chapter four
004. how to fit in!

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    THE NEXT few days were ... well, normal. Wendy wasn't exactly sure what she expected, but to go about her days just like any other after the boy with the Minotaur horn arrived wasn't what she thought would happen. She was almost frustrated at how normal it was. The Summer Solstice was getting closer, and if Percy knew nothing, then they were at a dead end▬and running out of time. But despite this, Wendy had to go about the next few days like nothing was happening because nothing was happening. The only interesting thing became the enjoyment that was watching Percy completely fail at foot-racing against the wood nymphs. 

     Wendy went to her summer activities, she did her quizes and read her books in her chair back in her cabin and attended dinner with her siblings. She turned twelve, which was the only exciting thing to happen since. Annabeth got her a new book on Greek architecture▬which would bore most people, but not Wendy, of course, she loved it. But amongst all of this, Wendy found herself trying to help Percy fit in (and it became a task that was surprisingly super hard). Since their chat at the lake, Percy started to gravitate towards Wendy, almost like he wanted to be friends with her▬maybe because other than Grover, she was one of the few people here that he sort of knew. 

     She didn't realise it was happening until she was sitting by herself on the benches near the lake instead of going to her pegasus riding lessons. Wendy sat on the top of the bench instead of the seat, reading with her book perched on her knees when suddenly, someone else climbed up on top of the bench with her. "Why do you guys even have foot races with nymphs?" Was how Percy greeted her, and Wendy had been so surprised she didn't respond at first. 

     Now, they would sit at the bench every afternoon after their summer activities, or even in the morning before. Wendy has never had another friend aside from Annabeth (and maybe Grover)▬and Annabeth was her sister, so Wendy often wondered whether if they weren't siblings, things would be different. She wasn't good at making friends or just talking to people in general. Yet, no matter how she commented about his untied shoelaces the first day he arrived, Percy went out of his way to find her and talk with her anyway. 

    Today, Percy leapt up onto the bench beside Wendy with a: "So, I have a new list of things I suck at."

     Wendy glanced away from her book to meet his gaze. "Oh?"

     "Yeah, archery▬" he counted them on his fingers, "▬wrestling, we already know foot-racing is a no-go▬" Wendy hummed, "▬Homer makes me want to drown myself, but at least I don't get a headache when reading him now. I think the▬what's the god of forges?"     

     "Hephaestus," answered Wendy automatically.

     "Yeah, well, I think his kids hate me."

     "I don't think they hate you."

     "I knocked over this project they've been working on for ages."

    "Oh, they hate you."

     Percy shrugged as if to say, well, what did I tell you? 

     Wendy closed her book and sat cross-legged on the bench. "Well, there's gotta be something you're good at. Other than exploding bathrooms. You can't be completely useless."

     Percy made a face. "Thanks?"

     She flushed. "Oh, sorry. I just mean, like, we all have our little thing we're good at. None of us are▬like▬useless. Like how Selena from the Aphrodite cabin is great with pegasi, or Apollo kids are great in the infirmary or art or music or archery▬or just being full of themselves..." added Wendy in a mutter. "We all have like a talent. You just haven't found yours yet. But you will."

     "So..." Percy thought about what she said. "Because your mom's Athena, you're like a super nerd? Is that your talent?"

     Wendy frowned, not too sure how to take his comment. She wasn't sure whether he was joking or if he was serious▬it sort of passed right of her head for a moment. "I'm not a super nerd. There are things I don't know."

     Percy watched her for a second, incredulous. "I'm joking," he told her, genuine. "I was asking what you're good at. What's your talent as a daughter of Athena?"

     "Oh," she realised and shrugged. "Well, Annabeth is great at fighting with a knife and battle strategy. My brother Malcolm is great at architectural designs▬I'm jealous of the stuff he draws up. Cassie, my younger sister, is a fan of philosophy▬like Ancient Greek philosophers. Our mother is the goddess of wisdom, and while I hate philosophy, and think it's stupid, the name philosophy derives from Ancient Greek and it literally translates to lover of wisdom." Wendy rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't call it wisdom, though ... I keep telling Cas that Socrates was just full of himself and Plato was an elitist. But she doesn't listen."

      Percy arched a brow, a little lost at what she was saying. Wendy did that a lot. When she started to talk about one thing, it led to another and another▬and soon, it was as though she was trying to spurt out as many facts as possible in order to prove that she was smart. She just always had to show off what she knew. "O▬okay," he said in the end. "Cool. But what about you? Are you like super good at math, or something?"

