This story starts about a week after the end of "The Blood of Olympus" and ends in the final chapter of, "The Hidden Oracle." This is my second attempt at writing a fanfic based on a book series. Please give me a chance and please do not get upset if I forget something from the books. I would love some reviews to help guide me to making this the best story. Also, don't be surprised if you don't see any accent writing, I'm not good at that. Thank you.
A week had passed since the defeat of the giants and the end of Gaia's rising. The Gods had returned to Olympus triumphant that once again they had succeed in besting their ancient enemies. Though it made them bitter to admit it, they would not have succeed without the mix of Roman and Greek demigods. The renewal of friendship and peace between the two would help the Gods keep control of their different aspects and the sacrifices that helped sustain them.
While Zeus was preparing Apollo's punishment Hera was in her chambers still upset by the harsh words from Zeus. While he had stated that she had acted with honest attentions and that her heroes had done well, he had the nerve to be angry she had taken upon herself to solve the prophecy and disobeyed his orders to avoid contact with the demigods.
"Who does he think he is telling me I was wrong to disobey his orders? He is the one whose broke his own orders twice! Jason is my champion! My heroes succeeded where his isolation would have left us dead!" Hera ranted to her reflection. She was brushing her beautiful hair and tending to her beautifying techniques. The Queen of the Heavens wanted to look her best for when Zeus finally remembered he had a wife and that he should be grateful for all she had done.
Remembering his harsh words she slammed the brush down. Standing up from her vanity and stormed to her balcony. Her cuckoo birds sensed her temperamental state and started to coo to reassure her that everything would be okay. "Thank you my lovely birds, but even you cannot ease the anger I feel right now." Her thoughts turned once more to final battle against the giants.
To be honest the demigod children, especially Zeus's, had always annoyed her. The combination of divinity and mortal shouldn't exist. Gods, Titans, even low level nature spirits married their own kind and had children that were natural. Demigods were different, an accidental race that proved to be both problematic and actually helpful. There was no denying the fact that without the demigods her kind would have died out a long time ago. On the other hand, very few of them ever showed the respect the Olympians deserved. Her the least of all.
"Demigods, ugh Thalia Grace, no respect at all from that little upstart! Even when she was dying Zeus intervened, making her a tree to protect the demigods. That girl came back and now I have to deal with her all for eternity because she's now immortal and protected by another of Zeus's bastard children!"
Her temper was starting to get to Hera once more. Maybe Zeus was right, she had acted rashly. Her actions almost led to their defeat. As soon as that thought enter her mind, she laughed. "Rashly? Zeus doesn't even think half the time when it's important. Thalia is barely tolerable, but Jason he is a true hero, a champion."
Maybe that was the problem. She was the Goddess of Motherhood, but all her children had grown up and while some were a disappointment; her sons to be exact, her daughters had great success. Even when Eileithyia failed to prevent Hercules birth, she had gone on to help many woman give birth to healthy babies. Even today you could find her slipping away to Earth to help with premature births to ensure the child survived.
"My daughters have found their place, even become mother's themselves. Hebe finds humans fascinating enough to have children with them. Eileithyia loves them enough to ensure each mother has a chance to experience motherhood. Mortal woman love to become mothers no matter how they turn out they love them." Musing on that idea she recalled the old days in Greece when families chose one of their children to be their heroes, their champions. In ages past mortals would pray to her and receive her blessings
Returning into her chambers, she turned to a wall she had recently redecorated. On it were images of her favorite champions throughout her existence. There were pictures of the ancient Jason next her current champion. An image of her with Leo when he was small. A final image, a quick picture that was taken in a micro second before Zeus sent the seven heroes back to Camp Half Blood. Gazing at the image, she remember how happy and certain she was. Next to being a mother, the greatest feeling was pride in those who served her causes obtained victory no matter how difficult it was.
"Hmm, Zeus thinks he is the absolute authority to make decisions for us. I am the Queen of the Heavens, the Goddess of Marriage, Womanhood, and Glory to Heroes. My temper is legendary, but I can use that to help me. I'll show Zeus I was right and that he shouldn't dare question my choices! If I can bring together seven heroes, then I'm more than capable of doing it again. Once those demigods see how benevolent I can be perhaps they will finally treat me with proper respect."
Leaving her chambers she decided to consult the one person in Olympus who could help her and would know how to proceed. She might even want to join in as she had also been largely ignored for a great deal of time. In the past, she had never wanted to get involved with either godly or mortal affairs, but Hera had a strong feeling that her older/younger sister might change her mind once she heard what Hera had planned. Entering the room where the Great Hearth was she found who she was looking for. "Hestia, my dear sister. I wish to speak with you about something of importance."
