Name: Isabella Lillian Jackson.

Date of Birth: September 30th 1979.

Birth Place: Godric's Hollows, West Country, England, Great Britain.
Parents: Lillian Jackson and Zeus.
Relatives: Sally Jackson and Percy Jackson.
Patronus: Doe.
House: Gryffindor.
Wand/Weapons: Pear 10"3/4" Phoenix Tail Feather (From Olivanders).
Apple 11"3/4" Thunder Bird Tail Feather (From her Father
forged that would turn into an Imperial Gold Sword).
A sword from Hephaestus as a gift.
Friends: Harry potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley and
Luna Lovegood.
Pet: Titan a Snowy Owl from Athena.
Fear: FoMO (Fear of missing out) this made her choose thing that she wouldn't
normally does. Hera played with that to make her life miserable.
Natural Ability: Legilimens.
Note: Isabella Lillian Jackson born in Godric's Hollows. Hera found out about it
and tried to kill Bella but Lillian was killed instead. Zeus was furious about
Hera's actions and Hera was forbidden to attack Bella but always had
vengeance. Bella witnessed her mother death, she sees the images of her
mother been tortured by a snake. Sally Jackson found Bella from Lillian
message and took her to Manhattan to raise her niece with her son Percy. She
is not part of the prophecy because she has another one to fulfill. But
FoMO made her do both.

Name: Lillian Jackson.

Date of Birth: September 10th 1958.
Date of Death: September 30th 1984.
Birth Place: Manhattan, New York City.
Parents: Jim Jackson and Laura Jackson.
Relatives/Daughter: Sally, Percy and Isabella Jackson.
Patronus: Wolf (Zeus's sacred animal).
House: Thunderbird.
Wand: Apple 10" Thunder Bird Tail Feather (American Wand Maker).
Friends: Lily Evans and the Marauders.
Pet: Silvia (a tabby cat).
Natural Ability: Legilimens.
Note: Lillian Jackson is an American Muggle Born. She goes on expeditions and
adventures. That's when she stumbles across Dumbledore and joined the
Order and when she was in Wales with one of her expeditions there she fell in
love with Zeus and had Isabella. She would leave Bella with Sally and does
mission for Order. When Bella was four. Lillian was defending Bella from the
monsters a snake sent by Hera it bites Lillian. With few minutes in hand she
sends a message to Sally and died. Sally found her and took her in. Her resting
Place is Godric's Hollow graveyard next to James and Lily Potter upon her
request.

Name: Robert Park.

Date of Birth: August 15th 1980.
Birth Place: 12 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Parents: Sarah Park and Hermes.
Siblings: Everyone in Hermes cabin.
Patronus: White Stallion.
House: Gryffindor.
Crush: Ginny Weasley.
Blood Status: Half-Blood.
Wand: Willow, 10", Dragon Heartstrings.
Friends: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna.
Pet: Owl.
Note: Robert Park is a half blood wizard. Sarah Park is a half blood witch and
started working with the order. They live in Little Whinging. Bella will stay in
there when ever she wants. Robert's half-blood scent is masked with the
protection his mother put in from monsters recognizing him.
June 5th 1991.
A large campus in upstate New York. Old, brick buildings are scattered across
several well manicured acres. Percy and Bella walks across the campus.
Listening to the Walkman that they share.
"Come on Percy we have to go to the museum", said Bella.
"Yeah, I'm getting tired. Do you want to come to my dorm Cuz", asked Percy.
"What if I get caught? asked Bella.
"You won't. Grover won't say anything", said Percy.
Bella sighed and nodded.
"Come on", said Percy grinning as he pulling his cousin to his dorm. [They are
inseparable at home. Percy would sneak to Bella's room if he is scared of the
thunder. Bella will comfort him. They both have all the things same because
they both are fatherless and have Dyslexia and ADHD].
They reached Percy's dorm and he led her in without turning the light. Percy
and Bella lies awake whispering. The walls around him covered with posters
with surfers riding extreme waves. Tacked to the wall is a photo of Percy, Bella
and Sally in a carnival they looked happy on Percy's 10th birthday.
Distant Thunder roars. Percy and Bella get up, to look out his window. Storm
clouds form in the sky started to swallows the moon.
"I wonder what's going on?" asked Bella still looking amazed by the thunder.
Bella loved thunder and lightning but Percy loves rain.
"I don't know, come on let's get some sleep", said Percy.
"Yeah, you have to buy my lunch Percy", said Bella.
"I always buy you food Izzy", said Percy.
The sky above Manhattan is heavy with ominous clouds in the morning like the
rain is about to fall any second.
"What are you doing here?" asked Grover getting up.
"Stop it Percy you asked me to come. Five more minutes", said Bella trying to
get some sleep.
"Wake up Izzy. You have to go now said Grover", shaking Bella.
Bella screamed when see saw Grover's face hovering over her.
"What happened?" asked Percy waking up from the scream.
"Dude, what is she doing here?" asked Grover.
"Oh, I asked her to stay here last night, now help me sneak her to her dorm
man please", said Percy.
"See you later Percy", said Bella kissing his cheeks as they prepared the plan to
sneak her as she could go outside without anyone seeing.
"Check the door", said Percy to Grover.
"Fine", huffed Grover as he opened the door to look at the corridor to check if
someone there who might see her leave.
It is in the school policy that other genders should not enter the other dorm
room. The dorm room is close by so they would swap when ever Bella's room
mate is not with her, Percy would come to the dorm and leave in the morning.
"Come on the coast is clear", said Grover.
"I'll see you later bye", said Percy kissing Bella's cheeks as she left the dorm
room.
"Why did you bring her here man? asked Grover.
"I missed her dude. You don't know what it's like to loose her for a split second
she is my life I won't let anything happen to her and I know she won't let
anything happen to me as well", said Percy as he started to get ready to go to
the museum.
Few hours later A Yancy Academy bus is parked in front of the museum.
A spacious glass - domed room willed with Ancient Greek artifacts, rusted
weapons, and art work. In the center of the room are imposing sculptures of
twelve Olympian Gods.
Mr. Brunner lectures from his wheelchair.
"There are twelve Olympian Gods. The major three brothers who went on to
rule the world. Zeus became the king of the gods and ruled the sky. His
brother, Poseidon ruled the sea. And their other brother, Hades ruled the
under world", said Mr. Brunner.
A group of fairly disinterested stand around. Percy stands off to the side, with
his walkman with headphones. Bella stands there and takes everything as
much as possible. She loved Greek mythology. She loves reading even though
it's hard for her.
Mr. Brunner continued "The Greek Gods have several occasions, when the gods
would come down to earth and ... how shall I put this?
"Hook up", said Grover.
They would hook up with mortals said Mr. Brunner.
Several kids snicker.
"The children of these unions were Half - God, Half - Human. Can anyone tell me
what they were called? Percy? asked Mr. Brunner.
But Percy doesn't hear, lost in his music. Bella yanks the headset out of Percy's
ear.
Huh? What? asked Percy.
"What is the proper name for the off - spring of a human and a god ?", asked
Mr. Brunner.
Percy narrows his eyes, think, finally.....it comes to him.
"Demi - Gods", said Percy.
"Correct Mr. Jackson can anyone name few Demi - Gods? Isabella?" asked Mr.
Brunner.
"Aeacus, Amphion, Britomartis, Epaphus, Troy, Heracles, Minos, Perseus,
Rhadmanthus", said Bella. One thing Mr. Brunner smiled because all of them
were her step - siblings.
"Very Good Ms. Jackson. The rest of them class obviously need a bit more
incentive to learn this material. Perhaps a quiz will help. Tomorrow chapter 7
and 8", said Mr. Brunner.
Bella stayed with Mr. Brunner talking about her theories and getting all the
information. She has photogenic memory but only about Greek and its
mythology.
"Izzy we'll be down in few", said Percy.
"Sure Percy", said Bella.
Grover went with Percy as Bella turned and started talking again.
Percy and Grover enter the museum men's room. Grover using his crutches
walks with a pronounced limp.
"Can't get above a D in most classes me and Izzy I mean. But somehow,
without even studying.... we get this stuff..... Why?" asked Percy.
"Maybe it's in your blood. Both of you", said Grover with an ironic smile.
The bathroom door flies open. Drew and his friends enter; shove past Grover,
nearly knocking him down.
"Out of the way, creep", said Drew.
"Shut your mouth, Drew", said Percy.
Drew turns, walk back to Percy, getting in his face.
"You too are the ones who should keep your mouths shut Jackson. If you two
weren't so busy with your mouth we wouldn't be having a quiz tomorrow",
said Drew.
"Big deal. You have to study. Grow up", said Percy.
Drew pushed Percy to the wall. Drew and his gang drag Percy into a stall. Drew
puts Percy's face gets close to the toilet water.
"Stop", said Percy.
Drew keeps pushing. The water churns violently.
"I ........said ........ Stop!" said Percy.
Bella heard all the commotion as she came to one of the women's room.
"Grover, Grover", said Bella banging the door that Drew's gang blocking.
Suddenly blast of water explodes out of the toilet bowl.
"Percy! Grover! Open the door", said Bella trying to open the door.
The sound of the water makes her voice less audible us with extreme force and
a definite purpose it shoots past Percy strikes Drew with his gang power of a
fire house, blows him out of the stall.
Grover sees Percy step out of the stall. Percy is shaken, confused unsure what
just happened.
"Percy ....... let's go", said Grover.
Drew and the boys gets back on their feet, soaked they block Percy and Grover
exit.
The sink explodes firing water like missiles across the bathroom. Water rushes
in through the holes in the wall, forming into the shape of snake - like tentacles
they attack Drew and the boys.
Grover watches in amazement. Percy is baffled.
"What's going on?!" asked Mr. Brunner.
"Jackson, he blew up the bathroom. His cousin wouldn't let us out", said Drew.
"What???" asked Bella confused.
Brunner's expression looks very concerned. Percy's reaction is equal part
amazement, confusion and fear.
"What is going on here Percy?" asked Bella angrily.
"I didn't ........ Do it Izzy. I don't ....... it just ...." said Percy trying to explain.
"Happened?" finished Mr. Brunner.
