Westover Hall

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO

Percy POV

I had been running through forest now for over an hour as I was trying to intercept the hunters of Artemis before they could reach Westover Hall and make my life harder than it needed to be. But me being me, something was bound to go wrong and I will just have to prepare myself for it. After another five minutes I spotted the hunters, they were mile ahead, so decided to flash myself atop the roof of Westover Hall. It was a good thing I came here to scope out the school before my mission began.

Two minutes after I had arrived, I saw a man dragging behind him two kids who had an air of darkness around them. Upon seeing them I hid in the nearest tree, then I noticed a helicopter starting to descend and when I decided to intervene, a kid with jet black hair, sea green eyes and an deep olive complexion. His frame was demure, but strong for his age. He was clearly still yet to reach his growth spurt. From the shadows six Hell hounds, ten Dracanae and three Cyclops appeared, the kid took out a pen and when he uncapped and it turned into a 3ft long leaf shaped xiphos and charged at the monsters.

As the kid charged, three other kids appeared, one was a girl with blonde hair that looked like princess curls and intimidating grey eyes and the other was a girl with jet black hair and electric blue eye and the other was a satyr who looked on the verge of a nervous break down. The newly arrived trio went to help the green eyed boy fight the monsters.

The green eyed boy's skill and speed was rather impressive to say the least for one so young. I saw one Hell hound hiding in the shadows waiting to catch the boy off guard and when it did I sprang into action, I unsheathed my xiphos and leaped towards the Hell hound cutting its head before it could respond turning it to dust.

I proceeded to cut down all of the monsters that were left and after a second or two all of the monsters had been sent back to Tartarus the painful way, and all that was left was the man who looked to be using the two kids as a shield. "Let them go Thorn and we will let you live." said the sea green eyed boy and the man just laughed at him.

"Nice try kid, I'm not afraid of you and you don't even realise who I am, do you?" he said.

A flicker of movement behind him and he launched a projectile, which I sliced in half.

"Unfortunately," Thorn said. "You are wanted alive, if possible. Otherwise you would already be pushing daisies."

"Who wants us?" demanded the captured, she is stupid, but brave, I thought.

"Because if you think you'll get a ransom, you're wrong. We don't have any family."

"Aww," Thorn said. "Do not worry little brats. You will be meeting my employer soon enough. Then you will have a brand new family."

"Luke," the green eyed boy said "You work for Luke."

Thorn's expression contorted into a look of distain at the mention of that name. "You have no idea what is happening, but no worries. I will let the General enlighten you. You are going to do him a great service tonight. He is looking forward to meeting you."

"The General?" the boy asked. "Who's the General?"

Thorn's eyes descended into the horizon. "Ah here we are your transportation."

The helicopter was getting closer.

"Where are you taking us?" said Nico.

"You should be honoured, my boy. You will have the opportunity to join the great army! Just like that silly little game you play with cards and dolls."

"They're not dolls! They're figurines! And you can take your great army and…" Nico retorted.

"Now, now," Thorn warned. "You will change your mind about joining us, my boy. And if you do not, well…there are other uses for half-blood. We have monstrous mouths to feed. The great stirring is underway."

"The great what?" asked the green eyed dimwit.

"The stirring of monsters," Thorn grinned maliciously. "The worst of them, the most powerful, are now waking. Monsters that have not been seen for thousands of years, they will cause death and destruction the likes of which the mortals have never known. And soon we shall have the most important monster of all…the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus!"

Thorn began changing into the form of the fabled Manticore. As I was about to charge at the Manticore, I heard a clear, piercing sound: the call of a hunting horn blowing in the woods. The Manticore froze in realisation and I internally groaned. For a single moment no one moved. There was only the swirling of snow and wind and the chopping of the helicopter blades rotating.

"No," The Manticore said. "This cannot be…"

His sentence was cut short when an arrow shot passed me like a streak of moonlight. The arrow impaled the Manticore in the shoulder and he staggered in agony, "Curse you!" The Manticore cried.

He unleashed his spikes, dozens of them in fact at once into the direction the arrow originated from, but just as fast, silver arrows intercepted the thorns in midair and sliced them in two, I was impressed at their accuracy, that was the accuracy of experienced and expertly trained hunters.

