So this is pretty much just a filler chapter, with a few important details and a bunch of nonimportant stuff. I had most of it written a couple weeks ago and forgot about it until a few days ago, so sorry about that. Next chapter will be more plot-filled!

At lunch I noticed Leo trying to catch Liz's attention—not very surprising—but Liz was blushing a really bright red. Now this was weird. "So my estimate is that we will be back to the Gallagher Academy in about two days. The next day we'll be at the 21 Nome, and should get back to Camp Half-Blood later that day. Sound like a plan, everyone?" That was Liz, addressing the rest of the crew.

Dinner was very interesting. I caught Liz and Carter having a silent conversation, so, being me, I couldn't help butting in.

Liz: Do you think that it's something bigger than just Greeks or Romans or Egyptians or spies bringing us together?

Carter: Well, of course. It couldn't be just one, then there would be favoritism. But what could it possibly be?

Liz (shaking her head): Something more ancient than all of us. Remember what Abigail said? That we weren't just facing one enemy? Well, maybe whoever brought us together is more like whatever we all have in common. But what is that?

The mention of my name and prophecies was practically an invitation to join, so I interrupted with: Just think about your crew. There's at least one couple from each group. And you all have legends. Love before Chaos, Love causing Chaos, Love creating an empire, Love tearing civilizations apart, Love pulling a strong woman away from what she enjoyed back to her home over seas...

As I finished my little monologue, Liz and Carter both realized: Love is bringing us together because Chaos...

And then all 3 of us thought of the lines of Phanes: "This is a war of Love and Chaos." And suddenly everything became clear.

Liz quickly excused herself and left the room, leaving Carter and I to give each other quizzical glances.

So scared I was about having another dream vision, I never allowed myself the luxury of sleep that night. Around 6 am, as my eyes were involuntarily drifting closed, I heard a little voice in the back of my head. Now, this isn't all that unusual, since I'm always talking (and usually arguing) with myself, but this one was different. Almost...godly. Now don't get me wrong, I know what it feels like to have the Oracle of Delphi speak through me, and this wasn't it. It almost seemed like a female Sorting Hat was speaking to me.

"Hm...Abigail...I have been wanting to do you, but will you let me? No matter, the real question is, what is the best look for you? Well, they've already seen you dressed up like a princess..." My brain sent up a billion red flags. I knew who this was. I dearly hoped I was wrong.

My eyes snapped open. I glanced down at my body and saw a floor-length black skirt with a sheer blue button-up and black tank top underneath. I raced to the bathroom and sighed in relief. Thank the gods she had decided to go easy on me. I wore a little makeup—not too much—and, to my delight, my hair refused to frizz for once in my life. My nails were also done, a shimmering blue to match my outfit. I had also gained a new pair of glasses, two contrasting shades of blue that made me look older.

In the Mess Hall for breakfast I looked around and found everyone else in a similar state. The spy was wearing her old school uniform, lavender this time, while Percy looked uncomfortable in his dress shirt and slacks. Leo wore a leather jacket, only annoyed as this had happened before. Carter had on a similar outfit to Percy's, but looked slightly more comfortable in it.

"Compliments of my dear patron. Sorry about her." That was Liz, whose voice entered the room before she had a chance to. She wore a cute knee-length brown dress and shawl, with some leather boots to match. Her hair was straight and redyed and she had makeup around her eyes. Her nails were done too—some sort of manicure it looked like.

"Alright, everyone, we'll be arriving at the Gallagher Academy tomorrow, which is when we will make the proposal to the other spies to join us on the great quest in June," our great leader began. "The day after that, we will do likewise at the 21 Nome, and then take the two demigods to Camp Half-Blood the same day. Apologies for the makeovers, as given by my patron. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plan with the devil to consider, and a very important...research task to perform for the goddess of love." Based on a glance around the room, I was the only one who had an inkling of what this "plan with the devil" might contend to. As for the "research" for Aphrodite, I had no idea.

A couple hours later, before we made it to Roseville, Cammie invited me into her rom. "Here, take a seat. Now, tell me. Have you thought about our request that you come back? We would love, no, not just love—we truly need you with us, Abigail. You have talents that are rare, and we can teach you to use them, if you wish."

I gaped, wide-eyed, at the woman. Cammie Morgan, headmistress to one of the coolest schools ever, was asking me—ME!—personally if I wanted to go to her school. Since my body is just determined to humiliate me as much as possible, my voice decided to stop working, so I sat there with my mouth wide open looking not unlike a dumb goldfish (who would most likely not be accepted into Gallagher).

She continued. "As I'm sure you've realized by now, war is upon us. And I'm fairly certain the other side would love to have you, with all your gifts."

I blushed a deep red and managed to find my voice. "Th-thanks. A LOT. I definitely want to come—" I was smiling now, probably looking like an idiot, "—but I think Liz wants to show me Camp Half-Blood first. We both feel like it's important that I go there. I hope you don't mind? I hope I'll be able to come for freshman year, definitely."

"Oh no, not at all! We'd love to have you, anytime." We stood up and shook hands. I walked out of the room, absolutely ecstatic. I was going to be a Gallagher girl!

After our brief visit in Roseville (Bex, Alex, and Zach were all quick to comply) we made our way to Brooklyn, NYC. As we got there around 9 in the morning, Liz, Carter, Percy, Leo, and I sat on the balcony, providing us with a stunning view of the morning sky. Brilliant blue with a shadow of pink from the recent sunrise, not a cloud to be seen.