      "I'm good at math," nodded Wendy. "I'm good at a lot of things▬or I try to be." Percy frowned, not completely understanding. She pursed her lips and decided to explain. "So, like, we're all really good at one or a few things, right? But when you think about it, as a demigod, you'd want to be adequate at a lot of things rather than be really great at one thing. That way, when you have to fight a monster, you have a greater chance at surviving because you can use a knife instead of a sword if you have to. Because you know how to fight with both. And you never know when you might need to know some random myth or random facts. It could save your life."

     Percy looked incredulous once again. "Wow▬and here I was trying to get through one year of school without being expelled. Is that really what's on your mind all the time? Surviving?"

     Wendy shrugged. "Well, it's like what Annabeth said. Everyone wants to fight a good monster and win▬that's what we train for. Everyone wants ..." Wendy pursed her lips and looked away, "... you know, to be noticed."

     "So, you want to be noticed?"

     She met his gaze. "Don't you?" 

     Percy didn't say anything. He looked away and frowned at the lake. Wendy realised that yes, he did, but he just didn't want to admit it. After everything that happened▬especially with his mom▬Percy Jackson seemed to be trying to pretend like he wasn't hurt or lost. He was trying to not make himself seem like a target to everyone else, she could tell. 

     Wendy pursed her lips and decided to try and lighten the mood. She shyly glanced at him. "I am really good at monkey bars, though. I like monkey bars."

     She felt proud of herself when she saw him grin, amused. "Monkey bars, that's your talent?"

     "They're fun." Wendy had a shy grin, too. 

      Percy held up his hand and Wendy realised he was going for a high-five. Her grin brightened and met his hand with a strong smack. "Monkey bars it is, then."

     Wendy started to think that she and Percy were becoming friends, and she started to realise she really wanted that to be true.

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     THURSDAY AFTERNOON; three days since Percy arrived at Camp Half-Blood did he finally have his first sword-fighting lesson. Everybody at cabin eleven gathered in the big circular arena where Luke would be their instructor. Percy was sort of excited about this one. He was over Homer, and he sucked at wrestling against Clarisse. He enjoyed canoeing, but being able to canoe across the lake wasn't going to help him defend himself. This would. They started out with the basics▬stabbing and slashing, using straw-stuffed dummies in Greek armour. Percy hoped he did okay. He hoped that his ADHD were really battle reflexes like Wendy said, and he might actually be good at something. 

     But he couldn't find a blade that felt right in his hands and that really set him behind. Either they were too heavy, too light, or too long. Luke tried his best to fix Percy up, but even he agreed that none of the practice blades seemed to work. Percy tried not to let it get to him, but he couldn't help but feel as though it was something else that was telling him he didn't quite fit in here. 

     After a while, they moved on to duelling in pairs. Percy was grateful Luke said he would partner with him because this was his first time. Though he felt less grateful when the rest of the campers from cabin eleven shared looks and chuckled lowly amongst themselves. 

     One of the campers around his age▬maybe a little older▬Travis Stoll, leaned closer to Percy and whispered: "Good luck. Luke's the best swordsman in the last three hundred years." He snickered and elbowed Percy. He stumbled, not expecting it. 

     Percy grew nervous. He glanced at Luke who spun his blade with expertise. "I▬Maybe he'll go easy on me," shrugged Percy.

     Travis just snorted. "Yeah. Easy..." He then left Percy to pair off with his brother Connor. They weren't twins▬one of them was older than the other, but Percy couldn't remember who▬but they definitely looked like they were. 

     Percy seriously wondered for a moment whether he was going to die. 

     Luke showed him a couple of thrusts and parries and shield blocks▬but he did it the hard way. With every swipe, Percy got more and more battered and bruised. Soon enough, he was out of breath, his limbs ached and he was clutching his ribs where Luke had whacked the flat of his blade▬and Percy couldn't block in time. 

     He was soaked in sweat by the time Luke finally called for a break. Percy winced, hissing softly to himself as he checked the bruises on his arms. Everybody swarmed the drinks cooler. Luke poured ice water on his head▬Percy thought that was a good idea and it looked cool, so he did it too. He didn't think he looked as cool when he did it, though. 

     But almost immediately, Percy felt better. Strength surged back into his arms. His sword didn't feel so awkward▬(What was in that water?). 

     "Okay, everybody circle up!" ordered Luke. "If Percy doesn't mind, I want to give you a little demo."

     Percy did mind. He did mind a lot. But he didn't think he had much of a choice, especially when everyone else gathered around. They looked pretty excited to see him be beaten to a pulp again. Luke told everybody he was going to demonstrate a disarming technique: how to twist the enemy's blade so that they had no choice but to drop their weapon.

