Percy Jackson & The Mutant Demigods

Chapter 16

Chapter 16: The Confusion Chapter

Sam

I got a warmer welcome than I expected.

I knew Percy and Annabeth would be missed, but there were a lot of people who welcomed me back, most of whom I didn't know personally. But I liked the attention; with Percy being my brother, it was hard to attract attention. Apparently, I was known more than I thought.

I would say that the rest of the summer went by without any major events. However, I'm not going to say that because that would be a lie of epic proportions.

Our second morning back was a great example: I was about to enjoy my breakfast when I noticed a handful of Aphrodite kids pointing at me and giggling. I looked around and saw a girl from the Apollo cabin staring at me. When she saw me gazing, she blushed and quickly looked away.

I blinked. I knew that look: the Apollo girl was in love. But with me? Sure, I'd seen her before: we had archery class together I knew her name was Natalie Turner. She seemed to be really shy; I'd rarely get to see her because she'd find some excuse to leave. Was it because she liked me?

For the rest of the summer, I kept an eye out for Natalie, who kept showing up in the weirdest places. Though she wasn't the only one.

Leo also seemed to be stalking me, but he would always deny it. The first time I asked him about it, he replied: "Just looking around. You never know what you can find around here."

I should've reacted differently. I had had practice with stuff like this. But Leo caught me off guard, so of course he continued 'looking around' for something. But what?

The realization terrified me: Leo knew something special about me. Somehow, he saw something I was trying so hard to keep a secret.

Aside from that, the rest of the summer was fine. I had several talks with Percy about our powers, and in return he showed me how to control water better. Annabeth taught me Ancient Greek, and it wasn't long before I could speak it fluently.

One day in August, I woke up to find a note on my bedside table:

Dear Sam Mule Sniffer______________,

If you intend to stay at Camp Half-Blood year-round, you must inform the Big House by noon today. If you do not announce your intentions, we will assume you have vacated your cabin or died a horrible death. Cleaning harpies will begin work at sundown. They will be authorized to eat any unregistered campers. All personal articles left behind will be incinerated in the lava pit.

Have a nice day!

Mr. D (Dionysus)

Camp Director, Olympian Council #12

Percy read over my shoulder, smirking. "Your last name is Sniffer?"

"Shut up," I grunted. I didn't like using (or hearing, for that matter) my mother's surname.

Percy seemed to understand. "So, have you decided yet? Are you going to stay?"

I considered the question. On first glance, the answer was obvious: stay. School or hero training? I mean, come on! Who wouldn't miss school for that?

But then there was my situation to add into the equation. If I did stay, what would happen between me and the other Virals? What happens if they're in trouble and I'm not around? Would I even be a member of the pack?