Two people, Liz said later they were Sadie and Walt, came out and brought a younger guy with them, Felix. And then, out of the blue, came Noah, from Novi. Liz, for some reason, didn't seem surprised. Oh, she must have seen him when she picked up Carter, before I joined their little entourage.

"Liz, about finding a boyfriend, don't worry about it. Jaz said she had it covered, I guess." I blinked once, a little surprised, and looked at the girl next to him, probably Jaz, who was almost in tears.

"So where's Alexis?" Liz said quickly, trying to get the semi-awkward silence to dissipate.

Instead of making it light, however, a shadow passed over Sadie and Walt's face, even though there was nothing to cause it. "She..." Sadie stumbled, "she's in the infirmary. She hasn't woken up in a few days, and has a fever that won't break. We don't know what's wrong."

Liz looked stricken. "Our Apollo kids are expert healers. Leo, come with me to get her. Don't worry, I know where the infirmary is." She led him away, Leo trying to comfort her.

The flight to Camp was tense, everyone trying to get Alexis in the proper hands as soon as possible. When we landed, we all rushed out, Alexis being carried by Leo, Percy with Felix, and so I stood dutifully by Liz, waiting to be told to back to Novi or wherever she may send me.

It was strange, I suppose, how I made it through the magical boundaries (that normally keep our mortals—like me) without a problem. I guess I did feel a slight tremor run through me, but at the time I was caring more about getting Alexis into the infirmary than pesky little things like magic.

"Liz!" I saw three girls running up the hill, who could only be Piper, with her tell-tale feathered braids; Annabeth, wearing silver owl earrings that perfectly matched her eyes; and Rachel, flaming hair and paint-splattered jeans that I immediately wanted to steal.

While they were getting all hug-y and reuniting-y, I saw Leo call to a tall blonde guy about the same age as Leo, Liz, Percy, and all them, with sky blue eyes, wearing an interesting combination of doctor's scrubs and jeans. He knelt next to Alexis and said, "I see. It's some sort of dream trauma. She must have had a demigod nightmare that left her consciousness stunned. Bring her to the infirmary, right this way." He took the girl from Leo and gestured to the son of Hephaestus to follow.

Instinctively, I made to follow, to make sure she'd be alright, but held back when I saw Rachel looking at me with a curious look on her face. Just looking at her, I suddenly had all of these new, foreign memories flood into my mind. But they were also familiar, things like: prophetic dreams, kissing a boy (his face was a blend of Alex and—was that Percy?)(It didn't feel right, kissing them), being teased, all that jazz.

"I didn't realize it was going to be so soon. Hello, my name is Rachel Elizabeth Dare. You must be the girl that will take on the Spirit of Delphi after me."

My head swiveled around to face Liz in shock. "Wait. So that thing about being Oracle...?" ...That was all true?

Liz looked uncomfortable. "Oh yes. I wasn't kidding."

Well crap.

Annabeth and Rachel had a silent conversation with each other, one that even I couldn't eavesthink (you know, like eavesdropping, but in your head...oh never mind it's totally a word—and it sounds cool) on. These two were just too practiced at keeping their thoughts hidden away from unwanted people. Like me, for instance.

Annabeth turned to Liz and said, taking her arm, "So, how's it going with Leo?"

Rachel studied me some more then said decidedly, "Well I guess I'll have to show you around, won't I? What's your name, by the way?" She showed me all the cabins. We spent almost two hours there, I just had to go in and marvel at each and every one. Then came the lake, woods, climbing wall, archery range, strawberry fields, and the arts & crafts building. Finally she took me to the Big House to introduce me to Chiron and Mr. D. Oh joy.

We found them playing a card game, probably pinochle, Chiron in his wheelchair. As he expanded into his true form, I had to control myself from running over towards the incredible mechanics that were present in his magnificent chair. While, yes, I do tend to break everything I lay my hands on, I do appreciate the finer art of mechanics.

"Rachel? Who is this? A new demigod? Has she been claimed?"

"Well, no sir. Actually, she's...she's a mortal."

"Oh great gods. Not another one," grumbled the god. "Can I blast this one, Chiron?" I stared fearfully ahead.

"No, you may not. So then, girl, what's your name?"

"A-Abigail, sir. I'm from Michigan. Friends with Liz, pre age-jump."

"Well welcome to Camp Half-Blood, Abigail. Rachel, why don't you show her to your cave? She'll need to stay there for the time being."

"Yes, sir. Right this way, Abigail."

Her cave was incredible. Just simply marvelous. The outside was all rock and mystery, complete with the hanging purple curtains. But as soon as you stepped in, it took you to a totally different time and place. Video games (which were usually not allowed) and a huge cache of food (which was also probably illegal) were present with Rachel's easels, art supplies, her actual art projects, and posters of bands all around the room.

"So I was thinking you could take this bed," she said, pointing to the one directly opposite hers. "I had Chiron move it here when I found—I mean, when you came, that is."

"You're a pretty quick thinker then, huh? Couldn't've had more than 90 seconds or so to tell him before you saw me," I noted, eyeing her suspiciously.

She laughed. "Okay, you got me. You're going to be great at this, I can tell. And no, I can't tell you how I knew someone was coming. I hope you'll understand." I nodded. "Good. Now let's get you settled into your new home. You're going to be spending quite a lot of time here."

That night, as I looked around at the few pictures I had put on the ceiling, I recalled dinner. Liz, introducing me to Annabeth, Piper, Clarisse, and everyone else, albeit somewhat reluctantly on my part.

'Yeah,' I thought sleepily, 'home.'