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Selene Shannon Cruz

December 21, 1995

Seventeen

I'm a girl!

Apollo

Claimed!

Maria Sofia Vergara Cruz – her only family on Earth. Lovely mother, terrible cook and Selene’s best friend

10 years. But for the past 10 years she’s only stayed during the summer. This is the first year she’s staying for the whole year, much to her dismay. Didn’t make that many friends during summer camp (actually, she did, but the three friends she managed to make all went off on quests and still haven’t returned), so she’s pretty nervous about this year. One can only be a loner for so long…

Almost 18 years ago, Artemis had asked her brother to go down to Montalcino, a small but beautiful hill town of Italy, famous for its vast vineyards and the wine that comes after. She was going to bribe persuade Dionysus to tell his crazed followers to stop wreaking havoc partying so hard in her sacred woods and wanted to get her hands on some fine wine to offer to the god. Apollo, being a kind and helpful brother (or so he liked to believe; in truth, he lost a bet to his twin and now this was the price), decided to spare Artemis the trouble and went to Montalcino in her stead.

Montalcino was a quiet, charming town and the people were quite kind to Apollo when he arrived, disguised as a foreign businessman planning to open a winery. He soon found out that who had the monopoly of the best vineyards: the Cruz family. And it was in their hospitality that he decided to stay.

Don Manuel Cruz had five daughters, all of them lovely, but it was the fourth daughter who caught the god’s eye. If we were to be honest actually, Sofia was the least lovely among the five but she was the best musician among them and she had the talent (sort of) for poetry. Of course she caught Apollo’s eye and they had a passionate love affair…and of course it was short-lived. Because the moment the wine was packed and beribboned, the god whisked his way back to Olympus to fulfill his godly duties, which mainly consisted of playing the lyre while a bunch of Muses danced and sang around him (lucky guy).

But back on Earth, his seed (I imagined it was gold – and glowing) had taken root inside of Sofia and slowly developed into her biggest fear: a child out of wedlock. Sure enough, when her family found out, she was instructed to leave Montalcino with her inheritance and accompany her aunt Celine to the US. Aunt Celine’s dream was to move to Florida, and she decided she was going to build her house right on the sand – an alien thing for someone who had lived her entire life in a town surrounded by hills and fields. Long story short, Aunt Celine never lived to see the US. But Sofia did. And there she stayed. Although she decided she liked the sound of Hawaii better than Florida. And it was there that she gave birth to Selene the brand new demigod – although Sofia didn’t know that yet.

Meanwhile, Apollo had forgotten all about Sofia. He couldn’t even remember how many years had passed since Montalcino. There were other more interesting mortals out there. Like in Hawaii! There was a two-year-old who was becoming a fast-rising phenomenon. Her voice was sensational, he heard, and she learned to play the lyre all by herself. He must visit her at once! And congratulate her parents for spawning such a musically talented person into the world!

Oh the shock.

He claimed her instantly. Although the gods won’t admit it, they tend to claim the demigods who show more potential faster (bragging rights you see, if your child ever happened to be the first to cure cancer or be the next Michael Jackson). The god decided it would be best to not meet his daughter so he sent Sofia a dream instead, explaining everything about him and Selene's true nature. Of course, Sofia believed she was going loco for the next five months that the dreams appeared. But in the end, she believed. And as soon as she could say the word “demigod” Selene was taught she was one. Every summer since she was seven, her mom would ship her off to camp for training. She never really took it seriously. Although Apollo had warned them early on about monsters and how they eyed demigods like mortals eyed whole roasted pigs at buffet tables, Selene had never encountered a monster. So she was half-hearted at training and was never considered for quests. Besides, she was only a camper in the summer so she wasn’t as connected to the other kids as they were to each other and thus tended to shy away from attention. Slowly, Selene lost her passion for the lyre and sang only occasionally and always when she was alone. She became quieter, retreating to her books. Recently however she was consumed by a new interest: archery. Her aunt – and yes, I mean Artemis – had left her a bow and a set of arrows for her sixteenth birthday. When her mom (prodded by Apollo) suggested she try one whole year at camp to see how it goes the only thing that convinced her to agree was the promise of excellent archers teaching her how to wield the bow and arrow properly. More than anything she wanted to make Aunt Artemis proud. Someday, she was going to be a hunter.

Oh, and speaking of Artemis, if you were wondering if she succeeded in bribi – persuading Dionysus the answer is yes. But then, when the wine god told his followers to take the partying down a notch he gave them some of the Montalcino wine as some sort of ‘peace offering’. I think you could imagine what happened after that.