Hestia looked up from the fire and smiled at her sister. Today Hestia had decided to appear in her veiled maiden form rather than as a child. She had sensed her sister's approach and knew that it would be easier for Hera to take her advice if she matched appearance. "Hello sister, you look lovely today. What is it you wish to talk about? Does it have something to do with what happened a week ago?"
Hera nodded as she looked around for something to sit on. Hestia might not mind laying on the floor, but as Queen Hera was used to getting the best. "You wouldn't happen to have a chair I could borrow?" Hestia giggled before using her powers to summon up a chair for her sister. "Thank you dear sister. To answer your earlier question, yes what I wish to discuss has something to do with the battle last week."
"Then please explain to me what is you want." Hestia calmly listened to her sister as she explained everything to her. The Goddess of the Hearth had learned that to truly listen to a person, you must understand the true meaning of their words and the emotions behind them. Hestia noted her sister's body language, the shift in her body as she recapped her feelings about demigods to the pride in her face as she described the steps she had taken to create the hero team that helped save them.
Hera finished talking about how she wanted to make a contribution to Camp Half-Blood, as gesture in good faith to remind the demigods to show her proper respect and begrudgingly added, she missed having people who valued her assistance. Heroes who prayed to her for help or did quest in her name.
Hestia placed a hand over her sister's spreading the warmth of the fire through her. Tilting her head up, she voiced her thoughts. "It sounds to me that you are suffering from a case of empty nest syndrome and a lack of fulfillment." Hera opened her mouth to argue only to stop when Hestia pressed her finger to her lips asking Hera to let her finish speaking.
"Dear sister it is as you said, you feel great pride in your children, even if they have disappointed you in how they turned out. While you say to you detest the demigod children, deep inside I sense you are proud of many them, especially the ones who are your grandchildren. You only hold back the pride and love you feel, because to do otherwise would be against your nature. Acknowledging it would mean admitting your wrong, something that is hard to do."
"Believe me Hestia when I say that I can find fault with others with ease. I know what many say about me, that my wraith and jealousy, make me the worst Goddess ever," Hera growled. "That if I learned to let go perhaps I might actually be likeable. How can I let go of all the hurt and betrayal? It feels justified, not something I did wrong."
Hestia gave her sister a knowing look. To get Hera to admit she was wrong in the past would take a few more centuries. Still, there was something she could do now that might help with the dilemma she faced. "My Queen, if you want to have people see you for more than your anger and envy, then you must be sincere with your desire to contribute goodwill to Camp Half-Blood, otherwise it will only be seen as a curse."
Hera took several deep breathes calming herself. Recalling the stress reducer techniques she'd seen on TV, she imagined all her emotions pooling at the bottom of her feet before blowing them out of her body. Hera did this several times eventually calming down. Hestia may not get involved with Olympian business most of the time, but she was the one who knew how to solve personal problems without hurting her family's feelings. That's why she was the original Goddess of Family.
"Then what do you suggest I do? I will not have demigod children. My heroes were picked for their abilities and it was under special circumstances. The other members of the family would be very upset if I tried to usurp their children to be my heroes."
"Then do what you did in the old days. Find worthy humans to be your Champions. Give them a small blessing, enough to get them into the camp, see through the Mist, and the ability to channel a small amount of your power when they need it," Hestia suggest as she turned the coals over creating a burst of fire that flickered brightly as the two goddess basked in its light.
Hera pondered over her older/younger sister's suggestion. It was an excellent suggestion. She remembered how many mortals she had blessed had achieved eternal glory. They had been grateful for her help and honored her with great sacrifices. Her temples had been filled with worshipers who counted on her for help. To have a new batch of humans carrying out deeds in her name would make her very happy.
Hera smiled at her sister impressed that she had once again came up with a solution to her problem. She could choose her champions, the mortals that best represented her domains. Children who could teach the demigods that there was a different side to her. In fact, she would start right now. "Thank you for the advice sister. With Zeus attention on Apollo's punishment, it will be easy to carry out your suggestion. In fact, you should follow your own advice and find mortals to become your new Acolytes."
A look of shock appeared on Hestia's face. She cared for the family and protected the hearth. Her only involvement of late with the demigods was with Percy Jackson when she presented him with Pandora's Box still filled with hope. Nothing after that. "I'm not a goddess who needs mortals to help sustain me. I am a virgin goddess remember."