"Yes, Izzy I didn't do that on purpose", said Percy.
"We'll talk about this in my office", said Mr. Brunner as he let them to the bus
and went to his office that evening.
Angry, Percy is sitting across from Mr. Brunner with Bella next to him and
Grover in the background.
"Detention? But it wasn't my fault. Izzy wasn't even there and I don't even
know how it happened", said Percy.
"Getting angry won't solve anything Percy relax and let's hear it out", said Bella
holding his hand.
"I believe you, Percy. But Dean Campbell wants to suspend both of you. I
argued for a compromise" said Brunner.
"One month detention is a compromise?" asked Percy.
"For you both? Yes. You both been to six schools all you academic carrier your
both are on thin ice", said Brunner.
"Perfect I like Ice" said Percy.
"You really want us expelled from another school Percy?" asked Bella.
"Do I really look like I care?" asked Percy.
"Maybe you don't. But Bella and your mother do. Don't let them down again",
said Brunner.
The words sting Percy looks out the window, troubled upset. Mr. Brunner feels
Percy's torment. Mr. Brunner takes a thick book off his self and places in the
desk.
"I want you to read this. Go to the library", said Brunner.
"You know that I -- can't", said Percy.
"Try", said Mr. Brunner.
"Give it a try Percy. I will help you", said Bella leaning on Percy. Percy
automatically puts his hand on Bella.
"Okay", said Percy.
"Go on its almost time", said Brunner.
"You go get some sleep Grover we'll catch up", said Percy.
"Okay see you guys", said Grover and went to his dorm.
Percy and Bella enter an ancient library with high vaulted ceiling and lead glass
windows. Rows and rows of towering book selves stand along the walls each
with its own ladder - on wheels.
They sit at a long wooden table, in the middle of the room. They are alone;
Percy opened the book trying to read. Bella leaned on the table trying to get
some sleep.
To Percy's astonishment the Greek letters morph into English letter.
It says "A guide to Greek myths and legends. Percy is surprise, pulls the book
close and reads to himself.
"The father of the Olympian was Kronos. He was the king of Titans" read Percy.
"What are you saying Percy?" asked Bella after she heard him speak.
"I can ... read Izzy look", said Percy smiling.
"What?" asked Bella surprised as she looked closer to him as she read the
words.
"See I told you", said Percy.
"How?" asked Bella.
There is a loud crash. The sound of breaking noise.
They look and see....
A creature, hidden in the shadows leaps through the window. The creature
lands on the door and slowly rises up.
The librarian screams. The creature pulls tremendous force. The librarian is
knocked off her feet slammed into the wall out cold.
Percy and Bella stands terrified. Percy moves forward of Bella protecting her as
they move backwards.
"", (Minotaur) said Bella without realizing that she is speaking
Greek. Percy too stunned realizes that she is speaking Greek than English.
Minotaur with a long snout, cruel yellow eyes, and battered razor - sharp horns.
Seeing Percy, the Minotaur roars, then speaks in an inhuman voice.
"Where is it?", asked the Minotaur. Percy sprints with Bella towards the door.
The Minotaur races after them. Faster than Percy and Bella, the Minotaur in
upon them in seconds.
Bella moves forward to protect Percy.
"Step aside silly girl you father will reward me when I found the lightning
thief", said Minotaur.
"My father?" said Bella angrily.
The Minotaur grabs Percy, lifts him into the air hurls him at a book shelf.
"PERCY", screamed Bella as she started run towards him.
The Minotaur raised his hands. Bella's hand shaking and started to tingle as the
electricity started to form and she touched the Minotaur. The Minotaur roars in
pain. Percy moved from there to help Bella. Percy and Bella runs from the
Minotaur.
The Minotaur runs up swinging its razor sharp claw across Bella's back. The
claw rips through her Jacket. Bella cries in pain from the attack, falls to her
knees. The Minotaur moves in for the kill. Percy holding Bella protecting from
more pain.
The library door bursts open. The Minotaur stops and turns to the sound.
Percy Bella said Brunner races into the room in his wheel chair, holding a simple
ball point pen.
Use this, we don't have time said Brunner giving it to Percy. Who still holding
where she is withering in pain.
"Click it", said Brunner.
"Percy wh ...... what's happening ........ To me?" asked Bella coming in and out
of consciousness.
"Nothing happening you gonna be fine", said Percy clicking the pen.
The pen becomes a big sword. Percy lunged forward and swung it. Slicing deep
into the Minotaur torso.
The Minotaur howls in pain holding his bleeding wound with the final growl,
the Minotaur turns and leaps out of the library.
Percy runs towards Bella and hold her. She is completely lost her consciousness
and bleeding. Outside the thunder roaring constantly.
"Save her please save my Bella, I need her alive", said Percy crying.
"Here give her this it will help", said Mr. Brunner.
Percy quickly grabbed what it looks like a sugar cubes but in reality it was
Ambrosia. He stuffed it in Bella's mouth. Her body started to become
warm and the color started come to her.
"Can you pick her up we need to move", said Mr. Brunner.
Percy picked her in his shoulders and they went to Percy's dorm room.
Grover is sleeping, Percy holding Bella and Mr. Brunner rushes in.
"Pack what you both need fast", said Mr. Brunner.
"Can you tell me what's going on ?", asked Percy as he laid Bella down in his bed.
"No time. Grover. Get up", said Mr. Brunner.
"What's going on ?", asked Grover as Brunner leads him to the hall way and started to talk in
whisper. Percy stops packing, slowly walks to the door, eaves drops. The thunder rumbles
even more.
"Today. In the bathroom. The water. It was a sign. Their powers have begun to surface", said
Mr. Brunner.
"Why now ?", asked Grover.
"It happens when their life are in danger", said Mr. Brunner.
"Danger ?", asked Grover.
"They were attacked. By a Minotaur. Isabella was impaled by one of its claw", said Mr.
Brunner.
"What ? But why now ?", asked Grover.
"Listen, what do you hear ?", asked Mr. Brunner.
"Thunder ?", replied Grover.
"But no lightning", said Mr. Brunner.
"Yeah", said Grover trying to understand.
"Stolen. They suspect Percy. Since Bella wouldn't have stolen it", said Mr. Brunner.
"Impossible he doesn't know anything about us", said Grover.
"I know. But because of whom he is...... Everyone thinks he did it", said Mr. Brunner.
"Oh, man..... Theyre nowhere safe now", said Grover.
"Only one place", said Mr. Brunner.
"Right .... You want me to take them there ?", asked Grover.
"Pick up Sally along the way", said Mr. Brunner.
Grover nods as they went inside. Percy races back inside, resume packing.
Bella started to stir and wake up.
"Percy what's going on ?", asked Bella.
"Oh, my god Izzy you're okay", said Percy hugging her.
"Good you're awake now. We have to ......", said Mr. Brunner.
An anguished roar echoes from outside. The cry of the Minotaur. Grover and Brunner rushes
Percy and Bella with their under packed bag races out of the school.
They ran towards the subway train station and went inside.
Grover, Percy and Bella sit inside a crowded subway train. Bella leans against Percy's
shoulder. Grover is silent. Percy is anxious wants information.
"Would you please tell us what's going on ? What all this stuff about our powers starting to
surface ? What powers are we talking about and me stealing something from Izzy's father. Is
that why nowhere is safe for us ?", asked Percy.
"What are you talking about ? Is this about the library scene ?", asked Bella.
"Quite. Keep your voices down both of you. They could be listening", said Grover.
"Who ? Who could be listening ?", asked Percy.
"Not here. Not with all these people around. No one can be trusted", said Grover.
Grover glares at an elderly lady who is staring at him.
After few hours. A working class neighborhood. Grover, Percy and Bella exits the subway
hurrying along the sidewalk.
"Why did Mr. Brunner send you home with us ?", asked Bella.
"To keep both of you safe !", said Grover.
"You're gonna keep us safe ?", asked Percy.
"PERSEUS JACKSON SHUT UP", yelled Bella elbowing him.
"I'm your Protector", said Grover to Percy.
Percy responds with incredulous laugh.
"What's so funny ?", asked Grover.
"Nothing ...... It's just ..... Well, your ......", said Percy.
One more Percy. You're head would be in the pavement said Bella.
"What ? You think because I'm disabled ?..... I'm not capable of keeping both of you safe Huh
? ..... Is that it ?", said Grover.
"I didn't mean it that way", said Percy.
"Always think when you speak Percy", said Bella.
Percy sighs, feels terrible. They arrive in front of a small, wooden two story home,
sandwiched between rows of similar homes. They walk to the door and enter the house.
Bella, Percy and Grover stayed near the door way.
"Sally ? Hey ? Can we get a couple of beers ?", asked Gabe from the living room.
A woman around mid 30's enters with six packs of beer.
"Ya' know guys ....... if god wanted men to get their own beer, he wouldn't have invented
wives ....", said Gabe as of cue the thunder roared again.
Aunt Sally forces a smile. Places the beer on the table.
"Just kidding babe. C'mere ......", said Gabe giving a sloppy kiss.
Everyone turned to see Bella, Percy and Grover when Bella cleared her throat as she did not
want to see her aunt go through that in her watch. Bella is more protective of her Aunt Sally
because she is only person who somewhat resembles her mother. So she wont let Gabe do
things which Aunt Sally is thankful of that she doesn't have to go through that. Gabe is
somewhat scared of Bella where she can intimidate him or make stuff happen when she is
upset.
Aunt Sally was surprised to see Bella and Percy rushed to them and hugs them so tight.
"Percy ! Bella !" said Aunt Sally kissing their cheeks and turned to see Grover and asked
"Grover you too ? What are you all doing here ?".
"Probably got kicked out of school again", said Gabe.
"Disrespect my aunt again you be the one getting kicked out next time", said Bella angrily.
"Yeah ! Lets see what you got ......", said Gabe and stands and grabs Bella by the hair read to
fight. He could kill her if this goes. Grover brings down his clutches hits hard on top of his
feet. Gabe cries out as he released Bella hair.
"Oh, geez sorry new crutches", said Grover and hits again. The wind knocked out him. Gabe
is helped back into his chair by his friends. Grover leans to Percy and whispers.