Selene took after Sofia in almost every way: dark brown hair, which Selene loves to wear in soft cascading curls (she refuses any notion from her mother about cutting it short), soulful dark eyes rimmed with long black lashes and pale pink lips. Life in Hawaii has never allowed her to have fair skin but that’s just fine since her sun-kissed complexion accentuates her Italian features quite nicely. But she gets acne breakouts easily, so she has to be diligent about keeping her skin clean. As long as the weather permits it, she dons a big and floppy hat. And her legs have lots of scars from her childhood so she’s almost always in jeans.

Selene is quite different as a teenager than during her childhood. As a child, she was loud and talkative, never hesitating to put on a performance when asked to. When she was growing up however, she gained weight and suffered from acne earlier than her classmates. This caused the other kids to tease and call her names and so she slowly lost her confidence and became quieter and awkward. She stopped playing the lyre and eventually stopped singing too, much to Apollo’s disappointment. The god’s dream visits to Sofia became even fewer after that so Selene grew up with an extremely close relationship with her mom. Sofia became her best friend – the only one for a long time. At around 15, she started swimming and shed off the extra weight. Her mom also allowed her to get facials to remove the acne and she’s been taking care of it ever since. The teasing stopped, but her confidence never really returned. She keeps getting lost in her own words and saying the wrong things. She remained drawn, reading novels and internet fan-fictions as a main hobby. At camp, she was always by herself, opting to stay by the lake at night when everyone else was sleeping. One night, Artemis visited her and the goddess talked her into considering joining the hunters. Selene thought it was an awesome idea and became quite grateful to Artemis for the visit. It gave her a dream, a goal to reach. She’s been a fan of Artemis ever since.

The scars on her leg are from all the times she’s tripped and fell. Coordination isn’t really her strong point. Selene is also a slow-runner and is a little weak, so she’s not really popular during training and capture-the-flag at camp. She feels invisible and she kind of is. But she has a good heart, kind to animals and little children. She has a hard time making friends but when she does have one, her natural charm and loyalty shines through. “So please, please, please let me find a friend this time. I don’t want to spend 365 days in camp alone. ” She’s really nervous about her first full year in camp but she knows that if she wants to be a hunter of Artemis, she’s going to have to tough up.

Like almost every demigod out there, Selene is dyslexic. But curiously isn’t ADHD.

Zero sense of self-worth. And I mean, zero. For someone who is extremely talented and beautiful, it’s a shame that Selene can’t see her own potential. Never volunteers to go on quests, never steps up to give her opinions…it’s no wonder people at camp never notice her. But more than being friendless, Selene avoids serious training because of her irrational belief that she will be laughed at. She’s always wanted to ask the more experienced fighters of camp to help her in learning defense and combat but she doesn’t have the nerve to do so. She’s convinced that even if she practiced, she could never be a fighter so she doesn’t bother to give her all. If she gets jumped by a monster, she’s dead.

None. But she loves woodland animals.

Singing and playing the lyre – and hopefully, sending arrows flying in the right direction

Bow and arrow, courtesy of Artemis

Now, she’s here to stay for the year (may the gods have mercy on her)!

Selene isn’t really allowed to pick favorites, but if she could, it would be Artemis. At least, that's what she'll tell you. Her father never manifested himself in her life - heck, she didn't even know what he looked like. But, really – deep down, she loves her father very much. Archery isn’t just about convincing Artemis that she’s qualified to be a hunter, it’s about making her father proud too. Maybe, just maybe, if she becomes a great archer, Apollo would appear in her dreams.

Friends, potential more-than-friends, possible archery teachers...basically anybody. Special mention: Someone who can give back her confidence and make her sing again

“Oh, what’s in a name, love? Call a rose by any other name and it will smell just as sweet…and it will still prick your bloody finger if you don’t be careful.”

Lucas St. Pierre

“Well, I used to be called Lucas, but after this kid pointed out it sounded too much like Lucifer, it’s been quite an unpopular name with the ladies. Although I personally reckon "Lucifer" would fit me better, I fancy being called Pierre now.”

Lucas, Pierre…often referred to as the “Devil’s Spawn” by the other campers

“I look a lot more mature for my age.”

Seventeen

“How am I supposed to know? I was still screaming about the injustice of being ripped out from my mother’s womb, wasn’t I? Have you any idea how painful it is to be forced through a hole that small? Nearly ruined my hair…”

Unknown

“With my looks and charm, who else could it be?”

Aphrodite – goddess of love and beauty

“To be honest I don’t really fancy talking about them.”

Pierre’s father is a wealthy cosmetic surgeon in London, Dr. Christian Hubert St. Pierre. He’s also very famous, both for his skills in surgery and his looks. It’s not that hard to imagine why Aphrodite herself fell for the doctor’s ruggedly handsome features and natural wit.

