~~~A Deep Dark Secret~~~

Chapter 3: Jasmine

---Chapter 3---

Jasmine's Pov

          "We need to leave. Your power of aura can attract alot of monsters around here," said the pale boy in front of me.

          "Ok, just let me get my things before we leave," I told him.

          I raced upstairs and grabbed my backpack. A mixture of excitement and sorrow washed over me. I suddenly thought of everything that I would be leaving behind. My dad, my friends, my home. Should I go? I thought to myself. I could just stay here and let Dad train me. But he's been so worried about getting me out of the house towards Camp Half-Blood. Should I? Before I could think anymore, I heard my dad call from downstairs.

          "Kristina Jasmine Tlesco, you better get a move-on before-" Dad was cut off by the windows shattering. Our maids screamed and ran around in horror. I looked down from the staircase to see a creature wrapping itself around my dad. A Nemean Lion. I thought to  myself. I froze. Nico was hacking at the Nemean Lion with his sword. The security guards were shooting arrows at it.  How do you kill it?! How?!?! I thought. Suddenly, my senses kicked in. I grabbed a bow and arrow and slid down the railings of the staircase. Dad looked at me pleadingly and with approval. That's when I remembered how to kill the creature. I could hear my mother's voice speaking to me again, even though I had never actually heard her before. "Aim for the Nemean Lion's weakest spot, the mouth," she advised me. I nodded and readied myself. Ready. Aim. Fire. I shot three flaming arrows straight at the creature's mouth. It staggered back and started choking. The Nemean Lion fell to the ground and turned into dust, leaving behind its pelt. I ran towards my dad who was choking and gasping. 

          When he finally calmed down, her father  said," Thank you, kiddo. I could've lost my life." He chuckled and hugged her. "I bet you'll become a better fighter than me one day." I hugged him back, and smiled. 

          From behind me, I heard Nico say, "Well, I don;t think you'll need as much training as  I thought you would." I turned around as Nico bent down to pick up the pelt. "And, I think this belongs to you." He handed me the Nemean Lion's pelt.

          I stared at Nico, looking puzzled. "What am I suppose to do with-" Before I could finish, the Nemean Lion pelt turned into a hazel-colored coat. Amazing, I thought. "H-how, w-what-" 

          "That coat is like a shield. It's bulletproof, scratch resistant- so on," said Nico. To prove that he was right, one of the guards shot the coat with his gun. The bullet hit it harmlessly. 

          "That. Is. Amazing!" I shouted. My dad nodded and looked back at Nico.

          "Please be sure that Jasmine gets to Camp Half-Blood safely," he said. Dad turned to look at me. "And you; be careful, understand? Keep your eyes pealed for anything suspicious. I love you," Dad told me. I hugged him one more time.

          "I love you too, Dad."

          "Well, you better get going. Camp Half-Blood doesn't have all dayy to wait for you," joked my dad. I nodded and got my backpack. I waved goodbye and walked out of the house with Nico. 

          "Wait, how are we getting to Camp Half-Blood from here?" I asked Nico after we walked about a mile. He looked at me as if to notice me for the first time. A smile spread on Nico's face. 

          "Easy. Two words; Shadow travel."

           In less than a millisecond, my vision was a blur. I finally focused to see that I was surrounded by black. Even though I couldn't see Nico, I could feel his grip around my waist. I held onto Nico even tighter. The thought of accidentally letting go slipped into my mind.

          I heard Nico say to me, "Its alright, I won't let you fall." Even surrounded by darkness, I could tell he was smirking.

          We finally got to the entrance of Camp Half-Blood. It looked like a strawberry farm. It gets better, said a women's voice in my head. Mom? I asked. Yes, my sweet Kristina. Oh my gosh, I'm talking to Mom! But wait, where is she? What the heck? Mama! Wait a minute, where are you? My conversation was cut off by Nico.

          "Here we are. The Camp is camouflaged as a strawberry farm so it won't be very obvious to mortals. Lets go inside," he said, smiling. We walked into camp, and let me tell you, it was amazing! "Welcome to Camp Half-Blood!"

          I looked around in awe at the sight. There were a few kids my age (15) shooting arrows at targets. There were wood nymphs running with satyrs. People in canoes were racing each other. In the sky was a camper riding a pegasus. Kids in armor and swords were training. I could have stared at the place for days, but I was pulled out of thought as I saw a centaur gallop up to us. 

          "Hello. You must be Jasmine. Welcome to Camp Half-Blood! I am Chiron, camp director. You are welcome to ask me any questions that you have about camp," said the centaur. He handed me a piece of paper. "This is your schedule. If you need ay help getting around camp, you are welcome to ask me or Mr. Di Angelo over here." Chiron gestured towards Nico.

          "Thank you," I said and looked at my schedule. First class, sword fighting.

          Nico took a look at my schedule and said, "Wow, you have the same schedule as me." Chiron nodded and explained that it would be best if I were in Nico's classes so that he could help me out. Nico and I nodded and headed towards the arena.  

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That's chapter 3! Sorry that I haven't updated in a while... I've been busy with school... :p Please comment and tell me what you think!!! Thanks!!! XD