes and gave her an assuring grin. See, Grover is just as loyal and selfless as any other demigod.

July returned a small smile and whispered: "So he doesn't think about eating all the time, after all. I was just…"

"I know." There was no need for her to say it. She was just angered because as we were so desperately trying to look for June, someone could just indifferently search for food , caring about nothing else.

"Hey, Grover!" July caught up with the satyr. "Don't you want to have something to eat first? We could always I-M Chiron."

Grover stopped and contemplated for a while before sighing and heading back towards the fast food restaurant, with the two of us flanking him.

As we settled down with our burgers and drinks, July and Grover were already chatting and comparing funny experiences like a pair of old friends. I, on the other hand, was trying to think of a way to find June between half-hearted comments to whatever they asked me.

"Hey, you know how troops always sent scouts to check out the enemy out beforehand?" I said finally, trying to look casual. July looked at me and considering the way her eyes widened, she understood what I was trying to say.

Grover narrowed his eyes slightly in thought, chomping on French fries. "You mean…scouts to estimate the enemy's power so they can come up with the most suitable strategy?"

"Exactly."

"So what about it?" the goat said, apparently not getting my point.

"Well…" July cut in nervously, glancing at me. "We were wondering if Camp Half-blood should do the same."

"Yeah, you know, send some demigods to check out the Romans and see what they've got. I'm sure it would be a great help." I added.

Grover frowned, taking in our words. At last, he nodded in agreement. "I guess so, if Camp Jupiter is really going to fight us."

"Let's tell Chiron about it. We have to Iris Message him anyway." July decided cheerfully. I smiled inwardly too. This could be a great chance for us to find June—we would tell Chiron about Grover's tracking results and propose our plan to send scouts, or more precisely, send us as scouts to spy on the Romans. You're such a genius, I lauded myself secretly.

xxx

"Scouts?" Chiron said, a little crease forming between his brows.

We nodded in union.

The old horse man sighed, "Actually, I've been thinking about that too. But we haven't decided yet. It's too dangerous, for even the most skilled demigods. We know too little about Camp Jupiter and none of you children have the experience of opposing a Roman soldier. And you won't like it when you do."

"But scouts aren't supposed to fight with the enemy face-on. They spy in secrecy. Isn't that the point?" I argued. The sinking feeling that Chiron wouldn't agree to our plan was so overwhelming my stomach seemed to be dragged to the ground.

"We have Grover to help us detect them." July cried out too, "And according to Rebecca, Jason said that the Romans don't think highly of satyrs enough to make use of their power. It's an advantage we shouldn't let waste!"

"Wa-wait!" Grover cut in, his eyes wide, "Have Grover to help…? Since when was I involved in being the scouts?"

Chiron frowned too, "Are you inferring that you plan to go?"

July reacted quickly enough. "No, of course not. I just thought the leader of the satyrs should be obligated to help out."

Chiron studied us through the misty rainbow with scrutinizing eyes. I slightly regretted taking off my sunglasses, as his gaze bored straight into mine.

I looked back at him calmly. "About who should go, I in fact do think we could be the scouts."

Grover gawked at me while July stared at me like I was crazy tp give away our plan like that. Chiron pursed his lips.

"We're out of camp already, and we're new. We are practically totally devoid of the kind of demigod demeanor and temperament of seasoned half-bloods. We're less likely to be found out than the other campers." The ridiculous reasons were just popping out of my mouth, with almost no process of passing through my mind. I hoped it sounded rational enough.

July shook herself out of her daze too. "Plus, if you think we're not good enough, look at Grover here. We've just succeeded in rescuing him."

Chiron remained silent for the longest time ever. I felt like I was waiting for a sentence that would decide whether I get life-imprisonment or immediate execution. At last, Chiron lifted his head and said: "I'm sorry, but I don't allow it. Come back to camp right away. No delays or you'll be exiled from the grounds of Camp Half-blood."

"What!" July screeched. I stared at him numbly, too shocked to say anything. Chiron looked at us sadly, the way he did after the counselors' meeting, when he told us about Nico's condition. He had seen right through us, not that I hadn't expected it. I just didn't think he would stop us from trying to save June after all this—we've already manifested our determination; we've also proved our abilities; we even came up with such perfect reasons why we newbies should be sent as scouts.

Chiron turned to Grover, who looked confused at the situation. "My dear satyr, make sure to escort them back, OK? Then be prepared to set off with the scout team I'll form soon."

"But why? We're totally capable of doing this!" July protested but Chiron waved his hand and the message dissolved.

"Damn!" July dropped to the ground, pressing her eyes hard with her palms. I didn't move, trying to think of a way to fix this all up, but it was like swimming in outer space-I couldn't get anywhere.

"Hey-hey" Grover said softly, crouching down and patting July soothingly, "What's all this about? I know you guys are hiding something from me. But don't get all discouraged. Chiron would never do anything to harm you. He must have his reasons."

"Yeah, he does, of course." I replied, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice, "He's protecting us while letting June be trapped in the hands of the Romans!"

"Who is this June?" Grover asked, "Whenever one of you mentions her, the emotions of both of you get so aroused."

July gave a violent shake, burying her head further into her arms. I looked away.

"She's my sister. And she's in Camp Jupiter, probably in one of the Roman troops that are going to war on us. If she exposes her identity, they won't let her go easily." July's voice came out flat and dry. Grover gasped in shock.

"Come on." I leaned down and pulled July up by one arm. I've had enough of it. I didn't come all the way just to be ordered back into the stupid doll house of Aphrodite's cabin. "Hades to Camp Half-blood. I'm going to find her."