"I'm a protector for both of you. You with that ?", asked Grover.
Percy hides a small smile and nods. Aunt Sally hurriedly leads them out of the room into the
kitchen where she started to iron her remaining clothes.
"Dude you didn't even try to save me", said Bella hitting Percy's shoulder.
"Sorry Izzy. Why do you stay with that pig mom ?", asked Percy.
"Not another word. He's been good to us in ways you'd never know. Now...... what's going
on ?", asked Aunt Sally.
"We have to go to the camp", said Grover more serious.
"What camp ?", asked Bella.
"Not now Bella. Why now ?", asked Aunt Sally.
"They're in danger. Others are going after Percy thinking he stole the .........", said Grover.
A loud inhuman roar was heard by them. Grover panics.
"The Minotaur", said Grover.
"Relax ...... its only smelly", Gabe said Bella.
"ISABELLA JACKSON you come here now", said Gabe.
"We can take Gabe's car. C'mon", said Aunt Sally.
They hurriedly exit through the back door. Grover quickly snatches a jumbo bag of chips.
"Seriously I thought we are in a hurry ?", asked Bella amused.
"I'm hungry deal with it", said Grover climbing into the car.
A battered, orange `78 Camaro complete with racing strips speeds out of the garage. They
travel for some time and the Camaro was the only car on the road as they merrily deeper
into the dense country side. On one side of the road, miles and miles of trees on the other
side of a hilly field.
Bella POV:
"So, you and my mom.............. Know each other ?", asked Percy.
Grover's eyes flitted to the rear-view mirror, through there were no cars behind us. " Not
exactly, I mean, we've never met in person before coming to our house before, but she
knew I was watching both of you", said Grover.
"Watching us ?", I asked.
"Keeping tabs on you both. Making sure that you both are okay. But I wasn't faking being
you're friend Bella. I'll always be your friend", said Grover.
"Okay what are you exactly ? ", asked Percy.
"That doesn't matter right now", said Grover.
"It doesn't matter ? From the waist down my best friend is a donkey", said Percy.
"Goat", said Grover.
"What", I asked.
"I'm a goat from the waist down", said Grover.
"You mean like a Satyr ?", I asked. I read from Mr. Brunner's book now I think about this I'm
not sure I should call him that from all the things been happening.
"Whoa, wait Satyrs. Did she mean like Mr. Brunner's myth ?", asked Percy.
"Was the Minotaur a myth Percy ?", asked Grover.
"Grover watch it", said Aunt Sally.
"I forgot", said Grover realizing the mistake.
The weird bellowing noise rose up somewhere behind us, closer that before. Minotaur was
chasing us was still on our trail.
"Bella ! Percy ! There too much to explain and not enough time. We have to get you both to
safety", said Aunt Sally.
"Safety from what ? Whos after us ?", asked Percy.
"They are after you Percy. Bella is just an added bonus", said Grover.
"Me ! What did I do, tell me ? Whos after me ?", asked Percy.
"Oh, nobody much, just the lord of the underworld and a few of his blood - thirstiest
minions", mumbled Grover obviously still miffed about the donkey comment.
"GROVER" yelled Aunt Sally.
"Sorry, Mrs. Jackson can you drive faster ?", said Grover.
I was trying to wrap my head around what was happening, but I couldn't do it. I knew this
wasn't a dream, I had no imagination. I could never dream up something this weird.
Aunt Sally made a hard left. We swerved onto a narrower road, racing past darkened
farmhouses and wooded hills and PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES signs on white picket
fences.
"Where are we going?",asked Percy.
"The summer camp I told you two about. The place your fathers wanted to send you both
", said Aunt Sally.
"The place you didnt want us to go", I asked.
"Please, dear, this is hard enough. Try to understand. You both are in danger", said Aunt
Sally.
Then I thought about Mr. Brunner ...... and the sword he had thrown to Percy. Before I could
ask Grover about that, the hair rose on the back of my neck there was a blinding flash a jaw !
- Rattling boom ! And our car exploded.
I remember feeling weightless, like I was being crushed, fried and hosed down all at the
same time. I was bleeding on my forehead when I touched it.
Percy peeled forward off the back of the drivers seat and said Ow.
"Percy Bella", shouted Aunt Sally.
"I'm okay", said Percy.
"I think I'm bleeding", I said touching my head.
"Oh my goodness Bella does it hurt badly", said Aunt Sally panicking.
"Izzy ! Please tell me you're fine", said Percy.
"I think I will be fine", I said.
"I always knew you had the thick skull", said Percy trying to make me laugh.
"If you think I will laugh you're sadly mistaken Perseus Jackson", I said trying to open the
door.
Aunt Sally was trying her side it was jammed shut in the mud. I tried mine. Stuck too. I
looked up desperately at the hole in the roof. It mightve been an exit, but the edges were
sizzling and smoking. The roof cracked open like an egg shell and rain was pouring in.
Lightning that was the only explanation I could come off with the lightning hit the car and
this happened to us.
"GROVER", I yelled looking at him. He was slumped over, blood trickling from the side of his
mouth.
Percy looked up and saw what I saw and he shook Grover's furry hip.
"No! Even if you are half barnyard animal, youre my best friend and I dont want you to
die!", said Percy. Then he groaned, ' food '. Then I knew there was hope for Grover.
Everyone we have to ....... her voice faltered.
I looked back through the windshield, I saw a figure lumbering towards us far end of the
road.
Aunt Sally saw what I saw now more than terrified said "Everyone get out of the car ".
"Climb out the passengers side!. Percy ! Bella ! You have to run. Can you both see that
big tree? Go there both of you", said Aunt Sally.
"What ?", I asked.
Another flash of lightning and through the smoking hole in the roof I saw the tree she
meant. A huge white house Christmas tree sized pine at the crest of the nearest hill.
"That's the property line. Get over that hill and you'll see a big farm house down in the
valley. Run both of you and don't look back. Yell for help don't stop until you both reach the
door", said Aunt Sally.
"Aunt Sally you're coming too", I said.
Her face was, pale her eyes are sad.
"No, you're coming with us. Help us, carry Grover", said Percy.
" Food " ! Grover moaned a little louder.
The creature with a blanket on his head kept coming towards us, making his grunting,
snorting noises. As he got closer, I realized he couldn't be holding a blanket over his head,
because his hands huge meaty hands were swinging at his sides. There was no blanket.
Meaning the bulky, fuzzy mass that was too big to be his head... was his head. And the
points that looked like horns... its the Minotaur from the library.
" He doesn't want us Percy. He wants you both besides I can't cross the property line" said
Aunt Sally.
"But we can't just leave you here Aunt Sally", I said.
"We don't have time Bella ! Percy ! Go please", said Aunt Sally.
Percy climbed across me and Grover and pushed the door open into the rain. Climbed out
and started to push the driver's side seat door to let Aunt Sally.
"We are going together Aunt Sally come on", I said.
"I told you both ........", said Aunt Sally but cut off by Percy.
"Mom ! Were not leaving you, now come on help us with Grover", said Percy.
I didn't wait for her to answer I started dragging Grover from the car as I also made my way
out. He was surprisingly light but we couldn't have carried him very far if Aunt Sally hadn't
come to our aid.
Bella quickly get my bag it's important said Aunt Sally.
I ran towards the car and went inside and picked the bag and I turned to see them they
draped Grover's arms over their shoulders and started stumbling uphill through wet waist
high grass.
"Izzy come on we don't have time", yelled Percy.
I started to run and almost able to catch up to them.
"It's the Min......", I said glancing back but cut off by Aunt Sally.
" Pasipha's son ". "I wish I known how badly they wanted to kill you both" said Aunt Sally.
"He just the Min.......", started Percy but cut off by Aunt Sally.
"Don't say his name. Names have powers", said Aunt Sally.
The Pine tree was still far away. Hundred meters uphill at least.
The Minotaur hunched over our car, looking in the windows or not looking, exactly. More
like snuffling, nuzzling. I wasn't sure why he bothered, since we were only about fifteen
meters away.
"Food?" Grover moaned.

"Shhh, Mom, whats he doing? Doesnt he see us?", I asked.

"His sight and hearing are terrible, He goes by smell. But hell figure out where we are soon
enough." said Aunt Sally.
As if on cue, the bull-man bellowed in rage. He picked up Gabes Camaro by the torn roof,
the chassis creaking and groaning. He raised the car over his head and threw it down the
road. It slammed into the wet asphalt and skidded in a shower of sparks for about half a mile
before coming to a stop. The gas tank exploded.
"Percy ! Bella when he sees us, hell charge. Wait until the last second, then jump out of the
way directly sideways. He cant change direction very well once hes charging. Do
you understand?", asked Aunt Sally.
"How do you know all this?" asked Percy.
"I've been worried about an attack for a long time. I should have expected this. I was selfish
keeping you near us", said Aunt Sally.
"Keeping us near you? ",I asked.
Another bellow of rage, and the bull-man started tromping uphill. Hed smelled us. The pine
tree was only a few more meters, but the hill was getting steeper and slicker, and
Grover wasn't getting any lighter.
The bull-man closed in. Another few seconds and hed be on top of us.
Aunt Sally mustve been exhausted, but she shouldered Grover. "Go, Percy! Bella ! Separate!
Remember
what I said", she said to us.
I didnt want to split up, but I had the feeling she was right it was our only chance. I
sprinted to the left, turned, and saw the creature bearing down on me. His black eyes
glowed with hate. He reeked like rotten meat.
He lowered his head and charged, those razor-sharp horns aimed straight at my chest.
The fear in our stomach made us want to bolt, but that wouldn't work. We could never
outrun this thing. So we held our ground, and at the last moment, we jumped to the
side. The bull-man stormed past like a freight train, then bellowed with frustration and
turned, but not towards us this time, towards Aunt Sally , who was setting Grover down in
the grass.
Wed reached the crest of the hill. Down the other side I could see a valley, just as Aunt
Sally had said, and the lights of a farmhouse glowing yellow through the rain. But that was
half a mile away. Wed never make it.
The Minotaur , pawing the ground. He kept eyeing my mother, who was now
retreating slowly downhill, back towards the road, trying to lead the monster away from
Grover.
