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maybe I do need therapy or maybe I just need to be at camp half-blood

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[abbofff]

Cat Distribution System is a bitch

masterlist

 I found Annabeth on the Arena along some few other campers. She was following their every move as they sparred. I kinda feel intimidated with how serious she is now, but I need to get this from my chest.

  — Annabeth, can we talk for a second? — I ask.

  She turns around surprised and she frowns at me.

  — Do you need something? — She asked.

  — N-no. I just- Can we talk somewhere more private? — She looked back at the kids, some where still sparring and others were pretending to do so to hear the conversation.

— Keep training, I'll be back. — She comanded, and everyone sighed in annoyance.

She signaled me somewhere far enough so nobody could hear.

— Go on now. — She crossed her arms over her chestplate, still wary.

— I wanted to say sorry for lashing out on you. I was... troubled and I lost it. You don't deserve that and I'm very sorry. —

  I started to pick on my nails from the nervousness. I never was a person of many friends and if she didn't want it to be after everything, I couldn't blame her; but I can't let her think that I hate her.

  — I know how hard it can be. — Annabeth sighed. I always knew that she knew. She had told me that she was an all year long camper but that her father lives in San Francisco. She didn't tell me the exact reason of why she never visited, but I know it's hard for her.

— I forgive you. — Her eyes softened softened.

 

  — I didn't meant what I said. About us not being friends. You have not been anything but wonderful to me and I would love to call you my friend if you would allow me. — I don't dare to move closer. I'm afraid of making this more awkward for her.

  Annabeth's eyes softened even more and she cleared her throat.

  — That would be... nice. — She said.

  I couldn't but help smile and she smirked.

  — Great! Uhm, cool. —

  Ok, so, when I met Percy everything went with the flow and didn't exactly ask each other if we were friends, we just kinda knew. So this situation right here is eating me inside. I have never felt more awkward in my entire life.

  — The sparring lesson ended a while ago but I teach the ones that need some extra help for a while longer. Do you want to join so you don't fall behind? — Annabeth asked.

— Yes, please. Thank you, Annabeth. — I smiled.

  — I'm sure you'll want to use the sword you got there. — She said with her eyes locked in my belt loop.

  — How do you know... It doesn't matter. I wouldn't be surprised if you just have the aegis hidden somewhere. Percy has- PERCY IS DEMIGOD. Luke's showing him around camp right now. Can you believe we fought for absolutely nothing? Sorry for that again. Anyways, he has a pen-sword thingy that when I saw for the first time I thought I was going nuts because he pulverized our algebra teacher but thats alright because she was a Fury in disguise. Not that I approve going around slaying old ladys without knowing that they are monsters but- why are you looking at me with that face? Oh, im yapping. Got it. Sorry. — This is why I had no friends.

  She chuckled.

  — Don't worry. It's seems that you two got quite the story. — Annabeth smiled.

  — Yeah. You should really meet him. He's a sweet guy. I'm sure you guys could be friends. —

  Annabeth thought about it for a second.

  — We'll see. Now, let's go with the others. I'll assign you a partner for practice. — We walked to where she was standing before and she analyzed the campers.

Her sight stopped on a girl with a pink handled sword and a boy who was about to pass out from exhaustion.

— Gabriel, you can go. — Annabeth said.

The boy smiled and ran before she could change her mind.

— Silena, this is Ada Williams. Ada, this is Silena Beuregard, daughter of Aprodithe. —

— Nice to meet you. — Silena raised her hand for me to shake.

— Nice to meet you too. — I shook her hand and smiled.

— I want you two to spar, just to see what Ada needs work with. — Annabeth said.

Visually, she was what you would expect from a typical Aprodithe kid. Her pink manicure was perfect, not chipped and not too long or too short. She had light make up on, just some gloss, foundation and rimmel. She was very pretty.

Silena nodded and put on her stance.

  You would think that I would instinctively know how to perform a fighting stance but when Annabeth came closer, she just Shifu'ed my every move. Silena chuckled at my clumsiness.

Annabeth told us we were free to start and she stepped back to take a good view of everyone.

— I've heard about you. — Silena said when she charged at me, I blocked her and stepped back.

— What, exactly? — I ask her as she circled around me trying to catch me slacking.

She talked when our swords clashed.

— That you have been on two fights with Clarisse and then you two got locked in a cabin together for hours. — She said slyly, smirking.

I can even feel a blush creeping on my face. Shit. I can't think, I'm too flustered.

Silena took advantage of this, kicking my knee and pushing me on the ground. I fell on my butt and she lifted the tip op her sword to my face.

— Hey, not fair. — Silena rolled her eyes laughing and she offered her hand for me.

— Thought you would have it easy because im a Aphrodite kid? — She asked bitterly mocking.

— I thought you were just bad. How would I have it easy with an Aprodithe kid? Your mom led a war. I think she would have won it if anyone had listened to Cassandra, but that's Apollo's fault. —

Silena frowned and she chuckled bitterly.

— It really shows you are new around here. Gods change when the meaning of what they represent changes. You wouldn't think that the God of War still is a protector of women, do you? —

I thought of Clarisse and what she had said to me.

My mom told me the story of Ares, Hera's favorite son and possible one of the least horrible gods. He had been the defendant in the first murder trial in history because he had killed a son of Poseidon for raping his daughter, something no male God ever did for their daughters.

I thought that Clarisse put pressure on herself because she was his father's pride and joy but if Ares had lost that part of himself and all that was left was war I couldn’t blame Clarisse for her doings.

Silena took an answer out of my silence and went back to her fighting stance.

— Come on now, don't let me distract you just now. —

I gave a deep breath and got to the fighting stance Annabeth taught me. I charged first, the blow between our swords almost sends hers flying away. I was quick to hit her sword again, I wanted to hit the tip of it so it would move out of they way and I could touch her neck but it took me some tries because I kept hitting the middle of her sword. I finally land a precise blow and did as I had planed.

Selina raised her hands in surrender and rolled her eyes.

— I think I know who I'll assign the most difficult pegasus to next class. — Silena smirked and I chuckled.

— Thank you, Silena. Everyone can go prep for lunch now! — Annabeth said when she got closer, and every kid cheered and walked away.

— Bye, Ada. I'll see you around. — Silena said as she walked away.

— Bye, Silena. —

— You won't go just yet, Ada.— The Athena girl said when I sheathed my sword.  

  — I'll spar with you now. — She said.

  — Don't you think that it's embarrassing how many times I ended up in the infirmary these two days? I'm afraid Will is going to see me again and kick me out. — Annabeth rolled her eyes at me.

  — Your attacks are fast but not precise. You need to be ready for any monster attack. Not every monster is as flawed and dumb as a lestrygonian or a dracanae. —

  — How do you know I faced them? — Annabeth's body stiffened for a moment.

  — I know Grover, he told me what happened. — She didn't looked at my eyes.

  The memory of the name that Grover screamed to me last night appeared on my head. He was so worked up last night, like if it was a nightmare he has go trought before; because he did.

  — He was... your satyr protector? — I asked. I focused in sounding chill, I didn't want her to think I didn't trust her.

  — He was. —

  — Yeah, I guessed so. I get why you didn't told me, its ok. I know him, he's a nice person and Im glad that he was there for Percy. — I smirked at her.

  The corner of her lips curled up for a second until she cleared her throat.

  — Are you ready? — Annabeth got on her stance.

  — Not really. — I chuckled and she charged at me.

  I barely managed to dodge and block her attacks. They were almost perfect, she was aiming for my weak spots with precise and fast movements.

  On a risky move, I succeeded to make her drop her sword. I smiled with pride and lifted the tip my sword to point her neck (with a lot distance tho; I dont wanna kill somebody).

  — Never underestimate your opponents. — She said to quickly put on her Yankees cap and dissappear.

  — Annabeth, what the fuck? — I asked turning around trying to cover all of my sides.

  Of course her attacks with her sword were just "almost perfect", it's not her preferred weapon. She had a dagger at her hip all the time and now she was going to stab me with it.

  Annabeth is scary. Her steps were impossible for me to hear, hell, i couldn't even hear her armor moving. I was getting nervous, exactly was she was looking for. I calmed down by taking a few deep breaths.

  I could feel the wind hitting my skin and everything in the Arena that stood in it's way.

  Annabeth approached me from behind silently, mistaken that I was completely helpless. The wind bouncing off her skin gave her away and I looked over my shoulder at her when I decided she was close enough.

  — I can see you. — I felt her movements stop and quickly fully turned my body to her to push her to the ground with my shoulder and knock her cap away.

  She fell to the ground with a thump and I kicked her dagger off her hand. I aimed my sword to her and she looked at me gobsmacked.

  — How? — She asked.

  I smiled and offered my hand.

  — Nivir indiristimiti yir ippinints — I responded at her offended face.

  — You are bluffing. I don't know how you did it but it wont work next time. — She went to get her cap and I went for her dagger.

  — You are contradicting yourself, my friend. — I say when I hand her her weapon.

  — Stop mocking me, lighthead. — She threatened but the smile on her face gave her away.

  — Wha- Wow, nicknames stage friendship. Alright, whoie. —

  — Whoie. Seriously? — Annabeth asked.

  — I saw a bunch of your mom's little flying rats yesterday. You really look alike. — She punched me on my shoulder and rolled her eyes.

  — Come on, lighthead, enough rest. Let's see you on proper battle. — She said "proper" harsher than the rest of the sentence, of course.

  I know that Annabeth is going trought the trouble of teaching me not only because she is a super nice person but because she likes the challenge of putting her skills at test and Im starting to see why myself.

  It was a beautiful day to train. Zeus wasn't pissed off and you could clearly see Apollo doing his daily journey, not the mention the chirping of birds and the owls hooting. The last part is weird because it broad daylight, but knowing that the Arena is one of Athena's spaces I guess that her sacred animal wants to know what's going on here. I prefer encountering an owl than a wild boar tho, so I'm not complaining.

Now with her dagger in hand, Annabeth put her stance back on and I followed suit.

  The sound of the horn got to our ears and we dropped our weapons in annoyance.

  — Come on, whoie. — I say offering my arm for her to interwine and she did.

  — Let's stop by my cabin first. I need to get out of this thing. —

I entered Annabeth's cabin and waited for her as she got her armor off and placed it where the ones of her siblings where.

I took the moment to see the cabin well now that it's daylight. It is the neatest place that I have ever seen, like Pinterest level. I focused on the bed where Annabeth put her cap on and picking under her pillow there was a Polaroid of her as a kid and a Doberman .

  — Not to be nosy but you are a dobie girl? — I asked.

  Annabeth turned to look at me and saw what I was looking. She came over and smirk as she grabbed the picture.

  — I'm a Collie lover because they are fluffy and smart but Zeus was the nicest boy ever. — 

  — That's an accurate name for a dog. — I said and Annabeth restrained a laugh.

  — We made sure to neuter him. - Now I restrained a laugh. Im not eager to be struck by lightning again anytime soon. 

  — We didn't picked his name. When I was 4, I wanted a dog and when my dad took me to the shelter I saw that Zeus was going to be sacrificed for biting and after an hour of crying we took him home. This was on his first month of training school. He was a sweetheart. — She caressed the picture with her tumb and saved it on a book.

  — I'm sorry for you loss. —

  — It's ok. We had the greatest time together. — The tone of her voice dropped.

  I got up from her bed and gave her a hug. Annabeth hugged me back and she let out a single quiet sob. She broke the hug quickly.

  — Let's go, we are going to be late for lunch. — She started to make her way out of the cabin and I followed close behind. 

  — Why is everyone flashing blue cloths at the Ares kids? — I asked Annabeth when we were getting closer to the dining hall.

  — The blue team won Capture the Flag thanks to my plan. That's why Clarisse is specially angry these days. Wouldn't be surprised if next Friday she brakes someone's bones to get the flag. — She smiled with pride.

  — That's a little extreme, don't you think? — Annabeth stopped walking and looked directly into my eyes. 

  — It's a warfare game that prepares us for whats out there and you need to be smart and ruthless if you want to win the real thing. Thats one of the few things we agree on. Besides, we banned maiming and killing, theres nothing that the Apollo cabin cant take care of. — She started to walk again, leading the way. 

— Delightful. —

  ㅤׄ͜✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡✧ׅ͡

  When I we were finally on the dining hall, I looked at Hermes table and noticed Percy sitting next to Luke. Also, there was no sight of Aaron, I think it was rude of me to not had say goodbye but I didn't even saw him leave.

I said goodbye to Annabeth to go sit next to Percy but I decided to approach him from behind to scare him. 

— Buh! — I taped his shoulders, he flinched and turned around with an angry look that he had never given me before. 

— Oh, it's you. — His eyes softened completely.

— I thought i was going to be trown in the mud again. - He said, taking a bite of his food. 

— Again? What do you mean again? — I just left his side for a bit more than an hour and I had left him with bloody Luke.

— That girl from the Ares cabin, I think. Luke made her walk away before she actually punched me or something. — Percy shrugged, I couldn’t help but frown. 

  I looked at Clarisse's table, she was chuckling about something with the minions she called half-siblings. She met my eyes and she had her cocky eyes and a smirk. Then she noticed at Percy, her face shifted into disgust and scoffed to later allow me to see only the back of her head.  

— I wouldn't worry, Percy. Ada is friends with Clarisse. — Percy looked at me like if I had grown two more heads. 

— I would rather die. — I made both of the boys laugh. 

— Well, then maybe you can join us on trying to find some glory. — Luke said, Percy sighed in defeat. 

— Beg you pardon? — 

— Luke told me that when demigods get glory, nobody messes with them and they get noticed. So I wanted to try to find something that im good at so my dad claims me. —

I looked at Luke and he gave me a "go with the flow" nod. 

— I'm all free, let's do this thing. — I say, moving Percy by the shoulders, cheering him up. 

The first thing I did when we got back to the cabin was fall to my knees on my sleeping bag and lay in it with my face buried on my backpack. My whole body was exhausted, we tried everything until darkness arrived and no shiny sign appeared above our heads.

Percy was remarcable at swordfighting, learning fast and adapting to Lukes moves. I decided to sit that one out, the heart attack I almost got from watching Annabeth turn invisible still haunted me. We even tried archery again but with Lee Fletcher and Michael Yew's guidence now, I shot bullseye and Percy almost shot me. 

