Lassa

The weeks go by fast. My first capture the flag game we team up with the Athena and Hermes cabin. Percy gets the flag, and the victory celebration was amazing.

Percy starts giving me one on one sword fighting lessons, and I show him how to use water more as a technique than just a force. He also makes me practice different techniques like fighting with a sword and shield than just my twin xiphie, which is annoying but he says I need to learn.

Annabeth helps me with Archery, and she also frequently questions me about my faith. Whenever we're not actively engaged in an activity, she's sitting in a corner somewhere bent over her laptop. It makes me sad she's trying so hard to disprove my faith, although she won't admit that's what she's doing. I can only hope it will lead her to the Lord. Percy said not to worry about her. She withdraws when she's working on a project. He said there was one time on their quest to New Rome he told her his hair was on fire and she just said that's nice without even looking up from her screen.

I also start looking for a Pegasus to bond with. More and more I feel drawn to Skyfall, an 11 year old dapple gray mare. When Percy gave me my first flying lesson on her, I was nervous at first, always having been a bit afraid of heights, but it was amazing.

I also meet a lot of people. Percy and Annabeth's friends Piper and Jason get to camp from California, and they seem amazing, just like they are in the stories.

I get to witness a Major scene when Leo Valdez comes flying in on a bronze dragon with a now mortal nymph named Echo riding on the back with him. No one knew what happened to him after the Giant War last summer. Apparently he used the physician's cure after he died to come back to life and then went to get Echo from where he met her in Utah. She took Leo's advice and gave up on Narcissa. When Leo came back, she decided to go with him. And they've spent the last several months on a quest to break the Echo curse Hera placed on her eons ago. Now she's free of it, can say whatever she wants and is only camouflaged when she wants to be.

Everyone was a mix of mad it took Leo so long to get back and thrilled he's okay. The whole camp had a celebration that night. He and Echo were both super sweet when they met me, too.

I've tried to avoid Erica and her friends ever since my first night here, but all the other campers are super friendly and welcoming. Even so, I spend most of my time flying with Skyfall, in the arena with Percy, in the cabin with Annabeth, or in the water by myself.

What's hard though is the way my faith sticks in my throat. Even when they're having fun, I can feel the emptiness of everyone all around me. Little kids to young adult demigods in every direction, hardly any of them having felt the love of one parent and none of them the love of two. I have in me what can heal their souls, but I can't get myself to speak. Annabeth's the only one I've been brave enough to share with, and she's asking me questions all the time, but I can tell it's because she wants to try and disprove it, not a desire to believe. It makes me start praying I get put in a position where I have to speak. A dangerous prayer, and God answers.

….

I'm sitting alone at the Poseidon table eating dinner when Erica comes and sits down across from me. She has a glint in her glowing blue eyes that instantly fills me with dread.

"Hi, Kelpy."

"Couldn't come up with something more clever?" I roll my eyes. "Good thing you're lucky cause wit is not your thing." She narrows her eyes at me.

"I'm only sitting here because I overheard something today when I was walking by your cabin." She smirks. "Is it true you're a Christian, Thalassa?"

"Are you allergic to using my given name?"

"That's not an answer." She tells me. My stomach clenches.

"No it wasn't. Yes, I am a Christian." I tell her. She laughs.

"Seriously? I was expecting you to deny it. Sweetheart, you say I'm low on wit? You're literally the child of Poseidon. How can you believe in a one true god type religion?"

"I don't deny the gods exist. They just shouldn't be worshiped. Have you not noticed I never put part of my food in the fire? The gods and titans are descendants of fallen angels, created by Jehovah."

"It's incredible you believe that." She says and stands on the table and lets out a piercing whistle. "Hey everyone! Lassa doesn't believe the gods are gods! She thinks they're all the descendants of angels and that Christianity is real!" She gets down and smirks at me. I feel my face is on fire. "Have fun with that, Kelpy."

….

The next few days go by horribly. Some Hecate kids enchant some sheep to follow me around everywhere, making it impossible to go by unnoticed. I get jeered at a lot and it's really hurtful, especially from the people who I thought I was becoming friends with. I just try to remind myself as far as persecution goes, it's not that bad. I'm not at risk of physical injury or death, which means I'm a lot better off than most Christians in history and a lot alive today.

Percy helps. He goes and 'talks' to the Hecate cabin even after I told him not to worry about it, and the sheep leave me alone. I can tell he shook them up pretty bad. Annabeth also insists that she start giving Erica one on one combat lessons. I notice Erica is pretty worse for wear after them. It's nice to know they're looking after me.

