And he's arrived at camp <3

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OO OO OO OO

Returning to camp was more different than I expected it to be, especially since I had been here just a few months ago.

Oh, sure the overall place was the same. The cabins still shone, the Big House was still there with his big porch, the strawberry fields still had a fragrant scent. The buildings around the Camp were the same and the fire pit still burned.

But there were differences.

People were tenser.

They weren't playing volleyball in the sandpit, they were checking weapons. More campers could be seen in the arena, archery field, and drifting into the forest than normal. The tool shed was overflowing, and the forge's flames were visible despite the distance.

The forest itself was looking sickly too, the meadow grasses a pale yellow, and even though the strawberry fields were blooming, they seemed... thinner than usual.

The camp seemed ready for war.

We made our way to the Big House slowly, taking in the camp as we walked.

I recognized several campers, nodding to Katie as she hurried past, and looking away from Connor and Travis as they shot me scowls.

No one stopped to talk, everyone had something to do this time. Some had messages, some were carrying dulled swords, and some seemed to be patrolling.

It felt like a military school, and I would know. I'd been kicked out of one or two.

Tyson didn't seem to notice anything wrong though. He kept pointing at things and asking what they were.

"What's that?" he gasped, pointing.

"The stables for the pegasi," I said. "They're winged horses."

"Wow... what's that?"

"The general bathrooms."

"What's that?"

"The cabins for the campers. We're put in the cabin of our Olympian parent, or if it's unknown, in the Hermes cabin—the brown one—until they know who it is."

Tyson was fascinated by that, "You have a cabin?"

"Yep, number three." I pointed to the low grey building.

Tyson stared at it in awe.

"You live with friends in the cabin?"

"Not last summer—" I paused, remembering my conversation with my dad "—but I should be doing that this summer. Leilani was given permission to stay in the Poseidon cabin because her mom is a sea goddess."

"Ooh."

I answered several more questions from Tyson on the way to the Big House, only stopping when we reached the porch.

Annabeth led the way through the house, moving with the confidence of someone who had taken the route many times before.

As we walked up to an open door I could hear Khiron's favorite 1960s lounge music playing.

Annabeth hurried in, us right behind her, to find Khiron packing his saddlebags.

Tyson froze when he saw Khiron.

"Pony!" he cried in awe.

Khiron turned, his brow furrowed in offense.

"I beg your pardon?"

Annabeth ignored the interaction and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

"Khiron, what's happening?" She asked frantically. "You're not- you're not... leaving?"

She was shaking, staring up at him. While I didn't like Khiron, he was practically a father to her. He'd been a parental figure since she arrived at camp six years ago. It wasn't a surprise that she was shaken by him leaving.

Khiron gently ruffled her hair and pulled back slightly.

"Hello, child. And you as well Percy. You're both grown so much this year, my goodness. How was home, Annabeth?"

She shook her head, ignoring his question. "Clarisse said you were... you were..."

"Fired," Khiron confirmed with a wry grin. "Someone had to take the blame, you see. Lord Zeus was- is extremely upset at what happened. The tree he'd created from the spirit of his daughter to guard the camp and his daughter's loved ones, poisoned!"

"How did it happen?" I asked.

Khiron shrugged, "No one knows. But several campers are missing now..."

Annabeth took a step back, "Did they-"

"We just don't know," Khiron sighed. "But someone had to take the blame, or someone's. Argus is already gone, as head of security he received the blame for failing to stop it. Mr. D has received an extension on his punishment and his authority has been limited. And I, as you can see, am also fired."

I scowled, none of them would've done anything to the tree, that didn't make any sense.

Annabeth clearly agreed.

"This is crazy!" she cried. "You couldn't have had anything to do with poisoning Thalia's tree. And- and why would they blame the others too? Who's going to take your place? Who's going to be in charge if even Mr. D doesn't have authority now? And what about security? How will that be handled?"

