Pre-Script: This is the edited version! Enjoy reading. Okay. My gmail account trolled with me. I happen to receive the corrected version a day after my beta sent it. Anyway, this is the beta-read version.

Dear Reader,

I know that saying sorry is not enough. I'm sure you are slightly aware that I'm busy with school and whatnot. So, instead of saying sorry, I give you the longest chapter I've ever written. Composed of 4,467 words, here is Chapter 10 of The Eluding Prelude from The Celestial Noble series.

Half of this chapter was written way back December, the other half was written this April. Resulting to inconsistencies with my writing and wordings. I'm sorry if it will be bothersome. It is for me, anyway.

I would love to do a review-reply, but seeing that there are so many of them, I'll just respond in the form of a PM if you have an account.

Special attention to my slightly pissed off reviewer (anon). Hey. Here it is. Know that I won't give up on this story. I love this as much as you do. Hearing you (or more like reading your reviews) say that this is one of the best story flatters me so much. Your compliments and your dedication of encouraging me to update are well appreciated.

Story Recommendation:

If the idea of Percy being betrayed appeals to you, I recommend you to read "The Betrayal" by SyKoLiFe. Emotions are well portrayed. And the sense of betrayal is really strong in her story. The characters are not too OOC. So, read it.

Also, when I got back to FanFiction, I can't help but smile when I saw stories shipping Percy and Hestia. If the pair also appeals to you, I recommend you to read these:

Betrayal and Reawakening by Zurgboy2
Change the Fates Design by Apollo Artemis
The Story of the Brothers of the Sea by Nightfury78

Hmm...what else to say?

About the author:

I am a student in a university. Last Feb, I was chosen to represent my school for a national event. Updating this chapter feels like I'm posting my first ever story. I'm really nervous.

Disclaimer: I only own The Celestial Noble concept. Rick Riordan owns everything else.

Special thanks to my beta, Roxas666. May the light always guide your path.

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The Celestial Noble: The Eluding Prelude

Chapter 10

Camp Half-Blood

~Percy~

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The morning light filtered through the wood-framed windows. Percy slowly opened his eyes. The soft and warm sunlight bathed his skin as he lay on his side. He closed his eyes again, trying to remember the dream he had. It was foggy. All that he could remember was a girl weeping on the stairs leading to the porch of a familiar cabin. He tried to hold onto the fading memory, but reality seeped in and he knew he had to get up.

Slowly rising from the bed, Percy stretched his arms and legs, letting the numbness and tingling sensation go away. He looked around him as soon as feeling returned to his fingers and toes. He found himself in an unfamiliar yet comfortable cabin. He inhaled and the scent of freshly baked cookies wafted from the room. Rubbing the sleep off his eyes, he recalled the events yesterday: meeting with the Olympians, battling Ares, and saving camp from Krios. Camp! He still couldn't believe it. He was back at the place that ruined his life; the place where he was unwanted, imprisoned, and cursed. And he must stay and train them. Cruel life.

But he is now Sixtus. He is no longer Percy Jackson. He is no longer the weak demigod they ruthlessly tossed inside a rotten dungeon. That person was long dead. Forgotten.

Setting aside all those thoughts, he walked towards the round table where his armor lay. Wearing all this would effectively hide his identity, but it would be awkward if he does so. Who would stroll around wearing armor and a cape? No one. Thankfully, fresh clothes were neatly folded and placed beside his armor. He studied the clothes – a light blue shirt and black denim pants. "Normal enough to go by," said Percy, "But not enough to hide my face." He took his eye visor and set it beside the shirt. "This will do," he thought in between nods. He silently prayed his gratitude to Hestia and freshened himself.

The sun was barely peeking through the horizon, casting soft beams of sunlight in every direction, illuminating the huge pine tree that once held the spirit of Thalia Grace. The whole camp was enveloped with silence when Sixtus stepped out from the cabin. He stretched and yawned, embracing his surroundings.