     "This is difficult," he stressed. "I've had it used against me. No laughing at Percy, now. Most swordsmen have to work years to master this technique."

      Luke demonstrated the move in slow motion. Sure enough, Percy's sword dropped from his hand. 

     "Now, in real time," he said after Percy retrieved his weapon. He fixed his grip around the hilt, suddenly feeling a buzz in his arms and legs. Like the feeling he felt when he sat still for too long, and his body was bursting to move. "We keep sparring until one of us pulls it off. Ready, Percy?"

     He nodded and Luke came after him. Percy gasped slightly and flung up his sword. He stared, eyes wide when he managed to stop Luke from getting a shot at the hilt. Without thinking, he swiped his blade sideways and stepped back, pushing Luke's sword away. Something changed. Percy frowned, feeling the grip on his sword almost seemed natural. He took a deep breath through his nose and watched Luke▬and he predicted his next move even before he finished making it. He didn't even think his movements through as he spun his blade and parried the thrust. Percy countered, blocking the next few moves with an ease he didn't have before. He felt alive. He felt strong. His mind was racing, but for once, it was as though the rest of him could finally keep up. 

     Percy stepped forward with a thrust of his own. Luke deflected it easily but there was a change in his face. His eyes narrowed and he started to press with more force. 

    The sword was starting to grow heavy in Percy's hand again. The balance wasn't right and somehow, he knew it was only a matter of seconds before Luke took him down. And so, he decided to just go for it▬

     Percy set his jaw and forced his blade forward. It hit the base of Luke's hilt and he twisted, putting his whole weight into a downward thrust. 

     Luke's sword clattered against the stones on the arena floor. Percy lifted his blade back up and stared, shocked to see the tip of the sword just inches from Luke's chest. 

     The other campers were silent.

    Percy flushed, suddenly embarrassed. He lowered his sword and stepped back. "Um, sorry."

    For a moment, Luke was far too stunned to even utter a word. But then his face broke out into a grin. "Sorry?" he chuckled in his surprise. "By the gods, Percy, why are you sorry? Show me that again!"

     Percy didn't want to. That strange burst of strength and energy he had felt before was gone, but Luke insisted. As soon as their swords met again, Luke hit Percy's hilt and his blade skidded across the floor. The amazing skills Percy had just had before were long gone.

     There was a long pause. Then somebody said: "Beginner's luck?"

     Luke swiped the sweat off his brow. He watched Percy with fresh interest. "Maybe," he muttered. "But I wonder what Percy could do with a balanced sword..."

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     FRIDAY NIGHT'S were exciting for everyone. Capture the Flag was a favourite among the campers at Camp Half-Blood▬they all wanted to have the chance to fight and show off their skills (and completely destroy the other team, obviously). Wendy, like everyone else, was just as excited. Tonight, it was the Athena cabin that was leading the blue team▬and while she might not have been the one to come up with every strategy and decision, she was still eager to prove herself. Annabeth was in charge, and she might be even more determined than the rest of them. This had been her plan, and she was great at coming up with winning plans. She was more than confident that they would beat the Ares cabin and their red team.

     The blue team (or the Athena Team, as Wendy has so-happily named herself▬because cabin six is the best cabin) consisted of the two largest cabins at Camp: the Hermes cabin and the Apollo cabin. The red team might have Dionysus, Demeter, Aphrodite and Hephaestus under their belt, but while Ares had aimed for intimidation by the number of cabins under their belt, Wendy had managed to get an alliance with those for the aim of quality. While her brother Malcolm might have frowned at her choices, now, he was sure to rethink all that he said. Wendy might not have a talent in anything specific, but she knew what she was doing. No one else thought of her as anything much, but Annabeth had trusted her with the alliances▬and Wendy was not going to mess up. And, of course, she didn't. First, she made sure to grab the support of the Apollo cabin. As insufferable as half of them could be, they never missed their mark. They were good at frustratingly everything linked to the arts or accuracy. Plus, their trick arrows were great at causing distractions. Wendy just needed to promise them that the Athena cabin would take their stable duty for the next week and just like that, Lee Fletcher was shaking her hand. 

     The Hermes cabin was a little bit harder to convince. Some might say that despite being the largest cabin, they had a lot of newbies and campers with little morale▬but their leader, Luke, was the best swordsman this camp has seen in centuries. He was also great at rallying his cabin's support with the promise of something incredibly mischievous. However, even though Luke was close with Wendy's sister Annabeth, he wouldn't agree to anything without a bribe▬and not an easy one. She couldn't just swap chore dates or offer to clean up their cabin for inspection. Luke wanted to be the one to get the flag. He wanted the glory for his own cabin▬or for himself, Wendy found more plausible. 