"I know, child. But, some in Olympus don't trust me right now," he grimaced. "And Lord Zeus has seen fit to send... some others to- to handle the camp now."

"Who?" I asked with a frown.

Tyson inched forward, looking fascinated as he whispered "Pony."

Khiron sighed, "Tantalus is now the activities director, getting a chance to prove he's improved after his time in punishment. And well, Minos is now the head of security. I'm sure you'll see him when you're getting assigned to patrols."

I blinked, "Minos? The king who angered my Metua with the bull thing and caused the Minotaur? Which Theseus slew?"

Khiron nodded, "Yes, that Minos."

Annabeth stared, "What."

"Uh..." I frowned.

"He killed kids! Athenian kids!"

"Well," Khiron said shifting. "Technically he only ordered their sacrifice... and he was a just king... for awhile..."

I stared blankly.

"And he's a judge of the dead? Who's doing that now?"

"I'm sure Lord Hades has arranged it," Khiron coughed. "But, unfortunately, I did not have a say in this. Lord Zeus has made his decision and I am to be gone by sunset. Given the circumstances... well, I am considered a suspect and deemed unsafe to have around children."

"More unsafe than the guy who fed his kid to the Gods?" Annabeth asked in bafflement.

"What circumstances?" I wondered.

Khiron's face darkened at my question and he stuffed a really old looking book into his saddlebag.

Tyson leaned over me, with a nervous noise. "Can I pet the pony, Percy?"

Khiron sniffed, "My dear young Kyklopes, I am a kentaur, not a pony."

"Khiron," I said, patting Tyson's arm. "Why are you considered a suspect? What happened to the tree?"

"The tree- well, the poison used is something I have never seen. Likely a venom from a monster from the depths of Tartarus."

I frowned, "Did- did Metani do it? Or order someone too? Luke could've snuck back to poison the tree-"

"Metani- my dear boy do not call the Titan king grandfather."

I tilted my head, "But what else do I call him?"

"He is the grandfather," Tyson agreed.

"Anything but that."

Annabeth interrupted, "But who poisoned the tree? And why do they think it's you? I mean, the Titan King was the cause of last summer's mess so- would Luke-"

Khiron placed a hand on her head, "Child, I am being held responsible because I did not prevent it and cannot cure it. And... well, nevermind. The tree is slowly dying and has been for a few months. It only has a few weeks left now unless... well, it would take a miracle."

"Is there something we can do?" Annabeth pleaded.

Khiron shook his head, "Not unless you have medical skills beyond myself."

"But if the barrier falls then- then the camp-"

"There is hope," Khiron soothed. "The tree's barrier is not the only one on the camp. The reason Thalia was coming to camp was because of its barriers. And while they were weaker than they were with the tree, they were still able to keep monsters out."

"But the monsters are able to get in right now," I pointed out.

Khiron winced, "Yes... it is possible that the tree's power not only added to the barriers but wove into them, anchoring them in a way. And in doing so made the entirety of the camp's protection rely on the tree's health."

"So then there isn't hope?" Annabeth asked, horrified. "If the tree dies the barriers fall and the camp falls?"

Khiron grimaced, "That is... unfortunately likely, but not a guarantee. And besides that, I'll be searching for an antidote while away. Though there is something that could cure the tree, even without a proper antidote, but it was lost centuries ago."

"What is it?" I asked.

Annabeth leaned forward, "We can find it, and heal the tree. Then you can stay!"

Khiron closed his saddlebags and swung them onto his back. He pressed the stop button on his boom box and his hand lingered on it for a moment. Then he let out a great sigh and turned back to us, pausing to look us both in the eyes.

"Percy, Annabeth, you must promise me you will not act rashly. I told your mother, Percy, that I did not want you here at all this summer due to the danger. But you are here now, so stay. Both of you should train and learn as much as you can. And most importantly, do not leave."

"Why?" I asked in frustration. "This is our camp, and we can't just do nothing. If the boarders fall and they are interconnected then- the camp would be overrun."

