The Unclaimed Daughter

Chapter 1

Annabeth PoV

As Annabeth and Luke were being led around the camp by Chiron the centaur after having had a few days to rest, she noticed a kid sitting by themselves in front of the big house with a book in their hands. They looked about her age, but while all the other kids were walking around together in groups while chatting, or doing activities to keep themselves occupied, they seemed oddly alone and melancholic. Calling out to Chiron, she got his attention as he turned to her. “Any questions Annabeth?” She looked towards the kid, while giving a nod in their direction “Who's that? They seem lonely” Looking in the direction of the kid, Chiron frowned immediately when they saw the kid. “His name is Chris. He's the youngest camper ever to have arrived at camp. He's a pretty popular boy, although anyone at camp can tell you that he's gotten more and more reserved over the last two or so years”

Looking between the two, I can see the worry in Chiron's eyes. “He means a lot to you, doesn't he?” The slight widening of his eyes shows me everything I need to know. “While I'm not in the business of picking favourites in camp, it's hard to deny that I've come to care for the boy. He doesn't remember it fortunately, but I was the one to find him just past the border to camp after his mother sacrificed herself to keep him safe when he was four” Thinking about the thought of his mother dying like that makes a shiver run up my back, and makes me bubble with envy. His mother was willing to sacrifice, while my father barely even acknowledged me. 

Shrugging the feeling away, I look back at the centaur. “Who's his father?” The slight movement he makes with his legs tells me he's a little uncomfortable at the subject. “We don't know. To this day he remains unclaimed like many other kids, but unlike all other demigods, he has none of the distinct physical qualities of his father, unlike kids like you who has the grey eyes seen in all Athena kids” Luke looked frustrated with the conversation, and knowing how he feels about his own father it makes sense. “So you're telling me that this kid showed up when he was four, and right after losing his mother, and his father still didn't claim him?” 

Chiron looked over his shoulder at us, as he started to walk again. “That would be correct Luke, but as you've already seen in your own cabin, he's far from the only child who's gone unclaimed” All he gave in response, was a low scoff. “Then I'll do my damndest to make him feel comfortable in cabin 11” The small smile he gave Luke showed that he deeply appreciated the sentiment. “Now, how about I show you all the rest of the camp? I'm sure you're both excited to see everything now that you're both up and about” 

Chris PoV 

Looking over at the two campers Chiron was showing around, I recognized them as the two campers that arrived a few days prior. The same day that new large pine tree magically sprouted into existence as if from thin air. Looking at the blonde girl standing behind Chiron and looking towards me, I can't help but feel my cheeks heat up. They're undoubtedly talking about me, but that isn't why my cheeks feel like they're on fire. While plenty of the girls from the Aphrodite cabin are undoubtedly pretty, this girl is far prettier, at least to me. Her shoulder length hair is up in a messy ponytail, and bopping around as she moves around. Unlike me, her skin has a tan to it that would imply that she spends plenty of time in the sun. What's most startling though, is the fierce grey eyes she sports. Guess we know she's an Athena kid then, and I know for a fact that the guy next to her is a son of Hermes. 

More campers that arrive claimed, or are done so shortly after. It must be nice to know that your godly parents at least acknowledge your existence. That's more than I and others can say, as we're forced to bunk up in cabin 11 since none are willing to claim us. After they start to continue their tour, and after Chiron definitely shared my sob story, I get up with a scoff, as I start to walk towards the beach. 

Sitting down in the sand, I hear someone walking towards me from behind. I don't even need to turn to know who it is. “Showing up immediately as always. I'm not surprised Silena” Her melodic laugh surrounds me, as she sits down next to me while smiling at me. “Of course Chrissy boy, I know this is where you go when you're upset” My own chuckle is slightly self-deprecating. “You know how I get when new campers show up, especially when they're already claimed or when it happens immediately” Her smile turns sad as she wraps an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into her. “I know. That's why I always show up, because I want you to know you're never alone here at camp. Everyone is willing to be there for you, but we all know I'm your favourite so here I am”

This time my laugh is genuine, as I give her hand a squeeze while I'm struggling to breathe. “Clarisse is a close second, so don't get complacent” She lets out a huff of mock offence, as she swings her hair over her shoulder. “I love Clarisse, but we all know I'm far better than her” All I do is let out a small huff of contentment. While Silena is probably unintentionally a large part of why I feel so uncomfortable and insecure with myself, I can't help but love her. She's the older sister I never knew I wanted or needed, and she was one of the very first kids at camp to take me under her wing. “Jokes aside, you're the best Selina. It's no secret that you're my favourite camper” Her giggle is soft, but neither one of us says anything more. We simply settle on looking out over the waves, and enjoying the view and the pleasant heat of the summer sun. 

Words 1063

Here's the first real chapter. It's intentionally short, but things will pick up once we actually get to the first book. For now, it's simply small chapters to build up 'Chris' as a character, as well as to build 'his' friendship with Annabeth, while also showcasing 'his' relationship with the other kids at camp. Things that will be important later, both to understand what type of person 'Chris' is when 'he' isn't dealing with 'his' dysphoria and insecurities, but also for side characters to feel more dynamic and fleshed out, rather than just being there to fill an occasional gap in the story.