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chapter one ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
001. Doubtful Yet Delightful Dancing

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Cassie didn't know how to dance.

Now you might be wondering what that has to do with anything and well...

Today Sally Jackson had come to pick her, Annabeth, and Thalia up.

Percy was accompanying his mom but was that really exciting? No.

Neither was the eight-hour drive from New York to Bar Harbor, Maine. Especially not for a bunch of demigods with ADHD.

Snow pelted the car nonstop. It had been awhile since the four had seen each other. But with the blizzard and what they were tasked to do, their nerves kept them quiet. Except Cassie of course.

With Sally in the car the two didn't stop talking. Percy learned that just like his mom, Cassie starts rambling when nervous.

She also kept fiddling with Annabeth's hand which was intertwined with her own. The blonde claimed it was to stop the girl from exploding, but Percy and Thalia knew better.

In those eight hours they spent together, Sally had adopted Cassie as an honorary Jackson.

Everyone in the car was basically family. They had been told every embarrassing baby Percy story by the time they reached their destination.

"You should hear about this one time in the bath-"

"Mom!" Percy interrupted.

Thalia laughed before wiping her hand on the window, peering through the fog,

"Oh, yeah. This'll be fun."

༻ ─── •✧💢✧• ─── ༺

'Fun' probably wasn't the best description. Westover Hall was like those castles you'd see in movies, except a lot duller and creepier.

The walls were made of black stone and the towers quite literally towered over them.

The slit windows reminded Cassie of a prison. Don't ask how she knew what prison was like.

Cassie was just waiting for the wooden double doors to open by themselves. Or for the whole castle to fall off the edge of the snowy cliff.

Below was a forest and on the other side an ocean. The trees were coated in white snow and sparkled in the light. The ocean crashed and roared.

"Are you sure you don't want me to wait?" Sally offered.

"No, thanks, Mom. I don't know how long it will take. We'll be okay." Percy reassured.

"But how will you get back? I'm worried, Percy."

The son of Poseidon's cheeks flushed. He was already embarrassed that his mom had driven him to his battle.

"It's okay, Ms. Jackson. We'll keep him out of trouble." Annabeth sent Sally a comforting smile.

Csssie couldn't help but stare. The blonde looked pretty, especially with the snow falling into her hair.

Her gray eyes were the same color as the dreary ocean but they shone with anticipation and were nowhere near as dull.

Also her lips were so red due to the cold. Cassie was sure her face heated up.

Ever since that cheek kiss, the daughter of Ares had been feeling weirder than normal.

She released Annabeth's hands, stuffing her own in her pockets.

Cassie was wearing jean pants, a black long sleeve, and a thick red sweater. Her hair was still it's usually choppy short mess just tucked beneath a red beanie.

Sally was relieved by Annabeth's comment. The daughter of Athena was the most levelheaded demigod to Ms. Jackson.

She believed Annabeth had kept the two, Cassie included, from dying multiple times. Was she wrong? No. But Percy still didn't like it.

"All right, dears. Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes, Ms. Jackson. Thanks for the ride." Thalia nodded.

"Extra sweaters? You have my cell phone number?"

"Already memorized!" Cassie called. She was good with remembering phone numbers.

"Mom-"

"Your ambrosia and nectar, Percy? And a golden drachma in case you need to contact camp?"

"Mom, seriously! We'll be fine. Come on, guys."

The slightly hurt look on Sally's face annoyed Cassie. She pulled Percy outside by the ear.

Percy groaned. At this rate he wanted to bury himself in the snow and freeze to death.

Cassie pushed him over and he fell onto his back. Percy grabbed her leg in return and she face planted into the snow.

Thalia and Annabeth who had followed after them
laughed. The duo made snowballs and threw it at the two.

Annabeth landed a snowball right on Cassie cheek. The daughter of Ares yelped but made another snowball and chased the blonde.

They both slipped and tumbled in the snow, Cassie on top of Annabeth.

The blonde blushed and Cassie propped herself up.

"Sorry." The daughter of Ares got up and offered a hand to Annabeth.

"You're an idiot Warpath."

"I've been told."

Annabeth scoffed and playfully rolled her eyes. She looked ahead to Percy and Thalia who were getting farther and farther.

"Come on!"

Cassie followed her, after waving to Ms. Jackson. Sally waved back with a bright smile.

Annabeth grabbed onto Cassie's sweater collar and dragged the girl away.