Hera pointed out that Athena was also a virgin and still had children. Artemis was a maiden, but her bunk got filled with her Hunters whenever they visited. Even minor goddess were represented at the camp. Her sacred fire was what kept the spirit of the camp alive. Why shouldn't she have Acolytes to tend and protect it?
Hestia admitted that her hearth was there. The campers and nature spirits made sure it never went out. She was still given the firsts and the last of the sacrifices as tradition dictated. She wasn't forgotten. "Sister, please isn't it enough that I'm helping you? Why must you push this issue with me?"
"Because I know you. You are the kindest, gentlest, and most optimistic of any of us on Olympus. You treat everyone like your family including all the demigods. That makes you happy I know. I also know that you miss having Acolytes who took care of your hearths." Hera paused for a moment this time she reached out to her sister to comfort her sister. "Remember the rites performed thanking you for protecting the household? The blessing of each piece of architecture to you because without you they wouldn't have time to build them?"
Hestia did remember. She was a modest goddess, not wanting much out of life. She was happy with what she had yet she did miss others who followed her path. Woman who took care of the domestic arts and their families. The men who installed social order. The orphans she watched over in ancient times. What she missed the most was seeing people taking care of her sacred animal, the domesticated pig. Maybe it was time she did something for herself for a change.
"Dear sister, you speak the truth. One that even I did not know existed. While the heroes go on their quests, someone must remain behind to protect the home fires. To give hope when no one has it. I will join you in this quest. How do you wish to proceed?"
Hera gleamed with pride. It wasn't often one could change Hestia's mind and today she did. Another reason she was Queen of the Heavens. The two sisters discussed the details of what they were looking for. Both agreed finding humans who best represented their domains was the right choice. Since there were twelve Olympians that's how many mortals they would bless. Each of them would pick six Champions/Acolytes. To keep things even, they would have three girls and three boys.
Hestia insisted they could only pick someone between the ages of eleven to sixteen. The young ones would be protected by the older ones who in turn could learn from the younger children. Hera also conceded that they would have to be honest and open with their chosen kids. The mortals would need to understand the danger they would be facing. The children would have to choose for themselves if they would accept their blessing and follow their ways.
Once they assembled their Champions/Acolytes, Hestia would go to Camp Half-Blood to make arrangements with Chiron to accommodate the mostly mortal campers. It would be a difficult task and there was no guarantee that the demigods would accept these new campers, but she could only hope for the best.
Hera on the other hand would be in charge of finding a way to get their new Champions/Acolytes to the camp. Not only would she need to convince the parents that this was a great opportunity for the children; it would be up to her to arrange travel and safe passage to the camp without being detected by either mortals, monsters, or the other gods.
Now it was time to find the mortals who would best represent them. The majority of their being had to stay in Olympus otherwise someone would alert Zeus to what the two of them were up to. They needed to focus on their domains and send that bit of themselves out to find the one child who best represented those interest. The sisters agreed to meet up again once they found all twelve. Concentrating, six balls of essence left each of the two sisters and flew out of Olympus and to the world below.
Hestia's Essences of Family was the first to locate the perfect representative. The essences settled in the small town of Peru, IL. Her essences morphed into a young woman out for a stroll. She felt a strong tug towards the edge of the town. "I haven't had a nice friendly walk in some time. I forgot what it's like to be in a small town instead of a crazy city," she said to herself. After walking past an old fashion diner called the Igloo she went up and over a few blocks until stopping next to a ranch style house. She could hear sounds coming from the backyard.
Heading to the backyard, she peered through the fence and saw a teenage girl around the age fifteen spending the day with her family. The father was barbecuing some burgers on the grill and the mother was tending to the flower bed. The girl was over by the rabbit hutch taking care of the giant fuss ball.
"Here you go Harriet, fresh water and some new bedding," the teen stated. The nose on the rabbit twitched in delight letting her master pet her. The girl smiled happily and gave the rabbit a good scratch behind the ear. The mom asked her daughter Heather, to go clean up because lunch would be served soon.
"Okay Mom, I'll be right back." Heather stood up brushing off the grass from her tall frame. Her medium length light blond hair covered her slightly pushed out face making it difficult to see her blue eyes. The Essences watched her go inside and the come back out a bit later to have a nice lunch with her family content to be with them. "I believe I've found my first Acolyte."