The Manticore pulled out the arrow that had impaled him out of his shoulder and howled in pain. His breathing was heavy. I saw the green eyed boy trying to swipe at him with his xiphos, but the Manticore wasn't as injured as he looked. He dodged his attack and as he was about to slam the boy in the chest I lunged at him and as he knocked the boy aside I proceeded to cut off his tail and when I had cut it off he cried in agony, I used the distraction to grab the two kids he had captured along with the green eyed boy away from the Manticore. When I had managed to get the kids away from the Manticore the woods rustled.

The Hunters came from the woods. I cursed myself for being slack in my mission.

The hunters were all girls and over a dozen of them. The youngest was about ten and the oldest, about sixteen. They wore silver ski parkas and jeans, and they all armed with bows. They advanced on the Manticore who was still crying in agony with determined expressions.

"The Hunters!" cried the blonde girl.

Next to the blond the black head girl muttered, "Oh, wonderful."

I myself shared her sentiment, I was not keen on being anywhere near the Hunters.

One of the older Hunters stepped forward with her bow in hand and started to draw it. She was tall and graceful with coppery skin. Unlike the other girls, she had a silver circlet braided into the top of her long black hair, so she looked like she was a Persian princess, "Permission to kill, my lady?"

I knew full well who she was talking to, even though she kept her eyes firmly on the Manticore. The monster wailed still in pain. "That's not fair, this is direct interference! It is against the Ancient Laws."

"Not so" A girl said. She looked about twelve and had Auburn hair gathered back in ponytail and had silvery yellow eyes that gleam like the moon. Her face was so beautiful that even I had to catch my breath.

Her expression was stern and dangerous. Her eyes hid a massive amount of power, "The hunting of all wild beasts is within my sphere of control. And you, foul creature, are a wild beast," She looked at the older girl with the circlet. "Zoë, permission granted."

The Manticore growled. "If I cannot have these half bloods alive, I shall have the dead!"

He lunged at the black haired girl who was next to the blond girl, as they both looked tired from the fight with the other monsters.

"No" The green eyed boy yelled and charged at the monster, but before he could get very far I ran towards him and grabbed his hand.

"Get back, half blood!" the girl with the circlet said. "Get out of the line of fire!"

The green eyed boy tried to wriggle out of my grasp, but I was far stronger. As the green eyed boy finally gave up I shot forward to attack the Manticore, he did not sense the arrows descending upon him. "Ahhh" he shouted and the blond used this as a beacon and leapt on the Manticore and drove her knife into his mane. The Manticore howled, turning in circles to get the girl of his back, but she hung on, "Annabeth nooo!" said the green eyed boy.

The arrow continued to release their arrows and before anyone could react, the monster which still had the blond on his back, leapt over the cliff and tumbled into darkness and I curse in the old tongue. Most of the Hunters scattered as tiny holes appeared in the snow at their feet, but the girl with auburn hair just looked up calmly at the helicopter,

"Mortals," she announced, "are not allowed to witness my Hunt."

She thrust out her hand, and the helicopter exploded into a flock of birds, which scattered into the night.

The Hunters advanced on us. The one called Zoë stopped short when she saw the black haired girl. "You" she spat in distain.

"Zoë Nightshade," She also said with distain, "Perfect timing as usual."

Zoë scanned the rest of us, "Five half-bloods and satyr, Milady."

"Yes" the silver eyed girl said. "Some of Chiron's campers, I see."

"Annabeth!" the green eyed boy yelled. "You have to let us save her!"

The silver eyed girl turned at looked at the boy. "I'm sorry, Alex Jackson, but your friend is beyond help." He tried to get to his feet, but alas some of the Hunter held him down. "You are in no condition to be hurling yourself off cliffs"

The Silver eyed girl said to the green eyed boy Alex. "Let me go!" he shouted. "Who do you think you are?"

The hunter named Zoë stepped forward as if to smack him, "No," the other girl ordered. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of this, luckily my chuckle was not heard. "I sense no disrespect, Zoë, he is simply distraught. He does not understand."

The silver eyed girl looked at him, her eyes colder and brighter than the silver moon. "I am Artemis," she said, "Goddess of the Hunt."

Alex looked stunned for a moment and said "Um…Okay," I just rolled my eyes in amusement.

"Who might you be?" the goddess asked me.

"Me? I'm just a guy passing by." I answered and she frowned.

"Don't lie to me boy, it would be unwise" Artemis warned.

"Wouldn't dream of it, my name is Perseus," I told her with an unbothered smile.

I noticed the satyr kneeling hastily in the snow and started yammering, "Thank you, Lady Artemis! You're so…you're so…wow!"