July looked at me and after half a heartbeat, nodded in determination. "Camp Half-blood is nothing to me if June can't come to it with me."

"What? You can't do that!" Grover stood up quickly, grabbing my arm before I could leave. "You'll get exiled! Or killed! And you don't know how to do a tracking spell! How are you going to find the Romans anyway? Ask a random monster?"

I gritted my teeth. I knew that of course, but we couldn't just give up. "I don't care! We'll find a way!"

But Grover didn't reply, he stared at me strangely, pupils dilated. "P-Perrrrcy?"

"What?" I started but I realized my eyes must have been doing that stupid trick again. I sighed. "I'm not Percy, Grover. Look again."

Grover blinked and refocused on me. "Oh, sorry. I must have been hit silly by Polyphemus."

"No, it's him." July explained, rather drained out, "He has this ludicrous power to make people see important guys."

"Oh." Grover said. But he was still staring at me with a complicated expression.

I frowned. "You think I'm like him. How?"

"Wha-hey! How do you know what I'm thinking about?"

July rolled her eyes. The familiar expression cheered me up a little unexpectedly. "Mr. Son of Love here also has this ludicrous power to read expressions."

Grover suddenly looked a lot more apprehensively at me. "Wow. I didn't know a kid of Aphrodite could have so many kinds of power. Piper and Drew can charm speak, all the others can look good without trying and you can make people hallucinate and read expressions? You lot just surprise me more and more."

"Not technically make you hallucinate…" I muttered, but July pressed on.

"Back to our topic. How is it that Landyn is like Percy Jackson?"

Grover scratched his head, looking down. "That expression. It freakingly resembles the one he wears sometimes. The way you both are willing to do anything to rescue a friend. You're just like him when Annabeth was taken by Atlas."

"Atlas? That Atlas, the one who shoulders the sky?" I couldn't help but distract myself from all the seriously down moods.

Grover nodded. "Long story. Anyway, he defied Camp rules too and followed the quest team in secret."

"Cool. So I break rules like the famous son of Poseidon do. Big deal." I drawled. I couldn't see how this was helping me. It didn't mean I could actually save my friend like Percy did. He was a hero, and me? I'm nothing. Why, I just got fooled the most basic trick of Cyclopes in the world of Greek mythology.

July elbowed me. I looked at her in surprise. She looked at Grover pointedly and whispered: "I think we can convince him to our side."

My eyes widened.

July turned to the satyr and said: "We just want to find June, just like Percy wanted to save Annabeth. You remember how miserable you were back in the parking lot when Polyphemus convinced you that Percy and Annabeth weren't coming to rescue you because they don't care anymore?"

I had no idea where that was coming from. Must be something that happened when I was oh-so-heroically passed out. But I could see she hit a spot. Grover's expression turned mournful instantly.

"Exactly." July exclaimed. "Friends are supposed to be there for each other. Now you know that your friends did care about you and they did want to come to your aid, but does June know the same about us? How could you make us just leave my sister at the enemy's mercy?"

I nodded earnestly, staring intently at the satyr.

Grover seemed to be having an internal battle with himself. July and I waited patiently, occasionally giving a loud sigh to express our disappointment and desperation. In the end, he groaned and said miserably: "All right, all right. I'll help you guys."

"Yes!" I high-fived July and grinned broadly.

"Hey!" Grover glared at us in realization, "You set me up, didn't you? Gods! What have I gotten myself into?"

"No, Grover, we didn't mean to set you up. I'm sorry if we made you feel that way but we're just so glad that you agreed to help us." I slapped his back joyfully, barely able to contain my smile.

"So come on!" July pulled us out of the ally where we had been Iris Messaging Chiron. "Do your weed thing again and locate the Romans!"

"Slow down! You think that doesn't need energy?" Grover protested, quickly pulling on his cap again as we burst into the busy street. "By the way, acorns are better. Are there any acorns around?"

"Jeez, you're picky." I sighed.

"Picky?!" Grover cried indignantly, "You're picky! I'm the only way you're going to have to detect the Romans!"

"Ok, Ok, your highness, we're sorry for insulting your delicate little tricks…"

xxx

"So, those three acorns are us." Grover knelt on the ground between us, pointing at his acorns, "And that twig over there is some kind of common city monster—shouldn't be much of a threat, but we'd better avoid that area. Better safe and sorry, right?"

"Ok. And where is the dense demigod power?" I asked.

Grover pointed at another clump of weeds. "There. Still some distance away so I can't be really specific about their location, but we can start heading that direction."

"Good enough for me."July nodded in appreciation, "And weeds as Camp Jupiter? Perfect metaphor. Suits them just right."

"Whoa. No angry feelings there, Missy." I looked at her warningly. We had agreed that we shouldn't hold ill feelings for the Romans, as this whole "civil war" like thing was most likely a conspiracy plotted of Gaia, the giants and probably a couple of turncoats. The majority of half bloods—including the Roman soldiers—are innocent.

July glared back at me but fell silent.

"So…let's go?" Grover looked at us for affirmation.

"Yeah, man. Onwards!" I held up an imaginary sword and marched towards the direction Grover's tracking spell just showed us.

July quickly caught up, with Grover following closely, still muttering out loud about how he got himself into this mess.

I was pretty content. We were finally on our way in search of June Loras, though things didn't go exactly as we wanted them to.

Oo-kay…so this chapter is a little short and honestly doesn't say contain much. *hide face in shame* But I promise the next chapter will be better! Please review though, even if only to say you didn't like it.

-A-