He began to walk, aimlessly drinking in all the memories he had in Camp Half-Blood. On his right stood the Big House where his journey began as a demigod. On his left was the mess hall – a beautiful outside courtyard overlooking the sea. The sea... oh how he missed the waves lapping on the white-sandy shores. But then, the girl flooded his memories. His eyes instantly went to the canoe lake and couldn't help but reminisce the kiss they shared. Was it even true? Did she even love me? These thoughts haunted him as more memories of them being together kept flowing. Thank Uranus a horn blew in the distance signalling that breakfast was being served.

Campers came out from their respective cabins forming lines led by senior counsellors. They strode towards the mess hall in silence, some giving awkward glances towards the Noble. He didn't mind them, though, since his eye visor was shadowing his face, and his gaze was focused on the tough-looking girl leading them.

The demigod met his gaze and they held it steadily, each one sizing the other. Around them, campers shifted warily thinking that the staring would evolve into a contest of who is stronger.

But the campers saw the unexpected, for Clarisse – commander of the Elites, daughter of Ares, the drakon slayer – offered the Noble a nod of respect.

To say Sixtus was shocked would be an understatement but he managed to give her a nod in return.

Clarisse continued walking up the hill towards the mess hall followed by the campers, dryads, satyrs, and nymphs. Soon, everyone was gathered around the dining pavilion and that was the time Sixtus appeared atop the hill. All conversations died. The atmosphere bore silence and everyone's eyes were on him. For seconds he stood there unnerved by all the stares he was getting. But then, he questioned himself where to sit. He looked around noticing that the campers still sat by their heritage. His eyes then landed on table three. Boy was he so glad no one was seated there. A smile crept its way over his face but disappeared before the campers even saw it.

Saving him from the eyes of the campers, Chiron stomped his hoof on the marble floor and got the attention of everyone. "Sixtus," he called. "The gods prepared you a table. You may sit here along with your coming soldiers."

Murmurs broke out as he made his way towards the table just beside Chiron's. He heard snips of their whispers.

"He defeated Krios with his bare hands..."

"Soldiers? I hope they are as handsome as him..." This one was followed by giggles, courtesy of Aphrodite kids.

"I think he is a god..."

But the one that caught his attention the most was, "He looks familiar..."

He immediately looked towards the voice and found himself staring at a pair of grey orbs. His feet were planted on the ground.

"What did you say Malcolm?" asked a daughter of Athena.

"Nothing." Malcolm whispered back not keeping his eyes off Sixtus. "Nothing. Could it be...no."

When he could move again, he continued his way towards the table and sat as Chiron stood and trotted beside him. The centaur raised his glass, and once again got the attention of the crowd.

"It is to everyone's attention that last night's war was hard for us. We lost demigods, and their lives will never be forgotten. If it wasn't for everyone's bravery, courage, and strength, the camp would not have survived. Raise your glasses to honor all the heroes who gave it all, and for the Elites who did their best to win the war."

Chiron kept talking – some long speech about heroism and all – Sixtus zoned out until he heard his name. "But we must not also forget the aid of Sixtus and Lord Aether, for without whom... it would have been impossible to defeat the army of Krios."

A round of applause exploded around the dining hall, but the impassive look on Sixtus' face remained. His eyes were not shining like how they were when he was in the presence of the Olympians. He's confident that his eye visor will do its job flawlessly.

"Sixtus, would you like to say a few words?" Chiron politely asked him and gave him the floor to speak.

Sixtus didn't respond nor looked at his former teacher. He only stood and started speaking, "As much as it pains me to be here, I was given the order to protect this camp and help train the elites. A group of soldiers will be here by noon to help Olympus defeat Gaea. Bother us not, for we will leave as soon as the mission is completed."

The hall had an eerie silence. Fear and confusion were sculpted on the camper's faces.

"Why would we need your help?" A cocky voice exclaimed from the fifth table.

Ares. He thought as he looked straight towards the person. Arrogant fool, this camp would be in ruins if I wasn't sent here.