While this was going on Hera's Essence for the domain of Glory had locked onto the best of the best. As her essence took form, she was immediately put off when she read the sign next to a school campus. "Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, (Staunton VA). What mortal here would live up to being a Champion for me? Surely this is a mistake!"
The Essences found itself being dragged through the gates and all over the campus. As she maneuvered around the families gathered here, she realized that this must be a summer session aimed at the families to reconnect with their children. "Family reunions that people actually enjoy. Now there's something you don't see in Olympus."
Still, why had the essences been drawn to here specifically for glory? She got her answer when she was pulled into the gymnasium. The essences sat down a few benches behind the families. Looking down at the gym floor she was awed by what she saw. "A game specifically designed for the blind? The players have fierce desire to win. Maybe there is a child that represents glory."
The game that was playing was goal ball, the first sport to make it into the Paralympics. Each team had three players. The Center player moved throughout his zone playing defense to keep the other team from getting the ball in the scoring zone. The other two players, the Wings, would block the shot and then try to score. The ball had a bell in it so that the players knew where it was.
The Essences of Glory watched the fast paced game. It reminded her of the old days when mortals sent raids to steal resources from a neighbor. One player in particular, a Right Wing, caught her attention. The girl was pushing herself harder than the rest, making up for her small size with excellent aim and speed. This girl had the makings of a great Champion.
Eventually the game ended and the players took off their protective gear. Hera's glory eyes locked on to the player she had been observing. The player was a child no older then eleven. Her auburn hair was tied in two small pigtails, her eyes were milky white, indicating she was completely blind. She turned when she heard the voices of a Caucasian couple with two older girls with them, calling her Orlanda.
"Mother, Father. Augusta, Madison. I'm glad you came. How did you think I did? Well enough to join the team this year?" Orlanda's voice was very hopeful and at the same time a bit impatient.
"I don't know about this Orlanda, you're so young and the older kids have more experience. You should focus on your studies," her mom suggested. Her husband agreed and pointed out that perhaps art or drama club would better suit her.
"Really art or drama? I'm not that kind of person! Look at Augusta, she's the baking queen and Madison is smarter than all of us combined with her doing decathlons all the time. Why can't I earn my own glory in athletics?" Orlanda challenged her parents. They looked at one another trying to find the right phrasing to their response, when Orlanda's sister cut in.
"Because they don't want you to get hurt duh," Augusta snipped. Next to her Madison was making funny faces at Orlanda knowing she couldn't see them. The parents told them to quit it and that it was time to get something to eat. Hera's glory watched Orlanda smirking. Indeed this girl would be an excellent Champion for her.
Back with the other essences, Hestia had almost finished gathering her Acolytes. The Essence of Domestic Arts had traveled very far from Manhattan to Helena, Montana where she found a twelve year old foster girl named Eunice Tanner. The girl was very different then most twelve year olds. Instead of playing with the other foster kids in her group home, she was helping the staff prepare for lunch.
The Essences sensed that cleaning the dorms, serving meals, or welcoming new arrivals made the preteen feel happy and wanted. Eunice appeared to be very practical, talking about how the leftover veggies would make good compost. The slightly chubby girl sporting brown braids and eyes would be perfect for Camp Half-Blood. The nature spirits would love her and Chiron could use the help now that he was head of the whole camp.
The Essences of Hearth found a nice girl name Sidonia Silverstein, a thirteen year old from Portland Oregon who was very responsible and careful around flames. In Chattanooga, Tennessee a boy named Chui Freeman, age sixteen, demonstrated the skills of keeping social and state order as he prepared his speech to become class president once school started. To the delight of the Essence of Symbolism, finding a friendly boy named Ichabod Stein, age fourteen, playing with his domesticated pet pig, Xylon, in Duluth, Minnesota, was pure luck.
Hera's Essences of Marriage discovered the perfect girl in Uma Naballie, age sixteen, from Madison Wisconsin, her family ties back in India made sure she would never break the sanctity that was Marriage. She obeyed her parents and talked to them about their arranged marriage, wondering who they would pick after she completed college in a few years. With her delicate and natural beauty who wouldn't want her as a wife? Yes, this girl understood that the sacred vows were meant to be kept no matter what.
Tino Gonzales, age thirteen, of Phoenix Arizona, turned out to be a surprise being chosen by the Essence of Motherhood considering he was guy. Vitas Choi, age twelve, of Raleigh North Carolina, was picked rather quickly by the Essences of Heaven. Wyatt Grimwood, age fifteen, of Augusta Maine, was saddle with the Essences of Emotions, but he looked like he could handle it.