It was really cold. The wind felt like they were being stabbed by spiky ice.

Once Mrs. Jackson's car was out of sight, Thalia turned to Percy.

"Your mom is so cool, Percy."

"She's pretty okay," Percy shrugged. "What about you? You ever get in touch with your mom?"

He regretted that immediately. Over the past few months, Thalia had perfected her evil look. It usually appeared around Percy and occasionally Cassie.

Her punk clothing, chain jewelry, black eyeliner, and electric blue eyes added to the intensity. If looks could kill, Percy would be six feet under.

"If that was any of your business, Percy-"

"We'd better get inside. Grover will be waiting." Annabeth cut in.

"Wouldn't want to worry goat boy more than necessary." Cassie grinned.

Thalia shivered. Cassie couldn't tell if it was from the cold or the creepy castle.

"You're right. I wonder what he found here that made him send the distress call." The daughter of Zeus thought aloud.

"Nothing good," Percy guessed.

"No shi-" Cassie was silenced by Annabeth's hand.

༻ ─── •✧💢✧• ─── ༺

The doors creaked as they opened and the four brought snow inside with them.

"Whoa."

Holy Hades this place was big. The walls were basically weapon displays. If Annabeth hadn't grabbed Cassie's hand, the brunette would literally be bouncing off the walls.

Percy instinct kicked it and he reached for Riptide. Something was off in a very dangerous way.

Thalia was fiddling with her silver bracelet. It was definitely her favorite magic item.

The two made eye contact. They both knew a fight was coming.

Cassie did too, which was evident with her slightly red glowing hand.

"I wonder where-" Annabeth was cut off by the doors slamming closed.

"Oo-kay. Guess we'll stay awhile." Percy mumbled.

"Great." Cassie muttered.

There was the distant sound of music booming, coming from down the hall.

After somewhat throwing their bags behind a pillar, the group headed down the hall. They didn't make it far when footsteps came rushing towards them.

A man and a woman walked out in front of them. They both matched with their short gray hair and military uniforms.

The woman had a mustache and the man's face was as clear as glass. Seemed strange but Percy learned not to question things. They shuffled when they walked, scrapping the floor.

"Well? What are you doing here?" The woman snapped. She titled her head up in a snobby fashion.

"Um... " Percy forgot about this part. The chance that someone would catch four random teens roaming the halls late at night.

"Ma'am, we're just-"

"What does it look like?" Cassie quipped with a roll of her eyes.

"Ha! Visitors are not allowed at the dance! You shall be ee-jected!" The man had French accent.

He towered over them and had hawk-like features. He flared his nostrils and stared them down intently. He had one brown eye and the other was blue.

Cassie was sure the man was about to kick them out, no hesitation. But then Thalia stepped up and did something special.

With a clear and loud snap of her fingers, wind gushed from her hand. It blew them and the banners on the walls.

"Oh, but we're not visitors, sir. We go to school here. You remember: I'm Thalia. And this is Annabeth, Cassie, and Percy. We're in the eighth grade." Thalia gestured to each of them when she listed their names.

The man narrowed his eyes, staring into their soul. Cassie had the feeling she wouldn't like this guy but she didn't know why.

Annabeth's eyes squeezed shut as she waited for them to be dismissed. Cassie grabbed the blonde's hand and the two locked eyes.

It was a silent message of 'we'll be ok' and it was more than enough to calm the daughter of Athena.

After his hesitance the man turned to the woman, "Ms. Gottschalk, do you know these students?"

"Pft-" Cassie and Percy shared a look as they both held back their laughter.

Her name was really Got Chalk? And she was a teacher? No way.

The woman blinked all dazed like. "I... yes. I believe I do, sir."

Regaining her composure, Ms. Gottschalk's face fell. "Annabeth, Cassandra, Thalia, Percy. What are you doing away from the gymnasium?"

Before anyone replied, rushed footsteps came from behind them. Grover ran into sight before hunching over, catching his breath.

"You made it! You-" Grover hesitated, glancing at the teachers. "Oh, Mrs. Gottschalk. Dr. Thorn! I,
uh-"

"What is it, Mr. Underwood?" said Dr. Thorn.

Cassie stifled another laugh. What is up with these names?

It wasn't hard to tell the man disliked Grover. "What do you mean, they made it? These students live here."

