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Chapter IV Tsuna
I was dreaming again. I had no idea where I was. The scene kept changing. One minute I was in the sky during the day and then at night, the next I was on the ocean floor. Then I was standing in the middle of a clearing overlooking the ocean. I looked around and found nothing. Then I heard a rattle and a long hiss. The ground shook and out of the ground came a giant black snake. It towered over me like a mountain. I saw that it looked hurt and wounded, blood dripping from its wounds.
The giant snake started to finish getting out of the hole when seven fireballs flew out of the sky and bombarded it. The snake shrieked in pain and fell to the ground. As it tried to get away a beam of pure pale light shot out of the heavens and struck the snake. Then two beings floated down, one looking like a small sun and another covered in moonlight. I couldn't make out any features on them as they were covered in their blinding light, but I could feel something regal about the two of them. The snake lifted itself up again and a large wave blasted out of the ocean.
As the snake screamed from the attack a man rose from the ocean wearing samurai armor. In his hand was a sword that looked familiar, but I knew I never saw it before. The three beings surrounded the snake on three sides and the snake hissed in anger. The sun-like being threw seven small orbs that looked like small suns that circled around the snake. The being shrouded in moonlight revealed a small silver disc. This disc shut out a pale light that encircled the seven suns. Then the samurai that came from the ocean raised his sword and swung it in a circle over his head. A beam of mystic energy shot out of his blade and hit the first miniature sun that was closest to him. The energy flowed throw the first sun and connected with the other six.
The circle fell to the ground and created something that resembled a pentagram. The snake hissed and thrashed about as it sunk into the ground. The three beings came close to each other and bowed their heads. The beings made of suns and moonlight ascended into the sky. The samurai from the ocean sheathed his sword and looked towards the ocean. I wanted to ask him something, but as I walked to him the entire dream shifted and disappeared, like sand being blow in the winds.
I opened my eyes after the dream ended. Sitting up I clutched my chest. It was extremely painful and each breath I took added to that pain like a sharp stab.
"Take it easy Tsuna." said a voice to my side. A hand was put on my shoulder and I saw that it was Annabeth. "You have several cracked ribs."
I glanced around the room I was in. There were several cots with thin white sheets. Sheets hug from strings as privacy protectors. I could hear other people in the building, some moaning and groaning, other rushing around. Annabeth was now sitting on the cot I was sleeping in. Her hair was up in a ponytail and she was wearing an orange t-shirt that said Camp Half-Blood.
"Good to know." I grunted out. I swung my legs over the side of the cot and stood up. As I did, however, my legs shook violently and I nearly collapsed on the floor. Annabeth caught me and put me back on the cot.
"You've been in bed for three days." said Annabeth. "You're bound to have a numb body."
"Three days?!" I exclaimed. "What day is it?"
"The Monday after the dance." Annabeth said. She grabbed an iced drink and gave it to me. I sipped it through the straw and tasted my favorite drink.
"A Dark/White Chocolate Mocha with extra chocolate and three pumps of mint?" I asked. I stared at the drink and it didn't look like my favorite drink.
"You taste coffee?" Annabeth asked.
"Yea, but this isn't it." I said. "What is it?"
"Nectar." She said.
"Do I look like I'm a humming bird?" I asked. "Why would you give me flower juice?"
"Not flower nectar, Tuna Head." Annabeth said jokingly. "Nectar of the Gods. It's the very thing the gods drink."
"I think you mean God." I said. "Where are we?"
"Camp Half-Blood." said Annabeth.
"That summer camp Percy told me about?" I wondered. "For Dyslexic and ADHD ridden kids? Why are we here?"
"Camp Half-Blood is more than a camp for those with Dyslexia and ADHD." said Annabeth. "It's the training place, and home, of demigods."
"Demigods?" I asked.
"Children of the gods." She explained. I gave her a quizzical look. "The Greek gods to be exact. Percy said he told you about the gods."
"Oh I think he did, but I was far more concerned with the spider demons coming after us!" I yelled.
"Don't say spider." said Annabeth after she shook with fear.
"Sorry." I said. I sipped on the Nectar some more and was starting to feel the soreness fade away. "So tell me more about Camp…and Demigods."
"Camp Half-Blood is the training grounds for all demigods." Annabeth explained. "It's where we train our natural battle instincts. There's a reason why you were so good at Fencing and Kendo. They're your battlefield reflexes. In a real fight, they'd keep you alive. As for the attention problems, that's because you see too much, Tsuna, not too little."
"So you're saying that I have no skill." I deadpanned.
"It's not that, it's just that you have a higher natural aptitude for battle." Annabeth said.