To the surprise of both sisters, their final Essences, Architecture and Womanhood, turned out to be a pair of siblings from Wailuku Hawaii. The eleven year old boy Maui Huiah loved architecture as much as his fourteen year old sister Leilani enjoyed pushing the boundaries of womanhood.
At last all twelve children had been found. Each with their own unique abilities and potential. Hera knew her Champions would excel under the right training and Hestia was pleased with such wonderful Acolytes. Now all they needed to do was talk with the children in person before taking the final step to get them to Camp Half-Blood.
Hera's Essences of Emotions started to approach the boy Wyatt, who was sitting on the stoop of his apartment building, listening to music. By far he was the most unusual mortal that the goddess had ever encountered. His style, what was it called, punk or emo? She really didn't know. Human were always coming up with new ways to describe their personalities. Either one would work for him.
His hair was dyed a mix between green and black, the hair completely shaved off on one side. He wore red contacts that contrasted greatly to his pale skin. He was wearing combat boots with tight fitting black jeans, a punk rock band t-shirt, with a spiked bracelet on his left wrist. He noticed the nicely dressed lady and pulled off his headphones. "What's a nice lady like you doing here? Here to visit someone important?" he asked gruffly eying the strange woman.
"As a matter of fact I am. I'm looking for someone named Wyatt Grimwood. I lost his exact apartment number," the Essences replied sharply. This boy really did have an attitude.
"That would be me. So lady, what's your interest in me? I would have remembered if I had an appointment with a gorgeous femme."
The Essences of Emotions clamped down on her temper. His manners were rude to say the least. "Do you always talk disrespectfully to woman?" She was considering leaving and looking elsewhere for a better Champion. If one of her Champions couldn't show her proper respect, then they had no business being a Champion.
Wyatt held up his hands insisting he wasn't attempting to be rude. He just wanted to give her a compliment. He pointed out that she still hadn't given her name yet or what she wanted with him. "I rather take this conversation inside my apartment, but my Grandma wouldn't appreciate me bringing strangers without id."
"I suppose you wouldn't believe me if I told you I'm Hera, the Greek Goddess and Queen of Olympus would you? At least part of her, specifically her emotions? That I came here to offer you the chance to be one of my Champions. To train with modern demigods and have dangerous adventures?" The Essences asked, glowing briefly and summoning a cuckoo bird to her side.
Wyatt looked at her in awe and amazement. This lady was no illusionist, he could sense an aura coming off from this woman. When his Grandpa talked about his travels across the globe, he claimed he met different gods and goddesses. That he once battled a creature out of mythology and survived by the skin of his neck. He always believed it was the ramblings of an old man, but now here was proof.
"I have to say you're very convincing. Come on up, my Grandpa should be back from the store soon. You can tell him and my Grandma about this offer you have for me."
In Portland Oregon, Hestia's Essence of the Hearth, entered the store owned by Sidonia's family. It was a charming little shop that sold different herbs, incenses, and candles, along with other similar products. Casually strolling through the rows she observed the family closely. Two college age kids were in the back unloading a delivery. The mother was in the back doing the books as the husband stayed at the register. A glance at the security mirror showed two little girls, maybe five and seven, cleaning the floors.
Turning to the scented candle aisle she came face to face with the girl she'd been looking for. Sidonia was kneeling down as she stocked the shelves with new candles. Her short black hair framed her oval shaped face. She blew at her red bangs before brushing them out of her face. Copper colored oval shaped glasses perched on her narrow nose. Her eyes were nearly the same shade of the glasses.
Sidonia sniffed one of the new samples, blazing firewood, enjoying the rich smell of slightly burned wood with a hint of pine. "Another amazing scent. I can't wait until I'm making my own scents," she whispered to herself. Sensing someone nearby, she noticed she wasn't alone in the aisle.
"Exc…exc…excuse me Ma'Me. I didn't notice you there. Do you need some help?" the girl stuttered. She was blushing profusely as if she had been caught doing something embarrassing.
"Actually yes I do. I was wondering if you could recommend what scented candles would work best for me. I have a large family and it usually falls to me to take care of our fireplace. I would like to find scents that would please everyone when they walk into the family room to spend time together."
"Do…yo…you know….wh…at….scents your family likes?" Sidonia asked nervously.
"Well one of my nieces loves the scent of the olive tree while my other likes to surround herself in cypress. My younger brother enjoys mint, but the other two like the scent of the sea or the smell of a rainstorm. I think the person who has the most unusual scent is my youngest nephew. He really enjoys the smell of fresh wine."
