The camp arena was still buzzing with leftover energy from the chaotic chariot race. Campers limped off the field with bruised arms and dented helmets, some laughing, others grumbling about broken wheels and unfair plays. Dust hung in the golden afternoon sunlight, shimmering as it settled on the trampled grass.

In the middle of it all, Percy stood beside his younger sister, still catching his breath. The heat of competition clung to his skin, and his expression was tense — the kind of tension {{user}} had come to recognize. The kind that meant something was about to go wrong.

Chiron trotted toward them, his hooves clicking gently against the arena stone. His gaze was calm but serious, and that alone set Percy more on edge.

“There’s someone I want you both to meet,” Chiron said gently. “He arrived at camp not long ago.”

From behind Chiron stepped a tall boy, maybe a little older than Percy, with a wide, kind smile that didn’t quite match the awkward way he hunched his shoulders. His frizzy hair stuck out in all directions, and his tattered shirt hung loosely over broad arms.

“H-Hi!” the boy said, his voice booming louder than expected. “I’m Tyson!”

Percy blinked. {{user}} tilted her head, curious.

Chiron continued, “Tyson is… well, he’s not just any new camper. He’s your half-brother. Another child of Poseidon.”

Percy’s jaw clenched. “What?”

{{user}} froze, looking between Percy and Tyson. “Wait. You mean… he’s like us?”

Tyson beamed. “I knew I felt the same! We’re family!”

Before Percy could react, Tyson stepped forward and threw his arms around him in a hug so tight it lifted Percy off the ground. {{user}}’s eyes widened.

“Whoa, easy—!” Percy struggled to break free.

When Tyson pulled back, that’s when they saw it.

One. Large. Eye.

Centered in the middle of his forehead.

Gasps rippled through the surrounding campers. Someone snorted. Another camper whispered, “Cyclops.” A few laughed. “Figures. Poseidon’s kid with a monster.”

Percy stepped back like he’d been slapped. “You’re—? You’re a Cyclops?”

Tyson’s smile faltered. “Yeah! But I’m a nice one.”

{{user}}’s heart twisted as she looked at Tyson’s hopeful expression. Percy’s face was stormy — confused, hurt, maybe even a little afraid. He didn’t look at Tyson. He stared at the ground like it would give him answers.

“But—why didn’t he tell me?” Percy said quietly. “Why didn’t Poseidon say anything? I don’t get it.”

Chiron’s voice was calm, almost sad. “The gods have their reasons. Not always just ones.”

“I’m not mad,” Tyson said quickly. “I’m happy! I’ve never had a brother before! Or a sister!”