There is a creepy person living in the stables

I tried my best to sleep but couldn't, Percy was sound asleep drooling the heck out of himself.

Everyone else slept soundly. I walk outside and sat at the beach, the waves looked so peaceful, and the surface of the water glittered from the moon's light, you could stare at the ocean all day and still not get bored.

I pop open a can of soda and enjoyed the view- well tried to atleast , I sigh 

"I'm bored" 

I thought looking at the ocean will distract me or atleast help me sleep but it didn't. If there was a lord of sleeping, I would appreciate if he would help me out a little! For an hour or so I watched the stars, until Max walked over and sighed

"Sup" I gestured him to sit down 

"Can't sleep?" I guessed, he nods 

"More like afraid to go to sleep" 

"Why?" 

"Half-blood nightmares, you know, the usual" 

I frown "I don't get nightmares" 

"You will sooner than later." he stared into the horizon; his blonde hair glistened with the sand. 

"You should go to sleep." he said, 

"I'm not tired" he smiles 

"You should see yourself, go. I'll join you later." I nod and go to my cabin. 

I stayed on my bed for a while then finally got tired and went to sleep. Max was right... dreams suck. 

I dreamt I was in a black throne room; the light was dim, soldiers surrounded the area, spirits milled around the throne passing papers and scrolls.

The area was so plain it made me feel bad for whoever designed this excuse for a building. Sitting on the throne was a figure tall and thin, this dark-skinned man had a frightening feel about him. His curly, black hair was noticeably short. He had stern, bulging, brown eyes, puffy cheeks, and large ears. He had small hands, average-sized feet, slanted shoulders, long legs, and a long neck.

He wore scruffy, formal clothes that were mostly dark-colored and form fitting, he raised his hand and the soldier in the middle bowed 

"Permission to speak my lord?" 

The king sat up straight "Permission granted." 

The soldier stood then cleared his throat, he pulled out a scroll and read aloud "Uh let's see, 'On behalf of the Council of Peloro you are granted permission to access the Terra network and all the soldiers who serve us'-" the king put out a ferocious smile 

"Continue." He said, 

"On one condition, you bring the half-blood to the queen" the king frowned 

"And why would I agree on such terms?" he said 

The soldier sighed "It says 'to give the half-blood alive, when we are done with her you can have her back' this is amazing sire! With all this power we will be unstoppable! It will be nothing like your last death!" 

The king scowled "THERE IS NO WE YOU BUFOON, IT'S ONLY ME! YOU'RE JUST ANOTHER ONE OF MY SACRIFICIAL PAWNS!" he bellowed; Ouch harsh 

The soldier cowered "Yes sire, sorry sir. It won't happen again." 

"It better not or else next time the punishment will be severe! And trust me Ajax, everyone knows that I am very creative." The soldier nods and rushes out of the throne room.

The king turns to my direction, for a moment there I thought he saw me, but he was looking at a woman behind me 

"Batia, step forward and report" 

The snake-lady slithered towards the king and bowed

"The half-bloodssss are beginning their quesssst it'sss only a matter of time before they fall into our trap" 

"Location?" 

"Unfortunately, ssssstill at their camp, they leave the day after tomorrow at dawn. Shall we ssssssend our hunter to capture them when they leave the bordersssss?" 

"No." he ordered; she hissed 

"Why not? It'll sssssave ussss a lot of time it'ssss not wissse-" 

"SILENCE!" the king roared "YOU DARE QUESTION MY INTELLIGANCE?" 

"N-n-never my lord, my apologiessss!" she bowed and sssss-slithered (Sorry she's getting into me) away 

The king slumped on his seat, the soldier next to him said "Are you not well, Lord Alpos?" 

The king waved his hand, "Take me to my chambers, I have a lot to do. And tell Ajax if he ever mentions death again, he'll see it for himself. Find a way to convince Eris , she is necessary to our plans, and quick. The longer I stay in this retched body the more it resists!"

The soldier did as he ordered. Then my vision went dark, I appeared in the water, but this water felt different; dead; how can water die? I tried to breathe but couldn't, I chocked and flailed; panicked I realized I couldn't breathe underwater anymore; I see Piper next to me shouting, 

"Help us! Let us breathe, Eva what are you doing?! Come on! I can't hold my breath much longer!"

If she can't hold her breath, how is she talking to me? 

I shook my head and mouthed I'm sorry, it's not obeying me. The moment I couldn't hold my breathe any longer, the dream ended. I woke up gasping and shivering, everyone was gone, and the room looked a lot cleaner 

"Sup?" Percy walked into the room carrying clean laundry 

"Oh uh, sup." 