  I lifted my head a little bit and saw Percy on my left sitting crossleg on his sleeping bag, staring at his hands while they picked on his shoelaces. He didn't say a word on the walk back and now he was still suffering on silence. I sat up and grabbed one of Percys hands, making him look at me. 

— The most probable thing is that your dad is solving some godly issue and can't reach out right now. The important thing is that you are safe here and we are together. —

— He doesn't get to ignore me after what happened. I killed the Minotaur last night. What will it take for him to claim me? — His voice sounded angry and sad. 

— Percy- —

— Clarisse doesn't believe me and I have the horn and everything. What if my dad is just as stupid? —

— Percy, Clarisse can go fuck off. I saw you stab him and im sure your dad is just as proud as I am. I know how bad it sucks but we need to be patient. — I squeezed his hand to ground him and he sighed again. 

— How are you dealing with all of this? — He asked, grabbing my other hand. 

When I was younger, it used to hurt not having him around. Especially when my classmates talked about how they were their daddy's princesses. I used to think that I was missing something but I got older and learned how shitty a dad can be. Sometimes I felt like I dodged a bullet.

Now, to make things even worse, he was a god. To be honest, I don't know what that makes me. There were many demigods heroes but many more lived unnoticed. Maybe I'll end up living how I have lived to my fathers eyes: Irrelevant. Maybe that was for the best.

— I lived trought twelve Fathers Day and many Father-Daugther dances. I don't need him for me to know who I am. Neither do you. — Percy pulled me for a hug. 

— Thank you for everything that you've done for me, sis. — He said on the crook of my neck and hugged me tight. 

— Thank you too, bro. —

We broke up the hug and Luke walked to us.

— Hey guys, the camp fire is going to start soon. You should get ready if you want to be there. — He said. We thanked him and he left to chat with Chris.

— Do you want to go? — Percy asked.

— Nah, I'm just going to take a shower and get some sleep. You should go with Luke and the others. Just do me the favor of listen to people so we can discuss all the tea over tea tomorrow morning. — Percy rolled his eyes.

— Maybe you are Helios daughter. You know, the gossiper. —

— Helios is a titan. —

— Again with mansplainig. Don't you have to go shower? You smell so bad im gonna puke all over you. —

— Ew, Percy, you are gross. — I push him to the ground as I got up and we laugh.

I got off my long shower and I could still hear the laughter coming from the camp fire. I gather my clothes and my towel in a tote bag and leave the showers.

— HELP! —

My heart dropped at the far scream. The despair in it wasn't what got me dropping everything and running to the woods, it was that that voice belongs to Annabeth.

The screams continued and they got louder and closer as I entered the woods area. I encountered a cave where the screams echoed and I entered without hesitation.

— ANNABETH. — I called as I ran trought the caves long entrance.

— ADARA. — She screamed, it came from way deep.

I only stopped because I got to the end of the cave. It was a round space with no way out or in other than the way I come from.

The openings on the roof let in the dim light of the moon, being the only way to see here.

It was dead silent.

I felt my brooch on the pocket of my shorts and unsheathed the sword.

— ANNABETH. — My scream echoed on the rock and nobody answered.

From within the shadows in front of me, a figure emerged growling. It was a lion, a giant one.

I gripped my sword tighter, bracing for was going to happen.

The lion made a deep, guttural roar and jump at me with his claws aiming for my head. I rolled to the side and slashed his front paw with my sword. It only made it angrier, not a scratch on the beast.

— ANNABETH, RUN AWAY! — Her silence was terrifying me. I didn't know if she was invisible or dead.

With every attempt to dig its claws into me, I would either block its paw or roll away.

It's so dark and cold here. I don't know how no one showed up yet. Annabeth's screams were loud and the camp fire was closer to the woods than the showers. I don't even know if Annabeth is injured or went to get help.

I feel so powerless and scared but I can't let my emotions take over. I needed to help my friend.

I decided to take deep breaths before the lion can feel I'm quivering.

I know the myth of the Nemean Lion. I know it can die but I'm not even half as strong as Heracles. I couldn’t choke him and his skin is impenetrable.

His skin is impenetrable. It can be killed.

He shows me all his set of teeth when he tries to bite me. I need to take action or he will tire me down and kill us.

I charge at him taking a claw on my left arm just below my shoulder, it tears my skin but my grip on my sword doesn't falter. I go face to face with the beast, he opens his jaw to bite my head off but I stick my sword deep into his throat.

The lion turns to dust leaving a cape where he stood.

— Annabeth? — I asked in the darkness.

My left arm went limp and I could feel the blood drops staining my leg. I used the light of my sword to see the corners of the cave but it was all empty.

I turn to the exit, desesperate to get out of here but I feel very dizzy, my legs are starting to become jelly and I was deep into the woods, far away from the part of them were the most dangerous threat was a humiliated nymph.

I grab the cape and place it on my shoulders so I wouldn't be a easy dinner for the monster that comes to finish me off.

I get out and the feeling of the sky above me relieved me. The fresh air allowed me to think clearly and I begin to stumble to the cabins.

— ANNABETH. — I kept calling for ger until my voice started to sound hoarse from all the shouting and I still didn't get an answer.

I could smell and see the big smoke come out of the camp fire but I couldn't continue walking, I felt so lightheaded.

Ha.

I dropped to my knees and my sword slipped out of my hand. I saw my left arm, the four claw mark was deeper and larger than I thought, my arm seemed like a slices of ham and from the wound down it was all red.

I cursed myself for not saving my ambrosia bag on my shorts and leave it on the tote bag instead.

I feel so upset, scared and angry. I don't know what happened to Annabeth or what will happen to me. My vision is blurry and my ears are buzzing.

Thunder began to roar in the sky and the wind picked up. I raised my eyes to the sky and felt the need for it. I could feel the charges filling the air and the despairing distance between the cumulonimbus and me.

In a desesperate move, I raised my hand to try to touch the sky followed by a tug on my gut, the voltage raised and lightning strucked me.

It felt like drinking hundreds of energy drinks without having a heart attack and instead feeling like you'd been to a spa. The energy not only healed my pain, it also made me feel better rested than I have ever felt.

I let the energy ran trought my body for a few minutes with my eyes closed, drinking in the feeling until I remembered my duty.

The voltage dropped and my bliss died down.

I opened my eyes and saw Chiron and almost all campers in front of me, ten meters away.

Amongst all the campers I noticed Annabeth, unharmed, and she seemed to be expecting something. Then I saw Luke who had a stone face and a hand on my scared brother. I even noticed Clarisse and her angry face.

I stood up in surprise and the centaur was the first to approach me.

— Ada- — Chiron interrupted his talking and walking.

He looked above my head with worried eyes and cleared his throat, putting himself together, to then look at my eyes.

— You have been claimed by Zeus, Thunderbringer, Lightning wielder, King of Gods. Adara Williams, daughter of Zeus. —

[abbofff]

Me, before posting a chapter on AO3: Wow. This is really good. The syntax, the inner turmoil, the grammar. Impeccable. 10/10

Me as soon as the chapter is live: yeah, no. I deserve to be shot.

[abbofff]

Daddy Issues

masterlist

I woke up suddenly when I heard a voice calling my name.

— Ada! —

A body launched at me before I could sit on the stretcher.

— You have no idea how happy I am to see you. — I heard the sweet muffled voice of my brother against my shoulder.

— I'm glad to see you too, Perce. — I hugged him back with the same bone crushing strength while trying to hold back my tears.

I had no words for him right now, I just needed a long hug from him.

Several minutes passed until he pulled away from the hug and helped me sit.

His face wore the sweet smile that he inherited from his mother along happy glossy eyes. He wore those expressions for only a second because they suddenly turned into worry.

— A-are you okay? What happened to you? Your eyes are weird. —

My eyes are probably red and puffy from last night crying but that is not a subject I want or can talk right now, he is far more important.

— Im fine, Percy. How are you? — I asked kindly.

I attempted to grab his hand but he got up from the stretcher and found a mirror. He gave it to me and I saw what had confused him.

My eyes were not their common shade of blue, they were more electrical. It goes without saying that it was weird as fuck. They were normal the last time I saw my face, I think. Maybe? I can't really remember. Fuck it. I'm feeling good and it doesn't really matter anyways.

— It's probably the Sun rays or something, don't worry, i'm fine. — I calmed him down, leaving the mirror on a bedside table.

An awkward silence filled the infirmary. Percy was shifting his weight on his feet with his gaze on the ground.

I sighed deeply and got up from the stretcher. The only way we can move forward is that I addres last night events.

— Grover told me what happened to your mum. I'm sorry, Percy. — My voice was almost a whisper. No matter how much I intended to speak clearly, the lump in my throat was killing me.

Percy closed his eyes with all his might, his fists clenched.

I embraced him again. I cupped the back of his head against my shoulder and wrapped my other arm across his waist.

No tears stained my shirt this time. Percy was never an easy crier, he always thought that crying over something made it real and unfixable. So, he just limited himself to grab my shirt like if I was going to dissappear in any minute and I tried to make him know I was not going anywhere.

After a couple minutes, he splited the hug and stepped back a bit.

— My mom's goal was to bring me here because of my dad. I need to find him. Have you seen someone who could be him? — Percy's look was determined and bold.

I opened and closed my mouth uselessly because I could not find a way to sugar coat my answer.

— There are no Gods here. There is just one but I don't think he could be... —

— Where? — He asked abruptly.

I understood that, at this moment, there was no point in trying to make him understand that the Gods were not allowed to see their children. Except Dionysus, of course, but he screwed up and I guess Zeus can't send his Olympian son on a trip to Tartarus.

— Follow me. —

I didn't told the basics of camp to Percy as we walked because, well, I just got here too and showing the ropes is Luke's/Chiron's thing. But when we were like a block away from the porch that surrounded the Big House, I decided to give Percy a heads up of who exactly he's going to meet.

— Listen, Percy, the only God here is the camp director, Mr. D, the God of wine. He's not a super nice guy, so please don't be rude. —

Am I being a hypocrite for telling Percy not to do the thing that I did and I don't regret? Yes, but he doesn't need to know that.

Percy eyes filled with surprise.

— The camp director is Dio- —

— Oh, don't trow names around. I don't exactly know if it is a Bloody Mary or a Voldemort thing, but it seems important. So just go by their titles I guess. — I warned him.

— I thought that the director would be a war deity. — Percy said, kinda asking "why him?".

— A f- — Oh yeah, I told her we weren't friends. — A camper told me that he cheated on his wife and the King of Gods sent him here to watch over demigods. —

— The King as in Z- —

— Yup. —

— HE punished his own son for being a cheater. — Percy said each word slowly, either to make me rethink my words and correct myself or to trying to convince himself of what he was hearing.

— Funny, innit? Maybe the Queen was like "I barely take this shit from you, I'm not going to take it from your bastard son". Happy wife, happy life. — Percy chuckled at my words.

— How is the God of festivities and stuff a jerk? — Percy asked.

— I know. They feel so out of character. LIke, what's next? Is the Goddess of wisdom going to be dumb a rock? — We laughed.

It took some more walking to get where Mr. D was sitting. He didn't spared a glance at us of course, he was too busy relaxing under the Sun rays.

Percy walked over to him while I stayed behind with my arms crossed.

— Hello Sir, my name is Percy Jackson. Could I talk with you for a sec? — Percy asked a bit loud.

Mr. D. lifted his sun glasses and stared us up and down before letting out a huff of disgust.

— Ana Wilson and Peter Johnson are here! — The God screamed to the air.

— We met yesterday, man. Bloody hell. — I reminded him.

I rolled my eyes and Mr D took a sip from his diet Coke.

— Excuse me, Your Highness. — Percy called causing Dionysus and me cringe.

— I really need to see my dad. I don't know how to find him around here because I don't know who he is. Could you help me? — Percy asked.

The least his father should do after what Percy has endured is be here for him. But of course, last night I met demigods who have been here for years and their parents didn't even had the decency of claiming them.

I don't care about my father showing up for me, god or not he's a deadbeat, but Percy didn't deserved being abandoned again.

— I think I can, son. — Mr. D. smiled at him.

Does Sally has the worst taste ever in men or he's bluffing?

— Dad? —

— Yes, Peter. —

— Percy. — He corrected.

— No, I named you. — Mr. D. dismissed.

— Listen, kid. Before we sit and talk about all of this mess, I need you to do something for me. In the galley is a bottle of 1985 Château Haut-Brion, fetch that for me. —

— His dad forbids him of drink wine, so unless you wanna be struck by lightning, don't. — I said to Percy.

— Hey, stranger, you are ruining this father-son moment. Zip it and go away. Go to the galley, son. —

Percy looked at me and hesitated. He couldn't make a choice before Chiron stood in front of the porch stairs. Percy's jaw dropped.

Chiron gave me a smile and then he focused on Percy.

— Percy Jackson, we've been expecting you. How are you processing things until now? — Chiron asked him.

— Well, seeing Ada again is great but you are on top of half a horse and my dad won't talk to me unless I get him a drink. —

Chiron looked gobsmacked at the last part.

— Mr. D. is not your father, Percy. —

Percy turned to me with a confused expression.

— He's your dad? — Percy half asked half mocked.

— No! —

Hold up, now IM kinda confused.

— Your are not, right? — I asked the god.

— Thanks the others no. Might be worse than that though. — He mumbled the last part.

— What?! — What the fuck was he trying to say?

— Alright, I'll take the kids for a proper talk. — Chiron announced.

— Why must you ruin everything fun? — Mr. D. growled.

Chiron took us for a walk to the cabins. He explained the basic of how this camp and the magic world worked as Percy tried to absorb all the info like a sponge.

— Mr. Brunner- — Percy called.

— He's not Mr. Brunner, Perce. He's the guy I told you should be Heracles' teacher instead of Phil in his Disney movie. —

— You didn't explained it to me. — Percy said sarcastically.

— Of course I did, several times. What are you talking about? —

— You mansplained it to me several times. — He accused me.

— I had to explain it in a first place because you are a nitwit. —

— Children, enough. My name is Chiron. And yes, that movie is very inaccurate. —

— Well, Chiron, I lost your pen-sword thingy. I'm sorry. — The blonde said.