Annabeth nodded, "We can't do nothing, this is my home-" she faltered. "You can't ask me to do nothing Khiron."

"I understand, but you must not act rashly. This could be a trap. Remember last summer? You nearly lost your life, Percy. And both of you were in grave danger during the quest."

I bit my tongue to keep from protesting.

I didn't think Kronos had ordered my death, but I could hardly explain the dreams with him trying to recruit me. But would he resort to poisoning Thalia's tree? I didn't want to think he would, but it was possible.

He was waging war, and war was rarely fought fairly.

Annabeth was trying hard not to cry, I could hear her sniffle.

"I- what are we supposed to do then?"

"Stay with Percy, child," he told her as he wiped a tear from her cheek. "Keep him safe. Remember the prophecy."

Annabeth nodded shakily, "I will."

"Prophecy?" Tyson mumbled.

I blinked, "Uh... what does this event have to do with the Great Prophecy?"

The both stilled.

"Where did you learn about that?" Khiron asked sharply.

"From my Metua."

He stared, "He- we are forbidden from telling you the words so-"

"I already know the words."

Annabeth blinked at me in surprise.

"What?" I grumbled. "It might be about me, why shouldn't I know it?"

Khiron shook his head, "Then you know you must be careful. Do not take unnecessary risks."

I decided that Khiron was not a good judge of necessary risks and thus I would do what I wanted.

"Right."

"But Khiron," Annabeth started. "You- you told me that- you said the Gods... they only made you immortal so long as- as you were needed to train heroes. If you're not teaching heroes-"

"Swear you will protect Percy," Khiron interrupted her. "That you will do your best to keep him from danger. Swear it on the River Styx."

"Woah," I said quickly. "Do not do that."

Annabeth blinked at me.

Tyson made a sound of confusion.

"Just make a normal promise, not one like that. That's way too big to use for something like that."

Khiron frowned, "I- very well. I will accept a general promise."

Annabeth nodded, wrapping her arms around Khiron again. "I'll do my best to keep him safe."

Khiron patted her shoulder as her body shook again, suppressing a sob.

"There, now, child. I must entrust your safety to Mr. D, Tantalus, and Minos now. We must have hope-" he shook his head "-I'm sure the camp will survive. And perhaps my name will be cleared, and I may return.

"But-" I started.

A conch horn blew across the valley, interrupting the conversation. I hadn't realized the time, but it was time for dinner.

"Go," Khiron said. "You'll meet the new workers at the pavilion. I shall inform both your parents that you're safe. I have no doubt they're worried by now. And remember my warning, you especially Percy. You are in grave danger. Do not think for a moment the Titan Lord has forgotten you!"

And with that ominous statement that was rather useless due to my dream conversations with Metani, he clopped out of the apartment and down the hall.

Tyson stumbled after him with a panicked call, "Pony! Don't go!"

I wondered if I should've brought up my dream of Grover, then dismissed it. It was still a ridiculous dream, and Khiron wasn't exactly one to answer questions anyways.

Tyson started bawling almost as bad as Annabeth, devastated by the "pony" leaving. Annabeth was sitting on the bed and had buried her face in her hands.

I managed to calm Tyson by promising him other ponies to see later, but Annabeth took longer to gather herself.

I wasn't surprised.

The person who raised her for years had been kicked out of her only home, the tree holding the spirit of her dead friend was dying, possibly poisoned by her older brother figure, and we could all follow soon if the barriers fell.

I kinda felt like crying with them.

OO OO OO OO OO OO OO

The sun was setting behind the dining pavilion, lighting it up gold and white, as the campers came up from their cabins.

Annabeth, Tyson, and I stood in the shadow of a marble column and watched them file in.

Annabeth's eyes were still red and a bit swollen, and she was still shaky, but she promised to talk to me later.

She went to join her siblings from the Athena cabin as they came up, taking the lead of the line to bring them to their table.

The rest of the cabins filed in as well, the Ares behind Athena.