"Terrible dream last night, I suppose?" He asks as he folds his clothes 

I flinch "Yeah"

Jerold shivered from inside his tank, mumbling in his sleep 

Perseus sat down on his bed his expression serious "Tell me" 

I explained to him about the king Alpos, his servants Batia and Ajix or Ajax. I explained the king's conversation with Ajax about Council of Peloro and his access to the Terra network including all 'Our soldiers'. On the condition he gives 'The half-blood to the queen, and the snake-lady Batia setting a trap for us and wanting the king to send his hunter.

I decided not to mention about the rest it made me uncomfortable. He silently listened to every detail not making a sound 

"Hmm..." He rubbed his chin "Alpos... I heard about him before but isn't he dead?" 

"That's what's confusing me, isn't he supposed to be dead?" Percy was silent for a while 

"Oh Hades no. The Doors of Death, he must've escaped when they were open" 

"Pardon?" 

"A while ago, the Doors of Death has opened by Gaea's army. We were able to close them, but some souls escaped." 

I slowly nod letting than info go through my head a couple of times "So bad?" 

"Very. He is a giant... has a lot of arms. The pictures of him are horrible! Anyway, I'm getting off point. I remember him being a son of Gaea. Alpos was killed by Mr. D I think, he's a HUGE threat." 

"Mr. D?" 

"Dionysus" 

"Oh" 

"He's our camp director sadly." 

"And Batia and Ajax what about them?" 

"Batia is obviously a monster but Ajax-" I waited "Sorry Eva I don't know. Let's tell Annabeth later, ok? Now help me out." 

"Give me a sec" I ran to the bathroom; I freshened up and wore my new Camp Half-Blood Shirt Percy gave me.

For some reason, it reminded me of the time I wore a blue shirt that read

'All Hail Zeus!' but then I wrote over the word Zeus, me. Zeus didn't seem to like that, for 4 continuous weeks it was raining thunder, then on steak day (My Fav) a cloud suddenly appeared in the kitchen and burned my steak.

But wait, it gets worse, the dude still wasn't satisfied and decided to ask Hera to put cow feces all around my house, it took me a whole 36 hours to clean with no break and I couldn't even use my powers ('You shouldn't use your powers unless you need to' my dad warned) gods are merciless! 

 ---------------------------------------------------------------

At the afternoon I met Percy, Grover, and Annabeth in front of the Big House I explained my dream to them, Annabeth just nodded 

"Ajax is most likely a half-blood, there is a possibility he's a mortal too" 

"Mortal? How?" I asked 

"Mortals can also take part in these things as they blindly follow monsters for money, the mist covers mostly everything they see but sometimes it weakens making mortals insane. He might also be working with them without the mist" 

"Didn't the Alpos guy terrorize Sicily?" Percy said 

"He's most likely there somewhere in Peloro Cape. We can only hope that though." 

As we walked through the fields of the camp, I spotted a figure darting from one place to another 

"What is that!?" I ask Percy 

"You gotta be kidding me" Percy mutters "Wait here, I'mma go for a sec" he runs towards Chiron 

I notice the figure stop in front of the one troublemaker of the Demeter cabin, John. I sigh 

"Wait for me, guys." I rush towards the two and overhear John saying, "How about a little closer to me sweetheart?" EW this guy's disgusting, I hear another voice reply in a soft tone 

"No thanks. Please go die somewhere-" 

"Oh, come on. You know you want to." 

Furious, I storm towards them and punch John in the face 

"You disgusting CREEP!" I shout, "she said NO!" he scrambles away, and we're left in silence, I turn towards the figure. My eyes finally meet hers; I couldn't make out her features before she yelps and dashes away. 

As she ran, I shout from behind, "A thank you would've been nice, you jerk!" 

Percy then runs up to me, out of breath "Wh-Where is she?" 

"You mean the ungrateful nincompoop that I just saved?" he slowly nods. I point to the direction she ran, and he runs after her. 

I stand still for a moment processing what just happened. Why was Percy running after her? 

Grover appeared next to me and asked, "Who's she?" 

I shake my head "I don't know, and I don't care. C'mon let's go." 

--- 

It's been a day. TIME FOR OUR QUEST, MWAHAA 

I meet with Percy and the others with my bag packed with recently bought food (Ambrosia, chocolates etc.) Unfortunately, Jerold refused to risk his life and come along as he was 'just a fish'. Chiron wishes me the best of luck and the campers waved goodbye 

"Come back alive, ok?" a camper shouted 

"Don't lose too many limbs!" another one added 

We all board the ship and set out to Sicily. I unpack my bag and join the others at the meeting room. For breakfast was turkey sandwiches, eggs on bread and PANCAKES! Instead of eating from the plate Percy made blue pancakes for himself with blueberry 

"Yo, what are you doing?" I ask 

"Hm?" Percy didn't take his eyes of his pancakes 

"Why is it blue?" 