"Run, you two I cant go any further. Run !", said Aunt Sally.
But we just stood there, frozen in fear, as the monster charged her. She tried to sidestep, as
shed told us to do, but the monster had learned his lesson. His hand shot out and grabbed
her by the neck as she tried to get away. He lifted her as she struggled, kicking and
pummeling the air.
"Mom !", said Percy trying to move. I stopped him.
"No Percy we shouldn't go. Aunt Sally didn't want this", I said.
"We cannot just leave her Bella", said Percy.
She caught our eyes, managed to choke out one last word: "Go !".
Then, with an angry roar, the monster closed his fists around my mothers neck, and she
dissolved before my eyes, melting into light, a shimmering golden form, as if she were a
holographic projection. A blinding flash, and she was simply... gone..
"NO", I screamed running towards it with Percy on his wheels.
The Minotaur bore down on Grover, who lay helpless in the grass. The monster hunched
over, snuffling my best friend, as if he were about to lift Grover up and make him dissolve
too. I couldn't allow that.
"Hey stupid Ground Beef !", yelled Percy stripping his red rain jacket.
"Raaaarrrrr !" roared the monster and turned towards us, shaking his meaty fists.
Percy POV:
I had an idea a stupid idea, but better than no idea at all. I put my back to the big pine tree
and waved my red jacket in front of the bull-man, thinking Id jump out of the way at the last
moment. But it didnt happen like that. The bull-man charged too fast, his arms out to grab
me whichever way I tried to dodge.
Izzy was sneaking to jump out if I need help. She always goes for the strategy sometimes it
pays off.
Izzy leaped straight up kicking off from the ground. Using Minotaur's head as a spring board
turning in mid air and landed on his neck.
How did she do that ? I wondered but the Minotaur was distracted I moved from the place.
We are much better team because we kind of know each other moves. I hid myself the same
way she did. Waiting for the opportunity and get some rest.
The Minotaur staggered around trying to shake her.
Bella POV:
The Minotaur shook himself around for grip I was holding one of the horns. Thunder and
lightning still going strong. The Minotaur should have just backed up into the tree and
smashed me flat back but I was starting to realize that this thing has only one gear : forward.
Meanwhile, Grover started groaning in the grass. I wanted to yell at him to shut up, but the
way I was getting tossed around, if I opened my mouth Id bite my own tongue off.
Food! Grover moaned.
The bull-man wheeled towards him, pawed the ground again, and got ready to charge. I
thought about how he had squeezed the life out of Aunt Sally, made her disappear in a flash
of light, and rage filled me like high-octane fuel. I got both hands around one horn and I
pulled backwards with all my might. The monster tensed, gave a surprised grunt, then
snap!.
The Minotaur screamed and flung me through the air. I landed flat on by the back in the
grass. My head smacked against a rock.
Percy POV:
I cannot believe it she did that. The Minotaur charger her. She rolled to one side holding the
horn to me. I ran towards her and grabbed the horn and knelled down I drove the broken
horn straight into side, right up his fury rib cage.
The Minotaur roared in agony. He flailed, clawing at his chest, then began to disintegrate
not like my mother, in a flash of golden light, but like crumbling sand.
The Minotaur was gone. The rain had stopped. The storm still rumbled, but only in the
distance.
Bella gave me a weak smile and she passed out. My head felt like it was splitting open. I was
weak and scared and trembling with grief. Id just seen my mother vanish. I wanted to lie
down with Izzy and cry, but there was Grover and Izzy , needing my help, so I managed to
haul them up and stagger down into the valley, towards the lights of the farmhouse. I was
crying, calling for my mother or Bella, but I held on to Grover I wasn't going to let them go.
The last thing I remember is collapsing on a wooden porch, looking up at a ceiling fan
circling above me, moths flying around a yellow light and the stern faces of a familiar-looking
bearded man and a pretty girl, her blonde hair curled like Cinderellas. They both looked
down at me, and the girl said, "They're the ones. They must be".

"Silence, Annabeth, Hes still conscious. Bring them inside" said the man.
Bella POV:
I had weird dreams full of barn yard animals. Most of them wanted to kill me and Percy and
the rest wanted food. I only remember lying in soft bed being spoon - fed something that
tasted like raspberries pops but only it was pudding.
A girl with curly blonde hair hovered over me and Percy who's lying next to me. She crapped
drips off his chin with the spoon . She looked around , as if afraid someone would over hear.
"What is going on ? What was stolen ? What will happen at the summer solstice ?" asked the
blonde girl.
"I'm sorry I don't know" said Percy.
Before she could ask me. Somebody knocked on the door. The girl quickly came towards me
and filled my mouth with the same pudding. I fell right back to sleep just as Percy.
The next time I woke up the girl was gone. I could only see a tall man with blue suit and
electric blue eyes stood in the corner of the bedroom keeps looking at me with sigh of relief
like he was expecting the worse. The weird thing was I felt so good and always want him
with me. But no one seems to notice him there I blinked for a few seconds to shake that
droopiness to see clearly but the man was gone like he vanished without a trial. I didn't mind
so I fell back to sleep.
What feels like days I woke up there was nothing weird about my surroundings except that
they were than I was used to in any public places. Percy also wakes up from his sleep.
"How do you do that ? Do you just wake up before hand and pretends to sleep and wait for
the right time to do that ?" I asked.
"I do no such thing. Do you want me to go back to sleep ?" asked Percy.
"I bet you can't more than a minute because I hate it so much. I know you do too" I said.
Percy sticks his tongue at me and reaches for the glass of iced apple juice just same as mine
he almost dropped his glass once he got his fingers over it.
" Careful " said a familiar voice.
" Grover " I shouted and ran towards him but almost fell but he caught me and hugged me.
"Careful Izzy you shouldn't do that" said Grover laughing as helped me to the chairs. I
became better with my surrounding and knew what was going on but I could see Percy
wasn't.
"You both saved my life. I ....... well, the least I could do ........ I went back to the hill. I
thought you might want this" said Grover.
Reverently, he placed the shoe box in Percy's lap. I scooted myself to look at the shoe box.
Inside was a black and white bulls horn; the base jiggered from being broken off, the tip
splattered with dried blood.
"Why would the Minotaur wanted to kill us ?" demanded Percy.
"Percy just asks him nicely" I said but wanting to know more.
"Um..... Percy, it isn't a good idea" said Grover.
"That's what they call it in the Greek myths isn't it ? Why does it want to kill us ?" Percy
demanded again.
"You both had been out for two days. How much do you remember you two ?" asked
Grover.
"Aunt Sally. Is she really ?" I asked as Grover looks down.
Percy stared across the meadow. I also looked there were groves of tree, a winding stream
acres of strawberries everything was beautiful.
"Why is it all beautiful here ? Nothing in my life should be beautiful. The person I love the
most is gone" I said.
Percy got up and sat with me on my chair and hugged me. It is what we do on my mother's
day of death ( August 15th 1983 . Those events still haunts me the cry and pain she had from
time to time. I was four my mother died from the Ohio snake bite. I saw everything and how
the life was sucked out of her.
"I'm sorry, I'm a failure. I'm - I'm the worst Satyr in the world" said Grover sniffed.
The thunder rolled across the sky. It doesn't happen due to the bad storm. But like it acts
according to my emotions.
"It wasn't you're fault" I said.
"I knew it all along you would be the one to forgive me first. I'm sure you're mother was like
that to have a god to fall in love with her. She must been truly wonderful person like her
sister" said Grover hugging me.
"Thanks Grove" I said wiping the tears from my face.
"But I was supposed to protect you both" said Grover.
"Did my mother asked to protect us ?" asked Percy.
"No. But that's my job. I'm a keeper. At least I was ........" said Grover.
"But why" ? I asked but I suddenly felt dizzy, my vision was clouded.
"Don't strain you Izzy here" said Grover went and grabbed my juice and did the same for
Percy.
I recoiled at the taste, because I was expecting apple juice. It wasn't that at all. It was
chocolate waffles . Liquid waffles and it just not any waffles . Aunt Sally's chocolate brownie
waffles with blackberry sauce. When I drank my whole body felt warm and good like
everything was great of course nothing was great but it felt like if Aunt Sally had just hugged
and kissed my forehead and gave a waffle the way she used to do it when me and Percy was
small and told us that everything happens for a reason and it will turn out okay in the end.
Before I knew it we emptied the glass. I started into it but the ice cubes hadn't melted.
"Was it good ?" asked Grover.
We nodded our head.
"What did it taste like ?" asked Grover sounded so wishful.
I'm sure Percy also felt guilty because I could see in his eyes.
"Sorry" said Percy.
"We should've let you taste" I said.
Grover's eyes got wide and said "No ! Thats not what I meant I just ........ Wondered what
would taste like for you both".
"Oh, mine taste like Aunt Sally's chocolate waffles. You know the one with blackberry sauce
Percy" I said.
Percy nodded his head and said "Mine taste like my mom's homemade chocolate chip
cookies".
"You're favorite blue cookies ?" I asked.
"Yes the same one" said Percy.
"It's very weird. How do this person knew what's our favorite meal and make a juice out of
it" I wondered.
Grover sighed and asked "And how you both feel ?".
"I feel good" I said and drank the last bit left.
"Percy ?" asked Grover.
"I feel like I could throw Drew a hundred meters" said Percy.
"That's good. I don't think you should risk drinking any more of that stuff Izzy" said Grover
and took the empty glasses from us gingerly as if it were dynamite and set it back on the
table.
"Come on, Chiron and Mr. D both is waiting" said Grover.
Grover offered to carry the horn but Percy held on to it. We paid for the souvenir the hard
way. I would kill Percy if he loses that horn.
The porch wrapped all the way around the farm house. As we came around the opposite
end of the house. I caught my breath and thought we must've been on the north shore of
the long island because on this side of the house the valley marched all the way up to the
Long Island south.
I simply couldn't process everything an open air pavilion, an amphitheater, a circular arena -
except that they all looked brand new, their white marble columns sparkling in the sun. A
man was standing there waiting for us. He wore a tiger pattern Hawaiian T-shirt and he
would've fitted right in at one of Gabe's poker parties except I got the feeling this guy
would've out gambled even my step uncle.