"Never mind that." A familiar voice from afar shattered his train of thoughts. He searched for the owner of the proud voice. His eyes then landed on a slim girl atop the hill. It was her. Surely, it was her. The beautiful, blonde hair waving in the wind. Those bright, grey eyes boring into his like they were searching for any weaknesses and flaws. He could never be wrong about her. Five years won't be enough to erase the nightmares that girl gave him.

Annabeth. Annabeth Chase is her name. It was the second time he met her after five years. Though he desperately tried to avoid her last night, the inevitable couldn't be stopped. They had to meet sooner or later. And time told them it was then.

"What he actually meant was, 'Why would you help us?'" said the girl. The way she said 'you' appealed to Sixtus personally. True enough, if he hates the camp, why help them? "You said it pains you to be here. Then why decide to help us?"

"For reasons that does not concern you." He answered back. His icy voice held deep grief and hatred it sent shivers among the campers.

Now, Annabeth is not a daughter of Athena for no reason. She saw through Sixtus' reply and quickly made an assumption. I see, he didn't just reason out that he was given an order. So there is a more personal reason why he helped us. But, the way he said you...it is obviously directed to me. But why does it feel like there is a deeper meaning to it? I must find out.

And so she did. She pushed more. "Okay. Then, why do you hide yourself behind a mask?"

Everyone's eyes were immediately directed towards Annabeth. It was clear to them that the question was out of line and they were out right nervous with what Annabeth was doing.

Sixtus flinched. Yes, Annabeth broke through Sixtus' barrier. Chiron, sitting beside him, noticed this and decided to act before things got worse.

"Annabeth," Chiron called with warning evident in his voice. "He is our guest and I want you – everyone, to treat him with respect and honor."

Annabeth backed down and retreated to her seat with a smirk on her face. She was not done yet. She was just given an unspoken quest to discern the noble's identity.

Sixtus shuddered. He knew that Annabeth would pester and investigate him. She would not stop until she gets answers.

After the intense moment between Sixtus and Annabeth, the nymphs served food for everyone. But fighting broke out within the nymphs on who would get to serve the Noble. Once a nymph finally set a plate of food before him and an empty goblet, he gave the nymph a small smile of appreciation.

"You have to speak to it. Whatever you want." The nymph told him when Sixtus raised the glass. The other nymphs nudged her and glared daggers at her.

He only looked at her and silently said "Blue Cherry Coke."

Breakfast passed by with awkward silence. All throughout, Sixtus kept quiet and meditated, containing his anger. Why did I even agree to this? I could have just camped elsewhere and still be able to protect this...this...camp. And now I have to train them. So much for operation: Avoiding Her.

When he was able to contain his anger, he stood and the Nymphs took his plates and left.

"Lord Sixtus," a Nymph addressed him with a bow. He remembered her from earlier. She was the same girl that served him breakfast.

"Just Sixtus, please." He said. The Nymph was surprised with the calmness of the Noble's voice.

"O-okay. Chiron was asking for you at the arena. It will be my honor to show you the way." The Nymph lowered her face to hide her blush.

"Alright then..."

"Aspren. My name is Aspren."

"After you, Aspren." He gracefully waved his hand and followed the nymph. They went south, past the cabins, and soon found themselves in a large open-air venue with Corinthian columns as its frame.

"This is where sword fighting classes are held Lor... Sixtus." The nymph stopped in her tracks and faced the Noble.

"Ahh." Sixtus offered a smile to his companion which she gladly returned.

Chiron trotted towards them and politely dismissed the nymph. "Sixtus, this is where we handle sword fighting classes,"

"I know." Sixtus rudely interrupted the centaur. "Aspren told me." And with that, he walked forward leaving the centaur to his deep thoughts.

Clank! Clank was the sound of metal hitting metal. The constant yells and complaints of the people on the training grounds greeted Sixtus as he stepped on the marble floor. Sixtus surveyed the arena. From his left, the campers were practicing swinging their swords without any guidance from a teacher. Of course, it was a tragedy. A few held their swords right, but most of them got it all wrong. They swung their swords like they were swatting a fly. It took everything for Sixtus to resist the urge to place his palm flat across his face. Is this what the camp is teaching the demigods now? Where is the one in charge of teaching anyway? He searched for the elites and found them busy with training themselves, leaving the new campers to train on their own. Pathetic.