— Our magical objects don't obey the mortal laws of physics. Check your pockets. —

Percy did as he was told and got a pen put of his pocket leaving him amazed.

— Jelous you don't have a sword, sis? — Percy joked when he caught me staring.

I giggled and reached for my brooch on my belt loop, opening it and revealing the green and golden sword.

— Of course not. Mine is prettier anyways.— I said to later "sheathe" my sword.

The subject died down when Chiron began talking again and finished his monologue when we got to the cabins area, signalizing to which god each one belong to.

— Great. Which one I'm I? Which one are you, Ada? — Percy asked.

I felt embarrassed at his question, couldn't look at his eyes and dropped my gaze to my feet.

— None of you has been claimed yet, Percy. —

— Oh, when do we get claimed? —

— The plans of the Gods reveal themselves at their own time. — Chiron said.

— It could be tomorrow or next week or, well... — I couldn't finish my sentence.

— Never. — Percy said for me.

— Even now, they choose to ignore us. — The blonde boy complained, hurted.

— Come on, if they choose to not be our fathers we can choose to not be their children. We were raised by better people that they will ever be anyways. At least we can live in a world with flying horses now.— I bump his shoulder playfully.

My brother smirked.

— Where are we staying then? —

— I'll take it from here, I guess. — I looked at Chiron.

— Very well, go on now. — Chiron said his goodbyes and left.

I started to walk towards Hermes's cabin.

— We stay in cabin 11, home of Hermes' children. He is the god of travelers, so he welcomes his own children and the unclaimed. Its counselor, Luke, is a very nice guy. I'm sure us three will be friends.— I smiled at him as we reached the doorframe, then turned to try to find the scarred boy but he found us first.

— Ada, hi. Did your wounds healed well? — Luke asked.

— Wounds?! What wounds? — Percy screamed in a whisper, scanning my body with his eyes.

— It was nothing really, Im ok. Thanks for asking, Luke. —

— Luke, this is Percy Jackson. Percy, this is Luke... Uhm. — I had a full pep talk and deep conversation with this guy I didn't even bother to ask his last name. Shit.

— Luke Castellan. Nice to meet you, Percy. Its almost lunch time but I think we can make a full tour before that. Ada, do you wanna come? — Luke asked.

Thanks that we didn't enter the cabin, I got to see from the corner of my eye how Annabeth on a full armor exited her cabin. The guilt I felt began boiling inside me, I needed to talk to her.

— Actually, I need to do something. Sorry Percy. I'll catch you at lunch. — I say as I turn to go, but I bump into Grover instead.

I fall on my butt and Grover almost does too.

— Ada! I'm sorry. — He reaches a hand to help stand and as I do I focus on his other hand.

— What's that? — I ask.

— Oh, right! Percy, this is yours. From when you killed the Minotaur last night. — Grover unwraps the thin cloth covering the horn and hands it to Percy.

All chatter in the cabin stops and turns around to try to get a better look at the horn of the legendary Minotaur.

— Oh, uhm... Thanks Grover. — Percy says, clearly unconformable at the sudden attention, and saves it on his backpack.

I take a look at the cabin area, Annabeth long gone but maybe I can still find her somewhere.

— Aren't you all supposed to be somewhere else? Stop with the creepy looks.— I rise my voice for everyone to hear. My serious voice and harsh look were enough to make everyone sigh in annoyance and leave the cabin or gather the things they need before they go.

I look at Percy, he gives me a thanked look.

— I really need to go now, sorry Perce. Good luck. — I say as I start walking to where Annabeth was headed.

[abbofff]

im trying so hard to finish writing the new chapter, but the words ain't wording jsnfmandmasiao

[abbofff]

Happy Pride everyone 🫶🏻🌈

[abbofff]

does anyone else cringe while reading their own writing🤕

[abbofff]

I'll help my brother or may lightning strike me down

masterlist

I tossed and turned in my sleeping bag for what felt like a eternity. My head and guts feels like they were going to explode, I was feeling even worse than last night. So after a while of more suffering, I decided to go to the bathroom to avoid the possibility of vomiting on the child next to me.

The storm raged in the sky like yesterday so maybe Zeus is having some terrible nights himself.

Just a few steps outside the cabin I began to feel the strong gusts of wind hitting me but it were a few more steps away that I began to hear whispers. No one was around, so I gathered that there were voices brought by the wind. They sound alarmed, in danger, so I closed my eyes to tried to focus on from where they came.

My heart dropped when I could herd him clearly.

I started running towards Thalia's tree. I no longer feel pain; the moment the adrenaline kicked in, the only thing I could feel was the hair clip attached to the belt loop of my jeans and the anger which I would lash out at anyone who dared to hurt my brother. I couldn't afford to scream for help or I'd lose track of the voices, so I just ran.

I reached the hill and could see the scene happening below: Percy on the Minotaur's back with Grover barely conscious a few meters away from him.

Percy stabbed the monster with it's own horn and fell unconscious on the ground. I ran to his side to check his pulse and thanked the Gods that he was still breathing. Then, I lifted my head to look at Grover, who was struggling to get on his... no, those where not feet. Grover failed to get on his hooves and fell on the ground.

I put Percy on my back and approached Grover. I secured Percy with one hand and held out the other to my friend. He looked at me as he grabbed my hand and I saw the tiredness and sorrow in his eyes. I helped him stand up, which he did with difficulty so I hugged him around the waist to prevent him from falling.

— In my right pocket there is some of ambrosia, grab some. — I commanded, which he obeyed.

Grover's cuts and limp dissappeared with just a piece of ambrosia but he was still tired and not on his full mental capacity as he seemed very shocked.

I couldn't imagine what they have gone through, but the only thing that I could do right now was get them to safety.

— Grov, it's okay, breath. You are here now. — I reassured him.

I gave a few deep breaths myself as I stared at him. He focused on me and did what I said.

— Atta boy. Let's get you both to the infirmary. Follow me, ok?. — I said.

Grover walked ahead of me, so I focused on making sure he didn't trip and that Percy didn't fall off my back. We walked until we were close to the borders and only stopped when I felt a spear stabbing me in the left calf.

I screamed in pain and knelt on my good leg. I set Percy gently on the floor and looked over my shoulder at a happy couple walking their dog.

I mentally thanked Annabeth for the quick monster guide. I recognized that the monsters were a Scythian Dracaenae, a Laistrygonian Giant and a hellhound.

I stood up to look over Grover's shoulder, we were close to the tree, but not close enough to make a run for it.

— Take him, run to the border and call for help. — I commanded the satyr.

— NO! I'll distract them, you are faster. — Grover shouted.

He was panicking so I grabbed him firmly from his shoulders.

— Take him, please. I cannot lose any of you. I'll be fine, do it.— I pleaded.

Any doubt in him disappeared as I pulled the spear from my calf and ran down the hill.

— THALIA! — He cried out.

I briefly watched over my shoulder as he clumsily grabbed Percy and dragged him to the edge of the barrier.

— Aw, how cute. The little hero wants to help her friends. — The woman hissed.

— No, I just have to buy enough time for an army of demigods can come to whipe you out. — I growled as my sword transformed on my hands.

The couple let out a amused laugh.

— Then just you will have to be enough. — He said, and then he whistled sharp.

The dog was the first to jump at me and the first to disappear as I rolled forward and slashed its stomach with the tip of my sword.

Now I was face to face with the Dracanae who pulled out another spear from nowhere.

I remembered Clarisse's movements, those of this monster were similar but rougher and not as fast, so I could predict them easily. The Dracanae was playing with me, she believed I was inferior, leaving many weak points exposed.

The hard part was the Laistrygonian. It was obvious these two worked together often because he was strategically behind me, so I had to dodge a spear and a pair of powerful fists at the same time with bleeding leg.

Wonderful saturday so far.

She tried to drive her spear into my stomach very roughly, so it was easy for me to sidestep her and land a good gash on her side, making her turn into dust.

I quickly turned to him and I threatened to cut him in his side so that he could protect himself with his arms and give me a chance to cut his knee, which he did. His guard faltered so I took the chance and stabbed him in the neck.

The Laistrygonian had not finished turning into dust when I felt claws dig into my back. I fell face first onto the ground, my sword slipping from my hands and landing a meter away from me.

I turned my head and saw a fury above me and another circulating in the air.

— I didn't know that Alecto had turned soft. — She laughed as she dug her claws deeper.

The other Fury landed where my sword was and she kicked it even further behind her. Then the monster on my back spoke again.

— You live and choose to steal from our master. Your retaliation is way long overdue. Tell me where you have hidden it and I'll try to make this quick. — She slowly dug her claws even more, amused by my pained screams.

I couldn't make sense of what she was saying. The pain and the storm flooded my senses. The only thing that I wanted was to get rid of them and go to check on Percy and Grover. I needed and wanted to kill these monsters.

I began to feel the same thing that corsed trought me the day I met my brother: the air vibrating from the electrical charges between the clouds and the earth and the electrifying rush of adrenaline tingling in my palms.

Then I felt a small tug in my gut and a powerful bolt of lightning struck the Fury and me.

She disintegrated and I got up quickly thanks to the fact that nothing hurt anymore.

In a matter of seconds, the Fury that was circulating in the air a few moments ago was now less than a meter away from me. I dodged her, but my sword was still far from me. She propelled herself towards me with a flap of her wings, and I tried to run towards my sword. I wouldn't arrive in time but the wind favored me and pushed the sword into my hand. The Fury didn't expected this and I took advantage of it to cut her head off.

I didn't even wait for her to fully turn into dust before I started running to camp. I crossed the border and started down the hill. At the foot of it I found Grover along with Clarisse, Annabeth, Luke and other demigods in pajamas. Grover ran to me and hugged me tight.

— Ada! You are alive! — I felt his tears on my shoulder. It didn't bother me, after all, my shirt was already ruined by the scratches and blood.

— I thought you were... — His voice broke.

I hugged him back even tighter and whispered reassurments in his ear for a few seconds, then I moved him a little bit away by his face.

— I'm okay, are you? — I asked.

— Yes, yes, we are. Percy is okay but he passed out. — He said, cleaning away his tears.

Chiron turned to the other demigods and spoke again.

— Thank you all for coming, but your help in no longer needed. Go back to your cabins and rest. — Chiron commanded.

I looked at Clarisse. She was wearing a black "Arizona Wildcats" hoddie, crimson red shorts and some adidas slippers. She was frowning and looking at me funny, as if she didn't understand how I was still breathing. A blush run up my cheeks and I smiled a little with my lips pursed. She looked me up and down, twirled her spear between her fingers and gave me a sharp smirk.

Then I looked at Annabeth and Luke. They still had a tight grip on their weapons and were standing tense. Their eyes switched repeatedly from Chiron to me.

— Grover, take her to the infirmary. — Chiron added.

Luke was the first to snap out of it, sheathing his sword.

— I think she good clothes first, Chiron. I'll go get some. — Luke said.

I looked at my clothes. They were worse than I thought. My left leg was stained with blood from the knee down and I don't think my shirt is any better because I could feel the cold air, raindrops and dried blood all over my back. The good thing is that all the wounds disappeared and not even a scar remained.

— That would be amazing, Luke. Thank you. — I said.

He nodded and got on his way with the other demigods following him. Clarisse and Annabeth where the last to go. Annabeth's grip on her dager didn't falter until Clarisse touched her shoulder and pointed the way to the cabins with her head.

After they left, it was just Chiron, Grover and me. Chiron accompanied us to the door of the infirmary.

— I need to talk with you tomorrow, Ada, so please try to rest now. — He said.

— Belive me, Chiron, that's all I want. — I joked.

Eight monsters in 24 hours were tiring as fuck.

— Goodnight to you two. — Chiron said before he left.

Grover and I entered the infirmary and I hurried to Percy's side.

He was sleeping peacefully, drooling even. I began to caress his hair and saw how there was not a single scratch on him. I smiled and sighed deeply as I felt a giant weight get off of me.

— Are you sure that he's okay? Did Will saw him? — I asked Grover.

— No, one of his older brothers did. He gave Percy some nectar and said that he would be most likely awake tomorrow. —

Grover grabbed two chairs and placed one by my side and the other across the bed.

— Thank you for getting help. How are you? Did the ambrosia helped you? —

— Why do you worry about me? — Grover asked.

I don't understand his question but I know he means it. I struggled with my words, trying to say something that he can understand.

— Grover, you are my friend, of course I'll always care for you. You know this. —

I was the first to approach Grover in Yancy. Nancy was mocking for his weird walk and I stand up to him. Percy had to stop me from punching her, tho. That was the first time we had lunch together.

— Even after all of this? —

— Especially after all of this. I get what you had to do to protect us and you even brought Percy here by yourself. I don't think I can ever thank you enough for that. —

I reached for his hand but he looked down.

— Sally drove us here. I couldn't protect her neither, and I left you alone with those monsters. You shouldn't thank me for anything. — He didn't looked at me but I realized for his voice that he was crying.

It was then that I remembered the car lights when I saw them.

— Sally is... — I couldn't end my sentence because my voice broke.

I moved away and put my back against the back of the chair. I looked at Percy's face trought my tears. Maybe if I had heard their voices sooner she would be still here. Sally welcomed me to her house countless of times, she was there for my mom and me in though times but I wasn't there for her today. It was me who had failed them.

— I'm sorry. — Grover spoke.

I couldn't respond for much that I wanted to. The sobbing took over my breathing and the tears didn't stop. I couldn't even make up my mind on what I would say to Percy tomorrow.

It was a while until my breaths calmed down. I wipped away the tears off my face although they kept falling.

I looked up to Grover. His gaze was lost in the nothingness with some of my clothes neatly folded in his lap. I didn't even noticed Luke came here, much less that Grover had gotten up from his seat.

— Grover? — I called.

He snapped out of it and looked at me.

— Here are your clothes. — He said as he walked to me.

He placed the clothes at Percy's feet and walked to the stretcher next to us. He moved it closer, a few centimeters away from Percy's.

He didn't looked at my or even said goodbye as we was reaching for the door exit.

— Grover. – I called out louder.

He hesitantly turned at me, his eyes red and puffy.

— It's not your fault. — I stated looking deeply into his eyes.

His eyes glistened again and his lips curled out.

— I'll see you around. — It was the last thing he said before he left.

