Celine

It was difficult to rest easy last night, but Sabrina was right, the tiredness from working all day seeped into my bones right away. There was a strange feeling that lingered as soon as I woke up. Even stranger was Sabrina's behavior that morning. She kept pacing back and forth in front of our bunk as soon as I opened my eyes. The Hermes kids were all gone and evidently so, the sun was in full rise.

"Thank the heavens, you're awake," Sabrina said, biting her fingernail.

I rubbed my eyes with the side of my fists, "you look like you're in a sugar rush."

"Maybe I am. We have to go, hurry."

"Okay, okay. You're the one who told me the games would be a 'bummer' yet you're here all pumped up," I slid my shoes on and tried to tie my hair as best as I could.

"Meet you at the porch," with that, she exited the cabin.

"I need to go full blast with the water on my face. She's acting so strange that I believe I'm inside of a dream"

I met her as soon as I got ready. Sabrina was wearing her usual get-up, blue jeans, high-top shoes, and a camp shirt. She rarely wears the camp t-shirt, but since it's the game today, I figured she must have made an exception.

"They're dividing the teams down front. Let's go," Sabrina led the way. I stayed a few steps back as she walked on, wondering what must have spurred the erratic behavior. Sabrina was rarely agitated. She usually tries to project a cool and calm demeanor even when something is troubling her or even when she has the jest to laugh at something. It was a weird thing, but it was a way to conceal her feelings. Looking at her excited and nervous gait, I wondered what may have happened to let her expose her feelings like that.

I remembered leaving her past midnight because she insisted I should sleep. I waited for her for a while, thinking that she may have assumed I was asleep and decide to come back inside. When I saw that she didn't come back, I reckoned she truly stuck to her promise of staying out to wait for Zagreus…

"Did he come back?" I said suddenly.

She stopped in her tracks, she was daydreaming again. "Who?"

"Zagreus"

"Oh, yeah. Witch boy did"

"Did you see where he came from?"

"No, no. Not really," she walked on, "It was too dark that time, I just noticed that he entered the cabin because of the torches."

"I see…" I let on. I'll have to ask Zagreus where he went to once I see him at the grounds.

We arrived at the grounds as soon as the sun was at full rise. Most of the campers were already dressed up. The Hephaestus cabin assisted the teams in strapping their battle armor and weapons. The helmets worn by each team differed in color: red and blue.

"They haven't divided the teams yet," I said, spotting the helmets lined in front of a tree.

"Hope we're on the same side," Sabrina said. She kept fidgeting while we waited for the leaders to pick the cabin on their teams. As unclaimed demigods, they were automatically included in the Hermes team, unless the leaders had other plans for them. Sabrina was hoping she could corner Zagreus at some point during the games and grill him about last night.

"Gather around everyone," Chiron shouted to the crowd. He slid into view from the forest, visibly exuding both calm and excitement.

"I know it's been months since the war ended and we have spent weeks trying to recover from the wounds we endured and losses we grieved. It was not an easy win for us, and frankly, we may not call it a win. I know most of you loved to play capture the flag, it's our Friday tradition after all. But it doesn't ring the same without our comrades."

Silence fell on the crowd. No one muttered a word and seems like excitement waned off as sadness began to settle. "But in every battle, we need to move forward," Chiron continued

"That's why we decided," he said, eyeing Percy and Annabeth at his side "That we should continue the tradition and uphold the memory of the ones we lost. Times are uncertain after all, and the games would also allow us to sharpen our skills once more and prepare for the unknown."

The campers gave a resolute nod as Chiron finished his speech. Some still had their heads bowed.

"Our camp has also grown this year, with the addition of new cabins," Chiron cheerfully said. The demigod children of minor gods held their heads. "We have new campers here, and quite interesting ones too," his glance momentarily shifted towards Zagreus, who I finally noticed. He remained with Lou Ellen and his siblings.

"There he is," Sabrina whispered under his breath.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing. You were wondering where his is. So, there, witch boy is safe and sound as you expected," she replied, evading the question and still preoccupied.

I really have to ask her more about this, I thought.

"I'll leave the floor to Annabeth and Clarisse to explain the division of the teams"

"Thanks, Chiron," Annabeth nodded to his direction. "He's right the game is still important… for us to remember the ones we lost. Clarisse and I decided to lead this round of capture the flag again."

"Maybe for old time sake too," Clarisse smirked. Annabeth agreed. Their relationship seemed to have warmed as the Titan War progressed. I heard they used to be enemies, quite reflective of the relationship their godly parents had.

"Let's switch up the teams a bit. Since we have lots of cabins now, we're going to divide the new cabins in half"

"Athena, Dionysus, Aphrodite and Demeter cabins come with me," Annabeth instructed. Everyone from the mentioned cabins started to flock her. "And you too Percy," Annabeth said jestingly as she noticed Percy feeling dejected. He immediately took his place beside her.

Clarisse rolled her eyes, "Ares, Hermes, and Apollo cabins come with me. We're team red."

Sabrina raised her hand. "We're unclaimed, so what does that mean for our teams?"

Clarisse looked at Annabeth, a little bit confused on what to do. Annabeth nodded and said "You can join our team."