    This was where Wendy's own secret plan came into play. The only person who knew was Annabeth and Luke. The Hermes cabin wanted to be the one to take the flag, but the Athena cabin wanted the overall glory of being the winning team. The only way cabin six could win was with the help of cabin eleven, which meant Wendy had no choice but to give up some of her pride and agree. This meant, however, that some of Annabeth's plans had to switch. Of course, Annabeth only agreed after Wendy already made the decision (so she just hoped this worked, otherwise Wendy was also doing all of Annabeth's chores for the rest of the summer). 

     In order to get Luke across the border to where they were sure the Ares cabin will hide their flag (or they know, because Malcolm overhead one of Clarisse's siblings boast about it to Beckendorf), they needed to distract Clarisse and her siblings. The rest of the Hermes cabin and the Apollo cabin will take care of the rest of the red team, they would be easy, but it was the children of the God of war that had a chance at causing trouble. 

     This is where Wendy's plan came in. Or rather ... Percy. 

     (She didn't feel great about it, but that was just how things were done▬how decisions were made. Strategy came with sacrifice).

     After what happened in the camp bathrooms, Clarisse had it out for Percy. She couldn't wait to get back at him▬and if he was somewhere alone during Capture the Flag, she would take the chance. Wendy knew she wouldn't be able to resist. So, Wendy had Luke agree to put Percy on border patrol▬alone. That would draw Clarisse and her siblings out, and while they were distracted by Percy, Luke would be able to take their flag. 

     Hopefully, before Clarisse and her siblings would hurt Percy▬but if things got too much for him to handle, Wendy or Annabeth would step in. It was okay. That was okay. That was a good way to go about it. That was the best thing to do in order for them to win, and Percy will understand. 

    (Wendy hoped). 

   Amongst the excitement after dinner, Wendy glanced over her shoulder towards the Hermes table where Percy was sitting. Noticing, Annabeth swiftly nudged her calf with her foot. Wendy glanced back at her. "Hey," she said once she did, "he'll get over it. You came up with a good plan. Focus on that."

    Wendy's frown softened at Annabeth's compliment. Her sister doesn't compliment much▬just like their mother, most children of Athena (if not all of them) were very practical in their conversations. But that meant if one of them complimented each other, especially on their intelligence, it meant that they truly meant it. 

     "Really?" murmured Wendy, surprised. 

     Annabeth offered her a little smile and nudged her leg again with her foot. "Yeah, really," she reassured her. "I'm jealous I didn't think of it."

     Wendy felt a little bit better at that. She bit back her own smile, proud of herself. "Thanks."

     Chiron hammered his hoof on the marble of the pavilion floor, and their conversation was over. Each and every camper set their attention on their activities director. Wendy sat up a little straighter. "Heroes!" he announced. "You know the rules. The creek is the boundary line. The entire forest is fair game. All magic items are allowed. The banner must be prominently displayed, and have no more than two guards. Prisoners may be disarmed, but may not be bound or gagged. No killing or maiming is allowed. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Arm yourselves!"

     As soon as the weapons appeared on their table, Wendy grappled with Malcolm to make sure she got the better shield. She pushed him over and successfully stole it out of his hands while he cried out: "Hey!"

     "Should have seen that coming," she teased him back, lightly smacking the butt of the shield against his elbows as he held them up to block. "Snooze you lose."

     Wendy quickly hid behind Annabeth as soon as her brother was on his feet again, threatening to pull her into a headlock. This strategy always worked, since none of them ever tried to bet against Annabeth in a fight▬or anything, really. However, as soon as Annabeth moved on to find herself some armour, Malcolm managed to grab her and Wendy didn't manage to get out of his playful headlock without at least her hair ruffled once. 

     The siblings stopped scuffling and wrestling each other when Annabeth yelled: "Blue team, forward!"

    Wendy fixed her helmet and ran to catch up with her sister, leaving Malcolm with a final push so she'd get there first. The Hermes and Apollo cabins also followed, shaking their swords and cheering▬trying to drown out the red team's taunts as they headed north into the woods. The blue team marched south. 

     Percy caught up with Wendy and Annabeth very quickly. He struggled to hold his shield and his armour was a little crooked▬he pushed his helmet up so he could see better with the side of his hand. "Hey," he said once he did. 

    Annabeth gave him a glance but didn't say anything. She kept walking and Wendy gave Percy a sheepish look. She waved at him. She started to think about her plan, and she quickly pursed her lips and lowered her hand. 

