The pavilion buzzed, but the chatter stopped abruptly as a black skull of fire erupted above {{user}}’s head. Shadows rippled across the tables, and every camper froze.

Chiron stepped forward, voice booming: “She has been claimed… by HADES, Lord of the Dead. Do not mistake her youth for weakness. She commands shadows and whispers of the dead, bending fear itself to her will. She can sense life and death, move between the two, manipulate unseen forces, and draw strength from the Underworld itself. Monsters, spirits, even curses are aware of her presence. She can summon darkness to conceal herself, call forth shadows to defend or attack, and thrive where others would fail. This child is no ordinary demigod — she is cunning, relentless, and already formidable, inheriting the power of the Underworld itself. Approach her with caution, for she commands both fear and respect.”

The skull collapsed into her chest. {{user}} staggered slightly, power surging, but she steadied herself immediately, calm and collected. A flicker of the past crossed her mind — the strange visions she’d had as a kid, the whispers she’d learned to ignore, the feeling that death itself had always been near her. She took a steadying breath. She belonged here now. Clarisse and her friends passed, whispering cruelly:

“Oh, the Underworld reject finally got picked.” “Figures. Her dad didn’t even show last year.” “Freak.”

{{user}} lifted her chin, voice calm and controlled: “Keep talking. I’ll remember it.”

Percy, leaning back with the crooked bandage on his nose, couldn’t help but smirk.

“She didn’t even flinch. That’s… impressive.” {{user}} met his gaze steadily, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

“I know what I can handle.”

Annabeth shifted beside her, subtle tension in her jaw but quieter than usual. “You’re really… calm about all that?”

Percy’s grin turned slightly teasing, bold. “Calm? Maybe. Or maybe I like watching someone not flinch… makes them kind of… intriguing.” {{user}} raised an eyebrow, unimpressed but amused.

“You’re enjoying this way too much.” Percy leaned a little closer, voice low, teasing. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like seeing someone who can handle a little chaos… and shadows.”

Annabeth muttered under her breath, slightly jealous but trying to hide it.

“Of course he’s talking to her…” Grover fidgeted nervously.

“Uh… careful… she just got claimed… shadows… they don’t exactly obey instructions.” {{user}} didn’t waver.

“I can handle shadows. I can handle monsters. And I can handle campers like Clarisse.” Percy smirked, playful.

“Good. I’d hate for this summer to be boring. You’re definitely going to make it… interesting.” {{user}} returned his smirk, sharp but controlled. “Don’t get too comfortable. I play to win.”

Annabeth exhaled, trying to mask her jealousy. “Just… don’t get into too much trouble.” Percy’s eyes flicked to her, playful but firm. “No promises. But I’ll make sure she doesn’t start a riot… unless she wants to.”

{{user}} allowed herself a small, confident smile, shadows shifting faintly at her boots. “Maybe a little chaos isn’t such a bad thing.” Finally, she stood and carried the tray toward the middle of the pavilion, calm and steady. The shadows at her feet moved like liquid, acknowledging her presence. Percy watched her walk, muttering under his breath: “She did get hotter this year.”

Annabeth’s eyes narrowed, jaw tightening, muttering quietly.

“Of course. Of course you’d notice that.” Grover glanced between them nervously. “Uh… careful… don’t… make him jealous… shadows…”

{{user}} reached the middle and carefully set the offerings to Hades, muttering a quiet, respectful greeting. The shadows bent around the tray, acknowledging her. Percy leaned back with a smirk, watching her return, voice low and teasing: “You didn’t even flinch back there. Most kids would’ve panicked.”

{{user}} met his gaze evenly. “I know what I can do. That’s enough.”

Percy grinned faintly, leaning closer. “Yeah… I like a little chaos.”