"Seems convincing," Sabrina silently jabbed. She picked up a red helmet from the tree and proceeded to line up. I followed.

"We decided to divide the new cabins accordingly, so listen up. "I'll take the Iris, Hypnos, Nike, and Tyche cabins while Clarisse will take the Nemesis, Hebe, and Hecate Cabins. This seems like a fair division in terms of number."

"Are we good?" asked Annabeth

Clarisse nodded. "Now! Let's suit up and prepare for battle!" The campers immediately wore their battle helmets and strapped their armor. Each camper had a different weapon of choice, ranging from spears to tiny daggers.

Chiron appeared in the scene once again, horn in hand. "Remember of the rules of the game. The entire forest is your battleground. The division of territories is marked by the creek. All magic items are allowed – "

An audible shrill came from the Hecate cabin. "-and guards of each teams flags must stay within 10 yards away of their flags. Prisoners caught by the opposing team may be disarmed BUT CANNOT BE bound or gagged. AND killing or maiming is not allowed. You know the punishment"

Someone from the Dionysus cabin gulped at the last remark. "Can't promise that one," Sabrina grumbled, wrapping a bandage to protect her hand. She chose a spear as her weapon. I settled for a dagger. I already strapped my armor and sheathed my blade. I proceeded to lace my boots.

"Do you think it would be possible for us to guard the flag instead? Will that be much of a difficult task, I don't think I can do offense right now since we're quite new to the game. What d'you think?" I turned around to find Sabrina gone. "Sab?"

Just then, I saw her. She was pacing hurriedly towards the opposing team, her blue helmet jutting from the sea of red. I gulped as she turned to face Zagreus, who was busy helping his younger siblings with their armor.

I could vaguely make out what she was saying, but her face and rapid movements were evidently driven by anger. What is she doing?! I thought.

-Page Break-

Sabrina

We're in opposing teams, I immediately thought once the leaders announced the cabins in their teams. I wanted to ask Zagreus about what happened last night, and being on opposing teams might just fuel my anger for him even more. I might maim him for all I know, even though that's against the rules. But there's no opportunity to get an answer from him, unless we're neck-and-neck maybe. The pressure from the game might get his guard down. For days, I keep wondering about the truth behind his story that night. Admittedly, I was thankful for him saving us, but at the same time, I still doubt his whole identity. What if it was all a set-up for us to lead him here in Camp Half-blood? And now, me and Celine are stuck here again, in the very place I resented much like my old home.

I couldn't hold back my questions any longer. I spotted him, among the campers in red. He was strapping his armor and looking around his cabin mates, seemingly in a good mood. I have to find out where he was last night. Rushing towards the opposite side, I dodged a few campers.

"Hey!" one said, as I ran pass him. "We need to talk," I grabbed Zagreus by the elbow making him face me. He was in the middle of helping a younger camper with her armor. His siblings began to turn their heads at us. I heard a few "ooohs" from the crowd.

"Uhh… what's the matter," he asked, eyebrows crossed. I pulled him away from the crowd and walked towards the shadow of a tall tree. I looked around to make sure no one heard us.

"I saw you last night"

"Saw where?" he said, panic seem creeping in his voice.

I might catch him redhanded. "I saw you with those weird relic looking things. I know you're the son of a witch goddess but I don't know exactly what you're planning. You came from one of the main cabins, didn't you?" I pressed. I did see him walk from the path that led to the main rows of cabins.

"Relic looking things? I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Oh come on, don't act like you're clueless, witch boy. The figurine, the small knife you were holding, and that feather! What were those, huh?"

"Shut up! That's none of your concern. I don't know what you're talking about but I assure you. I'm not doing any magic or whatever trickery you're trying to pin on me," he began to walk away.

"Really? Because I'm not sure if I can ever trust your story Zagreus or to trust who you truly are" I blurted out.

He turned around and I could see pangs of anger stemming from his eyes. I felt cold in my feet as I stared at it, as if he had aroused an unknown kind of fear within me. "You-"

"GATHER AROUND EVERYONE!" Clarisse shouted at the crowd. For the first time, I felt relieved for the distraction.

"We'll talk about this later," he said coldly. He walked towards his teammates again, shaking the remnants of his anger.

What's with him. One day he can't remember anything, the next, he makes me freeze like a stone. There's got to be something wrong with him… and I can't let that slip. I returned back to Celine.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I just can't stop thinking about something…"

"You still won't tell huh?"

"Maybe I will later on. Do you know our roles will be?"

"Uhh…I asked Annabeth if we could be on defense. She said Percy would help us through the game, she's good at defense tactics."

I sighed, "Then let's ready our positions then." We ran off towards the left side of the creek.

-Page Break -

Zagreus

The Hecate cabin vehemently wanted to play offense to pull several tricks they were practicing the past few days. Magic wasn't restricted in the game, and some younger campers wanted to pull the "vomiting frog" trick so bad.

"Hey, Zag?" Lou Ellen said behind my back. "It would be nice to use your runes in coming up with distractions."