     She was thankful Percy didn't notice. Instead, gestured his shield towards Annabeth. "Hey, hey▬So, what's the plan?" he asked. "Got any magic items you can loan me?"

    Annabeth's hand drifted towards her pocket where her Yankee's cap which gave her the power of invisibility was hidden. She stopped herself before she'd grab it and forced her hand away. "Just watch Clarisse's spear," she said. "You don't want that thing touching you. Otherwise, don't worry. We'll take the banner from Ares. Has Luke given you your job?"

    "Border patrol. Whatever that means."

    "It's easy. Stand by the creek, keep the reds away. Leave the rest to me. Athena always has a plan." Annabeth surged onwards, determined and leaving Percy in the dust▬literally. 

     He watched her go with a blank expression. Then he turned to Wendy. "She hates me."

    "She doesn't hate you," Wendy quickly defended her sister.

    "Did you just see that?"

     "She's like that with everyone."

     "She didn't even look at me."

     "That's okay, though, because no one really looks at you."

     Percy made a face and Wendy realised what she said. She winced as he muttered sarcastically: "Wow," his smile was stiff and mocking. "Thanks, Wendy. I feel so much better."

     "I didn't mean no one looks at you in like a bad way," she quickly tried to backtrack and fix her words that slipped out. Percy made another face. "I just mean it▬like▬it's not like Annabeth hates you, she just doesn't ... like you?"

      "That's the..." Percy shook his head at her, perplexed but let it go. He couldn't help but find it ironic that despite being the daughter of Athena, Wendy didn't always think before she said things▬she just said it. 

      "Well, I look at you," Wendy then offered, a little apologetic. They were getting closer to the edge of the woods, walking together before they would have to split up. "That's one person, right▬at least?"

      Percy met her gaze, still rather perplexed by her▬but in a way that almost made him want to chuckle. Wendy pursed her lips and then gave him a shy smile. "Good luck," she added before breaking off into a run, eager to catch up with Annabeth again. She stopped and glanced back right before she disappeared into the woods. She gave Percy a thumbs-up before she was gone. 

     It was a warm night▬and humid, too. In his helmet and armour, with a shield on his arm, Percy felt sticky and heavy. The woods around him were dark▬the moon barely shone through, and all they had were little fireflies blinking in and out of view. He had been stationed next to a small creek with little words from Annabeth before she and the rest of the team scattered into the trees. Percy quickly realised that he had been given the worst job in Capture the Flag ever. 

     Athena always has a plan▬yeah, a plan to call Percy useless without actually saying it to his face. He was that one kid that must've been picked last for the team. No one wanted him because he actually couldn't do anything, so they just put him in the back of the field where they never had to pass him the ball. (He knew this all too well). 

     He felt more than stupid. He felt utterly ridiculous standing there in his big blue-feathered helmet and his huge shield. Percy realised he probably should have gone for a shield that better suited his weight and not because it looked the coolest. His sword▬like all the other swords he has tried▬wasn't balanced right. The leather grip weighed on his hand like a bowling ball. 

     Percy watched, not amused as some random Apollo kid raced past him like a deer, leapt through the creek and disappeared off into enemy territory. Through the trees, he heard the sound of fighting▬kids shouting, swords clashing ... He was missing out on all the fun. (Who cares if Percy had gotten hit and disarmed straight away▬he still would have had fun. This was a game, not some strategic war where it was the end of the world if they lost).

     That was when he heard a sound▬a chilling sound that made him shiver where he stood. Percy frowned and glanced over his shoulder. Instinctively, he held up the shield ... it sounded like something was growling at him in the woods. His hair stood on end. 

     But then the growling stopped▬and somehow, Percy could feel that whatever it was had retreated.

     Yet, something still didn't feel right. Percy was on edge. 

    There was the rustling of leaves, and on the other side of the creek, Percy watched the underbrush erupt▬out of it raced five Ares kids, all of them yelling and screaming right towards him. 

     They were led by Clarisse who pointed her spear at Percy and shouted: "Cream the punk!"

     Percy's eyes widened when she and her siblings all charged across the stream. There was nowhere for him to run▬not that he would be fast enough. They were all coming to attack them▬big, strong and mean, with large swords, shields and Clarisse's two-metre spear barbed at the tip. It flickered with a red light. Percy gulped.