I face palmed. "Satyrs" I said to no one in particular and Artemis heard this and chuckled.

"Get up, goat boy!" the black haired girl snapped exasperatedly, "We other things to worry about. Annabeth is gone!"

"Whoa," the girl with the dark aura and the whimpering boy said. "Hold up, time out" we all looked at her. She pointed at all of us in turn, like she was trying to connect the dots. "Who…who are you people?"

Artemis' expression softened. "It might be a better question, my dear girl to ask who are you! Who are your parents?"

I shook my head and let out a sigh.

"Our parents are dead," the girl said. "We're orphan. There's a bank trusts fund that pays for our school, but…"

She faltered. I guess she could tell from our faces that we didn't believe her and we didn't.

"What?" she demanded. "I'm telling the truth."

We still weren't buying what she was selling.

"You are a half-blood," Zoë said with a haughty Middle English accent. "One of thy parents was mortal. The other was an Olympian."

Bianca looked at the huntress, "An Olympian athlete?" she asked hopefully.

"Nay," Zoë said, "One of the gods."

"Cool" said the boy hiding behind the girl.

The girl shook her head.

The boy after he heard that gods are real began asking question like kid who is on a sugar high. The black haired girl and Alex explained the dangers of being a half blood.

"That explains…Nico; you remember last summer, those guys who tried to attack us in the alley in DC?"

"And that bus driver," Nico said, "The one with the ram's horns. I told you that was real."

"That's why Grover's been watching you" said Ale, "To keep you safe, if you turned out to be half-bloods."

Bianca stared at him, "Grover?" she asked. "You're a demigod?"

Grover took of his shoes and Bianca looked like she was about to pass out. Thalia then told Grover to put back his shoes, which caused him to protest, but did it anyway.

"We have to go to camp, where you will be trained to survive as a demigod," I said and they all looked at me funny.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" they just shook their heads.

"Sweet, let's go!" said Nico enthusiastically.

"Wait," Bianca shook her head. "I don't…"

"There is another option," Zoë said.

"No, there isn't!" Thalia interjected. I myself knew what Zoë was insinuating, but I decided not to voice it though I strongly dislike the Hunt, I understood that they were a necessity.

Thalia and Zoë glared at each other. These two must have bad history between them, because they seem to hate each other.

"We've burdened these children enough," Artemis said. "Zoë, we will rest here for a few hours. Raise the tents. Treat the wounded. Retrieve our guests' belongings from the school."

"Yes, Milady," Zoë nodded.

"And, Bianca, you come with me. I would speak with you."

"What about me?" Nico complained. Artemis looked thoughtful for a moment, before she asked Grover to play the Card game, Nico was talking about. Grover accepted. Artemis led and confused Bianca along the cliff.

"Consider your brother, Bianca" I said then let them go.

I saw Thalia and Alex arguing about something, which frankly I didn't bother caring to hear, what it might be all about. A few moments later Thalia walked away with tears in her eyes and I saw Alex holding a New York Yankees baseball cap.

Alex walked towards me looking distraught. As he got close I patted him on his back. "You will see your friend again" I said and I saw tears in his eyes, but he did not respond. I led him to where the Hunters had set up their tents that were made of silver silk, curved in a crescent around one side of a bonfire. One of the girls blew a silver dog whistle, and a dozen white wolves appeared out of the woods. They began circling the camp like guard dog.

The Hunters walked among them and fed them treats. High above us Falcons watched us from trees. The winter weather was bending to the will of Artemis. It was still cold, but the wind had subsided. It made it pleasant to be around the bonfire.

Nico and Grover returned from the woods and sat next to us. "You've been playing this game a long time?" asked Alex and Nico shook his head. "Just this year. Before that…" looked confused.

"What?" Alex asked.

"I forgot. That's weird." His expression became unsettled, but it lasted mere moments. "Hey, may I see the sword you were using?"

Alex showed him his xiphos, and explained how to unleash it, by uncapping it when it is in pen form, "Cool! Does it ever run out of ink" Nico asked, which made me laugh, this kid is a ball of energy. "Um well, I have no idea really, I have never written with it" answered Alex.

"Are you really a son of Poseidon?" Nico asked.

"Yeah," Alex said and the Questions just kept coming and I was starting to get extremely annoyed at Nico's never ending questions.

"Nico tomorrow is another day to ask questions," I said trying not to sound harsh.

"Okay" Nico said with a smile.

"Alex and Perseus,"

"Come with me," she said. "Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee."