I looked over to Percy. His drool had reached the pillow and he didnt even noticed. I smiled to myself a little bit before I went to the bathroom to I change my clothes.

When I came back I searched some blankets and covered Percy with one.

My eyelids felt like they weighted a thousand kilos and the burning eyes didn't helped, so I laid down facing Percy on the stretcher next to him. I wanted to reach for his hand, but the eating guilt didn't allowed me to, so just I covered myself with my blanket, hugged my body and closed my eyes.

[abbofff]

I try anger management

masterlist

  I was almost reaching the cabin area when I ran into Luke.

  — There you are. Annabeth was afraid you might have been eaten by spiders. — He laughed softly.

  — Nah, I just went to feed her mom's pets dinner. — I smiled back to him.

  — Sorry I didn't came back to our cabin sooner. This first day has been kicking my ass, literally. Twice. —

  I must have poorly hidden my sarcastic tone because he really cracked a laugh.

  — Let me guess. Clarisse? — He looked at me with an knowing eyes.

  — Yes! I thought that I just caught her in a really bad day but everyone is so unimpressed about her being an asshole to me, who's done nothing to her but just exist too near to her that I'm thinking that she's just born a hater. —

  Luke smiled to himself, amused by my anger. He even rolled his eyes, like if he had heard this before.

  — Clarisse has fire in her. — He stated.

  — She's an arsonist then. —

  Surely with his age and experience he will think of her as a chihuahua instead of the idiot she is. 

  — Come on, let's get those things back before you break them with some exaggerated gesture or something. Dinner will be in half an hour. — He said.

  — You guys use a lot of dishes? Chiron said that Clarisse and I have to wash them tonight. — I asked once we were walking.

  — Oh so more quality time with your new friend, huh? Yeah, we are a lot of people, so expect a tiny mountain of them. —

  His smile never faltered. When Luke grows up and becomes an adult, he will have a lot of wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. That's for sure.

  Before I could continue complaining, we arrived at cabin 6. The door was open, revealing Annabeth in the frame of it and a burly black-skinned boy fixing the lock in just seconds. 

  The counselor from cabin 6 thanked him and the boy gathered his things. As he left, he passed by Luke's side and gave us a nod as a quick greet.

  — You lived. — Annabeth stated with her arms crossed and a harsh look.

  I came closer to her to give her the pencil holders, which she took still wary.

  — Unfortunately for us both, yes. — I let out a nervous laugh.

  Annabeth had a strange look in her face, I couldn't pinpoint an emotion, but I knew she was uncomfortable.

  — Sorry. — I said.

  Annabeth looked at her feet. I hope she understood all of the things I was sorry for.

  Luke put a hand on my shoulder and gave us both a warm smile.

  — I think we're all a little too tired for today. Come on, Ada, let's stop by our cabin before it's time for dinner. —  He said.

  Without further ado, we left. Inside the cabin, Luke gave me a couple of camp t-shirts to change into.

The dinner horn sounded and all the campers left their cabins to go to the dining hall.

  — You know, anger is seen as an obstacle and a burden, but if you use it well, it can be a stepping stone and a reason for something better. You can do good with it. — Luke said.

 

  I didn't know how to respond. I doubt that Annabeth told him what happened but he comprehended that something bad happened between us. He knew I had hurted Annabeth, his little sister, and he was trying to help me. I couldn't make excuses anymore, I needed to change.

  — But... how? I've tried a thousand times before and it hasn't worked. Hurting people doesn't make me feel better but I just can't help it. —

  — When you feel powerless, you try to bring others down with you to regain power. It is best to breathe deeply before acting to be able to think with a cool mind because this makes you foresee the consequences of your actions and put them in your favor. The thing is, power is something that comes from within, you are never helpless until you surrender. —  

  — That's... not such a terrible peptalk. — I said.

  — Right? I'm a master. —

  We giggled together as we finally reached the Hermes table.

  The dinner was kinda fun although I almost die of a heartattack when the girl on my side dropped unconscious, but Luke said she's a Hypnos kid with narcolepsy so she's ok I think. We even sang happy birthday to an unclaimed boy who was turning 16. And yes, the children of Apollo are the people who hit high notes in the happy birthday song. Gotta admit they are very good tho.

   — Did you ask for some luck for your journey tomorrow, Aaron? — Chris asked him once the birthday boy burned a big piece of cake in the bonfire. 

  The boy had straight black hair and very pale skin, he was very shy but super nice.

  — Can't say or else Tyche won't accompany me. — Aaron responded.

  — What kind of journey are you going to do? — I dared to ask.

  — A movie theater in town will play a rerun of The Incredibles, my favorite movie. So I plan to see it and get to know the city a little more. — He explained with a little smile.

  — That sounds fun, best wishes for you. Tyche and you are going to have a blast. — I smiled kindly to him, and he nodded in response.

  Maybe Annabeth was right after all, life was good around here. Aaron seemed very optimistic about his little adventure, so maybe if I train extra hard this summer I'll get to protect Percy and myself around the school year at the city.

  The rest of dinner passed quickly and everyone started to go to the communal campfire. When I got up from the table I heard a voice calling me.

  — Hi Will, what's up?— I asked him as he approached.

  — I forgot to give you this, it's ambrosia. Everyone needs to carry some around if something breaks out. — He said, handing me a little bag.

  Oh God, I forgot to give Argus the bag of coins. I'm kinda afraid of what he was going to do if he thought I won't ever pay him. He won't cuss me out but he could kick my butt.

  — Thank you Will. You are a great doctor. — I smiled and saved the bag into my pocket.

  — It's nothing, have a good night. —

  After he left, Luke walked me to the door of the small cabin where all the dishes teleported after they had been used.

  — Best wishes with your bestie, Ada. — He joked as he opened the door for me.

  — What do you think I prayed for? — I responded as I entered.

  It was half the truth. I prayed for Percy and Grovee coming here safely and for me to get out of here alive.

  I was greeted by at least ten stacks of plates taller than me. And I'm 1.60 m.

  I heard the door open again and turned to see it was Clarisse. I inspected if there was any trace left of our little disagreement. Her nose is healed but her knuckles are still hurt.

  — Hi. — I greeted awkwardly.

  She frowned and crossed her arms at my poor friendhood attempt.

  — Tell me one reason not to kill you right now. —

  — Well, I believe that "because it's illegal" is off the table. I would love to make a list of how unfavorable my assassination would be for you, but right now the most important one is that you'll finish this up faster and that Luke set me up my first real spar lessons for tomorrow so you will be able to beat me up while not breaking the rules. — I smiled with my lips pursed as I taped my fingers in the counter.

  — Bitch. — She responded oh so gracefully.

  — I'll wash them and you can dry them. — I said while I grabbed the first plate and she stood on my right to grab the rag.

  After a while, we were half way down the first pile of plate but boredom and the almost imperceptible way Clarisse's breath hitches every time she moves her hands brought me out of my dissociation.

  — So Will ran out of ambrosia or something? — I asked looking at her.

  — A broken nose is uncomfortable, but knuckles like this are a trophy. Scars makes the warrior. You wouldn't understand, pretty girl. — She said, with that signature killer look oh her.

  — Did you forgot already? You are "pretty girl", I'm "tough girl". — I smirked at her.

  — You deserve to be killed. — She said.

  I giggled. She really is a chihuahua.

  — What? It's iconic now, so no take backs. — She rolled her eyes at me and placed the dry plate on the clean pile.

  I admit that she reminds me a little of Nancy with all that fury that she carries inside her. The difference was that Clarisse's anger wasn't just a consequence of a hard life, it was an eternal flame that linked her to her divine heritage. I can't even imagine the great person that she would be if she managed to control it.

  I placed the bag Will gave me in the counter, but I didn't looked at her in the eyes.

  — You should heal them, they are going to get infected. — I said as I started washing a another plate.

I saw her hesitate a little before she looked away.

  — I don't need your pity. — she said in an irritated tone.

 

  — You don't have it. You think I didn't see the way everyone in your table, all great warriors, act around you? They look up to you, even your older siblings. Open knucles dont achive that. —

  — No, they don't, years of training do it. I'm the best of the best cabin of warriors in the entire camp, and I don't need a rookie to tell me what I should do. Your opinion doesn't matter to me, you are nobody. — She growled, towering over me.

  — Really? And here I thought you considered me special. —

  — If Chiron wouldn't have come to help you out, I would've have destroyed you, tough girl. You are no warrior. — She said.

  — I don't wanna be one! — I weakly screamed.

  I realized that I won't be able to put out fire with fire so I just took a deep breath and covered my face with my wet hands to cool down and dropped them after.

  — You are already a perfect warrior, you don't need to be hurting to prove it. — I stated, looking her deeply in her brown eyes.

  Her gaze softened and her mouth slightly parted, but didn't mutter a word. I let out a sigh in dissapointment and started to wash another plate.

  We didn't speak again until we finished all the tableware. I put the dishes in the cupboard while Clarisse was organizing the cutlery behind me. After I made sure they wouldn't fall when someone opens the door I turned around to look at Clarisse.

  — I believe that we are done. Bye, Clarisse. — I said as I reached for the door.

  — You are forgetting something.—

  I turned around again to see what she was talking about and she trew my ambrosia bag at me. I clumsily caught it  because I was distracted by the way Clarisse was standing, she had her arms crossed with her hands cupping her elbows, leaving on sight her healed knuckles. Her face didn't hold her stoic expression, it was softer.

  — You are going to swallow a fly, dumbass. — 

  I hadn't realized that I had opened my mouth a little in surprise but I quickly closed it in embarrasment.

  — Don't think much about it. I'll need my fists in shape if I wanna go for your other eye. — She explained.

  —  Yeah well, you were going nowhere with those knuckles, pretty girl. —

  — Well, I wanna see what kind of warrior you are tomorrow, tough girl. — She said with a smirk in her face as she walked past me and bumped my shoulder slightly on her way out.

 

  I saved the ambrosia in my front pocket with a smirk as I left the cabin.

  Everything was quiet now, only the far sounds of crickets and owls could be heard, so I didn't expect to see a little girl sitting in one of the logs close to the bonfire.

  — Hey, lass. It's a little bit cold around here. You sure you don't wanna be in your warm and comfy bed? — I asked in a kind tone.

  She lifted her sight from the fire to me and smiled. I'm almost entirely sure that she doesn't have glasses on but the fire it's reflecting in her eyeballs somehow.

  She said "he finally made a good one" or something like that, I didn't heard a thing with how soft she spoke but I don't have the chance to ask her now because she and the fire were gone after I blinked.

  My face dropped and I ran to the Hermes cabin. There was no fucking way I was about to deal with a ghost on my first day.

[abbofff]

Clearing, at least, some things out

masterlist

  We kept walking until we reached the Big House, Annabeth didn't look at me all the way there.

  — I should go, and you should go to the infirmary after this. — Annabeth talked harshly.

  — Wait, Annabeth. —

  She gave me a wary look and walked away before I could say anything else.

  Then, I felt Mr Brunner's hand on my shoulder.

  — I'm sure you can solve any problem you two have later, child. Come on now, follow me. —

  He led me to the back porch of the house where there was a small round wooden table and a couple chairs.

  — Please, sit. — He gestured me to the nearest chair and somewhere between the moment where I sat and looked over to him he switched back to his wheelchair.

  — Annabeth filled me in on your arrival and everything she's told you, but there are still things you need to know. — I sat straighter on my chair as he spoke.

  — My true name is Chiron, you may know me for being a trainer of heroes. Earlier this year, a satyr protector informed me of the possible presence of demigods on Yancy, so I personally went to check who these demigods were and protect them. One of them was you and the other was Percy. — He spoke slowly in the last part.

  — What? And you left him alone? It all makes sense now, we were attacked and you did nothing. — I stood up. 

  — Ada, please, allow me… —

  — No, I don't allow it. What's wrong with everyone here? You and another unknown person spied on us to protect us but I was still attacked twice in one day? If everything gets worse once I know the whole truth then I don't want to know it, Percy doesn't know it and he shouldn't. We have lived a strange normal life, we have lived it for 12 years, Chiron, and it's better than to play hero. —

  Anger flooded my voice but I wasn't screaming loudly, I was too tired for that.

  — Ada, struggle is inevitable in the life of a demigod, the Fates always include it in their plans. But Percy is not alone, your satyr protector is Grover, when you were attacked it was he who took you out of Yancy. His mother must be telling him the truth right now and Grover will bring him here so you both can live safely. —

  I sat back down from the shock.

  — Grover? He's not a protector, he is the one that must be protected, he's too sweet and gentle. — I couldn't imagine the picture of Grover cutting a monster's head off.

  — The reason Argus came to find you personally is because I believe the Furies have something personal against you. The night you came to camp, there were many more monsters than just the cyclops and Argus had to take care of them. —

  I took a moment to analyze everything I've heard so far. I tried to play with my necklace but remembered what Chiron said just now. I reached for my pocket and took out the hair clip, it transformed into a sword when I opened it.

  — When I was little my mom gave me a necklace that matched this hair clip and Miss Dodds said that it could no longer help me. Do you know what she meant by that? —

  — Ah yes, that necklace of yours. There is something called The Mist, it hides and changes the things of our world from human eyes. It appears that your necklace casted this effect upon you. You see, demigods release a characteristic odor that attracts mythological creatures and the more powerful the demigod, the more powerful that odor is.  With Percy I realized it instantly but yours was covered by the necklace. I didn't realize it for months, it seems that the Fury went through the same thing. —

  — What gave me away then? —

  He looked into my eyes, hesitant.

  — It's clear that these objects were given to your mother by your father and now that you are here, I suspect he will show up soon. Then you will understand. —

  Dissatisfied, I made the sword transform into its original form and hook it to my belt loop.

  I understood that he didn't want to say more than he should because it was too delicate of a matter or because he was simply following orders. In any case, it was clear that Chiron knew who my father was or at least had a clear idea.

  — But why a peacock? That’s the sacred animal of H- —

  — Names hold power, Ada. It's better not to use them. — He interrupted.

  I have a terrible feeling about my father. He abandons my mother and me but he gives her items to protect me, plus I don't even know who he is or when he is going to claim me. I can't understand him.