When Pierre turned twelve, his father gave him what he thought was a special gift – a stepmother. Rosaline Digby (now Rosaline Digby - St. Pierre) was very special indeed…especially foul that is. She entered the family not knowing the truth about Pierre’s mother and was, for a while, a tolerable woman. Well, she tolerated Pierre’s existence at least and he did feel his stepmother make an effort to accept him. However, one night, they were attacked by a band of particularly evil kobaloi – ancient sprites fond of tricking and frightening mortals. Dr. St. Pierre was able to fend off the creatures as they destroyed their house (well, what do you know? Scalpels made of celestial bronze do exist!) and their family survived – but not unharmed. Rosaline got hurt and lost the baby no one knew she was carrying. It was nobody’s fault of course but when she finally learned the truth she dumped all the blame on Pierre. The doctor tried to reconcile the two but it was useless: Rosaline declared that Pierre murdered his own baby sibling and was a worthless menace. Pierre, hurt but secretly agreeing to everything Rosaline said, declared he had never wanted Rosaline as a mother anyways and that Dr. St. Pierre loved Aphrodite more than he’ll ever love Rosaline. Rosaline then gave her husband an ultimatum: Her, or Pierre.

He chose Rosaline.

“Of course I’m claimed! Really, love. With this face, wit and natural musk, what god of Olympus wouldn’t want me as a son?”

Pierre is claimed. Bit of a funny story actually. He was working at a stripper club when he suddenly glowed pink for a minute. You can imagine the ladies going mad. He always knew that his mother was Aphrodite but it was the first real sign from her.

“What? What was I doing in a stripper club, you ask? Hold your horses ladies, you’ll hear all about it in a minute.”

“I’ve got nowhere else to go now.”

Year-round

“You mean, how many years has it been since my wonderful father gave me the boot?”

Three years and four months.

“Ah, now you’ll know what I was doing in a stripper club.”

His father didn’t completely abandon him. The doctor left his son in the care of his older sister, Caroline. Too bad Aunt Caroline could see right through the mist. She eventually found out that Pierre was a demigod and she worried for the safety of her own family. Although it broke her heart to do it, she bullied Pierre, made him their servant and abused him so much that within a month, it was Pierre’s own decision to leave. The moment Pierre was out of their care, Aunt Caroline fled out of the country with her family. A few weeks later, Dr. St. Pierre and Rosaline followed suit.

He never heard from his family ever since. Pierre roamed the streets alone until an old matron found him. Even at twelve, Pierre was already extraordinarily handsome and the old matron didn’t fail to notice. She sold the boy to a night club for a hefty sum.

One would think that this was the worst thing that happened to Pierre but if he was asked, he’d say this was the best. The club gave him a roof to stay under, food and water and a job.

“No, sweetheart, I wasn’t a stripper. Sorry to disappoint. I worked as a waiter, you know, serving beer and all that jazz. It was quite a happy time for me. I felt like I belonged somewhere, like I had a family. They accepted me, valued me even…that is, until I glowed pink as a baby’s freshly spanked bottom.”

On the night Aphrodite claimed him, the club kicked Pierre out for fear that he was a freak. For another two months he wondered around until he was discovered by Penn, the satyr. Penn explained to Pierre about Camp Half-Blood, how it was the safest place for demigods from all sorts of monsters and how the longer he stayed in the open, the more he was at risk. Pierre agreed to stay at camp and he’s never left since.

“I’m quite a straightforward chap really. If I think you’re ugly, I’ll tell you you’re ugly. If I think you’re beautiful, I’ll kiss you.”

Pierre can be a jerk. A major one. He’s quite insensitive and tactless, voicing out his opinion with little care if he hurt anybody’s feelings. His temper is also very short so it’s not difficult to make him explode with anger. But the scariest part is you’ll never know when he’s angry. If ever you offend him, he won’t act any differently around you. Then BAM! When you’re least expecting it, he’ll make his move. This guy will get even. Revenge isn’t a choice, it’s a mandatory move. And for Pierre, it’s all one big game on how well he can serve it.
He’s also notorious around camp for being a lady-killer. You’d ask, “If he was such a jerk, then why would any girl want him?” Pierre knows how to work his gifts and he works it well. Life is never complete without a girl to mess around with.

