Katoptris

Book 1 ~ Part 2

The blonde was seven years old as she stumbled over the border to Camp Half-Blood. Half carrying her was the boy she'd met along the way, the boy who was easily manipulated into helping the poor, innocent, defenseless girl the blonde pretended to be. The girl was not so easily convinced, which is why the blonde disposed of her before they could arrive at the "safe haven" for demigods.

The blonde knew their guide would be disposed of soon enough, as the other girl was his main priority, and they had been overrun by monsters a few days back.

Better to get at least two kids to safety, even if neither were the one they wanted.

The blonde knew the world was failing. The earth mother had been speaking to her for years.

"Host my daughter. Create a new future for the good of all, where no one shall be forgotten. Where no on shall be neglected."

That future sounded pretty good to her.

Of course, there was just one problem; she didn't yet have the power to host the Titaness. But the first step was at the Greek Camp. She needed to see the future that she could shape it down the right path.

But that gift could also be a curse.

One that could both help others and destroy everything,

Especially the mind of who sees the future.

--

Megan was seven years old. She wanted nothing more than a family she could rely on. Her mother had abandoned her when she was just a few weeks old. Her father had given her away. Her sister had left during the night, and her foster mother felt Megan was nothing but a burden left by the gods.

She had no home to return to, even if she wanted to.

Megan ran through the woods with nothing but the clothes on her back and her mother's knife strapped to her side. She collided with someone and fell backwards into the earth. He was older than her, three, perhaps four years. He was tall and gangly, and wearing armor like the warriors in her sister's books. He knelt down to her level, his faded blue eyes staring into her faded green ones.

"Do not be afraid, little one. My name is Octavian."

He held out his hand, pulling Megan to her feet. "I'm Megan Love. Are you a demigod?"

He nodded and some of her fear disappeared. "I am a daughter of Mercury."

The boy smiled to her. "I thought there was something familiar about you, little sister. I, too, am a child of Mercury. Come, I can take you somewhere safe."

--

"Little sister."

Megan opened her eyes and found herself on a cold, stone floor. The previous night came flooding back to her. The camp. The rumors. The hatred.

As did the boy shaking her shoulder.

"Forgive me for saying such things last night. The others do not trust you. You must stay away from our siblings and the Athena cabin at all costs. We do not- I would not wish a similar fate to you as our last blonde faced."

Megan was still sleepy, but she knew who the boy spoke of. "You mean, Anna-"

He held up a hand. "Do not speak her name. I haven't much time. If I'm found assisting you, they shall accuse me of being a traitor as well."

"Then how can I stop this?" She could hear the camp waking up outside the cabin, even though the boy had shut the door on the way in.

"Finish the quest. Show them that you are not the same person. That you fight for the right reasons." He pushed a messenger bag into her hands. "Good luck on your quest, little sister."