 

  I felt very helpless, I couldn't do anything for myself or for Percy. I didn't even know how to pray to Hermes to help him get here safely.

  'Safely', that word echoed in my head, I preferred that Chiron had said another word about camp life, even if it was a lie.

  — Chiron, could you name one hero who was happy? —

  He was from the time where all the myths occurred, he had trained or heard the stories of all the heroes, so maybe he could teach me some of the advice of those who managed to live happily.

  It took him a minute to find the answer.

  — Perseus. — He answered.

  — Just Perseus? — I asked.

  I saw how his attentive gaze became melancholic, he seemed defeated.

  — Just Perseus. — He stated.

  I sighed. Perseus wasn't the strongest, that was Heracles, nor the smartest because that was probably Odysseus, but he was the only one who got the fame, the girl and the happiness. I really hope my brother gets something out of his namesake.

  — When will he arrive? — I asked.

  I know he will pretend that nothing affects him but I also know he will be terrified shitless like I was.

  — I do not have that information but I suppose that soon. — I nodded.

  — Ok. —

  The silence lasted a few seconds, it wasn't uncomfortable but it was heavy, we were both afraid.

  — Can I leave now? —

  I don't think I can resist a pep talk and a reprimand in the same monologue. I was way too tired for that. I just wanted to go to sleep and maybe that gets me claimed by Hypnos.

  — No, actually there is someone you should meet. Come. —

  Chiron began to head towards the doors that we have next to us that lead to the interior of the house. Behind the glass doors was the living room.

  You'd expect the Big House of a camp set in ancient Greece to be something very refined. Pottery patterned vases, statues, paintings worthy of the Sistine Chapel scattered throughout the room. But in front of the leather couch, above the fireplace was the damn painting of "A friend in need" by C.M. Coolidge.

  The only reason I could identify that painting so precisely is because Gabe spent months crying over a replica of it.

  — Chiron, why do you have that thing? — I asked.

  The guy was always stylish, had feather pens, taught Latin, and was definitely not one of Gabe's cronies.

  — That's mine, kid. — A raspy voice announced and I almost peed my pants.

   I moved forward until I was in front of the leather recliner where I thought no one was, and I saw someone who has the aesthetic of the stereotypical consumer of that type of work.

  He didn't looked at me but the painting instead, he just laughed and said:

  — Apollo almost died of disgust when that was done, he wanted to burn the guy alive. —

  He looked at the painting as if it were the best thing ever done.

  — Ada, this is Mr. D., the director of the camp. Mr. D. this is Adara Williams. — Chiron introduced once he was at my side.

  — What? Who had the wonderful idea to put a, very probably drunk, gambler in charge of a kids camp? — I asked Chiron.

  — The kings of Gods, ignorant child, go bring me a pinot noir as an apology. — He pointed me to what I suppose was the door to the wine cellar.

  — Ada, be more respectful, Mr D. is the god of the wine. And Mr. D. you know that Zeus has forbidden you from drinking, stop trying to command the kids to bring you the bottles. — He spoke annoyed.

  — Wait, you are Dionysus? —

  — Yes, do you also have auditory dyslexia? — He looked at me with more disgust than before, if that was possible.

  — No, I just always imagined Dionysus as a cool twink and not as Alan from The Hangover. —

  — That's a brave thing to say from someone who's more beat up than Stu. —

  I imagine that my eye has turned an ugly purple because it hurts when I blinked and keeping it open it's kinda hard.

  — Well Ada, the introductions has been done. You should get your eye checked up, you may go now. — Chiron grabbed me by my forearm and guided me to the exit before I could protest.

  Once we were at the front porch he talked again.

  — Don't worry about Percy, he is strong as his sister, and Grover has already done this kind of job before. They'll be fine. — He reassured me.

  — I don't think that I can not worry. —

  — I know, but try to rest tonight, if he comes tomorrow, he'll need a rested sister to be there for him. — He spoke softly.

  — Thank you, Proff… master. — I corrected myself.

  I went down the few steps of the porch and started to make my way to the infirmary.

  — You are still on dishwash duty tonight. — I heard Chiron's scream.

Now with no more interruptions, I saw how Apollo was almost finishing his journey so I hurried.

  I arrived and opened the door only to find that nobody was there.

  — Hi again, Will, are you in here? — I shouted.

  — Coming! — I heard him shout.

  A door that led to the depot opened and Will came out of it with a thermos and a bowl.

   — Oh damn. — He said when he barely saw me.

  — It's that bad? I didn't even had the chance to look at it. —

  I sat on a stretcher and looked as Will put the things on a table and grabbed a mirror.

  He threw me a little mirror and proceeded to open the bowl and took out something that looked like a host.

  I looked in the mirror and saw how my eyelid was a little swollen and lowered. Furthermore, my entire eye socket was dyed an eggplant color.

  — So you were the unlucky bastard, huh? — I asked with a smirk.

  — What do you mean? —

  — Clarisse came about an hour ago with a broken nose and open knuckles. I thought whoever had hurt Clarisse like that would be unrecognizable. You were lucky. —

  Clarisse is a tremendous warrior, that was clear, but I really wanted her to stop talking shit. Her comments could never affect me, I didn't care what a stranger who didn't know me had to say, but I couldn't allow her to talk like that about Annabeth.

  If the only language that Clarisse talked was war, then I was going to make her understood for good. She was lucky.

  — Chiron interfered. What is that?. — I pointed my head at the host.

  — This is ambrosia and the thermos is nectar. With this we demigods heal ourselves. Eat it.— He said, handing me the piece of ambrosia.

  

  When I chewed it, it tasted like the brownies I used to make with Percy. I smiled at the memory.

  Will grabbed the mirror that was on my hand and raised it to my face. My eye was perfect again.

  — That is true witchcraft. — I said, making him laugh.

  — Nah, that's Hecate's kids territory this is Medicine 101. —

  We laughed together this time.

  — So I owe you two favors now. — I said when I got on my feet.

  — Don't worry about it, doctor's orders. — He said with a smile.

  — I'll do it anyway, I don't like being ordered around. Thank you again, Will. – I smirked.

  — Fine, you are welcome then. See ya. — He smiled, and I left the infirmary.

Finally, a few meters from Hermes' cabin, I stopped in front of Athena's cabin. I decided Luke could wait a little longer and approached the door, hoping Annabeth would be there. And she was, and she was terrified. She almost bumped into me when she opened the door.

  — The monster found us! Run! — She screamed as she ran away, and all of her siblings followed her out of the cabin.

  After the last child of Athena came out, I quickly went inside, closed the door and smashed the handle of it with the handle of my sword.

  Whatever monster it was, I could stop it until others could come help. Or so I thought, because there was no fucking monster.

  I looked around the neat cabin and there was no one there except me. I took a few more steps with my guard up in case the monster was invisible or something, but all I saw was a steatoda spider coming down from the ceiling on a web.

  An unfinished drawing on one of the beds reminded me of the myth of Arachne. Perhaps Athena's children were afraid that a spider would challenge them to a crochet duel? Now I definitely had to talk to Annabeth.

  I grabbed one of the transparent pencil holders and a piece of paper that was on a desk and then cut the web with my sword, making the spider fall directly into the pencil holder and I covered it with the paper.

  I left the spider on the same desk and looked for something to help me see if there were any more.

  On the shelf above the drawing's bed was a lavender room spray and on the bed next to the one of the drawing was a small portable fan.

  I clasped my sword on my jeans again to grab those two things and walked to the back of the cabin. I closed the window that surely gave way to the spider to turn on the small fan and spray the lavender essence, spreading its smell throughout the cabin.

  Two spiders came out from under the beds to run towards the door. I approached them to do the same thing I did with the first one.

  With the three spiders trapped in two different pencil holders, I looked at the stuck door and realized that I couldn't get out without smashing it into pieces. So I opened the window and went out. After closing it again, I headed towards the northern forest to free them. I continued walking until I noticed how a lot of hungry owls began to surround the trees near me. I looked at the spiders and said:

  — If you manage to escape them and you come back, I'll have a couple bottles of insecticides ready to kill you slowly and painfully. Byee. —

  As soon as the spiders touched the ground, all the owls pounced on them, except the one in front of me that kept staring me.

  — Weirdo. — I whispered.

[abbofff]

Fighting the pretty girl

masterlist

Annabeth guided me to Cabin 11. She said its counselor would set aside a place for me to sleep in the crowded cabin.

The cabin looked relatively normal compared to the other extravagant cabins, the only thing that differentiated it from a normal mortal cabin was the caduceus on the door, a sign of the messenger god.

My guide opened the door and I saw many children in many bunk beds. The cabin must have some charm on it because seen from the outside, the cabin is not that big.

All the children looked at me, some with looks of curiosity and others of annoyance.

- Luke! - Annabeth called.

I saw an older, sand colored skin, dark-haired boy with a scar on the right side of his face stop talking to a Latino boy and look at us. His jaw clenched and his breath hitched for a moment, but he recomposed and smirked at our direction.

- Oh hi! Sorry, capture the flag is going to be soon and we won't remain undefeated if we don't plan something. Right, Annabeth? -

- Don't worry, Athena always has a plan. This is Ada, a newcomer. Ada, this is Luke, Hermes's cabin counselor. - she placed a hand on my right shoulder.

I smiled politely at Luke as I raised my left hand as a wave.

- Hi, Annabeth told me about you. Could you show me my spot, please? -

- All good things I hope. Follow me, I'll get you settled. -

He guided me to the left end of the cabin. Even the bunk beds there were occupied.

Luke opened a closet that was on the middle and pulled out a sleeping bag.

- We are kind of very full, but there's always space for one more. -

He placed the sleeping bag on the floor.

- Don't worry, it's temporary. I'll try to find you something nicer. - Luke smirked and patted my right elbow.

- It's fine. Thanks for the help. I just wanted to leave my backpack and see the rest of the camp with Annabeth. - I gave him a weak smile.

He looked over my shoulder to the Athena's girl with an eyebrow raised.

- Hey little sis, are you trying to steal my job now? Showing the ropes it's kinda my thing. -

- Oh please, you bore people to death with all your pep talks. -

I almost laughed as I stuffed my backpack into my sleeping bag. I wasn't going to leave it out in the open in the god of thieves' cabin.

Luke clutched his pearls and gasped.

- For your information, people say I'm the perfect big brother. Thank you very much. You go finish the guide but bring her back before dinner, I'm still her counselor and I still have many pep talks to give. - He winked at me and went back to the wavy haired boy.

- You ready? - Annabeth asked me.

- Let's go. - I smiled at her as we exited the cabin.

We spent a couple of hours talking as we walked across the camp.

It was easy talking with Annabeth, she would let out a cool fact about the buildings which would spark a conversation about a totally different topic.

She offered to try out the climbing wall together and I agreed. To say it was difficult was a lie, it was VERY difficult. The lava and the slippery steps made a challenging duo, and yet Annabeth seemed to be climbing it in some kind of pattern that I couldn't see.

After 2 hours or so, Annabeth was waiting for me on the ground.

I was covered in sweat but Annabeth seemed barely bothered.

She cleaned the palms of her hands in her cargo pants, and I did the same.

- You get used to it with some tries. - She laughed.

- Yeah, I sure hope so. How long have you been here anyway? -

She smiled and reached for her necklace.

- Five years, a bead for each one. They give it at the end of the summer and it symbolizes the most important event of it. -

- And the ring? - I asked.

- It's my dad's. - She gently grabbed it and gave it a melancholic look.

I decided to not push the subject and try to talk about anything else.

- So the Demeter's kids were so thrilled about a new pine tree that they put it on a bead? - I let out a soft giggle.

I fucked up. I realized it when her face resembled a kicked puppy.

- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... -

- It's fine, I haven't told you till now. - She interrupted me.

She turned to the tree that was alone in the distance and let out a heavy sigh.

- I came to camp with Luke, a satyr protector and another demigod. Her name was Thalia. We were reaching the camp borders but there were too many monsters following us. She stayed back, trying to hold them off so at least we could make it. In the end her father, Zeus, turned her into a pine tree to save her. - Her voice was slowly breaking and I gave her a side hug.

- She met a hero's fate. - I tried to make it sound noble, the best end anyone could hope for. But heroes only have tragic endings. Even Heracles and Achilles died screaming.

Her eyes were watery but she wore a weak and nostalgic smile.

- The borders were expanded thanks to her. She saved much more demigods than just Luke and me. -

- Oh, she's so badass -

I'm glad she finally laughed sincerely.

- Yeah, she is - Her smile had not faded.

We stayed there for a few more seconds, just staring at the tree that once was a girl. Then Annabeth linked our arms and made me follow her as she started to walk.

- Come on or I will have to hear Luke's pep talks too. - Her eyes widened for a second.

- They are that bad? -

She just looked at me with her lips pursed.

- Oh God. - I prayed.

- So Luke and you are not blood related then? I know its a silly question but greek gods have messed up family trees. -

She gave me a look.

- No pun intended, sorry. -

- Thalia and us wandered on the streets for a long time before our satyr protector found us and guided us to camp. We lived through a lot together, he is family, you know? -

- Oh I know, have one of those rascals myself. He's name its Percy. Not my biological brother either, but he's the first person to understand me and really being there. -

Then I remembered the last thing he told me, he would come over to my place with blue pancakes. I wonder how he reacted when he got to my house and discovered what happened.

- Actually, is there any phone or something that I can use to talk to him? I really need it. -

My voice broke before I could control it.

Percy doesn't know the truth. He just knows that I was sent away, and I couldn't leave him to wonder if I was ever coming back.

Annabeth let go of my arm, she looked at me with pitiful eyes.

- Listen, Ada, the mortals are never accepting of our reality. Demigods attract monsters and it only gets worse when they find out who they are. You... - She spoke slowly and calmly, something that I wasn't capable of right now.

- I what? I'm better off in the freak camp? Listen Annabeth, my life just turned around less than 24 hours ago and the last thing I need is someone taking my decisions for me again. -

- It's dangerous for you both to stay in touch, trust me, I know that. - She said.

- But you don't know me nor him. We are not friends. -

I watched her step back with a troubled expression, a mix of anger and hurt.

I know that hurted her. It wasn't my intention, I really wanted to be friends with her but I couldn't bear what she was trying to say: I was going to lose Percy.