He averted his eyes to his right and saw Clarisse on the wrestling mat surrounded by exhausted demigods. He observed them some more and finally, someone gained his praise. He saw deep passion in Clarisse as she teaches the campers how to fight without weapons. Hand-to-hand combat. He was most certain that it is in Clarisse's job description.

He had observed enough and it was time for him to reveal himself. Hence, he walked forward in silence until a demigod saw him and greeted him with a hasty bow.

"Lord Sixtus!" The demigod was startled and dropped his sword. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned around to see if the Noble is indeed among them. The regular demigods were surprised and excited for their hero graced them with his presence. However, some of the elites scowled and felt jealous towards Sixtus for all the attention he was getting.

Sixtus noticed this and just inwardly smirked.

"Rise demigod and pick up your sword." He told the demigod who was likely to be a son of Hermes.

"Y-yes!" The child of Hermes stammered and quickly bent down to get his sword.

"Lord Sixtus." Clarisse came over and greeted Sixtus. "What brings you here?"

Sixtus smiled. He knew her as being hot-tempered, arrogant, brave, and strong like most of her siblings. He faintly remembered the first time he came to camp and she tried to dunk his head in a toilet. Remembering all that, he just had to snicker. But despite all the times she bullied him, he considered Clarisse as one of his friends before the great tragedy in his life. And based from the news he got from his captain the day he saved him, Clarisse was one of the few who defended him and thought he was wrongly accused. He felt no disdain towards her so he offered her his hand and said, "I am not a god. You don't have to address me as lord, Clarisse."

Sixtus didn't expect how she reacted. Confusion flashed on Clarisse's face. He noticed this and realized his mistake. He called her by her name.

"But, I haven't told you my name." She said though she took his hand and shook it.

Uh oh. Crap! He thought. "Uhh...I see to it that I know my allies beforehand. You are the general of the elites, are you not?" Buy it. Buy it. He chanted over and over again while trying to keep a calm facade – note the word 'trying.'

Clarisse most certainly did not buy it. He knew this because wariness and suspicion were still etched at her face. But it left as fast as she untied the bandana that kept her stringy brown hair.

For minutes they only looked at each other. No one uttering a word, like they were waiting for each other to speak. Surprisingly, Clarisse broke the awkward silence and asked, "Well?"

"Huh?" Yeap. The most intelligent reply Sixtus gave. Guess he is still the goofy Percy Jackson everyone loved.

He composed himself sensing that his smart answer raised eyebrows and snickers from the people around them.

Saving him from further embarrassment, Clarisse asked once again why Sixtus was standing among them.

"I just came to check how training is at camp." He replied.

"And?" Clarisse asked hoping for a good comment from the powerful man standing in front of her.

However, Sixtus smile disappeared replaced by disappointment and...was that anger? Anyway, Sixtus gave her a flat no.

To say she didn't like the Noble's remark was a big understatement. She was furious! This man. This man just openly insulted her people.

"You said what?" She breathed through gritted teeth. Her hands balled into fists, ready to smack the living daylights out of him.

He didn't fail to notice this and was ready to explain himself. He may be strong, but he knew for a fact that Clarisse isn't someone he wants on his bad side.

"Clarisse."

The girl mentioned snapped her head to where the voice came from. She faced the presumptuous intruder with a sharp "What?" Recognition dawned on her as she realized it was her boyfriend, Chris Rodriguez, who had called her.

Sixtus looked at Chris and remembered the time he saw him at his worst. Then, the memory was replaced with a campfire song and a Hispanic guy with his arms wrapped around a buff-looking girl.

"I'm sure Lord Sixtus has his reasons." The Hispanic man softly told her. Chris referred to Sixtus with a nod encouraging him to explain himself.