"That's Mr. D, he's the camp director, and be polite Percy. The girl is Annabeth Chase she's
just a camper, but she's been here longer that just about anyone and you two already know
Chiron" mumbled Grover.
He pointed at the guy whose back was to us. First, I realized he was sitting in the wheelchair.
Then I recognized the tweed jacket, the thinning brown hair, the scraggly beard.
"Mr. Brunner!" cried Percy.
The Latin teacher turned and smiled at me. His eyes had that mischievous glint they
sometimes got in class when he pulled a pop quiz and made all the multiple choice answers
B.
"Ah, good, Percy, Now we have four for pinochle you too Bella" said Chiron.
He offered us the chair to the right of Mr. D, who looked at me with bloodshot eyes and
heaved a great sigh and said "Oh, I suppose I must say it. Welcome to Camp Half-Blood.
There. Now dont expect me to be glad to see you".
"Uh, thanks said Percy" and scooted towards me.
"I have a question" I said.
"Yes" said Chiron.
"I saw a man with blue suit with electric blue eyes looking at me. Is he here right now can I
see him ?" I asked.
Mr. D and Chiron shared a look and Mr. D cleared his throat and said "You're being
delusional there is no one here like that".
I clutched my fists and remained silent not saying anything.
Chiron changed the subject and turned to the Annabeth girl.
"Annabeth" said Chiron as she came forward.
"You are the one who fed us didn't you ? Thank you" I asked. She nodded her head and
smiled.
"Yes, this young lady nursed you both back to health, Percy ! Bella !. Annabeth my dear why
don't you go check on their bunk ? Well be putting them in cabin eleven for now" said
Chiron.
"Sure Chiron, you can come with me if you like" said Annabeth looking at me.
Chiron was surprised but smiled.
"Sure" I said and smiled and went with her
She glanced at the Minotaur horn in Percy's hands, then back at me. He imagined she was
going to say, you killed a Minotaur! or Wow, youre so awesome! Or something like that. But
instead she said, "You drool when you sleep".
I choked the laugh and smirked.
"Come on let's go. Why did you laugh ?" said Annabeth dragging me towards the exit.
"He imagined that you would say that you killed the Minotaur with googly eyes" I said.
"Be careful when you say the names. Names have power" said Annabeth.
"Sorry, his face fell when you respond with that answer" I said and laughed.
She laughed with me and we went to Cabin Eleven and I helped her with the things she
needed help with.
"Now, you can go back there and thank you" said Annabeth.
"Can you be the guide and show me around ?" I asked.
"Sure I would love to" said Annabeth.
"See you later" I said and went back to the house.
"Everything to your liking ? Dear ?" asked Chiron.
"Yes ! I think it's comfortable" I said.
"Please what is this place ? What are we doing here ? - Chiron - why would you go to Yancy
Academy just to teach us ?" asked Percy.
"I asked the same question" snorted Mr. D.
The camp director dealt the cards. Grover flinched every time. Every time one landed in his
pile.
Chiron smiled at us sympathetically the way he used to be in Latin class as if to let us know
that no matter what our average way we were his star student. He expected us to have the
right answer.
"Percy ! Bella ! How much Sally told you ?" asked Chiron.
"She said she was afraid to send us here even thought Percy's father wanted her to. She said
that once we were here. We probably couldn't leave. She wanted us close to her" I said.
"Typical, that's how they usually get killed" said Mr. D and continued looking at Percy
"Young man, are you bidding or not".
"I'm afraid Percy you should know more than Bella. I'm afraid our usual orientation film
won't work for you" said Chiron.
"Why this won't work for me ?" asked Percy.
"Remember the book I gave you. Bella read the whole before I gave it to you. She can retain
most of the subjects more than you" said Chiron.
"Orientation film ?" asked Percy.
"No", Chiron decided and said "Well, Percy. You know your friend Grover is a satyr. You
know he pointed to the horn in the shoe box that you both have killed a Minotaur. No
small feat, either, what you may not know is that great powers are at work in your life. Gods
the forces you call the Greek gods are very much alive".
I waited for somebody to yell, not! But all I got was Mr. D yelling, oh, a royal marriage. Trick!
Trick! He cackled as he tallied up his points.
"Mr. D, if youre not going to eat it, could I have your Diet Coke can?" said Grover timidly.
"Eh ? Oh, all right" said Mr.
Grover bit a huge shard out of the empty aluminum can and chewed it mournfully.
"Wait you're telling us there's such a thing as God" asked Percy.
"Well now God - capital G, God. That's different matter together. We shan't deal with the
metaphysical" said Chiron.
"Metaphysical ?". "But you were talking about God" said Percy.
"Ah, Gods, Plural as in great beings that control the forces of nature and human endeavors
the immortal gods of the Olympus. That's a small matter" said Chiron.
"Smaller" said Percy.
"Yes. Quite. The gods we discussed in Latin class" said Chiron.
"Zeus, Hera and Apollo you mean then ?" asked Percy.
And there it was again - distant thunder on the cloudless day.
"Young man, I would really be less casual about throwing those names around, if I were
you" said Mr. D.
"But they're stories, they're - myths to explain lightning and the seasons and stuff. They're
what people believed before there was science" said Percy.
"Percy I think it's wise to keep our opinion to ourselves this time" I whispered to him.
"Science ! And tell me, Perseus Jackson" said Mr. D.
Percy flinched when we heard his real name which he would never tell any outsider.
I held his hand as Mr. D started to talk to Percy.
"What will people think of your "science" two thousand years from now ? They will call it
primitive mumbo jumbo that's what oh I love mortals - they have absolutely no sense of
perspective. They think they've come so far and have they Chiron ? Look at them and tell me
?" said Mr. D.
I started to hate Mr. D much more but there was something about the way he called us
mortal as if he wasn't.
"Percy you may choose to believe or not but the face is that Immortal means Immortal. Can
you imagine that for a moment never dying ? Never fading ? Existing just as you are for all
the time ?" asked Chiron.
"You mean whether people believed in you or not ?" said Percy.
"People will think that gods are myth" I said.
"Exactly, if you were a god how would you like being called a myth an old story to explain
lightning ? What if I told you Isabella and Perseus Jackson that someday people who call you
both a myth just created to explain how little children can get over losing their loved one"
said Chiron.
My heart was pounding. He seriously wants me to be angry before I could explode. Percy
suddenly said "I wouldn't like it neither would Izzy. But we don't believe in gods".
"Oh you both better. Before one of them incinerate you both" said Mr. D.
"Please Sir, They'd just lost their loved one. They're in shock" said Grover.
"A lucky thing too, bad enough I'm confined to this miserable job, working with children
who don't even believe" said Mr. D.
I was in my breaking point. I wouldn't careless who they are if anyone insults my Aunt or
anyone who are close to me.
He waved his hand and a goblet appeared on the table as if the sun light had bent,
momentarily and woven the air into glass. The goblet filled itself with red wine.
Percy's jaw dropped, but Chiron hardly looked up.
"Mr. D your restrictions" said Chiron.
Mr. D looked at the wine and feigned surprise.
"Dear me old habits !sorry ?" yelled Mr. D looking at the sky as more thunder rolled.
Mr. D waved his hand again and the wine glass changed into a fresh can if diet coke. He
signed unhappily popped the top of the soda and went back to his card game.
Chiron winked at us and said "Mr. D offended his father a while back, took a fancy to a wood
Nymph that had been, declared off limits".
"A wood Nymph" said Percy still staring at the diet coke can like it was outer space.
"Yes, father loves to punish me. The first time prohibition ghastly absolutely horrid ten years
second time well she was really was pretty and I couldn't stay away - the second time he
sent me here" said Mr. D.
"Half blood hill summers camp for brats like you both be a better influence work with your
rather than tearing down Ha ! Absolutely unfair" said Mr. D.
"Your father is .......... ?" said Percy.
"Immortals, Chiron I thought you taught they are the basics. My father is Zeus, of course"
said Mr. D.
I ran through D names from Greek mythology. Wine , the skin of a tiger. The Satyrs that all
seemed to work here. The way Grover cringed as if Mr. D were his master.
"You're Dionysus, The god of wine" I said. Percy nodded.
"What do they say these days Grover ? Do the children day " well " duh !?" said Mr. D.
"Y-yes, Mr. D" said Grover.
"Then well, Isabella Jackson did you think I was Aphrodite, perhaps ?" asked Mr. D.
"No sir, I just wondered you would show kindness as a god" I said.
"You're asking me for kindness ?" asked Mr. D.
"That's what I believed from Chiron's class. Can you define me the proper meaning of a Hero
? Mr. D" I asked.
"A Hero is who is admired for their courage outstanding achievements or noble qualities"
said Mr. D.
"Thank you for your answer. But that's not the answer I wanted" I said.
"I don't know any other meaning for that world" said Mr. D.
"I was thinking about sandwiches you know Hero or Hoagies" I said.
"You're point in this ?" asked Mr. D.
"No one knows everything Mr. D. Think about what you're saying. I have deep respect for
the gods. Please let us have our interpretations then you could teach us" I said.
He turned to look at me straight on and I saw a kind of purplish fire in his eyes, a hint that
this whiny plump little man was only showing me the tiniest bit of his true nature. I saw
visions of grapes vines choking unbelievers to death, drunken warriors insane with battle
lust sailors screaming as their hands turned to flippers their faces elongating into dolphin
snouts.
I flinched and hide my face from the visions but they are still in my head.
"Stop please, you're hurting her" said Percy.
"Would you like to test me, child" said Mr. D quietly.
"No, no sir please stop" said Percy holding me closely.
The fire died down little. He turned back to his card game.
"I believe I won the game" said Mr. D.
"Not quite Mr. D, the game goes to me" said Chiron.
I sat up looking at Mr. D as if he is going to vaporize Chiron right out of his wheelchair but he
signed and said I'm tired, I believe I'll take a nap before the sing along tonight. But first I
need to talk again about your less than perfect performance on this assignment.
"Y- Yes sir" said Grover.
"Cabin Eleven Percy Jackson ! Bella Jackson and you both mind your manners" said Mr. D.
He swept into the farmhouse, Grover following miserably.