But Pierre isn’t all about revenge and seduction. His talent for vengeance enhanced three qualities in him: intelligence, strategy and discipline – qualities that make him excel in combat as well. He never does anything half-heartedly. Given a task – any task, no matter how mundane – he puts all his efforts in it. He’s organized and prepared. And he’s not the type to launch into anything without giving it thorough thought. Like Selene, he is curiously not an ADHD like the other demigods. Some think this is a disadvantage when fighting comes but for him, this isn’t a drawback at all. It grants him patience. He can stay still (both physically and otherwise) for a long time until he thinks it’s the perfect moment to strike.

“So as you can see, I’m the closest thing you’ve got to perfection. Actually, I think I’ve already perfected the art of perfection. What’s that you ask? “Flaws?” The only “flaws” I know is the kind that dentists are always telling you to do.”

Ever heard of a god-complex? Well, this guy definitely has one. Pierre believes that he is always right in every decision he makes. He won’t take any form of criticism lightly and absolutely detests being told that he is wrong. In his mind, he is the most powerful demigod out there.

“Don’t own one.”
“Di: Of course you do. You just don’t know it yet. Or rather, you know about it but don’t acknowledge it.”

Beneath all that toughness and sharpness, Pierre has soft side too. People hardly see it but it’s there. He misses his dad. He’ll tell you that he doesn’t give a damn about his dad anymore but the truth is he’ll give anything in this world to be a part of their family again. Moreover, there’s not a night that passed by when he didn’t think about his baby sibling, the one that Rosaline miscarried. Deep in his heart, Pierre agrees with his stepmother: it was his fault that his baby sibling never lived to see the world. He is a threat to the safety of his family. Sure, it stung when they abandoned him but they were happier now, weren’t they?

He also has a soft spot for orphan children. And since most of the year-round campers were abandoned by their families (or kicked out, because why else would they stay there?) he feels empathy for them too. Thing is, he doesn’t really like to show this nicer side of him.

“I do enjoy it when people call me Devil’s Spawn behind my back. Makes my life loads more interesting.”

But the top soft spot? Rabbits - the fluffy, snow-white, pink-nosed kind. Pierre goes crazy on the inside when he sees those furry little creatures and had always wanted to own one. Want proof? Shove a rabbit right up to his face and watch his mouth twitch as he fights off a delighted smile!

“Likes? Oh, wow, there’s a tough one. Women. Women. And, err, let me see…women.”

If it isn’t obvious yet, Pierre likes women. Or rather, he likes seducing charming them. It’s his favorite past time. But aside from chasing girls, Pierre spends his time at the arena, practicing sword fighting. He likes wrestling too and taking long naps.

And of course…rabbits!

“I have this strong hatred for I-D-I-O-T-S and the stench of Axe Chocolate cologne.”

What he said. Pierre dislikes stupidity and isn’t known for tolerating mistakes. Remember, this guy is strategic and patient so he doesn’t really like people who jump into anything without careful evaluation of the matter first. Consequently, he won’t extend his help if he thinks you got into trouble because of your own senselessness. He doesn’t think much of cheaters either. In his mind, the only way to win is to win fairly. Which is sort of ironic coming from a guy who loves to manipulate women to get what he wants, don’t you think?

As a son of Aphrodite, Pierre also has an eye for beauty, natural beauty. So he’s not a big fan of make-up or any other product that is designed to give a false sense of loveliness. He’s a resolute disapprover of plastic surgery (which back then was always a hot topic between his dad and him). And there are times when he can’t stand being in cabin 10.

“Ever heard of the phrase “drop-dead gorgeous?” No? Yes? No? Doesn’t matter, darling, because you’re looking at it.”

Pierre isn’t the Prince-Charming sort of handsome or even the Knight-in-Shining-Armor type; he’s more of the Big-Bad-Wolf…who will eat you alive if you don’t tread carefully around him. Tall and with an athletic built, his daily dose of exercise grants him muscular power despite being slim. Ruggedly handsome, with thick wavy brown hair he trims short and a little stubble around his chin. He has lips that seem to be always curved into a mischievous grin, made even more devilish by the wide dimples on either side. But his best asset is his eyes: black as night and sharp enough to render you speechless if he wanted to.

“Naked. I dress best when I’m naked.”

The usual laid-back casual: jeans and loose shirt or a sweatshirt…but with a touch of Pierre attitude:

Spoiler:

It doesn’t hurt to seem him in a tux either!

Spoiler:

“You’ll be surprised just how flexible I can be.”

Aside from making sexual innuendoes? Pierre excels in sword fighting and bare-handed combat. He’s also exceptional in battle strategy although not quite as good as the Athena kids (but he’ll never admit that to you). And of course, what he does best: charming people. He’s not capable of Charmspeak like some of his siblings are but he’s got other gifts and he knows how to use them well. Like his eyes and his smile. Couple that up with his sexy English accent and you’ll easily be smitten!