He took Chris' nod as the chance to speak. "I meant no disrespect for you general. But look around you. The elites were obviously well-trained. But what for the campers? They were hardly given the attention and proper guidance to even wield a sword properly. How do you think will they survive the war?"

His statement earned him nods and murmurs of agreement from the campers.

Before Clarisse could say anything, he continued, "I ask you, who is in charge on teaching them sword-fighting?"

Clarisse was intrigued by what Sixtus said and she was slightly aware of the truth it held. She called out a name which probably the guy in charge of the class. "Sherman!"

"Here, general." The guy named Sherman came forward. The guy oddly was familiar to Sixtus. His mind flashed something about a stolen chariot and pranks. But he pushed the thoughts aside.

"Is Sixtus' claim all true?" She asked Sherman.

The guy in question was quiet for a few seconds. Then he spoke with confidence, "No."

"Are you calling me a liar, soldier?" Sixtus couldn't help but raise his voice. Here he was disappointed at what has become with the camp. And now this guy just silently declared him a liar.

The sharpness in his voice sent shudders and fear among the campers.

He snorted rather loudly. "Pathetic!" He turned his gaze towards Clarisse silently questioning her of her opinion in the matter.

Clarisse was having a serious debate in her thoughts. Yes, she heard complaints from the campers about their teachers but she never gave much attention to it. But now, here was an important ally noticing a flaw in her army. And that flaw will take the reputation of the Elites down a notch. And if that ever happened, well, she wouldn't want to think how her father and Athena will react. Her thoughts were divided. Either she disappoints the gods or possibly loses an ally.

"I have to see for myself." That was the safest solution she had thought. "Demigods, raise your swords."

And so, the frightened demigods followed the order and Clarisse saw a disaster.

Her mouth was opened slightly and her eyes were round in shock and displeasure. She slowly turned her dagger-like stare towards Sherman that sent the elite to cower in fear. She was humiliated beyond reason, especially in front of a soldier with great power and high authority. She averted her eyes from Sherman and inwardly sighed. She'll deal with him later; but now she had to focus on fixing the issue about the failure among her soldiers.

"From how I see it, you're clearly dissatisfied with this mishap caused by one of your soldiers." Sixtus turned towards the campers. "From now on, I will handle sword-fighting classes for the campers. I will prepare you for the upcoming war." Looks of awe and shock broke on the faces of the demigods. Almost everyone was excited. Of course, except for the elites.

"But, Lord Sixtus." An elite soldier dared to ask. "Wouldn't it be too much for you to handle both training classes for the campers and us elites?"

The noise died down quickly. Sixtus then turned towards the general-commander of the elites. "From what I had witnessed, I'm starting to think that the elites can handle the war perfectly on their own." Sarcasm was dripping from his voice. "Clarisse, I would like my request to be granted. I will take over the classes. They need to be well prepared to survive the war."

Clarisse reluctantly nod. She excused herself and took the elites with her. When they were out of the arena, Sixtus faced the campers and gave them a cheerful smile. "Well then. Let's get this thing started."

There was a chorus of "Yeah!" and "Great!" that filled the arena.

"When using a sword," he started explaining. "The way you stand, the way you move, and hold your weapon is important in determining how much control you have, how fast you can move, and how soon you will tire." He said with deep knowledge and years of experience teaching.

"We will start with the proper way to hold a sword." He borrowed a sword from one of his students. "Grip your sword with your dominant hand." He told them. "For those who are wielding two-handed swords, your dominant hand should be just below the guard and the other grabbing the pommel or the bottom of the sword."

"Next!" He continued when all of them had finished adjusting. "The concept of holding a sword is not to keep a vice-like grip. This will only lead to messy movements and will tire you out." Almost all of his students loosened their grip.

"Grip is principally using your thumb and first two fingers. The remaining fingers should be curled loosely around the hilt. Get it?" He asked them.

"Yes." They answered back.

"Good." He smiled. "Now, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, put your leading foot slightly forward. Your knees-"

"Uhm Sir?" A girl raised her hand and asked. "What is a leading foot?" This was followed by curious nods.