"Will Grover be okay ?" Percy asked Chiron.
"Old Dionysus isn't really mad. He just hates his job . He's been........ Grounded I guess you
could say and he can't stand waiting another century before he's allowed t to get back to
Olympus" said Chiron.
"Mount Olympus. I can't believe it" I said.
"You're telling us there really is a palace here? said Percy.
"Well now there's Mount Olympus in Greece and then there's the home of by gods, the
convergence point of their powers, which did indeed used to be on Mount Olympus. The
palace is still called Mount Olympus out of respect to the old ways" said Chiron.
" Can we ask you a simple question? " I said.
"Who are you, who are we?" said Percy.
Chiron shifted his weight like as if he were going to get up. I knew that's impossible he was
paralyzed from the waist down.
" Who you both are? Well that's the question we all want answers isn't it?. But for now you
both should get bunks in cabin eleven. There you both will meet your new friends. And
plenty of time for lessons tomorrow. Besides there will be toasted marshmallows at the
camp fire tonight and I simply adore them" said Chiron smiling.
And then he sis rise from his wheelchair. But the wheelchair wasn't some kind of container.
An enormous box on wheels but it must been magic. I simply couldn't understand. Then the
box was empty nothing but metal shell with couple fake human legs attached. I stared at the
horse jumping from the seat. It was white stallion but where it's neck should be was the
upper body of Chiron.
"What a relief, I'd been cooped up in there long my legs had fallen asleep. Now come on you
two. Let's go meet the other campers" said Chiron.
Once we get over the fact that Chiron was a centaur we had nice tout. I know I asked
Annabeth but I tagged along with Percy and Chiron. I can ask Annabeth to give me a much
more detailed tour and the places she likes to visit.
Percy Pov:
We passed through the volleyball pit. Several of the campers nudged each other. One
pointed to the Minotaur horn that I was carrying and another said that's them. I wasn't
normally shy like Bella but the way they stared made me uncomfortable. I felt like they were
expecting me to do cartwheels. But Bella completely his behind me from all the attention.
She hates when strangers look at us with pity or zoo exhibit. We walked through the
strawberry fields, where campers were picking berries. Satyrs played a tune on a reed pipe.
The music was causing lines of bugs to leave the strawberry patches in every direction.
"Come on let's go to the woods" said Chiron.
As we got closer, I realized how huge the forest was . It took up at least a quarter of the
valley, with the trees so tall and thick you could imagine nobody had been in there since the
Native Americans.
"The woods are stocked, if you care to try your luck but go armed" said Chiron.
"Stocked with what?" asked Bella. Chiron ignored her.
So I asked "Armed with what?".
"Capture the flag is Friday night. Do you have your sword and shield?" asked Chiron.
We both shook our head.
"I think a size five for both of you. I'll the armory later and get them for you both" said
Chiron.
I want to ask what kind of summer camp had an armory but there was too much else to
think about, so the tour continued.
We saw archery range, the canoeing lake, the stable, the javelin range, the sing along
amphitheater and the auna where Chiron said they held sword and spear fights.
"Sword and Spear fights" I asked.
"Cabin challenges and nothing lethal. Oh yes and there's is the mess hall" said Chiron.
Chiron pointed to an outdoor pavilion framed in white Grecian columns on a hill overlooking
the sea. There were dozen stone picnic tables. No roof or walls.
"What do you do when it rains?" asked Bella.
Chiron looked at us as if we're gone a little weird.
"We still have to eat don't we?" I asked but quickly decided to drop the subject.
Finally he showed us the cabins. There were twelve of them, nestled in the woods by the
lake. They were arranged in 'U' form , with two at the base and five on either side. And they
were without a doubt the most bizarre collection of buildings I've ever seen . Except for the
fact that each other had a large brass number above the door . Number nine had smoke
stacks like a tiny factory, number four had tomato vines, and seven seemed to be made of
gold, which was gleaming so much in sunlight. It was impossible to look at.
In the center of the field was a huge stone-lined fire pit. Even though it was a warm
afternoon the hearth smoldered. A girl about nine years old was tending the flames poking
the coal with a stick.
The pair of cabin at the head of the field, numbers one and two , looked like his and hers
bulkiest of the twelve.
"Zeus and Hera?" I guessed.
"Correct" said Chiron.
"Their cabins look empty" said Bella looking at the first cabin without moving.
"Several of the cabins are" I said.
That's true. No one ever stays in one and two. Come along you too said Chiron. When we
peaked through cabin three. I caught the salty scent of the interior like the wind on the
shore of Montauk. The vacation spot we used to go when we were kids.
We kept walking trying to stay clear of Chiron's hooves.
"We haven't seen any other Centaurs" I said.
"No, my kinsmen are wild and barbaric folk, I'm afraid. You might encounter them in the
wilderness. They have the back to understand Demi-Gods just like Satyrs. But you won't see
them here" said Chiron sadly.
"You said your name was Chiron. Are you really?" I asked.
"The Chiron from the stories?. Trainer of Hercules and all that?. Yes, Percy I'm" said Chiron.
"But , shouldn't you be dead?" I asked.
"Percy stop. What are you saying?" said Bella.
But that's when I realized what I said.
"I'm sorry" I said quickly.
I honestly don't know about should be. The truth is that I can't be dead. You see eons ago
the gods granted my wish. I could continue the work I love and be a teacher of heroes as
long as humanity needs me . So I could only assume that I'm still needed" said Chiron.
"Doesn't it ever get boring?" asked Bella.
"No, no. Horribly depressing at times but never boring" said Chiron.
"Why depressing?" I asked.
Chiron seemed to turn hard upon hearing this.
"Oh, look Annabeth is waiting for us" said Chiron.
The blonde girl we've met at the Big House was reading a book in front of the last cabin on
the left , number eleven.
When we reached her, she looked me over critically like she was still thinking about how
much I drooled. I tried to see what she was reading, but I couldn't make out the title. But I
knew Bella could the title. The letters looked Greek to me. I mean literal Greek.
" Annabeth I have masters archery class at noon. Would you take them from here?" asked
Chiron.
"Yes sir" said Annabeth.
"Cabins eleven, make yourself at home you too" said Chiron.

Normal Pov:
Out of all the cabins, this one looked the most like a regular old summer camp cabin, with
the emphasis on the old.
Chiron didn't go in. The door was too low for him. But when the campers saw him they'll all
stood up and bowed respectively.
"Well then, good luck Percy and Bella. See you both at dinner" said Chiron.
"Well? Go on" said Annabeth pushing Bella and Percy.
Percy tripped coming in the door and made a total fool of him. Bella helped him l. There
were some snickers from the campers, but Bella's glare made them from anyone to make a
rude comment.
"Percy and Bella Jackson meet cabin Eleven" said Annabeth.
"Regular or Undetermined?" Someone asked Annabeth.
"Both are undetermined" said Annabeth.
Everybody groaned. A guy who was a little older than the rest came forward.
"Now, now campers. That's what we're for. Welcome Percy and Bella. You two can take that
spot on the floor, right over there" said the guy.
"This is Luke. He will be your counselor for now" said Annabeth.
"For now?" asked Percy.
"You both are undetermined they don't know what cabin to put you in so you are here.
Cabins eleven takes all new comers, all visitors. Naturally we would. Hermes , our patron is
the god of travelers said Luke patiently.
"How long will that take?" asked Percy.
The campers laughed.
"What's so funny?" said Bella. The laughter died down from the tone of her voice. It was cold
and scary .
"Come on, I'll show you the volleyball court" said Annabeth.
"I've already seen it" said Percy.
"Let's go Percy" said Bella and grabbed his wrist and Annabeth took the other wrist and
dragged him outside. They could hear the kids of the cabin eleven laughing behind them.
When they were a few meters away. Annabeth turned to address Bella and Percy.
"Jackson you have to do better than that" said Annabeth.
"What ?!" said Percy confused.
Annabeth rolled her eyes and mumbled under the breath "I can't believe I thought you both
were the ones".
"What's your problem?" "All I know is that we killed some bull guy" said Percy.
"Don't talk like that". " You know how many kids at this camp wish they'd have your chance.
Both of you" said Annabeth.
"To get killed" said Bella.
"To fight the Minotaur!". " What do you think we train for?" said Annabeth.
"Honestly I would gladly switch if my Aunt still here with me" said Bella angrily.
"Look if the thing I fought really was the Minotaur. The same one in the stories......." said
Percy.
"Then there's only one. And he died like gazillion years ago right? Theseus killed him in the
Labyrinth" said Percy.
"Monsters don't die Percy". "They can be killed . But they don't die. They don't have soul like
us. You can dispel them for a while, maybe even for a whole lifetime of you're lucky". "But
they are Primal forces. Chiron calls them archetypes. Eventually they reform" said Annabeth.
"Oh, thanks that clears it up". "Why do we have to stay in cabin eleven anyway. Where
they're crowded together?" said Percy.
"What he means by that is. There are plenty of empty cabins right over there" said Bella.
Bella said pointing the first few cabins and Annabeth turned pale.
"You don't choose a cabin you know. It depends on who your parents are or your immortal
parent" said Annabeth.
"My Mom is Sally Jackson. She works at the candy store in Grand Central station. At least she
used to . As of Bella's mom . We think she's an adventurer and fighter" But they're not
immortal" said Percy
"I'm talking about your father. Both of your fathers" said Annabeth.
"They're dead, we never know them" said Bella.
"They're not dead" said Annabeth.
"How can you say that?". " Do you know them?" asked Percy.
"No, of course not" said Annabeth.
"Then how can you say that?" asked Bella.
"Because I know both of you. You wouldn't be here if you both weren't one of us" said
Annabeth.
"You don't know anything about us" said Bella.
"No?. I bet you moved around from school to school. I bet you both kicked out of a lot of
them" said Annabeth.
"How? asked Percy.
"Diagnosed with Dyslexia what does that have to do with anything
"What does that have to do with anything" said Percy.
"Taken together its almost sure sign. The letters float of the page when you both read right.