"And what Percy said about monsters, they're real?" I asked.
"They're very real." said Annabeth. "If those things we fought is considered any clue to you. But yea, monsters are real. There's the hydra and minotaur and many others that are real."
"Then why haven't I seen them." I asked.
"There's this thing, called the Mist." explained Annabeth. "It blankets the world and alters the perception of mortals. It can even affect demigods if it is powerful enough. You must have had a worried godly parent if you couldn't see anything until recently."
"So…" I said after a few moments of silence. "I'm the son of some Greek god?"
"That's the reason you could drink the Nectar without being incinerated." Annabeth said. "But determining your godly parent is going to be difficult. You see, a few weeks ago there was a large battle in Manhattan, with us and most of the gods on one side and the minor gods and the Titans, led by Kronos, on the other. At the end of the battle Percy made the gods swear on the River Styx, which is the greatest promise on can make, to claim all of their children by the age of thirteen."
"But I'm sixteen." I said. "My birthday was a few weeks ago, on August 2nd."
"See that's the thing," started Annabeth, "The oath also has the gods claim any of their unclaimed children. So you should have known about being a demigod as early as the oath was taken."
"Well I've heard nothing about being a demigod." I said. "Not even a letter by owl."
"Ha ha, Tuna Head." mocked Annabeth as she punched me in my arm. I groaned slightly. She reached across and grabbed a golden cube of bread. "Here, eat this."
"What's this?" I asked as I took the square.
"Ambrosia." Annabeth said. "It's the food that the gods usually eat. Like the Nectar it has healing properties for us demigods."
I started nibbling on the square. It tasted like Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream. I felt something warm in the pit of my stomach and my ribs felt much better. I felt more energetic and ready to walk about.
"Feel better?" asked Annabeth.
"Much better." I said. I stood up and stretched, popping my bones. My ribs felt a lot better but were still sore.
"Then we can start the tour." Annabeth said as she stood up herself. "And I don't believe the orientation film will be necessary."
"This camp has an orientation film?" I asked bewildered.
"It just expands on what I just told you." Annabeth said.
"Okay then." I said. We started walking out of the infirmary. I still was a bit unsteady on my feet so she supported me. I saw that there were people that were taking care of other campers. These 'nurses' looked really similar. They had blonde hair and blue eyes. "Why do the nurses look the same?"
"Those are the Children of Apollo." Annabeth explained. "Like their dad they excel at healing."
"Sons of Apollo… this is going is going to take some getting used to." I said.
"Pretty soon you'll find it completely normal." said Annabeth. "Now let's introduce you to Chiron and Mr. D."
As soon as we were out of the infirmary I felt steady enough to walk on my own. We walked through a hallway till we came to a door. We left the door and were on a deck. The deck was furnished with lawn chairs and tables. Some of the lawn chairs had pillows and blankets. Annabeth and I walked around the deck, which covered the entire house. As we turned a corner I saw two men playing a card game.
One man had a chubby face, a red nose and curly hair so black, it looks purple. He had watery, blue, bloodshot eyes, as if he was drinking. He was wearing a tiger-striped Hawaiian shirt and purple running shoes. The other man was in a wheelchair. He had thinning brown hair, bushy eyebrows, intense brown eyes and a scruffy beard. He was wearing a tweed jacket with a blanket over his legs.
"Ah, it looks like our newest camper has awakened." said the man in the wheelchair.
"Yippee, another camper." said the chubby man in tiger stripes. "Why can't they just get eaten or something before they get here? *sigh* Even fifty years stuck here is insufferable."
"Tsuna, meet our heads of staff here at Camp Half-Blood, Chiron and Mr. D, the god of wine." said Annabeth. She pointed to the man in the wheelchair and the man in the tiger stripes respectively.
"The god of wine?" I asked. "Why is there such a usele-?"
"I think what he means to say is," interrupted Annabeth as she placed her hand over my mouth, "Why is there use a useful, and absolutely powerful and… handsome, god working at this…this… uh, umm… boring camp full of idiot heroes?"
"Thank you Anna Lee." said Mr. D. while looking at me.
"Actually, it's Annabeth." muttered Annabeth.
"I would watch your mouth boy." continued Mr. D. "I may be the nicest of the gods, but that doesn't mean I won't tolerate rudeness."
Mr. D's tone was very threatening. I was scared, but I didn't let it show. He was staring at me, as if he was sizing me up. I could see out of the corner of my eye that Annabeth was looking between me and Mr. D.
"I win." said Chiron as he laid down his hand of cards.