     He had no choice but to defend himself. He managed to sidestep the first swing from a kid to the right, but unlike the Minotaur, these guys could switch directions faster than one might think with their dumbass brains. Soon enough, Percy was surrounded. Clarrise grinned behind her helmet▬her eyes glinted with a malicious mirth, eager to get the payback she had wanted since the bathrooms. She moved forward with a thrust of her spear▬Percy managed to deflect with a wild block, but he was still met with a horrible pain; like electrical bees all over his body. His shield arm went numb and he saw the hair smoke.

     (Her stupid magic spear was electric▬just his luck).

     Percy stumbled back. One of Clarisse's siblings▬some big guy with something to probe slammed Percy in the chest with the butt of his sword and he hit the ground, hard. 

    He groaned. The only reason they weren't beating him to a pulp right now was because they were too busy laughing at him. Percy stared up at Clarisse, his shield still numb as she cackled. "Give him a haircut!" she was saying. "Grab his hair."

    The thought of that embarrassment gave Percy the strength to struggle back up onto his feet. He raised his sword, but Clarisse slammed it aside like it was nothing▬sparks flew from the tip and now both of Percy's arms were numb. 

    The daughter of Ares chuckled at him, a look on her face that was filled with sarcastic pity. Percy took a sharp breath, his chest filled with embarrassment and fury. "Oh, wow," Clarisse shook her head. She shared a glance with her siblings. "I'm really scared of this guy. Really scared."

     "The flag is that way," Percy grumbled. He wanted to point, but his arms were numb and didn't move. He also wanted to sound angry, but his words definitely didn't come out sounding that way. 

    "Yeah," one of her siblings shrugged. "But see, we don't care about the flag. We care about a guy who made our cabin look stupid."

    "You do that without my help," snarked Percy. Looking back, he realised that probably wasn't the smartest thing to say. 

     Two came at him. Percy stumbled backwards towards the creek▬breathing quickly, he forced his shield arm up, but Clarisse was way too fast. He yelped when her spear struck him in the ribs, and if he hadn't been wearing armour, he would've felt something far worse than a spark▬he would have been toasted like forgotten smores. As he struggled to try and keep himself standing as the jolt shuddered up to his teeth, one of the other Ares kids sliced his sword across Percy's arm. 

      He stared at the cut▬he watched his blood drip and it made him feel dizzy and sick. Percy stammered, "N▬They said no maiming," he managed to say, his tongue feeling parched. 

     "Oops," said the guy, chuckling and not caring at all. He shrugged and his siblings all shared grins. "Guess I lost my dessert privilege."

    Percy couldn't hold himself any longer as he was pushed into the creek. He landed with a splash and his ears buzzed with their laughter. He reached back and planted his hand amongst the cool stones beneath the water's surface▬he didn't even take notice that he was completely dry. As soon as the water ran through his fingers, he felt something change. Percy frowned, startled at the sudden shock of energy▬like Clarisse had zapped him with her electric spear once again, except this time instead of turning him numb, his limbs were burning with a hive of energy.

     He took a deep breath and that anger returned. The embarrassment and frustration he felt turned into desperation to get back at Clarisse. He wanted to smack that smug laughter right off her and her siblings' faces. Percy grabbed the hilt of his sword and slipped his arm back into the shield straps. As the children of Ares stepped into the creek to meet him, Percy was already on his feet. 

    They attacked, but all of a sudden, Percy knew exactly what to do. Just like he had at the sword lesson, he moved without much thought, acting on pure impulse. As the first kid stepped forward, Percy slammed the flat of his sword against his head and knocked his helmet clean off. Percy didn't stop for a moment to be shocked at his strength▬enough that the kid, who was bigger than him, crumpled into the water. 

     Percy moved forward. He smacked the next in the face with his shield and spun his sword in an arc over the next's head; he sheared off their horsehair plume. Both of them backed up quick▬startled by the sudden change Percy had in his abilities. As if someone flicked a switch, he managed to meet Clarisse's strike in seconds. He caught her thrust between his shield and his sword▬Percy forced them sideways and just like that, he snapped her electric spear as if it was nothing but a twig. 

     Clarisse stumbled back, her eyes wide in shock. It took her a moment to respond, and when she did, she was livid. "Argh!" she screamed. "You idiot! You corpse-breath worm!"

    Percy knew she would have said worse, but he just smacked her between the eyes with the bottom of his sword hilt. She flung backwards, stumbling out of the creek. Once she did, Percy spun his sword in his wrist and let out a breath, that buzz of energy not leaving him at all. He felt like he could climb a mountain or run the longest marathon in the world.