Clarisse had one arm in a sling and a nasty gash on her cheek but otherwise seemed alright.

Behind her was Hephaestus, with Beckendorf leading the way. The was a tall, very handsome, sixteen year-old flashed me a smile as he passed. I flushed.

I smiled at the Demeter and Aphrodite cabins, and nodded to the Dionysus twins. Some of the kids didn't notice me, some did and nodded, and others did and shot me glares. It seemed some were still upset about the Luke matter.

The Hermes cabin walked past and I blinked as I realized Ella, the replacement cabin head for Luke, was gone and Travis and Connor were leading the cabin. Where did she go? In fact... there seemed to be less Hermes campers than last year, though I did recognize Leilani. Was Alabaster gone too?

Naiads started coming up from the canoe lake, while Dryads melted out of the trees. Satyrs came over from various areas as well.

The last few cabin stragglers rushed into the pavilion and once it seemed everyone was there I stepped towards the head table with Tyson.

Conversations faltered, and heads turned.

"Who invited that?" muttered a voice.

I shot a glare in the direction it came from but couldn't see who spoke.

Lord D blinked at me, "Ah, Johnson, a pleasure. It seems you've brought a... guest."

He was wearing a leopard-pattern button-up with dark purple pants. A satyr was standing behind him peeling grapes and handing them to him one at a time, shooting nervous looks to the two beside him.

"Hello, Lord D."

"Oh?" mused one, studying me intently. He had a strange gleam in his eyes. "So, this is Percy Jackson. And you've brought your very own monster, how nice."

The man looked regal, wearing a button up and slacks with shining dress shoes. His hair was shoulder length and neatly pulled out of his face. It was a sharp contrast to the other person beside Lord D.

That one was wearing a ratty t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair looked unwashed and messy and he squinted at me.

I straightened and put all my princely training to use.

"Hello," I chirped. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Percy Jackson, though you clearly knew that already. This is Tyson, my friend. He helped save the camp from the Bulls earlier."

The regal one raised an eyebrow, "I am King Minos, the new head of security."

I made a motion of acknowledgement.

"I do hope you'll refrain from causing any trouble. As I understand it you have a bit of a habit of it. That won't be allowed this year."

I forced myself to not react, despite the snickers from some behind me.

"I'm always on my best behavior, I assure you, Your Majesty."

"And that's why you brought that monster in here?" sneered the ratty looking guy. "I suppose we'll have to figure out what to do with it."

"He can stay with me, I assure you he'll be no trouble. He was really a great help earlier."

"Yes, yes," Lord D said. "Wonderful job keeping the camp safe. Truly appreciated."

He made a motion to a satyr and they came forward to put food in front of the three of them.

The ratty one licked his lips, staring at the plate.

"Yes, we're delighted by that," drawled Minos. "But why did you bring the monster in with you? Into this camp which is supposed to be a safe space from monsters?"

The ratty one looked at the empty goblet and said, "Root beer, Barq's special stock. 1967."

The glass filled itself with foamy soda and he stretched his hand out hesitantly, as if he were afraid the goblet was hot.

"Go on, then, old fellow," Lord D said with a malicious gleam in his eyes. "Perhaps now it will work."

Minos smirked and glanced over.

"Tyson is just a child Kyklopes," I started, faltering as the glass scooted away from the ratty one, spilling a few drops.

He quickly tried to dab the drops up with his fingers but they rolled away like quicksilver before he could touch them. He growled and picked up a fork.

"So?" Minos asked. "What does it being a child have to do with anything?"

I flashed a brilliant smile, "I couldn't in good conscious leave my friend, nor a child, alone out there."

Ratty one stabbed at a piece of brisket, but the plate skittered down the table and flew off the end, straight into the coals of the brazier.

"Blast!" he snarled.

"Ah well," Lord D said, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "Perhaps a few more days, Tantalus. I'm sure your old curse will fade eventually."

