Hello there everyone! Sorry this chapter was also pretty short, I didn't think it would end up like this. But two things: one, please give some credit to sketchywolf, because without him this book would be nonexistent. Second, please answer the poll on my profile, so that I can have more closure on what the people want. Thanks! - Steven

Chapter 2: Destiny

Zack's POV

I woke up on just another normal and casual day in my room. Today was a special day for me, because it was my birthday. My parents had told me everything once I had gotten older. (Although Dad wanted me to be older, Mom insisted. He's a bit soft sometimes) They told me everything they knew about my past, how they found me and all that other stuff. I grew up here unofficially adopted by the couple, although I would call them my real parents since I had never met my real ones before. I was turning thirteen today, so I was ready for something special. I got out of bed and changed into my usual clothes. I was wearing a blue Nightwing hoodie, a black shirt, blue jeans and Converse shoes. I had kinda gotten attached to these clothes, so I kept getting bigger sizes as I grew of the same outfit.

I got out of my room and went downstairs, where both of my parents were eating breakfast at the dining table.

"Good morning Zack." my dad said. I nodded at him and sat down at the table, starting to eat my bacon. My dad's name was Jon, and he was a demigod, someone who was half mortal and half god, like me and my mother as well. He looked like his mother, Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. My mother's name was Amber, who is a daughter of Ares. She had red hair that cascaded down her back like a red waterfall.

"So, are you ready for today Zack?" she asked me.

"Of course!" I said, excited. "I've been waiting for this day for a while." Jon smiled at that, although he seemed a bit nervous to me. Actually, Amber also seemed nervous to me as well, but perhaps less than Jon.

"Anyways, I need to go pick up something. I'll be right back. Just driving to the bakery." I nodded at that. Jon got out of the house and went outside to his Impala. According to him, he made it from scratch. He drove off to the city, which he does every week to buy groceries and supplies for us all. So me and Amber were left back at home, so with nothing to really do, we usually just clean up the house and do chores. As the day passed by into late afternoon, Jon finally got back. He had some groceries bags and a box, which I knew what it was. Jon did go to the bakery after all, he said that himself. Once we helped bring everything in, Jon put the box on the table and opened it up. There was a blue and black cake inside, with the words "Happy Birthday!" inscribed upon it. Amber put thirteen candles onto it and lit them with a blowtorch. "Make a wish Zack." she told me. I closed my eyes and did that before blowing out the candles.

We ate the cake soon after with dinner, and pretty soon we were all full.

"That was good." I said, both satisfied and full. Jon and Amber looked at each other nervously again. I noticed this and asked, "What's wrong? Come on, you can tell me." Jon looked at me.

"Me and Amber have been thinking. We've taught you so much on how to survive, but that's not what you only need. You need actual demigod training. We're taking you to Camp Half-Blood."

"What?" I said, shocked. "But I want to stay with you!"

"Zack, you have grown so much." Amber put in. "But you need proper learning, and we can't do that. The camp can do that for you. Besides, you can still come and visit sometime. Our house isn't far!" I pondered about this. She was right. I would also like to see Camp Half-Blood for myself as well. I only heard stories about the place, and each one made me want to see it more and more.

"Fine." I told them. "Let's go." Ten minutes later, I was in the Impala with my stuff in a backpack, driving towards camp. We kept driving for another good ten minutes until Jon stopped at the edge of camp.

"We can't go any farther unless we want the car to break down from the magic."

"Well then, this is the last stop. And it's my stop." I replied. I grabbed my pack and I opened the door, but before I could get out, Amber stopped me.

"Zack, do you have your bow?" she asked.

"Yeah." I replied. Being who I was, I was genetically able to do archery. My bow and quiver of arrows were made for me once I got old enough by Jon, and they were strapped to my back. Amber pulled out something that was covered in a cloth.

"This is for you." she said. "My father gave it to me when I was younger. It would be of more use in your hands." I took the clothed item and unwrapped it. It was a shortsword, the only sword I could use in a battle that I can do well with. It also had a belt and a sheath with it. "You can will it to light with flames when needed." she told me. "I hope it serves you well."

"Thanks Mom." I replied. While we were talking, Jon had also grabbed a clothed item and gave it to me.

"This was also a gift from my mother." he said. "Very special. I'll give it to you, and I think my mother would approve as well." I unwrapped it and saw that it was a cloak, outlined with gold.

"Isn't this… a part of Athena's aegis?" I asked. He nodded.

"Yes. Maybe someday, I can tell you why I earned it. You can defend with it, and you have a boost of speed and strength with it on." I draped the cloak over my shoulders, making me look more mysterious. "Now son, I'll let you choose for yourself. Once you get to camp, Chiron will immediately know your parentage. There's no need to keep secrets from him. He can see through you like how an eagle looks for prey. But if you don't want to tell the others, that is fine. But remember who you are, no matter what, in the beginning or in the present time. You are Zack Wolf, son of Artemis, and our son. Okay?" "Yes." I said, my eyes watering. I quickly left the car and waved goodbye as my parents left back for home. I turned around and started to walk for camp, but I heard noises to my left.

I turned to look at what was going on, only to be met with a young boy, a woman and a satyr being chased by… the Minotaur. I pulled out my bow and fired an arrow at the bull. It sank into his chest, which momentarily stopped him as he looked around to see who did it, allowing the other three to scramble to safety. He finally located me, staring at me with loathing as he pulled out the arrow and snapped it in two with one hand. "He's isn't affected by this." I thought, assessing the situation. "Then I have to go in melee style." I pulled out my shortsword out of its scabbard and set it ablaze with fire at will, just like Amber said. I tensed, staring at the monster as it stared back while the cold night wind blew threw the air, catching my cloak. As the wind died down, I charged the Minotaur and vice versa, in a battle that marked the start of my adventure.

Well, we all know Zack's adventures are only just beginning! If you want to know what happens next, wait for the next chapter! (Also, there might be a new book coming out soon) Thanks for reading my fanfics everyone! - Steven