"What?!" said Mr. D. "That's not fair, rematch!"
"Very well." said Chiron. "Annabeth, did you explain everything to Tsuna?"
"Yes Chiron." Annabeth said.
"Good." Chiron said. "Now, take Tsuna to the sparring arena. There's someone who wishes to see him."
"Who wants to see me?" I asked. "I don't know anyone here-"
"Come on Tuna Head." said Annabeth as she dragged me off the porch.
Without the porch cover it was really bright. The sun shone brightly and there were many people running around, all of them wearing an orange Camp Half-Blood t-shirt. There were groups of people that looked a lot alike. Annabeth pointed at a volleyball court which had a couple of campers playing against pale green skinned girls. Annabeth said they were called Dryads.
There was a river not too far away from the building that housed the infirmary. Annabeth said that it was aptly named the Big House. We crossed the little bridge and headed straight for the sparring arena. We passed close to a field of strawberries. Annabeth said that Mr. D's presence affects the fields. While we walked several campers came up to Annabeth and asked for her opinion on certain things. They looked a bit like Annabeth, with grey eyes and blonde hair. They seemed to be talking about projects and architectures.
Annabeth introduced me to the campers and said that they're her half-siblings and cabin mates. I said hi and they all introduced themselves. They eyed me strangely. When they left Annabeth said that they were trying to decide if I was a child of Athena. Annabeth, however, said I wasn't Athena Cabin material. Didn't really know how to react to that.
I could see a forest off in the distance. In the sky were several things flying around. I focused on them and saw that they were flying horses; Pegasi. Soon the sparring arena came into view. It looked like the Coliseum. As we entered I could hear the ringing of steel and a lot of grunting and groaning. We walked into the open arena itself and I saw scarecrows in armor and two very familiar faces sparring.
"Hyah!" yelled Nico. He thrust his eerie black sword at Percy who knocked it out of the way with his sword.
"Come on Nico, I know you're better than that." smiled Percy.
Nico attacked again and actually made Percy block and back off. Then Percy retaliated. He was very good with a sword, but I could tell he was holding back. Because Percy was holding back Nico was able to hold his own. It was a thrill watching them. Their blades were arcs of bronze and black metal. When Nico struck again Percy caught the blade with his own and swung the black blade out of Nico's hand.
"No fair!" yelled Nico. "You cheated Percy!"
"How wasn't I fair?" asked Percy.
"I can think of a few ways." I said, announcing my presence. Percy and Nico turned around quickly.
"Tsuna!" yelled a happy Percy. He dropped his sword and rushed me. He pulled me into a tight hug and squeezed hard. Despite my ribs feeling immensely better, they were still a bit sore.
"Per-Percy! The ribs!" I choked out. He instantly let go.
"Sorry!" said Percy. "I'm just glad you're okay."
"Really?" I asked.
"He really was." said Nico. "He barely left your bedside since you three got here. Me and Annabeth had to practically drag him away so somebody else could watch you."
"Percy, why would you do that?" I asked.
"I-I felt responsible for you." admitted Percy.
"You shouldn't ever feel that way Percy." I said. I then hugged him. "But thank you."
"What an adorable budding bromance." Annabeth said. Percy and I separated quickly.
"So..." I said. "Do I get a tour of camp?"
"Of course." said Percy as he put his arm around my shoulders. "Come on Nico."
"Do I have too?" asked Nico.
"Yes you do Death Boy." said Annabeth. She grabbed his arm and pulled him with us.
We walked around the entire camp. When we left the sparring arena Percy pointed to the west and said that's where the Stables were. He also said that the Stables held both horses and the Pegasi I saw. We walked south towards the Big House. I didn't look back when Annabeth and I first left, but now I could see that it was painted sky blue and was four stories tall with a bronze eagle weather vane. Annabeth said that the Big House held Chiron's office, the Infirmary, and a Rec Room.
We then curved around and headed toward the volleyball courts. There wasn't anybody playing when we got there. I noticed that Nico looked really warm, so I asked him if he wanted me to hold his jacket. He responded with a stern no and clutched his aviator's jackets protectively. We stopped by the Arts and Crafts pavilion. Percy said that we could make our own swords and other projects there. After that we went to the Amphitheater. I instantly liked it, as it reminded me of my time on the stage. But then I felt sad as it reminded me of Mom.
Percy was really excited when we arrived at the Climbing Wall, and I could see why. It was really tall. There were some campers climbing it. Lava was pouring from it and there were boulders falling around the campers. It looked really fun and I wanted a go at it. After we watched the campers climb the wall for several minutes Annabeth said we should continue the tour. As we left I saw a young camper, maybe around ten, being bullied by an older camper. The older one was forcing the younger to climb the wall, but the ten year old looked scared and had tears in his eyes.