- Ada.. -

- I know how to get to the cabins by myself now, thank you Annabeth. -

I couldn't calm down. It would be better if I just went away for a while, I couldn't hurt her if I did.

I started walking fast and for what it seemed, I actually didn't know how to get to the cabins because I passed them by.

Now I was in the arena. I thought that nobody would be there because of the threatening cumulonimbus, but one person was there: Clarisse.

She was tearing apart a training dummy with a spear.

She seemed careless and brutal, but her attacks were the clear product of disciplined training. They were precise cuts and clean punctures. A beautiful thing to see, but in the training dummy, of course. I was surprised she hadn't realized I was there, so I decided to make my way back to the cabins before my bad mood and her bothering collided.

I wasn't lucky.

- Look who's here, the snarky bitch. -

Fuck.

- Hi again, it's Ada, by the way. Why don't you go back to look big and tough with Mr. Shreds over there and leave me the fuck alone? Thank you. -

I turned around and started to walk fast but I heard a cold laugh behind me. And I was turned around again by my shoulder and grabbed me by the collar fucking again too.

- Oh, no. You come here and you act like if you are actually worth something, someone has to put you in your place, tough girl. - Her mean giggles turned into threatening whispers.

That was hot, but this bitch is starting to get on my nerves.

- What is it? Not so tough without that smartass bitch backing you up? - She mocked in a pity tone, curling her lips down.

In a swift move, I rotated my torso, punched her hands away from me with my elbow and pushed her back.

- Don't you fucking dare talk about Annabeth like that! - I screamed.

She threw away the spear latched on her back and charged at me.

Her punches were identical as her cuts but I could feel her fists pushing the air as she moved and I was faster.

I landed a punch in her jaw that did absolutely nothing and then she hugged me by the hips and threw me into the ground with my head hitting hard leaving me dizzy for a moment.

She was on top of me and she punched my left eye. Clarisse rested her right palm on the ground to gain balance again but I took advantage of it and hit the inside of her elbow and punched her nose. I pushed her and stepped back.

- Girls! Cut it out! - a familiar voice called.

I turned around and saw Annabeth with Mr Brunner, who was on a horse.

Hold on a bloody minute, HE WAS THE FUCKING HORSE.

- Hello again, Adara. - Mr Brunner greeted.

- I was just teaching her how to wrestle, Chiron. No need to make a fuss, right newbie? - Clarisse gave me a bone chilling look.

- Right, it wasn't very effective because I kicked her butt tho. - My face hurts when I smile but it was damn worth it.

I saw Annabeth suppress a smile and my professor sighed deeply.

- Then I'm sure Clarisse and you will be effective in cleaning all the dishes tonight after dinner. Come on, Adara, you and I have a lot to talk. -

- Including why you're on top of half a horse? -

He gave me a unimpress look, so I went to his side across Annabeth and followed in silence.

[abbofff]

Meeting a pretty girl

masterlist

  I don't know at what point in the trip I fell asleep, but I was awakened by a loud war cry. Before I could recognize my surroundings, the van was hit on the passenger side, and we were spun around for several meters.

  When the van stopped spinning, I took off my seat belt and got out as best as I could.

  When I got to my feet, I realized I was in a forest at night and that 3 guys about 10 feet tall holding sledgehammers were in front of me.

  They wore rags and on their necks were necklaces with shark teeth.

  Now im sure im not hallucinating. The hot liquid running down my forehead was a sign of that.

  I felt an electrifying adrenaline rush through my entire body. My instinct told me to grab the hair clip that was clipped to the belt loop of my jeans.

  When I unclipted it and it was on my hand, it turned into a fucking sword.  

  It was a beautiful sword, the hilt matched the emerald green of the hair clip, “καταιγίδα�� was engraved on its guard (and for some reason I knew it meant “tempest”), its edge seemed to be made of gold and on its fuller was a electrifying blue line. My hand fit perfectly on the handle of it.

  When I looked back at the monsters, they were already walking slowly towards me, fiddling with their weapons. I could feel their cold gaze of one eye analyzing mine.

    - Aaah, so that's why the smell was so strong, huh? Looks like uncle was right, guys.  - Said the tallest guy. 

  The other two let out cold laughter. 

  They started walking towards me with sick smiles on their faces. I have no fucking idea what's going on, but I wasn't going to let these three idiots beat me up.

  The storm was still raging and the rain was falling as I ran towards them with sword in hand. 

  The biggest one tried to hit me on my right with his sledgehammer, but I rolled to that side just before he could hit me. It took a second for the guy to the left of him to realize that I was now addressing him. Before he could do anything I sliced him in the knee with my sword, making him kneel in pain and I cut off his head. 

  The biggest one growled and tried to smash me with his weapon again while the other guy got behind me. There was no escape. So I grabbed the sword with all my strength and prepared to receive the blow with it.  

  The ground lit up blue when our weapons struck. His was left in pieces and mine was now glowing from the electricity that ran through it but it only lasted a second.

  His hand was cut off and now he was on the floor. The cyclops hunched over as he looked at his hand, and I saw a fleeting look of fear in his eye before it was replaced by fury.

  Before he could punch me, I moved quickly and stabbed him in the heart. He fell lifeless to the ground and now I was only missing one.

  I turned to look at him and he was already running towards me. I threw the tip of the sword with all my strength quickly and it landed on his eye.

  The last one of them kneel dead and fell on his stomach.

  I staggered to him and pulled my sword out of his head and cleaned its edge with the inner part of my elbow. As i was pulling out the sword out of my elbow, its edge dissappeared and on my hand now rested the little hair clip.

  Now all the adrenaline was running out and I felt the hot liquid pouring down from my forehead to my chin.

  Everything became blurry and my body felt very heavy. 

  I fell on my stomach and the last thing I saw was a pair of shoes heading towards me.

I woke up in what looked like an infirmary. I saw a nightstand with my hair clip on top and my backpack right below it on the floor.

  Then, I sat on the soft stretcher and noticed that there was a tanned blonde boy humming with his back turned. 

  - Percy? - I asked.

  The boy turned around surprised. He wore a orange t-shirt that said "Camp Half-Blood" around a picture of a pegasus. He looked a few years younger than me.

  - Who? No. I am Will Solace, son of Apollo and your doctor. What's your name? - He said with a kind smile.

  - Son of… who? -

  This must be a camp for really special kids.

  - Nobody gave you the talk yet, huh? Don't worry, it all will make sense by the end of the day. - He said with a smirk

  - What's your name? - He repeated.

  - I'm Ada Williams. Where are we? -

  - Long Island. This place is Camp Half-Blood, Argus brought you passed out in his arms last night. So, how are you feeling? I healed your cut and luckily it won't scar. -

  So the name of the mysterious driver was Argus. It sounded familiar, like if I had heard it a hundred times already.

  I touched my forehead where the wound was, and he was right, there was no sing of it. They must have a very good kit of creams and gauze.

  - I feel perfect. Thank you. - I thanked with a smile. 

  I turned my back on him to stand up and check if I hadn't lost anything from my backpack in the crash. I didn't have that many things to allow myself to lose.

  I grabbed my hair clip and put it in my pocket. Then, I opened my backpack and the first thing I found were the three necklaces of the monsters. I grabbed them and took them out of my backpack to look at them in detail. The teeth on them looked real.

  I turned around and the boy had his eyes open wide and his mouth slightly parted.

  - Oh sorry, do you need to discharge me first? - I asked.

  I feel fine but I don't know how things were around here.

  - N-no. Those are cyclops necklaces. You killed three of them? - He asked slowly, like he needed to convince himself.

  - Cyclops? Wait, you see this kind of thing too?- I asked.

  I knew that what had happened couldn't just be my imagination but I couldn't believe he wasn't treating me like if I was crazy.

 

  He was going to say something but we were interrupted by a knock on the door.

  Will sighed and opened the door.

  It was a dark skinned girl that was around my age. Her gray eyes held an attentive look and she had her dark hair in neat box braids.

When her eyes met mine, she stiffened up and looked at me as if she had seen a ghost.

  Will whispered something in her ear and she widened her eyes as she fixed her posture upright. She coughed softly and walked towards me with a determined step.

  She raised her right hand for me to shake, which I did after putting the necklaces in my backpack again.

  - Hi, I'm Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena. Nice to meet you. - She introduced herself.

  I looked at Will over her shoulder. He gave me a "play along" look with a nod.

  I don't know what was up with the kids here presenting themselves as children of outdated gods. Maybe it was like one of those strange role play places.

  - Hi, Annabeth. My name is Ada Williams. Nice to meet you too. - I smiled.

  She nodded and let go of my hand.

  - Come on, I'll show you around camp and get you to your cabin. - Annabeth said.

  - Really? Thank you so much, I would really like that. - I said with a smile and she smirked at me.

  As we walked to the door, I looked at Will and smiled to him too.

  - Thank you for taking care of me, Will. I hope that I can return the favor some day. -

  - Don't worry, that's what I'm here for. Take care, Ada. - He said with a soft smile.

  I nodded and walked out of the big house alongside Annabeth.

-Ok, first things first. This is a place for half-bloods, children of humans and Greek gods. It's very hard to believe, I know. But Will told me that you already faced cyclopes, and I imagine that you must have had strange experiences before that, right? -

-You're not that far off. But come on, gods? You seem smarter than that. -

  I tried not to sound like a jerk but there had to be a more logical explanation that we lived in fucking ancient Greece

-Yup, Gods. And whether you like it or not, you are the kid of one of them. You wouldn't have been able to cross the barrier if you weren't. Don't worry, it does have its perks. Let me show you around. - She giggled.

  Annabeth showed me the strawberry fields that worked as a cover up to get money for the camp, the forge where the Hephestus kids worked, the armory, the pegasus stables (i tried to keep my cool but they were just so cool omg) and then she told me that we were going to go to the Hermes cabin so that I could leave my things and be more comfortable while seeing the other half of the camp.

-So Hermes is my dad? I'm the damn mailman's daughter? - I asked her with a very confused look. 

  Was that mom's type? Jesus. Ok well not exactly Jesus, but like, the guy was in fact son of the supreme god but still… you know what I mean.

  Annabeth let out a tremendous laugh.

-We don't know yet. Your father has to claim you for you to stay in his specific cabin, but until then, and because Hermes is the god of travelers, you are staying at his place. -

-Claim me? And when will that happen? -

  She bit her lip and her smile curled down.

-It depends on what you show about yourself and your dad's mood. Don't think much about it. This place it's pretty cool and you'll make a nice life here. It's not really important. - She said with a kind smile but she still has a glint of pity in her eyes.

-What? He was the one that decided that I had to come here and now there is a big chance he won't even recognize me? -

  I stopped on my track, and Annabeth did too. I hadn't even met my father but I had already decided that I didn't like him. He was an asshole.

  The clouds began to gather and turn black as the wind began to blow.

  Annabeth looked around and frowned thoughtfully.

-Well, if he told you to come here then he might claim you soon. You just have to wait. - she said soft and kindly

  She linked her arm with mine and gently pulled me forward.

-Come on, let's get you settled. - She proposed with a little smirk.

  I nodded and we continued on our way.

 

  As we walked towards our destination and made small talk, I saw the most beautiful, breathtaking girl I had ever seen.

  Funny how the sky suddenly cleared out.

  She was sitting on one of the stands in the arena while talking to other children. The girl seemed a little taller but she was way more muscular than me.

  She must be the same age that Annabeth and I, but her dark skin was filled with scars of different sizes all over. Her pretty dark brown eyes and thick lips were framed by beautiful noodle-like curls.

  She must be from Aphrodite's cabin, I thought.

  Suddenly, her eyes focused on me and all the wind came out of my lungs. I lowered my head and prayed my blush didn't show.

  After a few seconds, I accidentally bumped someone with my shoulder. Before I could say sorry, that person grabbed me by the collar of my shirt. It was the pretty girl. And she was close to my face.

  She is 5 cm taller than me at best, so I have to look up a little. Seeing her this close gave me a better look of her face. God, she is so gorgeous.

  She had faint scars all over her face. Mainly little cuts on her cheeks and chin.

  I unconsciously took a fleeting glance at her slightly chapped lips before looking back at her beautiful siren eyes.

  I swallowed my almost non-existent saliva. Now I can't breath and my legs feel like jelly.

  I imagine I'm a little flushed and looking with wide eyes.

  - Hey, knock it off, Clarisse. It's her first day, come on. - Annabeth scolded as she walked closer and pulled me away from the girl by my shoulder.

  Clarisse. A pretty name for a pretty girl.

  She let out her grip as she pushed me back roughly.

  Clarisse looked at me as if she was looking at a prey. She had a mocking smile. I recognized that expression. It was the carbon copy of every bully I ever faced.

  - Every new kid shows up here and they think they are special. Do you want attention around here, dummy? You better be ready for it when it comes. - She threatened.

  Then she pretended she was going to hit me. But I didn't flinch. Instead, I smiled at her. Then I looked at my feet, covering my mouth with one hand.

  She noticed and pushed me causing me to fall on my butt and making me burst out laughing.

  Now I felt many eyes on us. Also, two minions stood behind her watching carefully.

  - Oh I can't believe it. You're so beautiful it's like if a gymrat Regina George bought a beginner bully phrase book. - I said between laughs still on the ground.

  Clarisse was dumbfounded. She snapped out of her little trance a few seconds later while I was still laughing. She grabbed me by the collar of my shirt again and stood me on my feet like it was nothing. Now it was my turn to be dumbfounded.

  My laughter stopped because there was no air in my lungs now and I could feel the blush returning to my cheeks but I couldn't give in now.

  - Are you going to hit me in the face? Oh, it's going to be amazing. - I teased. 

  - You're dead, tough girl.- she said with a serious look

  - As you wish, pretty girl.- I responded smiling at her.

  Her furious gaze faltered for a moment but quickly recomposed herself. The sun illuminating her face showed the faint blush on her cheeks.

  She let go of me abruptly and I collided with Annabeth's front.

  She scoffed and walked off alongside her minions. 

    - You better sleep with one eye open tonight, Clarisse won't let you alone now. - Annabeth warned while shaking her head. 

  - I’ve lived through worse. - I responded as I removed the dirt from my clothes.

  - Come on, let's keep going before she comes back with her spear. - she giggled.