Sidonia pushed her glasses back up her nose. "You have a big family." Her jaw nearly dropped when the woman told her that she had a lot more family including two sisters, several cousins, and more than a dozen different nephews and nieces. It seemed each of them enjoyed a different scent and it had to be just right or they would throw a temper tantrum.
The Essences of the Hearth, could see Sidonia's mind working as she tried to figure out all those scents. The teenager's expression changed as if she just realized something about all those scents and why they seemed familiar to her. The Essences of Hearth smiled as Sidonia came to the right conclusion.
"You're Hestia aren't you? I mean that's impossible, but all the scents you describe they match up to the symbols of different Greek gods. Oh, I'm sorry I'm rambling and making no sense." She adjusted her glasses trying to tell if she was really talking to a goddess.
"Actually, you are correct child. I am part of Hestia, the part that represents the hearth. I actually came here to see you and offer you a chance to help me. Can we talk in private?" The teen nodded as they headed to the break room to discuss the matter away from the rest of the family.
On the Southside of Raleigh, specifically the Lake Wheeler neighborhood, Vitas sat on the couch leaning forward in eager, as he listened to Hera's Essence of Heaven describe the outdoor school/camp that he'd been selected to attend. He had no idea that his school had recommended him for the school special offer. It sounded like it was a lot of fun. He couldn't wait to try some of their activities. "Mrs. Heaven, can you be a bit more specific about what you meant in combat training?"
"Of course. CHB offers a variety of different martial arts and fighting styles for everyone. We strongly believe in the foundation of defensive training and exercise for all students. There are competitions all the time to see how far the students have progressed," the Essences of Heaven explained. At the moment the disguised essences appeared to a middle age recruiter for a special alternative school. She was dressed for success to help considering she was dealing with two very traditional Korean parents who were trying to raise their son in the same way.
"Your school sounds most impressive. You say the principal is also the head teacher? Very auspicious indeed," Vitas father said as he looked over the brochure that he had been handed. The cabin dorms were spectacular in design. The classrooms, some outdoors, some indoors appeared to favor tradition instead of modernism, something that he liked. The reviews from the students and parents were very positive.
Vitas's mother looked a little unsure. There was something about the school/camp that made her uneasy. "I don't know about this. Your school is very far away. I don't know if I like the thought of Vitas being all the way up in New York, especially the big city all by himself." Glancing around, she tried to come up with reasons Vitas shouldn't be going so faraway.
"Mother, I won't be in the big city, I'll be in Long Island. Mrs. Heavens already explained that students when they leave have to have a chaperon with them and approval first from the principal first," Vitas insisted. The preteen looked at his parents respectively and silently pleading with them. While outside he looked like a traditional Korean school boy, inside he wanted a chance to pursue his own interests. Maybe even shake things up.
The Essence of Heavens sensed the father wavering on giving permission. She would not lose this Champion. "I understand your concern. I have children myself. I always want the best for them, even if that means doing things that are hard for me, but best for them." Focusing her attention on her hopeful Champion she continued to speak.
"Your culture values education and a strong competitive nature to excel. CHB, while not a traditional school, its alternative methods help ease the pressure of students, giving them the chance to prove themselves on their own merits. In fact several of our students graduate and go on to prestigious colleges."
That was the magic word. Upon hearing that Vitas's father finally agreed to let his son attend CHB. His wife respected her husband decisions. Vitas smiled and wanted to jump out of his seat in joy. He couldn't wait for his parents to finish signing the paperwork and have a one on one chat with Mrs. Heaven.
In Duluth, Ichabod, who usually went by the nickname Iggy, eavesdropped on his parents' conversation with Ms. Domsymbal. They had been extremely surprised, yet utterly delighted, to hear their son had been selected for a special program at school in Long Island. Academics and special programs was something they loved a lot. Iggy was the son of two literary professors and his biracial looks made him look like both of them.
From his father, he had inherited his light brown skin tone and height. From his mother he inherited her red hair and heart shape face. He got both his parents eyes as he had complete heterochromia. His left eye was green and his right was brown. His classmates say it gave him an exotic look. Reaching down he petted Xylon, a pot belly pig on the head earning a happy snort.
"Try to keep a little quiet Xylon. Mom and Dad's visitor is talking about you right now." Pressing his ear closer to the door that led to the living room he listened in on the fate of his pet.