Zoë led us to the last tent, which looked no different from the others and waved us inside. Bianca was seated next to Artemis. The inside of the tent was warm and cosy, silk rugs and pillows covered the floor. In the center, a golden brazier of fire seemed to burn without fuel or smoke. There were pelts dotted around the tent and on a polished oak display, was her huge silver bow, carved to resemble gazelle horns. On her lap there was a small deer.

"Join us" the moon goddess said to the both of us.

"Are you surprised by my age?" she asked.

"Uh…a little " Alex answered, while I on the other hand couldn't care to listen to her dim-witted reasoning. Artemis proceeded to tell Alex that she could appear as anything and why she prefers her current age.

"Go astray?" Alex asked.

"Grow up. Become smitten with boys. Become silly, preoccupied, insecure, they forget themselves," Artemis answered.

It's difficult for a preadolescent to forget themselves since they were not truly self aware at that age. You cannot forget what you don't know. In fact true self awareness was difficult to gain regardless of age, but the mind of a child can never truly comprehend the complexities of self. You don't know yourself until you begin to question yourself and your choices.

"Oh," Alex said and I rolled my eyes.

"What is wrong with growing up? What is wrong with girls falling in love, having families? If a girl is insecure it has nothing to do with age. The problem would be much deeper than that," I said and I could see Artemis clenching her jaw.

"Talk to Lady Artemis with respect boy," Zoë spat at me and I just brushed a comment aside.

"Respect is earned Zoë Nightshade irrespective of status and don't take me like some child who would sputter and stutter in your presence," I growled.

"I agree, but do not forget your place demigod," warned Artemis.

I tilted my head and smiled softly in amusement.

"Alex, tell me what the Manticore said to you," said the Goddess and Alex then started telling her what happened before they arrived.

After Alex was done recalling the events, Artemis stood up. "I must hunt this monster."

Zoë looked like she was trying very hard not to be afraid, but she nodded. "We will leave right away, Milady."

"No Zoë. I must do this alone," The goddess said.

"But Artemis…" Zoë trailed off.

"This task is too dangerous even for the hunters. You know where I must start my search. You cannot come with me," Artemis grimly shook her head.

"As…as you wish, milady," Zoë acquiesced.

"I will find this creature," Artemis vowed "And I will bring it back to Olympus by the winter solstice. I will be proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in."

"You know of this monster I presume?" I asked

She gripped her bow. "Let us pray I am wrong."

I smiled, "I myself know what it is, and I can assure, Olympus is in grave danger if the titans get hold of it." I finished and she agreed.

"Can goddesses pray?" asked Alex. A flicker of a smile played upon the lips of Artemis.

"Before I leave I have a task for you Alex," said Artemis.

"Does it involve getting turned into a jackalope?" asked Alex rather warily.

"Sadly no, I want to escort my Hunter back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there safely until I return.

"What?" Zoë Shouted. "But Artemis, we hate that infernal camp. The last time we stayed there…"

"I am aware of that," said the goddess. "But I am sure Dionysus will not hold a grudge just because of a little misunderstanding. It's your right to use the cabin whenever you need to, I hear the rebuilt the cabins you burnt down."

Zoë muttered something about foolish campers.

"Have you made up your mind, my dear girl?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

Bianca hesitated, "I'm still thinking about it."

"Wait" shouted Alex. "Think about what?"

"They…they've invited me to join the hunt." Bianca said and I frowned.

"What? But you can't! You have to come to camp Half-blood so Chiron can train you. It's the only way to learn how to survive," Alex agued.

"It's not the only way for a girl." Zoë said.

"I agree with you there, but take no offence, but this place is against the natural order of life," I said.

"Bianca, camp is—" Alex said

"She should make her own choices," I cut him off.

"What will I get by joining the Hunt?" asked Bianca.

"To begin with, you will get immortality," Zoë said and I could see that the expression Bianca had, she had made her decision. Artemis explained what she will get once has joined and also the oath she would have to take.

"So, you go around the country recruiting half-blood," asked Alex before yet again I told him to be quiet. He tried to make Bianca reconsider, but in the end, gave up when she said the oath to Artemis, to which Artemis accepted.

I shook my head in disappointment.

"Selfish choice, it will break your brother's heart," I muttered to Bianca.

Artemis glared at me. I walked out of the tent and ten minutes later, Alex along with Zoë, Bianca and Artemis walked out.