Erica tries to complain to Chiron, but something I've noticed since I came to camp is Chiron basically lets Percy and Annabeth do whatever they want. He also saw Erica expose my beliefs to humiliate me, so he's not too keen on taking her side. I like Chiron. He doesn't deal with Bull Crap.

I know I shouldn't, but I start isolating way more. I spend a lot of time Riding Skyfall, us officially adopting each other. I swim in both the lake and the ocean most of the day I'm not actively training. I want to just be with Annabeth and Percy; no one bothers me when I'm around them, but I know they don't want a kid following them like a puppy.

About a week after all this starts, a kid I recognize from the Hermes cabin sits at the Poseidon table during lunch. He's about 14, with the trademark Hermes looks of blonde hair, blue eyes, and almost elvin features. I stiffen, waiting for more ridicule. But he doesn't have that mocking smirk or glinting eyes.

"Hey. You're Lassa, right?"

"Yes…" I answer slowly. "You're from the Hermes Cabin, right?" He nods.

"My name is Jesse." He tells me. I drop my guard a little.

"I saw you training in the arena the other day. You're pretty good with a sword."

"Thanks. From what I hear, you're not so bad yourself." He smiles back, then his gaze drops. He lowers his voice to just above a whisper. "Is what Erica said true? Or was she just spouting bullshit?" I take a deep breath, waiting for his grin to turn sardonic.

"It's true." I answer.

"Thank God." He breathes. I make a face, confused by his response.

"What?"

"You're not the only Christian at camp. I'm just not brave enough to advertise it like I should."

"Are-are you serious? You're not just making fun of me?"

"I swear I'm telling you the truth." He smiles. "Even though James tells us not to swear."

"Why don't you tell anyone?" He shrugs.

"Like I said, I'm not as brave as you are."

"I wouldn't say I'm brave. Erica outed me."

"But you didn't deny it. You could have."

"Have you denied it? Or have you just not been asked?"

"I haven't been asked. No one assumes it, since I'm a demigod. I like to think I'd confirm it if asked."

"How long have you been a Christian?"

"I was raised in the faith. I found out I was a halfblood a few months ago and was brought here. I've really struggled with things since then. I don't know how it all fits together. But I Know it's real, you know?" As he speaks, I feel some hope rise in my chest.

"I don't know everything, but I would be happy to share with you what I do know. It would take some time to tell. Want to go flying later?"

"Sure thing." He smiles, then purses his lips, like he's contemplating something.

"What is it?"

"Do you want to make it a date?" He asks hopefully. I feel a rush of heat go through me and hope my blush isn't noticeable. Is this cute, older, Hermes boy actually asking me on a date?

"I'd love that."

…..

My stomach flutters as I get ready to go meet Jesse at the stables. I decide on a long and flowy blue skirt with a white halter-crop and my riding boots. Jesse said he'd smuggle some plates and cups from the dining hall for us, so I'll bring a blanket. Skyfall told me there's a sandbar in the ocean where the Pegasi like to graze Seaweed on not far from the camp. It's shallow enough I can just will it dry while we're there and have a picnic.

Before I get dressed, I take a shower then put on a robe and try to do something with my black curls that isn't a total disaster. Braids make me look even more like a little girl than I am, but I really don't know how to do anything else. I get frustrated and throw my hairbrush across the room right as Annabeth and Piper walk in.

"Woah, Lassa. What's wrong?" Annabeth asks, closing the door behind her.

"Is everything okay?" Piper questions. I take a deep breath and try to calm down.

"I'm fine. But I got asked on a date for tonight and I can't get my hair to cooperate at all!"

"You got asked on a date? With who?!" Annabeth asks excitedly, sitting down on her bed. I crack a smile.

"Jesse James. He's an older boy from the Hermes cabin."

"Ooooh an older boy." Piper says. "How much older?"

"He's 14."

New camper?" Annabeth asks.

"Yeah. This is his first year."

"It's weird me not knowing every kid that's here. Hazard of there always being so many new kids and me not living her full time anymore. But anyways, tell us about him!"

"Well…" I trail off, realizing I can't out his faith to them. He needs to be ready to share it on his own. "He doesn't make fun of my beliefs. He's super cute, with blonde hair and blue eyes and is about a head taller than me. He's also really fast. He was the one who got the flag last week. And he's really good with a sword. Not as good as Percy, of course, but better than any other 14 year olds. Other than that, I don't know yet. I kinda just had my first conversation with him today."