"So students are allowed pets at your school?" Mrs. Stein asked in curiosity. "That is a bit unusual for a school in the United States." The literary professor looked at her husband who nodded at her unspoken question. "Ichabod, has a pet pot belly pig. Wouldn't that cause a problem?"
The Essences of Symbolism shook her head and giggled a bit. "The students live in large cabins on the campus. We've found that living outdoors helps invigorate our students in their studies. Each cabin has a different symbol. The cabin Ichabod would be in symbol is a domesticate pig if fact." The parents' eyebrows raised in surprise at that, but it was good to hear there would be enough room for Xylon and his needs would be met.
"I guess then Xylon can be the cabin mascot. It's nice to know Ichabod won't be separated from one another. Between you and me, Xylon has a bit of separation anxiety," Mr. Stein informed his guest. Xylon loved being with his owner and it was sometimes difficult to get him to calm down when Ichabod was at school.
Suddenly the door opened and Ichabod crashed to the floor as Xylon rushed over to Ms. Domsymbol, eager to be petted by her. His owner raised his eyebrows, surprised how quickly Xylon warmed up to her.
The Essences helped the boy up to his feet. "Eavesdropping on a conversation is not good manners." Turning to the parents she asked if she could speak to their son alone for a few minutes. They nodded and gave her permission to. Ichabod had a feeling this would be an interesting conversation.
Hera's Essence of Motherhood had just finished explaining in private everything to her hopeful Champion Tino. She had even demonstrated a bit of her power to prove her claim. "As one of my Champions, you will have the privilege of representing my domain of Motherhood to demigods everywhere. I understand that as a boy you might find this honor a bit strange."
Tino raised his hand waiting for permission to speak. Hera gestured for him to speak up. He spoke with a firm yet gentlemanly voice. "Ms. Hera, I'm not afraid to admit I'm a mama's boy. My Mama has worked three jobs to support us while raising me to be a man that treats women right. I am honored to be chosen as your Champion for Mothers everywhere."
Tino meant that with all his heart even if he might not look the part. The boy was on the lanky side and his hazel eyes were a bit small on his face compared to his big nose and ears. At least his medium length brunette hair was tied back in a low ponytail. Admittedly he was somewhat clumsy. None of this stopped him from helping anyone, especially the other single moms in his neighborhood. "Your offer is very tempting. I know my Mama would be thrilled if I accepted, but I need you to be clear about two things if you can Ms. Hera."
"What do you need me to clear up young man?"
Nervously Tino asked what his questions. "If I accepted this blessing, you can't take it back can you? I'd always be able to see through this Mist you speak of wouldn't? I couldn't go back to being ignorant of the whole thing."
The Essences nodded and told him point blank if he accepted this blessing, he would slowly go insane if he tried to deny what he really saw. There were a lot of ordinary humans who ended up in psych wards because they tried to explain away what they saw.
Tino nodded processing this. Then he asked if did go through this and be a Champion, how high was his chance at dying? The essences admitted he have lower chance of dying from monsters when traveling because he still basically be mortal, but if was chosen for a quest or took part in battle, he death could happen at any time.
Tino looked at a picture of him and his Mama last year visiting his grandmother in Mexico. He knew that Mexico was a dangerous place and he had done everything to protect her from danger. He even risked his own life to save two small children, who had gotten in the crossfire of a shooting. He returned them to their mother safely accepting her thanks. If there were dangers out there that no one could see then wasn't he obligated to make sure no mother lost their children to them?
"I've made my decision. I will become your Champion Ms. Hera. Please bestow your blessing on me."
The Essences of Motherhood smiled and expressed her thanks. Sitting down in a chair opposite of the bed, she placed one hand over his heart. The other was pressed against his forehead. "As Queen of the Heavens, the Goddess of Womanhood, Marriage, and Motherhood, bestow my Champion, Tino Gonzales, with a blessing of my power. To aid him in gaining glory and happiness as he serves me for as long as I will have him in my service"
Tino felt a rush of energy going throughout this body leaving a pleasant tingling sensation behind. His mind widened and he could feel a slight change in his aura. Laughter of newborn mothers filled his ears. Opening his eyes, he got off the bed and walked past the Essences as he took a look at himself in the full length mirror. Nothing had changed on the outside except the golden hue to his skin. Above his head a glowing peacock feather perched on top of a diadem spun. It was official, he was now Hera's Champion.
Meanwhile Hestia's Essences of State Order was trying to calm down her new Acolyte Chui. He was an average second generation teen whose family was originally from Ghana. He stared at his left arm, where he insisted that Hestia tattoo her symbol on him. He was starting to wonder if he made a mistake. "Chui, I don't understand why you're getting worked up. You're a natural born leader who can keep order without being a bully. Surely being the Head of the Acolytes, really just a Head Councilor, shouldn't bother you."