Minos sighed, "Yes, conscious, how nice."

"Eventually," ratty one- Tantalus muttered. "Do you have any idea how dry one's throat gets after three thousand years?"

I wondered how a ghost could have a dry throat.

Tyson hid behind me as best as a six foot tall Kyklopes could hide behind a five foot child.

"I was wondering if you had a policy for when non-demigods were in the camp," I said politely. "Or if Tyson should just sit with me and Leilani."

"Leilani?" asked Tantalus with a frown. "There's only one Poseidon child."

I nodded politely, "Yes, but my Metua said that Leilani was allowed to stay in the Poseidon cabin, as she is a child of the sea. He said He'd mention it to Lord D?"

Tantalus bristled and opened his mouth, but Lord D cut in, "Yes I did get that notice, Lanah move to the Poseidon table."

There was a brief shuffle behind me, but I didn't look back.

"The monster will stay up here," Tantalus snapped. "Until we decide what to do with it."

"So, then there isn't a current policy for non-demigods in camp?" I asked.

"No," Lord D drawled. "We'll decide. Take a seat, Jackson."

I didn't want to leave Tyson there, but I had to have faith that Lord D would take care of it.

I turned to Tyson who was looking at me with fear in his big eye.

"I'll be right over there, big guy," I soothed. "Don't worry, worst comes to worst you can stay in my cabin tonight."

Tyson nodded, "I believe you. You are my friend. Thank you, Percy."

I slipped over to the Poseidon table and sat on the bench across from Leilani, who looked nervous. I shot her a quick smile as a wood nymph brought me a plate of Olympian olive-and-pepperoni pizza.

I stood back up and moved to the fire to offer a part into the flames.

Lord D, I thought, Thanks and please make sure Tyson is alright.

The smell of fresh grapes wafted up.

I idly added a bit more for my normal offerings, to Poseidon, Okeanus, Tethys, my siblings, and Artemis.

I sat back down to the smell of sea breeze and woodsmoke, smiling at Leilani who gave me a nervous smile of her own.

Before we could talk though, Tantalus had one of the satyrs blow the conch horn to get our attention for announcements.

"Yes, well," Tantalus started once the talking had died down. "Another fine meal! Or so I am told."

He slowly inched his hand towards his refilled dinner plate, as if the food wouldn't notice what he was doing. Unfortunately for him it did, shooting down the table as soon as he got within a foot of it.

Lord D hid a smirk in his diet coke and Minos' eyes gleamed.

"And here on my first day of authority," Tantalus continued. "I'd like to say what a pleasant form of redemption it is to be here! Over the course of the summer I hope to tormen- er, interact with each and every one of you children. My, you all look almost good enough to eat."

Minos coughed pointedly.

Tyson tried to scoot out of the front, but Tantalus pulled him back.

"And now for some changes!" Tantalus offered a crooked smile. "First off, we're re-instituting the chariot races! Can't imagine why they were ever cancelled, I mean my son Pelops was an excellent charioteer."

Murmuring broke out at all the tables and me and Leilani shared a look.

An Apollo camper raised a hand, "They were cancelled due to three deaths and twenty-six mutilations... in one race."

"Yes, yes," Tantalus dismissed. "But I know you will all join me in welcoming back this wonderful tradition. And the winning charioteers will win Golden laurels and be released from chores for the month they're the winners."

He smirked at the excited chatter.

"We'll release you from most of your regular activities to prepare your chariots and choose your horses."

Then Clarisse hot up.

"But sir! What about patrol duty? I mean if we drop everything to read our chariots—"

"Ah, the hero of the day," Tantalus exclaimed. "Brave Clarisse, who single-handedly bested the bronze bulls."

Seeing how it was me and Tyson (especially Tyson) that finished them off, though Clarisse certainly helped, I did not appreciate that comment.

Clarisse blinked and blushed, "Um, I didn't—"

"And oh so modest," Tantalus cooed. "Not to worry, my dear! This is a summer camp. We are here to enjoy ourselves, yes?"