[abbofff]

Things are going from bad to worse

masterlist

  When I opened the apartment door on the top floor, all I did was leave my backpack at the entrance, took a shower and changed into something more comfortable. Then I decided to go up to the roof to get some air. My mom won't be home for a couple of hours and I needed to think.

  When I opened the roof door it was like all my problems were blown away by the wind, but only for a moment.

  I made a small pillow out of my jacket and lay on the floor looking at the sky. I'm nervous about having to face my mother.

  I really want to be like her when I grow up. She is strong, kind, intelligent and loved wherever she goes. And I? Her only daughter? I feel like I was losing my mind more and more.

  I know my mother loves me and I love her too. But I also know that I'm the worst part of her life. A reminder of a past lover that went away, a troubled kid. A special kid, as adults says, that got thrown out of school for the 5th time in a row.

  I wonder if she was going to consider the idea of ​​homeschool again. Although I don't think that any teacher would accept me. I did 1st grade at home, and I made my teachers cry.

  I don't know how much time I spent daydreaming until a hear the door open. I got up from the surprise, and I looked back to see my mom.

  She was still wearing her black suit with her blonde hair pushed back held by a brooch. She looked very tired.

  My mom works as a criminal lawyer. She's worked for really bad people, but it's what she had to do to bring food to the table.

- Hi baby - she gave me a tired smile followed by a hug.

- Mom, Percy didn't push the girl and I couldn't just stand there and watch. I'm sorry, I was so close to make things right this year but--

- It's okay, I know. I'm so glad you are okay. - My heart felt tight in my chest. She wore a sad, almost nostalgic look, but her smile had not faded.

- Come, let's sit. - She comanded as she guided me to the ground.

  - Sally texted me what happened. She said that Percy saw something. - she told me. She looked at me, hoping that I would explain more.

  I know what I saw, what we did to defend ourselves. But I wasn't going to tell her. I didn't wanted to disappoint her any more that I already had. She couldn't know that I had gone completely mad.

  - Yeah, we fell down the stairs. We didn't get hurt, but he had that strange dream. - I looked into her eyes when I spoke.

  Then, she made a thoughtful face and turned forward.

  - How were things on Yancy? - she asked.

  - Better. We had an awesome Latin professor, Mr Brunner. He puts a lot of passion and emotion to his classes, you know? It helps with my attention deficit. Really learnt a lot about ancient Greece. I mean it's not helpfull, but still. And Percy and me even made a friend. -

  I stopped for a moment. I understand why Grover did what he did. He wasn't the best under pressure, and that's totally fine. But he didn't even tried to say sorry or even talk to us after. It still hurted.

- It was a nice year. - I ended.

- That's nice to hear, my dear. - She finally turned to see me and I smiled at her.

  Then, she had her gaze lost somewhere on the upcoming storm, but I only limited myself to look at my hands.

She spoke again after a while.

  - Your dad is calling. - She said when she finally looked at me.

  - What? - I ask.

  My head started spinning as to why he was just now trying to contact me.

  I stood up from the ground and my mother followed me.

  - Adara, listen to me. - She said while grabbing my face in her hands.

  I saw into her eyes, there were tears threatening to come out.

  - Why does he feel he has the right to show up now? He left. It was his choice. He had his chances. I don't want anything to do with him, mom. -

  - He wants you to go to a camp in Long Island. It's for the best. - She stated.

  That man had never been interested in me or my mother, as far as I knew, he had left while my mother was pregnant. And now he gets to decide what's best for me?

  - Best for who? - I regretted asking that as soon as it left my mouth. I don't want to know the answer.

  - Mom, I know Im broken, but im getting better, i swear. Please, I don't wanna go, i will be good. Don't get rid of me now. Just one more chance, please. I'll make it better. -

  I looked at her, and there was pain mixed in the green. I was trying not to cry because maybe if I didn't, then she would trust me.

  - Ada, since I carried you in my womb there has not been a day in which I have not loved you or you have not made me feel proud. I will always be there with you. I raised you, you carry my last name. You have become a loving and selfless person, and you grow stronger everyday. -

  Rain started to fall.

  She looked at the sky with a scared look, then closed her eyes for a moment, and I grabbed her hands in mine. She opened her eyes to look at me.

  - But there are things, far beyond my control, that I can not protect you from. - She said softly, like it was a secret.

I felt the tears leave my eyes as now they were falling into my cheeks. My breathing accelerated. The day I always feared had arrived.

- You'll understand soon enough. But you need to get going. -

  I could never say no to mom. Not when she was so determined to let me go. Not when I knew she could allow herself a better life. Not when it was for the best.

  - Ok. - I said in a whisper.

  She grabbed my hand and we went back in the apartment.

  I took one last look at my home and took a deep breath. I tried to tattoo in my memory the smell of coconut from the diffuser, the warmth of the blankets that were next to the sofa, the breeze that ran on the balcony.

  It would be a long time before I returned here.  I would spend the summer on that camp and then straight to the next boarding school Mom finds.

  I heard a loud thunder strike somewhere near, and then mom began searching frantically in the drawers of the TV table. Then she walked up to me with a small cloth bag and judging by the sound, it seems to have coins inside.

I tried to search her eyes. I tried to look for some kind of doubt or regret. Anything that could mean she'd change her mind. But there was only determination. Sadness too, yes. But that was not enough.

  - Come on, a driver from the camp came to pick you up. - she said while nodding in assurance.

  I grabbed my backpack that was on the couch. Fortunately, I hadn't had a chance to unpack.

  We went down the elevator to the lobby. The trip is short but it felt eternal. I felt like my heart had been pierced and was slowly becoming empty. I didn't feel any strength in my legs, the air seemed to refuse to enter my lungs and I knew that if I took my eyes off the ceiling, the tears would continue to fall.

  The elevator doors opened again and mom gently guided me by the hand to the entrance of the building. Where I saw a delivery van that had the logo of a strawberry with words on the side waiting outside.  I couldn't read what was written, but I could make out the word 'farm'

  I was going to go to a farm? With animals and plants? I remembered the cactus that mom had given me for my bedroom in Yancy. It died. Don't ask me how.

  My mom lifted up the bag for me to take it.

  - Your father knows him. Just give him the bag when you get there. - She said.

  My heart was empty, crumbling apart by those words. She was getting rid of me.

  - Mom, I don't have a good feeling about this. Could you take me to the camp instead? - I pleaded.

My mom grabbed my face again and looked right trought me. Her green eyes focused on my blue ones. Her gaze filled with love was accompanied by a sad smile.

  - Oh my baby girl, you are growing up so fast. I can't protect you of the world anymore. So I need you to promise it to me, Adara Williams,  you will always remember who you truly are inside. -

  - I promise. - I said confidently.

A tear rolled down her cheek. She grabbed the hair clip that was on her hair and placed it in my hand.

  The hair clip was green with a little blue gem shaped like a tear. It was similar to my necklace.

  - You'll need it. - she said.

  She is right, if a was going to a farm I would need to have my hair up all the time.

  I unclasped my necklace and placed it on my mom's hand.

  - I'll come back for it. - I said with a smile.

She hugged me tightly, and so did I.

  - See you mom. I love you. - I said smiling at her.

  - I love you too, sweety. Take care. - She responded. She kissed my forehead very gently, as if I would break if she was too rough.

  When I got in the van I saw a man who looked like a typical blonde surfer, except there was something weird in him. Maybe it was that he was wearing a strange peacock like suit or the way he gave me a withering look and stayed silent when I asked his name.

  That let me wondering, were peacocks a trend now?

  I saw my mom waving goodbye in tears when the van engine turned on, and I waved back with a smile.

  The sound of rain and thunder filled my senses. Storms always helped me relax. But I was still breathing heavy as the unnamed man drives through the city. There was pressure building in my chest. A terrible feeling. Something dangerous was about to come.

[abbofff]

For you

a Clarisse La Rue x oc!fem!reader fanfic

Summary:

Ada Williams always thought that she was just weird and that only Percy (her honorary brother) could understand her. Everything in her life changes when she gets to Camp Half-Blood by her father's call, especially when she meets Clarisse La Rue, the girl she would do anything for.

Masterlist

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

[abbofff]

Percy slayed! (our algebra teacher)

masterlist

In the present, it's been 2 years and 2 schools since I met Percy. You see, we are not bad kids. The thing is, we always seem to get into misunderstandings and end up getting expelled. We were the only ones who really understood and trusted each other through all of that, and our mothers never thought we were a bad influence on each other. In the contrary, we made each other better. Percy made me stop paying attention to the bullies. Meanwhile, I helped Percy get out of many problems through my words. We became so close that I considered him my brother. I would do anything for him, and I know he would do the same for me.

At this time, we were on a school trip to the museum with Grover, a friend we made in Yancy. I really liked Grover, he was very funny and kind and thanks to him we learned to play mythomagic and a lot of Greek myths. Thanks to him, it's not just me and Percy anymore. But, as always, no matter how hard we tried to mind our business, there were always people who picked on us.

Grover, Percy and me were looking at the statues of Perseus, son of Zeus (like more than half of the statues there), while Professor Brunner told our class to pick a statue and write how it made us feel. Grover and I separated from Percy to look for a statue that caught our attention.

I stumbled with one of the statues of Zeus, the most famous all-powerful royal scumbag. I mean, how else could I describe the guy? He cheated on Hera literally countless of times, putting a target on the back his lovers and his kids for the goddess of marriage to strike when she found out they existed. All while ruling the Gods and the sky with extreme arrogance. But before I could get to write something on the clipboard, I heard Percy's voice.

- Mom? - He shouted, and everyone laughed.

- Yes, sweety, mommy's here. - That annoying red-headed demon spoke, Nancy Bobofit. That girl had it out for me and my friends since the beginning of the year, and she hadn't knock it out till this day.

- Percy Jackson, control yourself - said Miss Dodds. That old lady really loves taking Percy and me to the principal's office.

- He can't help it, Miss Dodds. Percy is special. - The blonde boy's shoulders fell as he sighed.

-Enough! - Professor Brunner ordered, of all the teachers, he was the only one who cared about his students, especially about Percy and me. He always said that something big was waiting for us.

I took advantage of the fact that Professor Brunner was busy talking to Percy, and I approached Nancy. Grover told me a bunch of times already to stay away from her to not get into any more trouble, but it wasn't like I was going to punch her, at least not in front of everyone.

- Oh my God, I finally found you! Now, tell me, little goblin, where's that pot of golden coins, huh? - I whispered to her. She looked at me with a harsh stare.

- Listen, you freak, get lost before I push you from the stairs.- She rolled her eyes on annoyance and walked away. I smiled, I hated injustices, so now at least the next time she picks on me, she'll be justified. Why be the bigger person if I can be the bigger pain in the ass?

After Percy was done talking with our professor, I walked to his side.

- Can you believe Nancy? - He asked.

- No, I can't believe she beat me on the joke - I smirked to him.

- Oh, shut up - He smiled back.

Then, Mr Brunner shouted again.

- Children, it's lunch time! Let's go outside now.

After a few minutes, me and the boys were sitting by the fountain about to eat our sandwiches.

- There are all sorts of schools of thought about what drives that kind of bullying. Childhood trauma, feelings of inadequacy... - Grover stated.

He was always so kind, but I didn't understand why he was trying to justify that bitch. She does have anger in her, but she wasn't justified of constantly picking on good people. She could be mean to me all she wanted, but Grover and Percy had done nothing to her.

-Look, I get that Nancy has issues, I'm just getting tired of her taking out on me - My brother said. - I feel like... maybe it's time to do something about it -

-You could do an appointment to see Mr Kane. He's really good at talking-- Oh my dear friend I though.

-I was thinking more like shoving Nancy in the nearest dumpster- Percy said with a little smile.

-Oh. No no no no no no noo- Grover was shocked.

-Yeah, Grover is right, bro. If you punch her it will be really bad, but if I was the one to grab her by the hair, then it wouldn't be so bad. - I proposed.

Grover was about to have a heart attack.

-Listen, if there is one thing I know about bullies, it is that you should never stand up to them. -

- That's bullshit. She made me watch as she threw my new cherry lip balm down the toilet the other day, it would only be reasonable if I were to put gum in that pile of straw she calls hair. - I always tried to be patient because for Grover and Percy, but Nancy really had a talent for being despicable.

- I know this place is hard for people like us, okay? But there are better places, somewhere where we will finally fit in. We just have to be patient and keep moving forward. - My dark haired friend always knew how to give a motivational speech. It was a nice thought, and for a moment, I let myself think that in the end, he would be right.

That until a piece of cheese was thrown into his face.

- Oops. - Nancy said with a smirk. Uh, I'm gonna kill her.

Percy and I got up quickly, and before I could even think Nancy was on the fountain screaming to Miss Dodds.

And when I tell you my brain stopped, I tell you I thought it was a fucking glitch in the matrix. I was sure I didn't push the bitch, nor did Percy. He just made, like, the gesture, but he wasn't even that close to her. It seemed like the water had grabbed her?? Did she just jumped into the fountain?

- MISS DODDS, PERCY PUSHED ME. - Oh fuck no.

- What?! Stop being a liar. Nobody even touched her, she's doing it for the attention don't you see? How does evebody just can't see it? - I looked at Miss Dodds in the eyes, I was done with being pushed around.

- Miss Williams, this amount of disrespect won't be tolerated. Mr. Jackson and you will accompany me inside, we will talk about your punishment in private. - Well, there goes the 5th school I've been in.

As we followed Miss Dodds, I looked back to see Grover chatting frantically with Mr. Brunner while waving his arms, the professor opened his eyes and looked at us. I gave him a smile, he was the best teacher I had ever had and I had given him another reason to give up on me.

Miss Dodds took us to the back of the museum. There were only pictures with writing in what seemed like english, which was quite odd since it must have been in ancient greek.

The teacher stopped her walking in front of a statue of Hades.

- You filthy halfbloods really thought that you could remain hidden for this long. - Miss Dodds spoke, but it wasn't her normal voice. It was a cold and dangerous one.

I could feel my entire body vibranting in anticipation. I saw Percy carefully put his hand in his pocket.

She turned around, she was covered in scales and her feet had changed into bat-like legs that matched the wings that were beginning to grow from her back.