Artemis told Zoë to tell the Hunters to break camp. "I shall summon Apollo to give you a ride to camp" said Artemis and Zoë groaned, but nodded anyway.

Bianca came up to me and said "I'm sorry Perseus. But I really want this. I really, really do."

"It is not I, you have to say sorry to Bianca," I smile at her as I looked at the youthful vigour of her younger brother before I walked away.

Artemis came my way and we stood in silence, as we waited for the sun god Apollo. From the horizon I saw a sudden burst of light. And I averted my eyes. When the light had died down, I saw a red convertible Maserati spyder. I was a beautiful car, but I just felt annoyed at his antics.

Apollo proceeded to climb out of the car wearing a smile. Artemis and Apollo started talking and I tuned them out until Artemis told us that she is going on a solo hunt then left. When Artemis had left he started sprouting horrid haikus.

"I hear you lovely ladies need transportation," said the sun god and the Hunters nodded, but still groaned. "You are in luck, I was just about to roll."

'Into a new lover's nest I bet,' I thought derisively.

Apollo looking at the number of people frowned and changed the sun chariot into the form of a shuttle bus and he motioned us in. Once in he made Thalia drive and let me tell you she was an awful driver. After an hour we reached Camp Half-blood. When we stopped I noticed that the borders of camp were protected from most outside influences.

We got out of the sun one by one. And Apollo stopped to talk to Alex and Thalia and then left. Alex led us to a four story house that was painted blue. As we walked closer I saw two figures sitting on a table playing Pinnacle. One was someone I would know anywhere, and he was sitting in an enchanted wheel chair, the other I assumed to be Dionysus, he was stout and looked like porky pig with black hair.

"Chiron!" I shouted and his head shot up in surprise.

"Perseus, is that you? How long have you been awake?" he asked.

"Yes, it is. I have been awake five hundred years now." I said laughing.

The people who I was with stood there gaping.

"What do you mean when you said how long has he been awake?" asked Zoë Nightshade.

"I was asleep for many eons," I said.

This got more gasps.

"How are you still alive?" asked Bianca.

"I'm immortal obviously" I replied.

"Another immortal brat" said Porky pig sitting next to Chiron, "Why haven't I ever heard of you?"

"You were not born yet little piglet" at this he got a little angry and the others started laughing at him.

"Watch yourself!" Dionysus said before flashing out.

I just shook my head.

Zoë told Chiron that they are going to the Artemis cabin and then left with Bianca, but not before she whispered something into his eye. Chiron told Alex to show me the cabins and we left with Thalia, "So you are older than a god?" asked Thalia.

"Yes I am, but truth be told many people are older than Porky pig" I said with a chuckle.

"Don't say that," said Alex and Thalia nodded. "He is an Olympian."

I let out a shrug to dismiss his comment.

Alex and Thalia showed the cabins from twelve, but stopped when we reach the three cabins in front. Cabin one was high and mighty, a little dramatic for my taste. Cabin two was grand, also subtle and graceful and cabin three was not as grand as the first two, it was low and solid and it seemed to look like I was reaching out to the sea. I started going towards cabin two and I looked inside and found it was very beautiful inside abate it looked rather lonely.

"What are you doing?" asked Alex "This is Hera's cabin."

"I know, I just wanted to see it inside," I said. "It's beautiful, but sad as no one live in it. On second thought, I'm glad no one lives here."

They nodded.

"I don't like her very much" Thalia said.

"Can you blame her though?" I asked.

They both shook their heads.

'It's not as though she married him willingly.' I wanted to say. 'Zeus overpowered, raped her repeatedly and then shamed her into marrying him, but even than the bastard can't stay faithful to her."

"I guess not" said Thalia.

I nodded.

"I'm really tired" said Thalia. "I will see you later. Bye" then she walked toward cabin one.

"Who is your godly parent?" asked Alex.

"You will have to find out" I said walking towards the big house, where Chiron was sitting.

"I see you have taken a liking to Alex" said Chiron and I nodded.

"He is a good kid. He just has a terrible fate. And no he will not die," I said. "Lets get you inside and we can talk like old times."

We entered the Big House.

Chiron and I spend the next three hour catching up before he said he has to blow the conch horn to signal breakfast. When he came back he led me to the dining pavilion, which was large and open and arranged the same way as the cabins.

As we were walking I noticed a little girl tending the hearth and I diverted to her direction. When I arrived I bowed a little, "Aunt Hestia" I greeted.

she smiled. "Hello nephew. You don't need to bow to me as you are far more powerful than I" she said. And I shook my head.