That's because your mind is hot wired for ancient Greek. And the ADHD - your impulsive
cannot sit still in a classroom that's your battle reflexes. In a real fight they keep you alive as
for the attention problem that's because you see too much not too little. The senses will be
better than regular mortals . Of course the teachers wanted both of you medicated. Most of
them are Monsters they don't want you seeing them for what they are" said Annabeth.
"You sound like you went through the same thing" said Bella.
"Most of the kids here that if you both weren't like us you couldn't have survived the
Minotaur or much less Ambrosia and Nectar" said Annabeth.
"Ambrosia and Nectar" repeated Bella.
"The food and drink we were giving you both to make you feel better that stuff wouldn't
have kill a normal kid. It would have turned your blood to fire and your bone to sand. Face it
you both are Half Bloods" said Annabeth.
Then Husky voice yelled "Well newbies" then they looked over. The big girl from the ugly
red cabin was sauntering towards them. She had three other girls with her. All big ugly and
mean looking like her all of them were wearing jacket.
"Clarisse. Why don't you go polish your spear or something" said Annabeth.
"Sure Miss Princess so I can run through with it Friday night" said Clarisse.
"Errete es korakas"( You don't have a chance) said Annabeth.
"We'll pulverize you. Who are these little runts" said Clarisse.
"Percy and Bella Jackson meet Clarisse daughter of Ares" said Annabeth.
"Like the war God?" asked Percy.
"You got a problem with that?" asked Clarisse.
"No, it explains the bad smell" said Bella.
"We got an initiation ceremony for the newbies, Prissy and Bellsy " growled Clarisse.
"Percy and Bella" said Percy.
"Whatever, come on I'll show you both" said Clarisse.
"Clarisse........" warned Annabeth.
"Stay out of this Wise Girl" said Clarisse.
Percy handed the Minotaur horn to Annabeth. They got ready to fight, but before they knew
it, Clarisse had them by the neck and she dragged them towards the cylinder looking block
building. Percy and Bella knew that it was the bathroom.
"Like you both are big three materials" said Clarisse.
One of her friends said " The Minotaur probably fell over laughing because they are stupid
looking".
Clarisse and her friends snickered.
Annabeth stood in the corner watching through her fingers.
Clarisse bent them over on their knees and started pushing their heads with one of her
friends. Percy and Bella strained to keep their heads up then something happened. They
heard the plumbing rumble and electric sparks. Clarisse's grip and her friends grip loosened.
Water and electric sparks shot out. An arc straight over Bella's and Percy's head, the next
thing they knew. They were sprawled on the bathroom tiles from Clarisse and her friends
screaming behind Bella and Percy.
Percy turned just as the water blasted out of the toilet again, hitting Clarisse and her friend
straight in the face so hard it pushed them down on to their butt. The water stayed on them
like the spray from fire hose. The static shock and water made everyone in the room with
side fried face and their hair all standing up.
Clarisse and her friends struggled, gasping and her friends started coming towards her .But
then all other toilet exploded too and six more streams with static current passed through
and blasted them back.
As soon as they were out the door the water and the static current gone quickly as it had
started. The entire bathroom was flooded. Annabeth was dripping wet and her hair was
standing in all sort of direction. But she was standing in exactly the same place staring at
Bella and Percy in shock.
"How did you both ..........?" said Annabeth.
"I don't know" said Bella.
Percy Pov:
We walked to the door. Outside, Clarisse and her friends were sprawled in the mud. The
other campers had gathered around to gawk.
"You both are dead, newbies. You both are so dead" said Clarisse.
"You want to gargle with toilet water again or have a static, Clarisse? Close your mouth" I
said.
"Why you !" said Clarisse.
Bella blocked me by standing in front of me.
"Whatever you do. You have to go through me first" growled Bella.
Her friends had to hold her back. They dragged her towards cabin five, while the other
campers made way to avoid her.
Annabeth stared at us. I couldn't tell whether she was just grossed out or angry at us.
"What ?!, what are you thinking? I asked.
"I'm thinking that I want you both on my team for capture the flag" said Annabeth.
She showed us a few more places. Finally we returned to the canoeing lake, where the trail
let back to the cabins.
"I have to fix my hair and I have training to do" said Annabeth.
"Annabeth I'm sorry about the incident" I said.
"Whatever" said Annabeth.
"It wasn't our fault. Technically it was but we didn't know what we're doing" said Bella.
She looked at us skeptically and said "One of you need to talk to the Oracle" said Annabeth.
"Who?" I asked.
"Not who. What. The Oracle. I'll ask Chiron" said Annabeth.
I stared into the lake, wishing somebody would give us straight answer. I wasn't expecting
any one but I noticed two girls sitting cross - legged at the base of the pier about five meters
below. They smiled and waved as if I were their long lost friend.
"Are those Naiads?" asked Bella.
"Yeah, Percy Naiads are terrible flirts" said Annabeth.
"Naiads........ Thats it I want to go home now" I said.
Annabeth frowned and said "Don't you get it, Percy. This is our home. This is the only safe
place on earth for the kids like us".
"You mean mentally disturbed kids?" I said.
"I mean not human. Not totally human, anyway. Half - human" said Annabeth.
"Half human and half what?" said Bella.
"I think you know" said Annabeth.
"I don't want to admit it, but I was afraid I did felt a tingling in my limbs a sensation I
sometimes felt when my mom talked about my dad.
"God. Half god" said Bella.
Annabeth nodded and said "Your fathers aren't dead Percy and Bella. They're one of the
Olympian".
"That's crazy" said Bella.
"Is it?. What's the most common thing god's did in the old stories they ran around falling in
love with humans and having kids with them. Do you think they've changed their habits in
the last few millennia?" said Annabeth.
"But those are just. But if all the kids here are half - god I said.
"Demi gods. That's the official terms. Or half - bloods" said Annabeth.
"So....we're stuck here. That's it?. For the rest of my life" I asked.
"It depends. Some campers only stay the summer. If you're a child of Aphrodite or Demeter,
you both probably not a real powerful force. The monsters might ignore you, so you both
can get by with few months of summer training band live in the mortal world the rest of the
year. But for some of us, it's too dangerous to leave. We're year - rounders. In the mortal
world we attract monsters. They sense us. They come to challenge us. Most of the time,
they'll ignore us until we're old enough to cause trouble about 10 or 11 years old but after
that most Demi gods either make their way here or they get killed off. A few manage to
survive in the outside world and become famous. Believe me, if I told you the names, you'd
know them. Some don't even realize they're demigods. But very few are like that" said
Annabeth.
"So ...... we could just walk out of the here right now if we wanted to" I said.
"It would be suicidal but you could with Mr. D's or Chiron's permission. But they wouldn't
give permission until end of the summer session .
Unless........" said Annabeth.
"Unless....." repeated Bella.
"You were granted a quest. But that hardly ever happens . The last time..." said Annabeth
stopping herself from going further.
From the tone of the voice that last time hadn't gone well.
"Back in the sick room, when you we're feeling us that stuff...... I said.
"Ambrosia and Nectar" said Annabeth.
Yeah, you asked bus something about byte summer solstice what is that? I asked.
Annabeth shoulder tensed. Bella noticed it as well.
"So you do know something?" said Annabeth.
"Well.... no, back in our old school. Percy overheard Grover and Chiron talking about it. That
Grover mentioned the summer solstice. He said something we didn't have much to me,
because of the deadline. What does that mean about?" said Bella.
She clenched her fists and said "I wish I knew. Chiron band the Satyrs they knew. But they
won't tell me. Something is wrong in Olympus, something pretty major. Last time I was
there, everything seemed normal".
"You've been to Olympus?" asked Bella.
"Some of us year rounders - Luke, Clarisse and I with some others we took a field trip during
winter solstice. That's when the gods have their big annual council" said Annabeth.
"But....... how did you get there?" I asked.
"The Long Island Rail Roads of course. You get off at Penn station. Empire State Building,
special elevator to the 600th floor" said Annabeth as she looked at us like she was sure we
must know this already.
"You both are New Yorkers right?" asked Annabeth.
"Percy is but I was born in West Country England. But raised here since four" said Bella.
"That's pretty rare for a god to go outside America" said Annabeth.
"I don't know Aunt Sally said that it was not acceptable for my parents to have me in
America. You see she said that my mother was witch. She can't marry or have a relationship
with Non- magical person and she didn't want to reveal who my father was to the magical
government so they moved to England where there were no restrictions about that and
they had me. My father had to leave us and my mom would go on missions and meetings so
she would leave me with Percy's mom or my god mother. I vividly remember my god
mother" said Bella and she stopped at that.
I know how hard it is to talk about her mother's death. I simply hugged her side to comfort
her.
Annabeth noticed that as well so she dropped the subject.
I could smell barbeque smoke coming from somewhere nearby. Annabeth must have heard
my stomach growl. She left bus to go on and she would catch us later. We left her on the
pier.
Back in cabin eleven, everybody was talking and playing around, waiting for dinner. For the
first time Bella and I noticed a lot of the campers had similar features: sharpness, upturned
eyebrows, mischievous smiles. They were the kind of kids that teachers would peg as
troublemakers. Thankfully nobody paid much attention to us. Bella and I walked over to our
spot on the floor and plopped down with our Minotaur horn.
The councilor Luke came over. He was marred by that scar on his right cheek , but his smile
was intact.
Found you both set of sleeping bags and here I stole you both some toiletries from the
camp store said Luke.
I couldn't tell if he was kidding about the stealing part.
"Thanks" I said. Where Bella smiled and nodded.
Luke sat next to me and Bella and said "Tough first day isn't it" asked Luke looking at us.
"We don't belong here. We don't even believe in gods "I said.
Yeah that how we all started once you start believing in them it doesn't get any easier said
Luke. But the bitterness in the voice surprised us Luke seemed like a pretty easy going guy.
"So your dad is Hermes?" I asked.
"Jezz I wonder how you got that impression Percy" said Bella chuckling.
Luke laughed and said "That's him alright messenger, medicine, travelers, anybody who uses
the roads. That's why you both are here enjoying cabin Eleven hospitality Hermes isn't picky
about who he sponsors".
"You ever met your dad?" I asked.
"I did once. But he didn't. Don't worry about it. Bella. The campers here , they're mostly
good people. After all we're extended family right. We take care of each other" said Luke.
