Son of Hades: A Percy Jackson Fanfiction

Deal with the Devil

Chapter 3: Deal with the Devil

Cleo seems to be fitting in around here really well here for someone who hasn’t been claimed yet…which is strange. Chiron told me that something like this hasn’t happened since the battle of Olympus, since Percy made the gods agree to claim their children right away. So naturally Chiron’s cautious.

But as far as I can tell Cleo is acting like, well Cleo. The same Cleo who plays three varsity sports plus has the time to ace all of her classes. The only reason I passed last year was because I had her to help me. She moved into the Hermes cabin after I showed her the tour, and I haven’t really gotten to talk to her since. Lost in my thoughts I scream when Arrow lands on my Arm. “Jesus Arrow.” He ignores me turning away. “So is this gonna be how things are now? Your just gonna keep ignoring me?” he stretches his wings but still doesn’t turn towards me. I hadn’t been able to visit him with everything that happened. It’s not like I could take him home with me. What would mom think if I brought a vulture home? The stupid bird was trying to punish me. I hold up a piece of meat and he snatches it in his beak nearly taking my fingers with it. He takes off heading to the large oak that hung over the camp fire.

Taking a deep breath I head towards the sword arena. Clarisse and the rest are already there swinging away at practice dummies. When Clarisse sees me she frowns. “Where have you been?”

“Bird drama.” She nods probably understanding how temperamental Arrow is.

“We’re free next rotation but you’re going stay here and train, since you skipped.” She looks at me like she waiting for me fight her but I just shrug.

“No problem, I’ll train then meet you at dinner?” She nods then calls the rest of the guys. They clean up, head out and I’m alone. Taking a deep breath I pull out my sword and start practicing technique. There’s no use having a strong swing if you have no idea what you’re doing. I’m better than I was last year, faster, stronger. I’ve been practicing every day and shows.

“So what did that dummy do to you.” I swing my sword stopping only inches from Cleo’s throat, her eyes are wide. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine….you okay?” crap someone probably told her something. Gods, I’m gonna kick Connors ass.

“Yeah, just practicing. How are you with all of this?” She shrugs.

“We live in New York, it explains allot of the weird stuff you see around.” I smile.

“That it does.”

“So I hear you had a boyfriend.” She says suddenly her eyes narrowing.

“Yeah-“

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me? I’m your best friend and you couldn’t take time out of your busy monster slashing schedule to tell me you had a boyfriend?” I sigh sheathing the swords.

“It was in the summer, you were at camp remember? And after the way it ended…I guess I just didn’t want to really think about it.” We sit down against the fence and look at the woods beyond.

“I’m sorry.” She says and I nod.

“So am I.”

“Does that happen allot people just…?” She trails off but she doesn’t have to finish. I get it, everyone here gets it.

“Yes and no. That’s why you have to train hard that way you have a good chance at surviving out there.” She nods again and starts playing with her hands. I really wish she could have a normal life. She was pretty, smart and well normal. But she’s better off than I am so I’m thankful for that. I hear the lunch bell ring and we get up silently and walk into the arena. We say goodbye and head to our own tables.