"Your leading foot is the same as the hand holding your sword. Or shield if you have one." He explained.

"Ahh."

"As I was saying, you should be relaxed and 'springy' on the balls-" He was interrupted yet again by snickers. He only shook his head with an amused face on. "On the balls of your feet, with knees slightly bent."

He gave them time to finish their small chuckles and adjust their stance before he continued. "This position is easier to hold and keeps your center of gravity low and, well, central, which will in turn keep you balanced even if you're wearing heavy armor."

"Understand?"

"Yes sir!" They sang in chorus.

"Alright. You may take your rest now. I assume you have other trainings to attend to." He dismissed them.

He walked towards the side of the arena were a table of refreshments stood. He took a bottle of water and uncapped it. As he was about to drink from the bottle, he was interrupted when he felt a pair of eyes staring intently at him. His eyes moved towards the person and found himself looking at a petite girl.

The girl was startled when Sixtus turned towards and gave her curious eyes. After composing herself, she bowed then strode towards Sixtus shyly.

"How may I help you?" Sixtus asked with a soft expression.

"Uhm... I was wondering if you, uh, if you know where the archery range is. Cause that's the next activity after sword-fighting classes. And maybe if you would need someone to accompany you. Not that I am volunteering myself. But it would be great if I may do so. Oh! And I saw you teach the other campers with the sword thingy. So I was wondering if you could, you know teach us archery as well. Not that I'm complaining how Chiron teaches us. I just-" She said, unbelievably, in one breath.

"Stop." Sixtus laid a hand on her shoulder which she visibly tensed at. Her expression turned from shock to embarrassment. He gave her a soft smile and sighed. "Okay. I'll visit the archery range but I have other things to attend to. Thanks for your concern anyway..." He politely waited for a name but the girl seemed to be shock to be standing close to him with his hand on her shoulder. He gave her a light squeeze.

The girl seemed to come out of her trance and shook her head to wake herself completely. "Kayla, daughter of Apollo." She said, with blood rising to her cheeks, making her flush. There were squeals and giggles from behind her and that was when Sixtus noticed other girls by the entrance of the arena.

"Well you might want to hurry up; your class should be starting by now." He told her.

"Shoot." She quickly bowed to Sixtus and went away.

He looked at the girl running across the field followed by the other girls with an amused expression. He never thought he will get such attention at camp after the tragic incident.

When the girl was not visible anymore, he drank from the bottle and immediately the water took effect. Power surged through his veins and he felt as though he can run a hundred miles.

But of course he wouldn't run a hundred miles; he still has to prepare a cabin for his coming soldiers.

And so, he went south towards the Big House to talk to the camp director, Mr. D, about the place where his army will stay.

The Carabineer consisted of 30 warriors. They will need a cabin as big as cabin eleven, and they need it by the end of the day. He thought of asking help from cabin nine when he passed by the forges but he didn't know how long it will take them to build the cabin. Only a god can provide the means, or a handful of Cyclops.

Before he could reach the big house, he ran into a walking stack of papers. Weirded out by it, he quickly fixed the papers scattered on the ground. Well, you see, it wasn't really a walking stack of paper. Actually, Sixtus ran into a person holding the papers. And in result, the papers fell from the person's hands.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was..." He trailed off when he realized who he bumped into.

"Annabeth..." He breathed.

Gasp! He bumped into Annabeth? What do you think will happen next? Share your thoughts and opinions. Review my awesome reader! I'd love it if you send a lengthy and meaningful review. It may help me update faster. If you have questions, just ask and I will answer.

Actually, this is not the real end of chapter 10. But after serious deliberation, I saw that it is best to end it here. By the next chapter, the 6th Carabineer will be landing at camp. And...a lost love will be found. The next chapter will focus on that. Hmm? Smirk!

Review people. Just click that blue button beside the yellow bubble thingy. Lengthy and meaningful reviews are very much welcome. We don't know...you might just be rewarded for it.

Farewell,

iamasuperhero