"Family reasons" 

"Please explain?" 

"My late stepfather argued that food couldn't be blue. So, my mum, went out of her way to bring and make me blue food, including blue cakes and candy" he laughs "And then I got addicted" 

I whistle "Damn bro." 

Annabeth intertwined her fingers with Percy's (These people are too cute, its unrealistic) and said, "Shall we plan ahead now?" 

"About what?" I ask

"The quest dummy." Leo answered 

"What would be planning? Aren't we gonna bash his front doors and attack?" Everyone eyes were on me as if to say Are you stupid?

Making me feel stupid...

"What? I'm just asking!" 

"We plan. We can't just charge, that's just being reckless." Annabeth explained 

"Reckless is my middle name" 

Leo burst into laughter "Evangeline Reckless Hill?" I stare daggers at him, he made a wise choice by shutting up 

"Since we don't have a prophecy at the moment our only plan is to go north like Chiron said." Hazel said 

"But how will we find Alpos's kingdom? It could be anywhere! It'll take too long to search for it in an entire city!" Percy complained 

"Maybe I can research on it?" Annabeth suggested 

"Ok, while Annabeth does her brainy stuff, I'mma go outside. I need someone to help clean my ship" Leo said 

"Why?" I ask 

"Because if you haven't noticed Eva, there is dust all over the place and I couldn't clean it, because of your dad's fussy message to get you. So, you're helping me clean the decks, come on." 

We all headed to the lower deck and sat in pairs, Piper with Nico, Hazel with Frank, and Leo, me with Annabeth and Percy. I felt like I popped their personal bubble of romantic stuff, so I decided to leave. Suddenly under my feet I felt a kingly aura, as if a half-blood was right under me. To check if my instincts were right, I stomped my foot right above the aura, it retreated, I waited for it to come back but it didn't. I hear a loud clank. 

I left the deck and headed downstairs to investigate; I ran to the area where the aura was strongest; the stables.

I covered my nose, somebody sprayed perfume in a stable?! What type of idiot would do that? I walked around the room until I spotted a figure shaking behind a barrel 

"You are really bad at this." I noted, the figure stopped shaking and grew very still 

"I see you." No answer 

I huff, and walk towards the barrel, the figure suddenly pops out of it and whispers 

"Pleaaase shut up! I don't want to be caug-" she pauses then studies me; I do the same. It was her, the girl I saved from John,

"YOU! You ungrateful littl-" 

"OH, my goodness I am so sorry! I was gonna say thank you, but Percy chased after me!" 

"And what's wrong with you? You're so bad at hiding!" 

"I kinda figured" 

"Who are you?" 

"Ashley West, daughter of Zeus, blessed by Aphrodite and Apollo, slay me. Haha. Call me Ash though. What's your name?" 

"I'm asking the questions here! Are you evil or something? Why was Percy chasing you?" 

"Nah, my dad told me to stay away from him because he attracts trouble. Example: You" 

"Eva? You there?" Leo's shadow grew closer as he shouted my name 

"Oh snap! HIDE!" I scooted Ash behind the barrel and covered her, until Leo caught me bending 

"What are you doing?" 

"Oh Leo! Hi! Uh, my necklace fell, oh look at that I found it! You can go now." 

"Wha-?" I pushed him out of the stables 

"Bye!" 

"Wai-" 

"Byee!" 

"Wait-" 

"I said SCRAM!" he scurried away 

I turned to Ash who was still hiding her pale skin stood out I was surprised Leo didn't notice. She stood, I didn't really anticipate on her look, let me tell you.

She had staggeringly long dark purple hair that went all the way to her knees her features were stunning despite the poorly lighten room. Her milky white skin brought out the unique complexion of her eyes, I studied it noting the dark purple gleam with navy blue rings circling it I watched it curiously.

That's when I realized the scent was hers, a sweet scent mixed with the stable air, the scent somehow seemed to relax my nerves if we weren't in a stable! 

"Thanks for you know..." She spoke 

"No, no, I don't know. Please tell me" 

She rolls her eyes "For saving me." 

"Hm? What was that?" 

"For saving me." She said in higher tone 

"You're welcome!" 

I stare at her for a few seconds "What?" she asks 

"How did you get in this ship?" 

"I dunno, I jumped I guess." 

"Wait, let me rephrase that. Why did you get in this ship?" 

"I was bored." 

"You snuck in our ship because you were bored?" 

"Ye-" she suddenly went quiet looking behind me 

"What are yo-? They're right behind me, aren't they?" she nervously nods. 