Chui's hands were shaking as he babbled. "Being a class president sounds easier than being put in charge of a small group of new kids who have to deal with demigods," he stated. He shivered at the thought of standing up to bigger, more powerful kids, who wanted to beat him up for no reason. Hestia's Essences had been clear about his duties. To keep things in order while protecting the home fire.
His cabin mates would be depending on him for guidance. He really didn't know the first thing about being an Acolyte, let alone how to protect a sacred fire. He always dreamed of being a leader for his class, at least he would be on equal footing. Now he wasn't so sure.
The Essences gave the boy an unexpected hug filling him with warmth and calmness. "You are not the only one starting on this new path. At least eleven other people will be trying to find their place. Throughout the year new campers will come. They'll be nervous, unsure, and afraid. You can help them not to be."
Turning the sixteen year old around to face her, she gave him a calm look. "Give yourself some time and be patient. You'll find your place at the camp. Don't worry about being better than anyone. Show them that you are part of their family."
"Okay, I just have to remember that. I've got time to prepare myself." Taking a few more deep breathes, he calmed down and told the Essences he wouldn't disappoint her. He would become the leader she saw inside him.
About a week and half later brother and sister Maui and Leilani were finishing packing their bags. The Essences of Womanhood and Architecture, had told them they be leaving early to give them time to orientate themselves, at the camp and get used to being around demigods and all the nature creatures that lived there, before most campers left for the start of the school term in September.
"I can't wait I can't wait! This is going to be so cool! Can you believe out of the millions of kids in the world, we were chosen for this?" Maui asked his sister as he jumped off the bottom bunk of their shared bed. "I'm going to get my own bed!" That's what excited the kid the most. Not meeting two real life goddess, but getting his own personal bed.
"You'll still be sharing a room with other people little brother. Try to not keep them up while you spend half the night with your models," Leilani, teased her brother gently. It was going to be strange, not sharing a bedroom with her brother. They had shared the bedroom for what felt like forever. For the first time in her teen life she'd be sleeping with others her own age. She hoped her bunk mates would be kind and that her brother would make friends with his.
The two siblings looked a lot a like being descended from Native Hawaiians. Both had slightly dark brown hair worn in traditional Hawaiian style. Leilani's hair's was slightly curled and fell over the left shoulder in long style ponytail while Maui's hair was held back in a low bun. Her big brown eyes were more oval shaped then Maui's almond ones. Maui had a birthmark on his back and she had one on her stomach.
Placing her new jacket into her suitcase she zipped it up. "All done, come on Maui, we don't want to miss our ten hour and twenty minute flight!" She didn't turn around as she took her suitcase down the hall and towards the entrance where her parents waited anxiously. They looked so sad. "Mom, Dad, don't look so sad. We're not going away forever."
Maui bounced up and down the hall with his suitcase. "Yeah, remember what Ms. Arch and Mrs. Wohood told you. This is a trial year. If we don't like it we don't have to come back next year."
"We know that Maui, it's just hard for us. You won't be around to help at the plantation this year, helping us harvest papaya," his mom told him as she gave him a big hug. Tears leaked out of her eyes.
Leilani looked over at her father. He pulled her to his side and whispered. "Keep an eye on your brother. You know how his curiosity can get the best of him. Especially with all the time spent outdoors. He could run away and no one will find him for hours."
"I promise that I'll make sure he's safe. Besides, if he does get in trouble, it's my duty as is big sister to get him out of it."
"That's my Heavenly Flower," he told her as he kissed her on the forehead. Leilani rolled her eyes. Her father had two nicknames for her. Heavenly flower and royal child, that's what her name meant. Her brother's nickname was navigator or little legend, because of the legends about the Hawaiian God Maui.
All too soon, the family was at the Kahului Airport saying their goodbyes. After much hugging and promising to stay in touch often, the siblings boarded the plane. "Aloha Wailuku and Aloha New York!" Maui cheered. Sighing Leilani put on her headphones to listen to her music during the long flight.
In Olympus Hestia was smiling happily while Hera was glowing with pride. Zeus hadn't even noticed their Champions/Acolytes. Soon they would arrive at Camp Half-Blood and stir things up. Both Goddess hoped the best for the mortals they had chosen for they sensed they soon would be tested. This was going to be an interest year indeed.