"I bow out of respect, not power, after my mother I respect you most of all." I said and she looked grateful.

"Thank you. Your mother is dying inside you know, but she I too proud to leave, my brother." She said.

I nodded heart achingly.

"She is the goddess of marriage. She embodies hanging firm in a marriage, even if her heart and soul are torn, she won't leave at least without a push. That is no way to live." I said. "And that bastard will pay for what he has done to her when all is said and done."

"Yes, that is the truth." She said. "I sense that the oceans are stirring. And if that is true, the treaty you father agreed to, is worth nothing. His wife and your arrogant brother might be his banes."

I nodded grimly.

"If you'll excuse me dear nephew, I must leave for Olympus," She said before flashing out.

After the talk I noticed that Chiron was waiting for me so I quickly made my way to him. Chiron being Chiron decided not to ask and continued lead me to the pavilion. When we arrived I noticed that the Hunters were already there, Bianca was with them laughing without a shred of guilt on her face. I heard Zoë muttering something along the lines of the laziness of boys.

Chiron got to the main table and motioned me to sit with him and I shook my head, because I wanted to see how the campers sit. A few minutes later all of the campers arrived in somewhat single filed lines and all sat at respective tables. I noticed that cabin eleven was over flowing with campers.

I also saw Nico among them, he looked miserable, 'Poor kid' I thought to myself.

A few moments later I noticed Thalia talking to Alex and they both had determined looks to them and when they arrived they sat down at the own tables. Once everyone excluding myself was seated Chiron called for the attention of the campers, "Campers, we have two new campers who have joined us, but sadly Annabeth was taken from us," said Chiron glumly and at this the campers had stunned looks.

"Chiron risked her life for someone who clearly looks to be eighteen and could fend for himself" said one camper who had the same grey eyes, but Chiron shook his head in disagreement. "No he was not one of the two we sent them to rescue. He was there to rescue them, at the request of their godly parent."

"A lot of good he did, my sister is gone, because of him" the boy said pointing at me and I just rolled my eyes.

Thalia stood up and said, "If he wasn't there the monsters we encountered would have killed us anyway and Annabeth made her choice to jump on the Manticore."

The boy who is obviously her brother sat back down with a grim look painted on his proud face.

"This," Chiron said pointing at me. "Is Perseus, he is an old friend of mine."

"Who is your godly parent?" asked one camper. As I was about to answer a hologram of a Trident was displayed atop my head and every camper and Chiron knelt and Chiron said "All hail Perseus, son of the Storm bringer, the Earthshaker, god of destruction, fertility, floods and droughts Poseidon Lord of the seas and water."

When Chiron was done everyone stood up with shocked looks and a camper said "Lord Poseidon broke the oath again."

And for the first time, I spoke to the, "Father did not break the oath again. I am much too old child."

Thalia and Alex snickered at my comment.

Dionysus said, "Yeah right you are that old."

I looked at him after he said that. "You look, like you are eighteen, you can't be that old." all of the campers were confused as to what Dionysus was talking about.

"What do you mean he can't be that old Mr D?" asked a camper.

"He claims to be older than me" Dionysus said glumly.

The camper rolled her eyes, "That's it?"

"Not to burst your bubble Mr D, you are the youngest Olympian, so many people are older than you."

Dionysus nodded, but he also said, "That may be true, but he said It in a way that suggested that he was older than most of the Olympians."

"He is older than all of you except for the elder gods and you father is only ten years older than him. I mortal years it's a lot, but for gods it's though the blink of and eye, which makes him extremely old."

Everyone was stunned by Chiron's words. Some of the more dramatic campers even feinted, how? You ask me, I don't know.

"The earth is older than you think it is. And also mortal minds are easy to persuade, even clear sighted mortal only have a partial resistance to the mist. His age is a very big number for mortals to wrap their heads around, so the elder god decreased it to a time more manageable for mortal minds to comprehend and plunged every mortal being into a deep sleep until five million years ago and as the mortals say the rest is history."

After Chiron's speech everyone was still stunned, but they understood. I waved my hand to put an extra thick veil of mist on them to make them completely forget about our true ages. Everyone besides Chiron, Dionysus, The hunters, Alex, Thalia, Grover and Nico were affected by it. They all looked at me and I said "What?"

At that they resumed their eating and I sat across Alex and we both ate our breakfast.

Chapter 1 done!

ADDIO!