"I'll try," I said. I squeezed the bag of runes tied to my belt. It was a magic I barely understood and do not intent to master. But I have to play the part to make them think I am one of them at least, for the time being. I know Sabrina is picking up clues as to who I am and what I am.

The forest was treacherous, and our attempts to throw distractions were countered by the Hermes cabin. They too had many tricks under their sleeves that left most of the our cabin members covered in goo. Someone did manage to successfully place the frog spell on one of the Hermes kids and everyone had a good laugh about that for a while until other opposing members started to hurry pass us.

"Go on, we got this!" the defense shouted. They were closing in onto the flag but were somewhat successful in holding back the opponents.

"Zagreus, go. I'll push back them back," she motioned to the line of blue heading straight at our direction.

I nodded then ran. I decided to take a narrower and darker path towards the circle protecting the blue flag. I saw no opponents coming pass me so I swerved through the shadows, my sword at hand. I was making B-line towards the faint outline of blue when a spear went pass my direction. Dodging the strike quickly, I turned to see Sabrina, pulling the spear from the tree trunk and thrusting it near me.

"You're not letting this go are you," I blocked her spear with my sword.

"Not really," she twisted her spear so fast that I almost tripped when it met my shins. She flipped it again and placed the handle near my chest.

"For a girl who hates being a demigod, you seem to have the skill set for it. Maybe you're the one who's not telling all that is to know"

She swinged the handle and hit me at the back with blunt force. My arms swinged to regain balance. I tightened my grip on my sword's hilt and swinged that back of the blade towards her. She sidestepped and blocked my attack with her spear once again.

"Listen here, Zagreus. I don't trust people that easily. I maintain the balance that way. You may fool Celine for all I know but you can't fool me. So this will end quick if you just tell me the truth."

Maintain the balance… I remember someone saying that… could it be?

"Nemesis…" I said under my breath.

"Huh? What are you saying?"

"You can't possibly lying as well, are you?" I swinged my blade. She placed her spear forward, meeting the blade. We sparred until I knocked her weapon out of her hand. She tried to pick it up but I hit her side with the back of my blade, making her fold onto the ground.

Thanatos mentioned the primordials are watching me. Could they be sending gods to look after me? To steer me back to them? Nemesis won't admit she's disguising herself. Sabrina could be Nemesis for all I know. But there's only one way to find out. I need to see if she bleeds gold.

I lost the sense of my surroundings but I was driven to find out the truth. It was a maddening sound ringing in my ears. Sabrina froze, she kept her gaze fixed at me. Her eyes… I reckon, feels familiar. I placed the blade gently near her arm.

"Tell me the truth, Sabrina… could you be-"

A golden blade intercepted mine and I almost lost my balance at its swing.

"Zagreus, what are you doing?" Percy said. Riptide at hand, he came between me and Sabrina. "You know maiming is not allowed in the game!"

The ringing in my ears seemed to intensify. The voices started to come back. The deep growls from that dark cavern in my dreams. The illusions of my former self. "Do not trust everyone in that camp, you can take my word for it. They are now in some kind of grace from the gods, especially that boy, Perseus Jackson," I remember the voice saying. Every word clear in my mind.

"Percy Jackson…" I whispered under my breath. And for the first time since the attack at the boutique. I felt my insides boil. My eyes changed in color. I quickly lifted my blade and pointed it towards him. With a thrust, he blocked the attack. I swinged more rapidly and with precision this time. I do not know where the power came from, but the voice started to return, and I felt my old self returning to the surface of my current body. Percy began to block my attacks, despite his quick dodges, I always managed to corner him.

"Zagreus, snap out of it! You're going to kill him." Sabrina's voice drowned in all the memories that started to swirl inside my head. One by one I tried to grapple them, but they slipped away and in those instances, my strikes began to intensify.

"Snap out of it, Zag-" Percy said under the strain. His knees buckled as the exchanges continued. With a determined strike, Riptide flew out of his grip, the sudden jolt sent him back against a tree.

"Zagreus – !" I lost the strength to fight against the voice… and the old memories it carried. Whoever that voice be, it had a tighter hold on me than I could ever know. High above, the blade prepared to cast its final strike.

A billowing smoke and shadow emerged in front of Percy Jackson. The wind from it pushed me far back, a shadow hitched on my shirt. The impact made me lose my sword and I landed on my back, feeling the slow crumple and deterioration of the leaves around me. It became grey as I lifted my head to see who my attacker was. The voice still boomed inside my head, echoing the memories that started to flutter in. But this was not an old memory, this was someone new.

He had the same dark hair as me and he wore a black shirt under a dusty aviator jacket. His eyebrows crossed and his lips worked to a grimace. His knee pressed on my chest, pinning me to the ground. He grabbed my shirt, making him look straight into my eyes.

"Don't ever –" he said. But I wasn't listening to what he said because I now noticed the skull ring that he wore in his left hand and the dagger trusted against my neck. The hilt of the dagger, I knew where it came from and who it belonged.

Those are all mine. I thought as events of tied to those items flood into memory. If he's wearing them then he must be…

"You're Nico di Angelo," I said. And his grip began to loosen, his face relaxed.

"Who are you?" he asked. And for a time… for a moment, I think he knew who I am.