Grover bleated nervously. "Yes, sir. Of course, Dr. Thorn. I just meant, I'm so glad they made... the punch for the dance! The punch is great. And they made it!"

Dr. Thorn turned to glower at the four. Percy thought one of his eyes was definitely fake.

Cassie glared back with just as much intensity. The man was just about ready to throw them off the castle's highest tower.

But that never happened because Mrs. Gottschalk nodded dreamily, "Yes, the punch is excellent. Now run along, all of you. You are not to leave the gymnasium again!"

They nodded and followed Grover away. Cassie muttered a "Yes ma'am" and saluted Ms. Gottschalk.

As her hand came down she flipped off Dr. Thorn and happily let Annabeth intertwine their fingers.

The group, led by Grover, followed the sound of muffled music. The teachers eyes burned holes in their backs.

Percy moved closer to Thalia and whispered, "How did you do that finger-snap thing?"

"You mean the Mist? Hasn't Chiron shown you how to do that yet?" The daughter of Zeus questioned.

And suddenly, the son of Poseidon's throat felt very dry. Chiron was their head trainer back at camp. Why did he show Thalia a trick he had never shown Percy?

His train of thought was interrupted by Grover pushing open a glass door labeled GYM. The music boomed in their ears as the five stepped inside.

"That was close! Thank the gods you got here!" Grover let out a sigh of relief.

Annabeth, Thalia, and surprisingly Cassie hugged Grover. Percy resorted to a loud high five.

It had been so long since they last saw Grover. He looked the same as always, disguised as a human. Though to be fair he did grow a few inches and some more whiskers grew.

The only thing that stood out was his black T-shirt. With a bit of a struggle from their dyslexia, Percy and Cassie managed to read, WESTOVER HALL: GRUNT.

'Grunt'? Cassie furrowed her eyebrows. Was that like Grover's rank or the school motto?

"So what's the emergency?" Percy asked.

"I found two."

"Two half-bloods? Here?" Thalia's eyes widened in amazement.

"No two chimeras." Cassie quipped sarcastically.

The daughter of Zeus rolled her eyes and pushed the brunette's shoulder. Grover just nodded.

Finding two half-bloods was a pretty big deal. Especially now when so many campers were leaving.

Chiron sent the satyrs to schools all over the country. They were getting desperate and needed new fighters. But there wasn't many demigods out there.

"A brother and a sister. They're ten and twelve. I don't know their parentage, but they're strong. We're running out of time, though. I need help?" The satyr explained.

"Monsters?"

"One. He suspects. I don't think he's positive yet, but this is the last day of term. I'm sure he won't let them leave campus without finding out. It may be our last chance! Every time I try to get close to them, he's always there, blocking me. I don't know what to do!"

Grover looked to Thalia for an answer. Cassie noticed Percy's face fall. He used to be the one Grover came to in situations like this.

But now Thalia was the one with seniority and it wasn't just because Zeus is her dad.

The daughter of Zeus had way more experience with monsters than the other four. She even technically died fighting them.

"Right. These half-bloods are at the dance?"

Cassie scoffed playfully at the what she considered dumb question.

Grover nodded.

"Then let's dance. Who's the monster?"

"Oh," Grover paused, scanning nearby, "You just met him. The vice principal, Dr. Thorn."

Cassie sighed, of course it was him. That's why she got a bad vibe. Her senses were never wrong, and yet she doubt them every time.

The people here were strange. It was almost as if they'd never gone to a party before which would make sense with the whole military school thing.

The guys were kicking balloons into each other's faces and trying to strangle each other for fun. Meanwhile the girls were huddled together, moving in crowds. Their faces were more makeup then skin and their outfits were very mismatched.

Every so often a group of them would choose their next victim. Some poor guy who was just minding his business would be covered in ribbons and lipstick.

The boys looked just as uncomfortable as Percy who was meandering around, hands in his pockets. Though he had an excuse because at any moment he might have to fight for his life.

"There they are. Bianca and Nico di Angelo." Grover nodded in the direction of two arguing siblings,

Cassie's eyes widened. They looked so familiar.

She started at the girl who had a floppy green cap atop her dark silky hair. The two were obviously siblings. The little boy was shuffling through some type of cards.

The sister seemed to be dissatisfied with him. She was also on edge and kept glancing around alert.

"Wait... I know those two." She inspected them once again. "From the..." Cassie trailed off, her mind blanking.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow before facing Grover, "Do they... I mean, have you told them?"