“I’ve got better weapons than my old man’s scalpels.”

He has a sword made of celestial bronze he calls “Ripper” .

“Ripper’s great, but I’ve got another sword too, much more sharper and –”
(Di: “Keep it PG13 Pierre!”)

“Why waste time with animals when human beings are much more interesting to play with?”

None. But he dreams of rabbits in his sleep.

“Oh, hello there! My full name is Alexandra Vianca Summers.”

“But from now until eternity, you have to call me Lexie. Please don’t call me Alex, I don’t like it.”

“I’m turning sixteen this year.”

“I don’t really know where I was born. Unless there’s a maternity ward in Olympus for expecting goddesses.”

“Eris, Goddess of Discord. So yes, I guarantee you…there won’t be a dull moment when you’re with me.”

“Family history? Boy, that’s a long and boring topic, isn’t it? Just basic details for now. I live with a gay couple, Benjamin and Franklin, and after sixteen years of sharing the same roof, I still don’t know for sure if those are their real names. But daddy Benj and Frank, they’re great people! They took me in when I was just a baby. Apparently, my real dad didn’t want me. Pfft. As if I care. I don’t give a rat’s ass about him either! And he better not come to me one day when I’m all rich and famous because I might slit his throat and stuff his intestines in it! That’ll show him for making me a dumpster baby! Oh, but daddy Benj told me I shouldn’t call myself a dumpster baby. I love them both! They always bring me nice clothes and do my hair and treat me like a princess. Which I deserve.”

“I’m claimed.”

Benjamin and Franklin raised the infant they found well. She grew up to be a fast learner and an excellent dancer and although they weren’t exactly millionaires, she had always got what she wanted and never starved or suffered physically. But Lexie has one major problem: bipolar personality. She’s a good enough kid, studies well and eats her vegetables, fights for equality of all human beings (just one of the things she picked up from living with her gay dads) and honor the gods despite their terrible attitudes sometimes…but that’s when she’s being normal, happy Lexie. It rarely happens but there are moments when the sweet, dress-adoring girl disappears and her mother’s heritage begins to show. Her other personality is much darker, often thinking and talking about murder plots and disturbing fetishes. She also becomes a trickster too, although her pranks cause more damage than harmless laughter. It’s not something Lexie is proud of and she hides that fact for as long as she can from even her closest of friends. Her split personality becomes evident when she starts talking about her father, or if she forgets to take her medication. But with all fairness to Lexie, when she’s not in being her heartless self, she’s pretty much a normal, down-to-earth teenager who just wants to find a boy to fall in love with.

When she becomes her alter ego, Lexie turns into a cruel and merciless being. She has no doubt it will get her killed one day. Her biggest fear is meeting Zeus in her alter ego mode, because she can envision herself badmouthing the god and getting struck by lightning. She gets nightmares about this. Sometimes she meets her mother instead of Zeus.

“I have a soft spot for ice cream, especially mint chocolate chip. My legs just go jelly at the thought of that delicious ice cream melting in my mouth and chewing away the dark chocolate chips that gets left behind. ”

“Aside from mint chocolate chip? I do like movies! Especially the ones with sharp-minded, witty-mouthed heroines. I like going to concerts, but in general I don’t like tight, closed spaces. It’s not that I’m claustrophobic, ‘coz I’m not. I just don’t enjoy the thought of other people’s sweat, germs and gods-know-what coming in contact with my skin from all around. Getting crushed in crowds also make it harder to run if monsters are coming for you.”

“I’m not much fan of football or tennis or basketball…I easily get bored watching those. I also don’t like the color orange. And I don’t like my dad. Or his no-good, gold-digging, air-brained ex-wife. Or his useless kids. Or anyone unlucky enough to share his genes. I’d kill all of them, burn them alive and make them drink concentrated hydrochloric acid. Heck, I’d kill myself too! Because just the thought of having the same DNA with a foul, swine of a man like him makes me --- I think I should take my medicine now, excuse me. Please forget what you just heard. ”

Lexie’s quite small, with porcelain fair skin and big but slightly slanted dark eyes that gives her a Korean look (from her father’s side of the family). She has dark, messy hair and a charming smile. Which makes her even scarier when she her alter ego appears because she look so sweet and innocent.

“I like wearing dresses and boots – though not necessarily together.”

“I’m can swing a sword. Not too excellently though. I mean, I can’t match Percy’s talents with Riptide or anything, but in a battle, I’m not completely defenseless.”

None special. Lexie’s not one to fight. And her violence loving alter ego doesn’t like confronting battles either. She’s more of backstabbing and secretive attacks with words and pranks.

None.