"But the tree—"

"And now," Tantalus said, raising his voice and steamrolling over Clarisse. Her siblings pulled her down though no one seemed happy. "Before we finish dinner so we can proceed to the campfire and sing-along, one slight housekeeping issue. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase have seen fit, for some reason, to bring this here."

Tantalus waved his hand towards Tyson.

Uneasy murmuring spread among the campers and many sent me sideways looks.

I wondered if you could kill a ghost.

Leilani bit her lip nervously.

"Now, of course," Tantalus continued, "Kyklopes have a reputation for being bloodthirsty monsters with a very small brain capacity and a nasty habit of getting their parents involved in their fights. Under normal circumstances I would release this beast into the woods and have you hunt it down with torches and pointed sticks-"

I tensed, and Tyson paled. I glanced at Lord D, but He seemed unconcerned, idly tilting His head.

"-But who knows? Perhaps this Kyklopes is not as horrible as most of its brethren. Until it proves worthy of destruction, we need a place to keep it. I've thought about the stables, but that will make the horses nervous. Hermes' cabin possibly?"

The Hermes table was dead silent. Travis and Connor Stoll developed an intense interest in the tablecloth.

I opened my mouth to interrupt when everyone gasped.

Tantalus scooted away from Tyson in surprise, and some wariness. I stared in shock at the brilliant green light—a dazzling holographic image that had appeared above Tyson's head.

I remembered my lessons, and the information on the oldest Kyklopes. Nowadays they were commonly just born of other Kyklopes, but some-

Some were like the older Kyklopes, not the original three but- but others.

Swirling above Tyson's head was confirmation he was one of those few. A glowing green trident spun slowly above his head.

There was a moment of awed and horrified silence.

Being claimed was rare, I had only witnessed one claiming other than my own last summer, Leilani's. Some campers would wait in vain their whole lives. When I'd been claimed last summer, everyone had reverently knelt. But that wasn't what happened this time.

Tantalus roared with laughter, many tables following his lead. Leilani looked worried and the Demeter and Aphrodite cabins shot me concerned looks, but I kept my eyes on Tyson.

"Well I think we know where to put the beast now. By the Gods, I can see the family resemblance."

I noted that Lord D didn't seem surprised, and Minos wasn't laughing, he grimaced instead.

Tyson didn't seem to notice any of this though, he was too distracted by the glowing trident now fading over his head. He was too young and innocent to really understand what was going on with them, how cruel they were being.

But I understood.

I now had a full cabin. Leilani, daughter of Psamathe. And Tyson, son of Poseidon.

OO OO OO OO

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a review, they feed my soul.

Did you enjoy the interaction with Khiron and Annabeth? How about Tyson and Leilani? What did you think of Minos being there?

Rick had two people fired in canon, but only one replacement, and no punishment for Dionysus. I feel like my Zeus would absolutely take advantage of the gap in management to put some people loyal to him in (both his kids), and he would absolutely tighten Lord D's punishment in the process.

Also here Annabeth does not make an oath on the Styx cause that oath is a big deal.

Halmaheran
Metua=Father
Metani=Granddad

Terminology
Khiron=phonetic spelling of Chiron
Kyklopes=phonetic spelling of Cyclopes
Kentaur=phonetic spelling of Centaur
Minos' mythology is wild cause half of it has him as an amazing king and that's why he's a judge, and the other half is written by Athens which he conquered and has him being horrid. Some historians think Minos was a title, not a name, and it was referring to two kings with the different myths. I think Athens was angry about being conquered and probably had something with him taking kids from them so did some propaganda (which many myths were). I'm trying to balance the different views on him in ways that I think work so uh... hope you enjoy lol.
Pelops=One of three children of Minos, happens to be an amazing Charioteer... also is the one Tantalus fed to the Gods.

OC's
Leilani=Daughter of Psamathe, given permission to stay in Percy's cabin