I look behind me and smile "Hey guys. I know what this looks like-" 

Percy and the others were staring at Ashley "I knew it!" Leo appeared from behind, giving me a thumbs up, curse you, Leo! Ash fainted from shock behind me, I glance at her 

"Well, that was unexpected." I said. 

 --------------------------------------------------------------

We all sat in the meeting room surrounding Ashley who was tied up onto a chair. She woke up and started eyeing all of us as if trying to figure out what happened 

"Uh... Sorry?" she said 

"Sorry? You snuck on my ship!" Leo glowered 

"Calm down Leo, this is Ashley West, an unclaimed half-blood. One of our recent campers. We haven't decided if we could trust her yet…" Percy explained, Ash stared at Percy 

"Oh you! I remember! Percy Jackson, right? Chiron mentioned you! Sorry for making you run an entire lap around camp." Percy was too surprised to answer 

"Ashley, how did you get on this ship?" Piper questioned 

"I jumped when it was flying." She said it like it was a casual thing to do like hanging onto a plane 

"What?" Annabeth exclaimed 

"Wait unclaimed I though-?" before I could finish my sentence Ashley screamed 

"AAAH!! Its late you can go to sleep I'll just stay here tied up to the chair. I definitely won't sneak of the ship while you guys are asleep, I promise."

She sighed "but I would love a pillow and a comfy bed. Maybe even some food. Some fresh clothes, a room, preferably chocolate from Eva, not being tied to a chair." She sang 

"Should we throw her of the ship?" Leo asked 

"Oh yes please do so. I would love that; all you need to do it yeet me of the ship. Chop-chop come on, yeet me." 

"Are you really unclaimed?" Annabeth said 

"Oh no I am sooo unclaimed. I am so unclaimed to the point I don't know what it means! HAHAHAAAA!" she started tearing all the sudden "I WANNA GO HOME!" 

Silence. 

"What a sudden change of attitude." I said, "Why are you lying? Your claimed!" 

"I'm not lying! Your lying! Don't listen to her guys, believe the stranger not her! Hahahahaaa." 

"You're so suspicious!" Frank said 

"Wait. Hold on a minute! BACK UP! Did you take my chocolates?!" I ask, she was silent for a moment 

"What chocolate? What's a chocolate?" her non-existent lying skills almost made me feel bad 

"You said, 'preferably chocolates from Eva' and yesterday mine were gone! Curse you! You sorry excuse for a-" 

"So, do we let her go?" Piper asked 

I studied Ash for a moment "Yees. She'll sleep with me. I wanna have a long chat with her." 

"Uh, I prefer being yeeted off the ship please." She squeaked then sighs "Ugh fine dad. I said FINE. I am claimed, ok? Don't worry just let me go I'll float away to non-existence, just let me go!" she pleaded 

I smile "Oh no dear. You're staying right here! Your bored, aren't you? Let's have fun." I said my tone dripping with venom 

"Who's your godly parent?" Annabeth asked, this girl can't let a single detail slip by. Ash didn't reply so instead I did 

"THE LORD ZEUS! DUN-DUN-DUUUN!" I shout dramatically 

"Just throw me off the ship already!" she pleaded, confusion clouds everyone's expression as they study her once again, then Piper takes a step and asks 

"How-?" she asks 

"When Zeus and a female fall in looove-" before she can continue Leo interrupts 

"How are you here? What about the big three promise? Aren't Ja-… Isn't Thalia the last child of the Big Three?" I raise my hand in protest 

"I'm still here" I blurted 

"That's different" 

"You hurt my feelings, Leo." 

"Zeus kept me hidden in a mansion, so I never actually interacted with anyone...other than my nanny obviously. BUT IT WAS HORRIBLE, so I escaped then apparently being blessed by Aphrodite didn't help me ONE BIT cause as soon as I left the house the monsters picked up on my scent and started hunting me down. Zeus warned me to refrain from using my powers in public because it attracts attention, so I couldn't defend myself...but luckily this really adorable goat dude named Grover saved me and took me to camp. Zeus warned me not to tell anyone about my true identity so when Chiron started questioning me I decided to make a run for it...and well you know the rest"

She explained, I sympathized with her understanding the loneliness of having to live alone with no company and at least my dad kept me company every once a month or so...Zeus seemed like the kind of dad who'd be too busy for that. 

"Your blessed by my mom?" Piper asked, 

"I'm also blessed by Apollo." She added, the shock on their faces was almost audible I snorted 

"So, you snuck on the ship because you were bored? Despite Zeus aka your dad telling you to stay put," she nods "Slay to that" 

I free her then give her a high-five. Hazel frowned 

"What now?" 

I laugh "What else? Continue our quest of course." I wink at Ash "No turning back now."