     He glanced behind him when he heard yelling▬elated, excited screams. Percy frowned to see Luke sprinting towards the boundary line with the red team's banner clutched tight in his hand. He held it up high, cheering as he▬flanked by two more Hermes kids▬came closer and closer to a win. Behind him, a group of Apollo kids were fighting the Hephaestus cabin back, giving Luke free rein to cross the boundary line. 

      Clarisse got up onto her feet. She realised too late. "A trick!" she shouted. "It was a trick!"

     She tried to stumble after Luke, but it was no use. He leapt through the water to the other side and the blue team exploded into cheers of victory. The red banner shimmered and turned silver, replacing the boar and spear with a huge caduceus for Hermes. Percy slowly realised what had happened, too. 

     As Luke was lifted up onto the blue teams' shoulders and paraded around, Percy searched for someone else. He clenched his hands. The game was over and they had won, but he knew it was because someone had decided to use Percy as a distraction. 

     "Not bad, hero."

    Percy jumped at the sound of Annabeth's voice, but when he looked over to where he heard it, he found no one there. 

    "Where the heck did you learn to fight like that?" she asked. Then, the air shimmered and she materialised right in front of him, holding a Yankees baseball cap in her hand. Her braids were pulled off her face and they hung down her back. She smirked, almost impressed. 

     Percy wasn't at all fazed by the fact she just appeared out of nowhere. He was angry. He pointed a finger at her. "You set me up," he told her. "You put me here because you knew Clarisse would come after me, while you sent Luke around the flank. You had it all figured out."

     Annabeth shrugged. She stuffed her cap back into her shorts back pocket. "I mean, I'll take the compliment. But I didn't come up with that plan. Wendy did▬and it worked, didn't it? We won."

     Percy stared at her, surprised. His anger didn't settle. Before he could say anything else, another person ran towards them. Wendy grinned, looking ecstatic with herself. "That was so cool!" she told him. "You're a natural with that sword!" She held up her hand to high-five him.

     He didn't take the offer. He frowned at Wendy and her enthusiasm dropped with her hand. "You set me up. You seriously set me up?" 

      Her usual shy awkwardness returned, crawling up her throat and making her stammer. Wendy glanced at Annabeth, and her sister pursed her lips▬almost as if she felt bad for saying that it was Wendy who came up with the plan. "I▬I mean..." she hesitated on what to say. "I mean, yeah. But it was a good plan."

     "It was a plan to get me pulverised. You threw me under the bus!"

     "I didn't throw you under the bus," Wendy let out, taken aback by his tone. It made her flush in embarrassment and snap back in a clipped tone herself. "Annabeth was going to step in ... but, you didn't need her help▬that's not throwing someone under the bus."

      "Yeah, it is," Percy shook his head at her, unable to believe it. "Clarisse had an electric spear! She was going to beat me to a pulp▬but you didn't care. You were just like▬" he put on a voice to imitate her, "▬'that's cool, let Percy get his ass kicked.'"

     "I don't sound like that!" Wendy quickly retorted, if not mildly offended by the voice he put on. She went to say more, starting to get very annoyed when she noticed something else. Her expression completely changed and she pointed at his arm. "How did you do that?"

     Percy realised she meant his wounded arm. "Sword cut," he said. "Because▬you know▬your amazing plan got me cut."

     She shook her head. "No, stop, that doesn't matter▬" he made a face, unable to believe her, "▬that was a sword cut. Look at it."

     He frowned, but listened. He glanced down and his eyes widened. She was right. The blood was gone. Where the huge cut had been, there was nothing except a long white scratch▬a scar. But even that was fading away ... until it was as though Percy was never hurt in the first place. 

     His anger was gone. He glanced up at both Wendy and Annabeth, very confused. "I▬I don't get it."

     Annabeth's brows were knitted into a deep brown▬she was thinking very hard, her grey eyes stern and glinting like steel. She looked down at Percy's feet, then at Clarisse's broken spear. She realised something. The steel turned into a grey storm. "Step out of the water, Percy."

     "What▬?"

    "Just do it."

     He did as she said. He stepped out of the creek and just like that, everything he felt swept away▬he stumbled, his knees buckling and his arms falling limp. He would have fallen over if Wendy and Annabeth hadn't steadied him. 

    This wasn't what Annabeth wanted. She stepped back, horrified. Wendy grunted as she tried to keep Percy up by herself. "Oh, Styx," she cursed. "No, no▬this is not good. I didn't want ... I assumed it would be Zeus."

    Percy had no clue what she was talking about. Wendy did, however. She shared a glance with her sister and he watched her eyes widen. "You ... you mean...?" she didn't finish her sentence, but her skin went pale. She met Percy's confused, tired gaze▬and for once, Wendy was at a loss for an explanation. 