"Clarisse from Ares cabin was joking about us being "Big Three" material. Then Annabeth
twice" said Percy.
Luke folded his knife and said "I hate prophecies".
"What do you mean?" asked Percy.
"Let's just say that I messed things up for everyone else. The last two years, ever since my
trip to the garden of Hesperids went sour. Chiron won't allow anymore quests . Annabeth
wanted to get out into the world. She pestered Chiron so much he finally told her that he
had a prophecy but won't tell her. He said that she had to wait until someone special came
to camp" said Luke.
"Someone special?" asked Percy.
"Don't worry about it. Annabeth wants to think every new camper who came through here
is the omen she's been waiting for. Now I'll let you both sleep" said Luke.
Me and Bella fell asleep ending our first night in the camp. It was great and horrible at the
same time.
The next day we were sitting with Grover at the lake; I was resting with them from the near
death experience on the climbing wall. We sat on the pier, watching the naiads do under
water basket weaving until I got up the nerve to ask Grover how his conversation had gone
with Mr. D.
Grover face turned a sickly shade of yellow .
"Fine, just great" said Grover.
"So your carrier still on track ?" I asked.
Grover glanced back at us nervously.
"Chiron t-told you both I want a searchers license?" asked Grover.
"Well no. He just said you had big plans you know.....and that you needed credit for
completing a keeper's assignment. So did you get it?" asked Bella.
"Mr. D suspended attachment his judgment he said I hadn't failed or succeeded with you yet
so our fates where still tied together is any one of you got a quest and I went alone along to
protect you both and if we come back alive then maybe he would consider the job
complete" said Grover.
"Well that's not so bad right?" I said.
"He might as well have transferred me to the stable cleaning duty . The chances of you both
getting a quest ....... and even if you did why would you both want me to tag along?" said
Grover.
"Of course we would want you along" said Bella.
"Basket weaving ........must be nice to have a useful skill" said Grover.
"Yes it is, but Grover you have much more talent than that" said Bella.
Bella just made him feel more miserable.
We talked about canoeing, sword play and archery for a while.
I asked Grover about the four cabins.
"Number eight, the silver one belongs to Artemis. She wanted to be a maiden forever. So of
course no kids. The cabin us you know, honorary. If she didn't have one she'd be mad" said
Grover.
"Okay, but the other three the ones at the end. Are those the Big Three's cabin?" asked
Bella.
"No. One of them, number two is Hera's. That's another honorary thing. She's the Goddess
of Marriage, so of course she wouldn't go around having affairs with mortals. That's her
husband's job. When we say the Big Three we mean the three powerful brothers, the sons
of Kronos" said Grover.
"Zeus, Poseidon and Hades" I said.
"Right you know after the battle with Titans. They drew lots to decide who got what" said
Grover.
"Zeus got the Sky, Poseidon got the Sea and Hades got the Underworld" I said.
"Uh - Huh" said Grover.
"But Hades doesn't have a cabin here" said Bella.
"No, he doesn't have a throne on Olympus, either. He sort of does his own thing down in the
Underworld. If he did have a cabin here. Well it wouldn't be pleasant. Let's leave it at that"
said Grover.
"That's ridiculous. Our actions represent ourselves not our parents, maybe he's just have a
bad reputation in the stories" said Bella.
"About 46 years ago after World War II, the Big Three agreed they wouldn't sire anymore
heroes, their children were just too powerful". " World War II, you know that was basically a
fight between the sons of Zeus, Poseidon on one side and the sons of Hades on the other
side". "The winning side, Zeus and Poseidon made Hades swear an Oath with them, no more
affairs with mortal women. They all swore on the River Styx" said Grover.
Thunder boomed again.
"That's the most serious oath you can make" I said.
Grover nodded his head.
"And the three brothers kept their word - no kids?" asked Bella.
"Not true. Seventeen years ago Zeus fell off the wagon. There was this TV scarlet with a big
fluffy seventies hairdo- he just couldn't help himself. When their child was born. A girl named
Thalia...... well again twelve years ago Zeus again fell in love with a woman and they had
children. Zeus loved this mysterious woman more than any mortals he ever loved. Hera
hated the mysterious woman and her children and wanted to kill them. No one knows what
happened to them. We just know that Zeus was in rage and made Hera not hurt his children
ever again"
" When Thalia was twelve a Satyr was arranged as a keeper but there was a couple he could
do. He tried to escort her here with a couple of other half-bloods she'd befriended. They
almost made it. All three kindly ones after them. They were about to overrun when Thalia
told her Satyr to take the other two half-bloods to safety while she held off the monsters.
Thalia made her final stand alone, at the top of the hill as she died. Zeus took a pity on her.
He turned her into a pine tree to protect the borders. That's why the hill is called half-blood
hill" said Grover.
Bella and I stared at the pine tree in the distance.
Bella started to tear up as she stared the Thalia's tree.
At last it was time for the Capture the Flag. When the plates were cleared away, the conch
horn sounded and we all stood at our table.
Campers yelled and cheered as Annabeth and two of her siblings ran into the pavilion
carrying a silk banner. They had a barn owl above the olive tree. Clarisse with her buddies it
had red painted with bloody spear and a boar's head.
Bella and Luke was talking as I came near them I heard Bella talk Luke.
"Are those Flags?" asked Bella.
"Yeah" said Luke.
I came and stood next to Luke and Bella.
"Where were you?" asked Bella.
"I was with Grover" I said.
"Ares and Athena always lead the team?" asked Bella.
"Not always. But often" said Luke.
"So, if another camp captures one, what do you do - repaint the flag?" I asked.
Luke grinned and said "You'll see. First we have to get one".
"Whose side are we on?" asked Bella.
He gave us a sly look, as if he knew something we didnt. The scar on his face made him look
almost
evil in the torchlight.
"Weve made a temporary alliance with Athena. Tonight, we get the flag from Ares. And you
both are going to help" said Luke.
The teams were announced. Athena had made an alliance with Apollo and Hermes, the two
biggest cabins. Apparently, privileges had been traded shower times, chore schedules, the
best slots for activities in order to win support. Ares had allied themselves with everybody
else: Dionysus, Demeter, Aphrodite and Hephaestus. From what Id seen, Dionysuss kids
were actually good athletes, but there were only two of them. Demeters kids had the edge
with nature skills and outdoor stuff, but they werent very aggressive. Aphrodites sons and
daughters we werent too worried about. They mostly sat out every activity and checked
their reflections in the lake and did their hair and gossiped. Hephaestuss kids werent
pretty, and there were only four of them, but they were big and burly from working in the
metal shop all day.
They might be a problem. That, of course, left Aress cabin: a dozen of the biggest, ugliest,
meanest kids on Long Island, or anywhere else on the planet.
Chiron hammered his hoof on the marble.
"Heroes! You know the rules. The creek is the boundary line. The entire forest is fair game.
All magic items are allowed. The banner must be prominently displayed, and have no more
than two guards. Prisoners may be disarmed, but may not be bound or gagged. No killing or
maiming is allowed. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Arm yourselves !" said
Chiron
He spread his hands, and the tables were suddenly covered with equipment: helmets,
bronze swords, spears, and Oxide shields coated in metal
"Whoa" I said.
"Were really supposed to use these?" I thought it was all a show off like decorations said
Bella.
Luke looked at us as if we were crazy.
"Unless you both want to get skewered by your friends in cabin five. Here Chiron thought
these would fit. You both will be on border patrol" said Luke.
Our shield was the size of an NBA backboard, with a big caduceus in the middle. It weighed
about
a million pounds. Me and Bella could have snowboarded on it fine, but I hoped nobody
seriously expected us to
run fast. Our helmet, like all the helmets on Athenas side, had a blue horsehair plume on
top. Ares and their allies had red plumes.
Annabeth yelled, Blue team, forward!
We cheered and shook our swords and followed her down the path to the south woods. The
red team yelled taunts at us as they headed off towards the north. Me and Bella managed to
catch up with Annabeth without tripping over my equipment.
"Hey" said Bella.
She kept marching.
"So whats the plan? Got any magic items you can loan us?" I asked
Her hand drifted towards her pocket, as if she were afraid Id stolen something.
"Just watch Clarisses spear, you dont want that thing touching you. Otherwise, dont
worry. Well take the banner from Ares. Has Luke given you both your job?" said Annabeth.
"Border patrol, whatever that means" said Bella rolling her eyes.
"Its easy. Stand by the creek, keep the reds away. Leave the rest to me. Athena always has a
plan" said Annabeth.
She pushed ahead, leaving us in the dust.
"Okay, Glad you wanted us on your team" I mumbled.
"That was quite rude" said Bella.
I nodded my head and we stayed there.
It was a warm, sticky night. The woods were dark, with fireflies popping in and out of view.
Annabeth stationed me next to a little creek that gurgled over some rocks, then she and the
rest of the team scattered into the trees. Standing there alone just the two of us , with my
big blue-feathered helmet and my huge shield, I could tell that Bella and I felt like an idiot.
The bronze sword, like all the swords Id tried so far, seemed balanced wrong. The leather
grip pulled on
my hand like a bowling ball. There was no way anybody would actually attack me, would
they? I mean, Olympus had to have liability issues, right? Far away, the conch horn blew. I
heard whoops and yells in the woods, the clanking of metal, kids fighting. A blue-plumed ally
from Apollo raced past me like a deer, leaped through the creek and disappeared into
enemy territory.
"Great, I thought. Ill miss all the fun, as usual" said Bella.
Great, I thought. Ill miss all the fun, as usual.
Then we heard a sound that sent a chill up our spine, a low canine growl, somewhere close
by.
We raised our shield instinctively; I had the feeling something was stalking us.
Then the growling stopped. I felt the presence retreating. On the other side of the creek, the
underbrush exploded. Five Ares warriors came yelling and screaming out of the dark.
"Cream the punks!" Clarisse screamed.
Her ugly pig eyes glared through the slits of her helmet. She brandished a two-meter spear,
its barbed metal tip flickering with red light. Her siblings had only the standard-issue bronze
swords not which that made us feel any better. They charged us across the stream. There
was no help in sight. We could run. Or we could defend ourselves against half the Ares cabin.