Grover denied. "You know how it is. That could put them in more danger. Once they realize who they are, their scent becomes stronger."

He and Percy made eye contact in understanding. The son of Poseidon never understood what exactly a half-blood smelled like.

He did understand that it could get them killed though. The stronger the demigod, the more likely they were to be tracked down.

"So let's grab them and get out of here," Percy suggested. As if it would be that easy.

He was quickly pulled back by Thalia. The vice principal was now in the gym and standing awfully close to the di Angelos.

Dr. Thorn glared at them, his blue eye glowing. He definitely hadn't fallen for Thalia's Mist trick. He knew they were stranger but he didn't know why they were here.

"Don't look at the kids. We have to wait for a chance to get them. We need to pretend we're not interested in them. Throw him off the scent." Thalia demanded.

"How?"

"We're four powerful half-bloods. Our presence should confuse him. Mingle. Act natural. Do some dancing. But keep an eye on those kids."

"Dancing?" Annabeth inquired. No one noticed the quick glance she made in Cassie's direction.

Thalia confirmed but she made a disgusted face once she heard the music currently playing. "Ugh. Who chose the Jesse McCartney?"

"I did." Grover announced, somewhat offended.

"Oh my gods, Grover. That is so lame. Can't you play, like, Green Day or something?"

"Green who?"

"Never mind. Let's dance."

"But I can't dance!"

"You can if I'm leading. Come on, goat boy."

Grover let out a yelp and was dragged to the dance floor by Thalia. Percy mumbled something and walked off to the snack bar.

Cassie laughed before turning to Annabeth who had a dumb smile on her lips.

"What's got you all smiley blondie?"

"Nothing. It's just cool to have Thalia back."

The corners of the brunette's mouth tilted up. Cassie was glad Annabeth was happy.

The blonde had grown since last summer but she was still shorter than the daughter of Ares. Her usually plain wrists were adorned with bracelets.

Cassie smirked, those were the bracelets she got Annabeth right before the daughter of Athena left for school. They were gold and had fake diamond charms, one red one to represent Cassie.

They looked good along with Annabeth's camp bead necklace and her little owl shaped earrings. Someone had pierced her ears. Her blonde hair rested under her ski cap which she had removed.

"How's 3-D design going?" Cassie asked. She and Annabeth had Iris-messaged a lot in their time apart.

The brunette knew all about Annabeth's elective choices, but she could never get tired of listening to the blonde rant.

The usual spark in Annabeth's eyes appeared. Cassie noticed it always showed whenever the daughter of Athena talked about something passionately.

"Oh my gods, Carter. There's the cool computer program I told you about..."

Annabeth proceeded to rant but honestly, Cassie didn't pay attention to a single word. She was too busy staring at the blonde.

As they got older, it seemed Annabeth kept getting prettier. Cassie couldn't help her heart skipping a beat.

Annabeth Chase was the only one who could get Cassie Carter this flustered and mushy.

The daughter of Ares was sad Annabeth liked her new school so much, but she was used to it. Being stuck at camp alone with only a few campers. Percy was one of them.

This was the first time Annabeth went to school in New York. Maybe Cassie had hoped to see her more.

The school was all girls, perfect for the daughter of Ares, but she had training to do. Besides she was probably already so far behind all the kids who went to school.

"You thinking of staying there for the rest of the year?" Cassie asked, hiding her slight disappointment.

Annabeth's mood instantly dropped. "Well, maybe, if I don't-"

"Hey!" Thalia interrupted. Her and Grover were dancing together clumsily, especially on the satyr's behalf.

He kicked Thalia in the shins and looked just about ready to die. But his feet were fake so he had an excuse unlike Cassie.

"Dance, you guys! You look stupid just standing there."

The daughter of Ares rolled her eyes. "You think I'll look any less stupid dancing?"

Annabeth stifled a laugh and raised her eyebrows expectantly. "Well?"

"Hmm, what pretty girl should I ask?" Cassie faked looking around.

The daughter of Athena punched me her in the gut lightly. "Me, Warpath."

"Well I was considering but now I don't know." Cassie shrugged.

Annabeth scowled and grabbed Cassie's sweater collar. She dragged the brunette into the dance floor.

Cassie couldn't help but laugh. "Calm down Chase! You're as red as a tomato."