    Before he could ask what either of them meant, a low, vicious growl echoed out from the dark trees around us. Following it, ripped a ferocious howl. The cheers died instantly. Chiron shouted something in Ancient Greek▬"Stand ready! My bow!" Annabeth drew her sword. 

     Wendy gasped. Percy saw it too. There, on the rocks just above them was a nightmarish creature▬a black hound the size of a large rhino with blood-red eyes and long, glinting fangs. It set those deadly eyes right on them ... right onto him. 

    Nobody moved except Wendy. She pushed Percy aside, trying to get him to move. "Run!" She tried to step in front of him, stumbling to unsheath her weapon, but the hound was too fast. It leapt right over her, and it was nothing more than an enormous black shadow with glinting teeth and talons▬claws the size of daggers. It arched right over her head and dived down at Percy. He stumbled backwards, but he was too late▬he felt its claws rip right through his armour. 

    A cascade of arrows flung across the creek shore; the sound of dozens of paper ripping and there sprung clusters of arrow shafts from the monster's neck. It fell to the ground at Percy's feet, dead. 

    Wendy ran to him, keeping him up when he almost dropped, too. He frowned. He didn't know how he was still alive▬it was a strange feeling. His chest felt wet and warm; he knew he was hurt, and very badly, too, and yet his brain still didn't seem to register the pain, at all. It was stuck behind in the race▬way behind and was desperately trying to catch up. 

     Chiron trotted up to them, his bow in his hand. He looked grimmer than a dull, cloudy morning. 

    "Di immortales," swore Annabeth, at Percy's other side. "That's▬that's a hellhound from the Fields of Punishment. They don't ... they're not supposed to..."

     "Someone summoned it," said Chiron, very stern. "Someone inside the camp."

    Luke came over as well. He was still holding the banner▬but his moment of glory was long forgotten, now. Clarisse glanced around at them all. Then, she yelled. "It's all Percy's fault! Percy summoned it!"

    "Why would Percy summon it?" Annabeth snapped back at her, angry. "Are you that dumb?"

    "Be quiet," Chiron told both of them.

    The body of the hellhound sank into the rocks of the creek shore▬as if it truly was made of nothing except shadows. 

     Wendy turned back to Percy. "You're wounded," she told him, trying to push him backwards gently. "Get back in the water▬quick."

    "I'm okay."

    "No, you're not. Get into the water▬Chiron, you have to see this."

    Percy was too tired to argue any more. He stepped back into the water and it submerged him up to his ankles. The whole camp gathered around him, curious and anxious. Almost immediately, Percy was feeling better. He felt the cuts on his chest slowly close up and heal. Some of the campers gasped. 

    He saw Wendy stagger backwards, her eyes darting upwards with a look of shock. 

    "Look, I▬I don't know why," Percy tried to apologise, a little distressed by the looks on all of their faces. "I'm sorry, it just..."

    But he started to realise that they weren't shocked at his wounds healing up ... No, they were staring at something else; something above his head. Percy glanced down and saw a greenish glow reflect on the water. 

    "Percy," Annabeth swallowed harshly. She pointed. "Um..."

    By the time he looked up, the light was already fading▬but he saw enough to make out what it was. It was a sign; a symbol, hovering above his head and surrounded by mist and green light▬it spun and twisted: a three-tipped spear. 

    A trident.

    "Your father," murmured Annabeth. "This is really not good."

    "It is determined," announced Chiron.

    Percy felt a little weak despite the energy buzzing in his limbs. He watched, shocked as all around him, the campers started to kneel. They bowed their heads, and soon, Percy was the only one left standing▬risen above them in a fading ghoulish green mist as if he were some Prince. 

     "My father?" he asked, completely bewildered.

    "Poseidon," said Chiron▬he did not sound happy; instead, he sounded as though he had just delivered Percy's death sentence. "Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Father of Horses. Hail, Perseus Jackson, Son of the Sea God."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

    a/n: percy is the most unreliable narrator ever-

    he's like whoa, suddenly i'm like hyper and actually he's LITERALLY KNOCKING PEOPLE OUT WITH SUDDEN INSANE SWORD MOVES.

    dude is overpowered but we love him for it. 

    this isn't edited lol. i'm sorry for the wait, but i got this out and i cannot wait until december 20 WHEN WE SEE THIS SCENE LIVE ACTION.

    i am going to be a literal mess. 

    i feel like i mentioned this scene live action in my claire book years ago and here we are ACTUALLY ABOUT TO WITNESS IT.

    i am emotional, as we all are.