- You have nowhere to run and that little necklace of yours can't protect you no longer. Now, where is it? -

What? My necklace? It was just a metal chain with a peacock tail pendant. I have worn it for as long as I can remember and I had never taken it out because mom said I would surely lose it if i did.

I didn't have time to think until she lunged at Percy. He blocked her claws with a sword that appeared out of nowhere, but from the force of the blow, he fell backwards. I grabbed a vase and threw it at Miss Dodds, it didn't hurt her in any way but it made her notice me. She tried to swipe at me with her claws but I rolled to the right to avoid it.

Now on my feet, Percy was at my side tightly gripping his sword. Miss Dodds lunged toward us again with a giant leap with her wings spread wide. I instinctively gave an exaggerated clap with my hands that sent Miss Dodds flying to the other side of the room. She quickly stood up and looked at me.

-Betrayal runs through your blood. Did you think we wouldn't come for you? My patience is running out. Tell me where it is and I'll be quick. -

She was faster this time. Her claws scratched my Yancy sweatshirt as I dodged her and before she attacked me again, Percy impaled her with his sword. Miss Dodds was now scattered into the air as she disintegrated into dust.

I could feel the evil coming from her in the air and I don't know how I knew, but I knew she would return.

And that was the last thing that went trought my mind before everything went black.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Grover sweating with his eyes wide.

- OH MY GO-- Grover screamed.

- Grover? Where's Percy? - I was on the floor at the bottom of some stairs.

- Don't worry, he's ok. He woke up a minute ago, he's talking with Mr Brunner. You two seriously hit your heads really hard. He's talking about a Miss Dodds attacking you. -

- What? But --

- Yeah, I know. But don't worry, he'll snap out of it with time. Come on, let's get you up. - Grover offered me his hand and I took it.

I remembered being attacked by... that thing. I knew Miss Dodds was a harpy but that's not what I meant. And Percy had seen it too? It couldn't be possible.

I looked down to my sweatshirt, and it was completely fine. That monster wasn't real.

Okay, yeah, we daydreamed most of the time but that was just ADHD. Did we also have group hallucinations now? No, it couldn't be possible.

Everything will be fine. I'll just tell Percy that he hit his head. I'll get this pushed so deep that it'll never be mentioned again. Everything will be forgotten. I will not let him be sent to a shrink.

The ride back to Yancy was full of whispers. Some of the kids turned to look at Percy and then continue their silent conversations. He was looking at his feet like if they were the most interesting thing in the world.

I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

- Don't worry, I got you. Nothing bad will happen as long we stick together. - I said in a soft whisper. I know he may not believe it now, but I will try everything to make sure my words are true.

He still didn't looked at me, but his breathing became softer.

I looked to my right to see Grover. He was deep in thought and looked worried. So I grabbed his hand too. He gave me a weak smile but there was something on his eyes still, guilt maybe. I will speak to him after.

When the buss finnaly stopped, the boys and I went straight to the principal's office.

- Percy Jackson, you have been accused of pushing Miss Bobofit into the fountain. - Percy shrank in his chair.

- And you, Miss Williams, yelled at a teacher, again. - The director sighed.

- Sir, I didn't pushed Nancy. You could ask anyone, everybody knows she loves getting me on trouble. - Percy stated.

- He's right, Mister. Please, let us tell you our side of the story. - I asked.

- No need, we already have a witness. - The director said, and then looked at Grover.

My friend stopped looking at the floor and looked at the director in the eyes.

- Yeah, they did it. Percy pushed Nancy and then Ada tried to protect him with lies, like always. - Grover did not stutter once.

Percy looked at him with a frown and I just went blank. Grover was a great friend, he understood and accepted us. Or at least so I thought.

- It's really a shame to have to do this one day before the end of the school year, but your actions cannot be overlooked. Mr Jackson, Miss Williams, you are expelled from this institution. -

I knew these speeches, but it still hurt. I really thought we could make it to seventh grade without causing trouble.

A few hours later, I had my backpack ready with the few things I had hanging on my back while I was walking to the exit.

- Ada! - I heard an old voice calling my name behind me.

- Mr Brunner, hi. - I gave him a smile while I walk back closer to him.

- I suppose you have heard the news already. - I said shyly.

I was embarrassed. Not for defending Percy, but for ruining all the teacher's attempts to try to make me my best version. I don't know if I could ever be it, but now he couldn't be there to see it.

- That I've had. But that's not the reason I wanted to talk to you. Let me walk you to the exit. -

- During all my years teaching, I have come to witness cases similar to yours. Children born to lead, cunning, very intelligent, who did not tolerate injustice or no for an answer. - He said with his voice strong as always.

-Sir, I think you're making me sound like a brat. - I laughed. He smiled at me.

- But none of them had what you have rooted in your heart. - I stopped walking.

I looked at him in confusion.

- And what is that? -

- Devotion - He ended, with a stern look on his face.

- What many others deemed a weakness, you have made it your ultimate strength to push forward against all odds. A quality of a true hero. - He gave me a warm smile.

- You flatter me, professor. But I don't think I'm that strong. I have anger and doubts on me. But I promise you, I'm trying to not to be like this. I don't wanna be mean. I just wanna be kind. - I really tried to convince him, and myself too, that some day I might be able to find peace.

- You have not been given a great deck of cards, that's for sure. But you are as strong as you love. Do not fret the storm, child. It's but a part of you. - He smiled at me again. He sounded so sure, like If he had seen my fate written in the stars.

I was on the verge of tears. Only two adults apart from Mr Brunner were capable of see me as anything other than a difficult child. And they were Sally Jackson and my mom.

- Thank you for your words and everything you've done, Professor. I'll remember it all. Goodbye. - I promised.

- Until we meet again, Adara. - He looked at me like if he knew something I didn't yet.

I left Mr Brunner behind as I exited the school. I waited for my taxi to go home outside. Then, I felt someone walk behind me.

- Sorry, I really tried to be the best version of myself and all that but--

- Percy, do you know what makes me angry? - I interrupted. Percy looked at me with his head down.

- Not having had the opportunity to smack her too. She totally deserved it. - I said laughing. Percy chuckled.

- This is unfair. I know how hard this must be for you. - He was right of course, he knew me to the bone. Anger flooded me more and more every time I thought about everything, and the gray rumbling sky seemed to agree with me.

- But dont worry, sis. When I get home, I'm gonna make a bunch of blue pancakes for you, go to your place and then we can look up new schools together. - He proposed.

- With blueberries? - I asked with puppy eyes.

- Those are actually purple, you madwomen, you'll ruin the whole aesthetic. But sure, anything for you little sis. - He said before bumping me on the shoulder.

- You are older for a month, old man. -

At that moment, the taxi arrived and we were finally headed home.

[abbofff]

How I Met My Trauma-Bound Brother

masterlist

Hi, my name is Ada Williams. I, like many other unfortunate souls, am a daughter of a Greek god. Yes, those exist. No, I'm not crazy (at least not that much). I could go on and on about of my particular childhood and the struggles I got from seeing and experiencing things that adults said were impossible. But I might as well start with one of the very few moments that being a halfblood wasn't that bad.

So this set us up a couple of years ago in September. I had just turned 10 years old a couple days before and I was coming home from my new school I was at because I got expelled from my last one due to some trouble I got into that wasn't my fault. I mean, how could I have knocked the wind out of a bully if I didn't even punch him? I mean, yeah, sure, I really wanted to, but I wasn't going to do it and, of course, no one believed me.

Anyway, on the way home, I saw an oddly large Tibetan Mastiff walking down the street, and for a second, I thought it was really cute until it started barking and chasing me. I ran through the streets of Manhattan until my legs felt like they were burning and my lungs hurt, which led me to an alley with a very rabid dog on my back a couple of meters away from me. On my last hope of not being torn apart, I grabbed a rusty metal rung that had apparently fallen off the damaged fire escape next to me. My grip on the step was slippery thanks to sweaty hands and that I felt more scared than I had ever been.

I didn't know why God was so determined to make me his best warrior, but I tried to ask him to please let me go home to my mom. The dog (who had grown a lot compared to a few moments ago) jumped towards me and I felt a surge of adrenaline and a tingling in my hands with which I managed to grab the metal tightly and as soon as I was going to hit him with the piece of metal a thunder hit the ground and my back hit the wall of the candy store next door. The last thing I saw before I fell unconscious was the dog disintegrating into dust and a lady in a red, white and blue uniform running towards me. 

When I woke up I was siting in a chair on a corner with the left of my head rest against the grey bricked wall with a blue coat covering me. I was on what it seemed a storage room filled with a lot of candys and the best smell ever. In front of me, a couple meters away, blonde kid who looked my age was resting his right side against the open door with his arms crossed.

- Mom! The strange girl is awake! - He said as he was looking at me with the most stranged look.

- Percy! Don't say that. - Said a woman appearing behind her son.

- Hi, little one. My name is Sally and he is Percy, my son. How are you feeling? Don't worry, I have already called the ambulance a couple of minutes ago, so they must be on their way already, and when they get here, they can find your parents. -

I loved her voice. It made me feel at ease, it reminded me to my mom. Oh no, my mom. Trought the open door I could see a glass window that view to the street bathed on a sunsets glow. Mom must be home from court already and worrying sick.

- Im feeling good. Thank you for getting me into safety, ma'am. What time is it? - I asked as I got up and grabbed the coat off of me, the boy that now I know was Percy grabbed it and put it on a shelf.

- It must already be past 5pm, I believe - Sally said. - But don't worry, sitting still its the best thing to do now. Listen, I'll wait outside for the ambulance, ok? - She said in a reassuring tone. Then, she looked back at her son -Percy, stay with her and see she's okay - She demanded as she walked trought the door, the boy nodded in response.

- What's your name? - He asked while tilting this head in curiosity.

- I'm Adara, but its kind of weird name so everyone just calls me Ada - Only my mom calls me Adara, and that was she was really serious. And when she was that serious, she made that dog look like a puppy.

Oh damn, the dog, it just couldn't disintegrate. I must have hit my head very hard or something. And with the way the back of my head was kinda sore I assumed that was what happened. Now, about the freaking thunder? I really have no idea, maybe a bare wire. Yes, yes totally what happened.

- Well, if we are talking about wierd names, then i win. My actual name is Perseus, but its very greek and very odd and never really finished liking it, so i just go by Percy. -

I let out a little laugh.

- What happened to you? - That damn curious boy asked.

He grabbed a chair that was behind a shelf and sit next to me and grabbed a plastic bag of blue candy. I didn't actually knew how to respond without ending up in a mental hospital.

-I got chased by a dog and I think I touched a bare wire or something and past out-

- And you are not hurt? Yeah, you are wierd but maybe in a cool way. - He said. Oh, I thought. Nobody has ever called me cool, and I was called a lot of adjectives by my dear fellow classmates.

Percy opened the bad of candy - Want one? - He asked kindly.

- Of course. -I grabbed a couple and put them in my mouth. - They are so good!! I didnt even know they selled all blue jellybeans. - He smiled fondly.

- They don't, me and my mom separated them. My stupid stepfather said blue food its not a thing. We want to prove him wrong. -

- Yeah well, he can shove his words up his butt. - I laughed and he did too. Maybe Percy wasn't that bad after all.

- Are you 10? What school do you go to? - it was my turn to ask something.

- Yup, I turn 10 in august. I don't go to school right now. I got expelled of the last one and same with the other three schools before that one. So its getting hard to find a new one. - He said like it was the most common thing in the world but he still seemed pretty sad.

His face didn't show it, it must probably be because he is used to it, I would know, I have been in his spot a lot of times.

- Oh, I'm sorry.- I smiled kindly at him, I knew exactly how he felt.

- Well, I think you are pretty cool too. So maybe you could shoot a shot at my school. -

He looked very confused.

- If you haven't already been expelled of that one at least - We laughed again.

It would be nice to start the year with a real friend. I wasn't exactly disliked in school but I was the kind of person that was kind to everyone but friend of no one. I never fit in enough to have a real friend. But I had a feeling he was different.

I told him the name of my school, and after 15 minutes waiting, his mom came back with two doctors. They checked me up and said it was nothing to worry about. After the doctors where gone Sally asked me my mom's number so she could call her. And left the room again.

- Hey, do you wanna hang out some day? We could try to make blue food If you like. - I said.

I know we just met, but I really liked him. He felt familiar, not in a way that we already had met but in a way that somehow I knew he was a good guy.

- Yeah, sure! I would love to - He responded. He sounded very exited and I was to. Then, Sally got in the room.

- Your mom's on the way, she sounded really worried but I got to calm her down. You sure you are fine, right kid? - She said pretty preoccupied.

- Yeah ma'am. Thanks a lot for the help - I turn back to look at Percy - and for the amazing blue food.  - I laughed.

Suddenly my mom came in the store shouting my name. My mom's name is Amelia Williams. She was a beautiful blonde with green eyes that held the kindest of looks, although they seemed to held a worried looked almost half of the times they looked at me. I hated to make her worried, I knew life as a single mother wasn't easy but I always seemed to manage to make it a lot harder despite my tries of being good.

I came out of the storage room looking for her. And I saw her, she was still on her blue suit with stripes. She must have got off court late and on her way home when she got the call. She wrapped me in a tight hug and let out a heavy sigh.

- I'm so glad you are ok. That thing didn't bite you or anything thing? - She asked worryingly

- No, mom. The doctors said I'm good to go. - I said with a smile in hopes to calm her down.

We separated and she looked behind me. Sally and Percy were out of the storage room too now.

- Thank you so much for looking out for her. I don't know how I could ever repay you -  My mom smiled fondly at Sally, and she responded with one of her own.

- Don't worry, I'm a mom too - Sally was smiling at Percy now and he was looking at his mom with a embarrassed smile.

- Well, I have an idea. - I said, and now all eyes were on me. - Could Percy come home someday? - I asked my mom with pleading eyes. Then she looked back at Sally.

-  If that's alright with you, I believe we can arrange something. - My mom said.

Then Sally looked at Percy, and he gave her his own set off pleading eyes.

- Yeah sure, you already have my number anyways. - She said smiling.

After that talk and a hang out planning, my mom and I said our "see you soon" before getting in the car. And while we started making our way home, Percy and Sally waved goodbye from the candy store door while smiling.

And that's how a met my best friend, my brother.