The daughter of Ares placed one hand on Annabeth's waist and interlocked their other hands.

The blonde's face heat up even more. She squeezed Cassie's hand that was in hers.

"I'm not red! If anyone's red it's you Carter."

Cassie nodded her head, trying to properly dance without stepping on Annabeth's feet.

"Warpath, didn't you ever learn to dance?" The daughter of Athena teased, taking the lead.

The two danced peacefully, Cassie even managed to twirl Annabeth. By the end of the first song they were already laughing at some dumb thing the brunette said.

"You never got to finish whatever you were saying earlier? You're definitely not having trouble at school, you're too smart for that so what's wrong?"

Annabeth paused, face flushing at the compliment. She released her tight grip on Cassie's hand, not that the brunette let go. "It's my dad."

"Oh, him again." The daughter of Ares wasn't too fond of Annabeth's dad at this point. "I thought things were improving? Is it your stepmom... again?"

Annabeth shook her head with a sigh. "He decided to move. Just when I was getting settled in New York, he took this stupid new job researching for a World War I book. In San Francisco."

The daughter of Athena spoke with a hint of disgust. Cassie knew this would happen.

"And let me guess, he wants you to move out there with him? Doesn't he?" Cassie twirled Annabeth again.

"Yeah and to the other side of the country nonetheless! Can you believe him Carter? And half-bloods can't live in San Francisco. He should now that."

"Yeah, with Mount Othrys and all the monsters it's a one way ticket to Hades."

"Exactly but he doesn't understand that. I swear to the Gods!" Annabeth huffed in annoyance.

"So why not just you know... go back to living at camp? I'll be there to keep you company!"

"It's more serious than that, Cassie. I... I probably should tell you something." Annabeth stopped dead in her dancing. "They're gone."

"What?"

Cassie immediately trailed her eyes across the gym room. She looked for any sight of the di Angelos or Percy. Dr. Thorn was missing too.

"So is Percy! We have to get Thalia and Grover! Oh, where'd they dance off to? Come on!" The blonde ushered.

Cassie caught Annabeth's arm before she could get too far.

"You get them. I'll go after Kelp Head and we'll meet up." This time Cassie went to leave but Annabeth stopped her.

"Be careful!" Grey eyes met green and the latter nodded.

"I'll try my best!" Neither knew this would be the one of last times they were this close.

Cassie marched off, shaking her head in exasperation. "That idiot! Bubble Guppy, I'm gonna skin you alive."

༻ ─── •✧💢✧• ─── ༺

When Cassie had got to the other side of the gym she ran out the doors. With a flick of her hand, her sword appeared, red and electric.

The glow lit up the dark hallway. She could hear muffled voices from somewhere.

Cassie managed to get back in the main entry hall and what do you know, Percy was being pinned to the wall by a manticore's tail.

"Yes, Perseus Jackson, I know who you are."

The daughter of Ares crept forward. She raised a hand to her lips, making eye contact with Nico di Angelo.

Percy looked woozy. His eyes were about to roll to the back of his head. He had a nasty cut in his shoulder. Cassie grimaced. Poison.

The son of Poseidon didn't let himself pass out. He saw two dark figures moving towards him and the di Angelo siblings.

When Dr. Thorn stepped into the light, there was just enough to see him.

He still looked mostly human other than his ghoulish face. His teeth were abnormally white and his two-colored eyes reflected the light from Riptide.

"Thank you for coming out of the gym. I hate middle school dances."

Percy swung his sword but missed badly.

WHIIISH! This time the tail was aimed at Cassie. The daughter of Ares yelped and pushed Bianca out of the way.

She grabbed her sword and charged. Dr. Thorn was faster. He caught the brunette in his tail and held her upside down.

"All four of you will come with me Quietly. Obediently. If you make a single noise, if you call out for help or try to fight, I will show you just how accurately I can throw. Especially you, Cassandra Carter. I've been warned about your rebelliousness."

"Fuck you."

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ author's note

I'm backkkkk!!

It's been a while my lovely readers! but i'm glad to be back 🙂

Updates will now be every Sunday, though if I skip one don't worry. With school and everything i'm gonna try getting back into it while still balancing life lol.

I definitely missed my girls! Cassibeth >>> anything.

But i'm also working on 2 new fics based on the PJO series, so be on the lookout for those 😉

thanks for reading! let me know what you think <3

-Just Another Overthinker