"Well, that's exciting. I won't give you the full talk cause you're a pretty responsible kid, but please be careful when you're with him." Annabeth says. I smile at my sister in law.

"Thank's, Annabeth. I will."

"So what were you wanting to do with your hair?" Piper asks.

"I don't know. Anything other than my twin braids. I don't want to look so little."

"Is it okay if we help?"

"Yes!" I say, suddenly excited. "I would love that!"

"Awesome." Piper smiles at me. "I know I don't look it because I cut my hair choppy and don't wear makeup, but I'm still an Aphrodite kid. I'm good at it."

"And I'm the Daughter of Athena, goddess of weaving. I can do something with your hair."

"Be right back." Piper says and runs out the door, coming back a minute later with a makeup kit and some bottles. "Here." She says, tossing one to me. "This is a magic serum my sister Lacey concocted. It will take all the frizz out of your hair."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Awesome!" I say and rub it in from scalp to tip. Instantly, my hair dries and defrizzes. "I need this by the gallon." I say. "Does Lacey sell it?"

"No, but you could probably ask and she'll make you a bottle. Anyways, let's get to work." Piper says, and She kneels down in front of me and starts putting makeup on my face while Annabeth goes to work on my hair. I sit as still as I can, closing my eyes and pursuing or puckering my lips when Piper tells me to. Annabeth tells me she's doing a half up style with a waterfall braid to keep my hair out of my face but still styled and down. When they're finished, I look in the mirror…and gasp. I don't look like an eleven year old little girl. I look young, but timeless. I don't look any particular age. Piper did my makeup in such a way I still look like me, but with all my best features brought out. Annabeth styled my hair in a half up with some face framing pieces and a waterfall braid in the back, so it's out of my face but still down, styled, and curly.

"Th-thank Y'all. So much!" I say and get up and hug them both. "Let me go get dressed!" I say and run into the bathroom, putting on my skirt, boots, and top. I come out and Annabeth and Piper Smile.

"You look amazing, Lassa!" Piper smiles.

"Absolutely beautiful. Not like a little girl at all." Annabeth assures me.

"I can't say anything other than thank you." I tell them.

"That's all you need to say. I take it we probably won't see you until curfew?" Annabeth asks.

"I guess we'll see." I shrug. Right then The door swings open and Percy walks in. He smiles and walks straight to Annabeth, gently kissing her on the mouth.

"Wise Girl." He says when he pulls back. Annabeth softly giggles and runs her fingers in his hair. Piper looks at me and makes a gesture of her gagging, making me laugh. Percy looks over at me and blinks.

"Wow, Lassa. You look pretty."

"Thanks, Percy."

"What's the occasion?" He asks as he sits down next to Annabeth. He nods at Piper. "Hi, Pipes."

"Hey." She waves. "And to answer your question, your sister's going on her first date tonight." Piper jerks his head so fast towards me I think he's going to get whiplash.

"What?" He questions. I blush and smile at the floor.

"Jesse James asked me on a date tonight." I tell him. He purses his lips

"Cabin 11? 14 year old kid?"

"You know him?" I ask.

"I just teach him sword fighting. Where are you going?"

"Skyfall told me about a sandbar not far off the coast. We're having a picnic." I tell him. Percy's quiet for a long minute.

"Be careful, Lassa." He says, and kisses Annabeth's forehead. "I'm going to the dining hall now, Coming, Wise Girl?"

Annabeth nods and gets up, Piper too.

"Have fun on your date, Lassa!" Piper winks at me on her way out the door.

…

Percy

"Give me your Yankees cap, Wise Girl." I say as soon as we're out of earshot of cabin 3.

"What?"

"I know where that sandbar is. I don't trust Jesse James."

"Why?"

"He's hotheaded and arrogant, and why would he be going out with an eleven year old?"

"Did you see your sister? She's beautiful. She's powerful. That's enough to attract the attention of older boys."

"Just give me the cap. I have a bad feeling about this."

"Percy, it's great you want to protect your little sister, but you've only known her a few weeks. There isn't enough built up rapport between Y'all to keep a good relationship if she catches you spying."

"Which is why I need the cap." I tell her, getting annoyed. She stops and grabs my arm, kissing me lightly.

"I love you, Seaweed Brain. But no. Your sister will be surrounded by the ocean if she gets into trouble. Trust her to protect herself. And work on getting closer to her, so if you need to do something stupid in her best interest, she'll forgive you.

"Fine." I growl. "But I still don't like him."