"What the hell?" I asked.
"What is it Tsuna?" asked Annabeth.
"Percy, come with me." I said. He followed me towards the two campers. The younger was already pretty high up for someone his height.
"Come on, all the way to the top." said the older. He looked a lot like the camp nurses that were in the infirmary.
"What do you think you were doing?" I asked. The older turned around.
"Jackson?" asked the bully. "Who's this?"
"Name's Tsuna." I said. "Give me yours."
"Eric, son of Apollo." The bully said. "What do you want?"
"To know why you are picking on that kid." I said.
"Why?" Eric said. "It's none of your business."
"Actually I'm making it my business." I said. "I hate bullies."
"This isn't bullying." Eric said. "It's an initiation."
"Is he a Son of Apollo too?" I asked.
"Maybe." said Eric with a smirk.
"Uh huh." I said. "Percy, help the kid. He looks scared to death."
"Right." said Percy. He walked to the base of the wall. "Hey! I'm Percy! What's your name?"
"Casey." said the young camper. He was shaking with fear and his eyes were closed tightly.
"Casey, it's going to be alright." Percy said. "I know you're scared, but you need to jump off the wall."
"But it's too high!" screamed Casey. Tears were falling from his face.
"I know it is, but you need to trust me." Percy said. "I'll catch you, I promise."
"Don't listen to him Casey." said Eric. Annabeth and Nico came up and were giving Eric death glares. "Don't you want to be loved by our brothers and sisters?"
"Y-yeah…" said Casey.
"Then climb up to the top." said Eric. "Prove you're a son of Apollo."
"How does risking his life prove he's a son of Apollo?" I asked. "Did you take this little initiation?"
"Ye-…I-… no" whispered Eric.
"I thought so." I said. "Casey, please jump. It's like you're flying in the air."
"I'm scared!" cried Casey.
"It's okay to be afraid." Nico spoke up. "For us demigods, it's what will keep alive when we are fighting monsters. Take Percy, he's the hero of Olympus, and he was scared of Kronos."
"Thanks for that, Nico…" muttered Percy.
"But-!" yelled Casey. He opened his eyes and saw us. He looked at me to Percy, then to Nico and Annabeth. He nodded and let go of the wall. He fell and Percy caught him. Percy set him on the ground and ruffled his hair.
"Annabeth, could you-?" started Percy.
"Yeah, I'll take him to his cabin." said Annabeth. "Come on Casey."
She grabbed his hand and walked him away from us. Eric was visibly angry. He looked like he was about do something, but one look from Percy, Nico, and I made him back off. He grumbled something about defying him…I wasn't really listening. From the Climbing Wall we went to the Dining Pavilion, then the Cabins. There were twenty cabins. Each one looked different. Annabeth was waiting for us by the time we got there.
"Oh great…" said Nico under his breath.
"What's wrong Nico?" I asked.
"Annabeth is obsessed with architecture." Nico said. "And since we're at the Cabin part of the tour…just get ready."
"O…kay…?" I said.
"Hey everyone." said Annabeth.
"How's Casey?" asked Percy.
"He's fine." Annabeth said. "I took him back to the Apollo Cabin and explained what happened to Will."
"So there's a cabin for each god here?" I interrupted.
"Yes there is." said Annabeth. "There are currently twenty cabins, each one representing one of the gods of Mount Olympus. If you're riding a Pegasus above the cabins you can see that they are in the shape of an omega."
Nico was right that Annabeth was obsessed with architecture. She went on and on about specific details of each cabin and how she would personally 'upgrade' them, as she puts it. I, however, drowned her out and just looked at the Cabins themselves. I only paid attention when she was telling me which cabin belonged to a certain god or goddess.
One cabin looked like a regular brick house. With a closer look I saw weird inscriptions carved into each stone. With everything I've been experiencing lately I guessed they were something related to magic. Annabeth proved this by saying it was the cabin for the children of Hecate, the goddess of magic.
The next cabin represented the Tyche, the goddess of fortune. It looked like miniature Vegas casino. Down the line was the Hebe Cabin for the children of the goddess of youth. I couldn't even begin to describe it. The same thing with the cabin for Nike, the goddess of victory. The cabin for Nemesis, the goddess of revenge didn't look like much, but it did have one distinguishing feature: a broken wheel above the door that looked like Pac-Man.
A cabin that looked like an old-fashioned prairie house quickly came into view. It had mud thatched walls and rush roof, with red poppies over the door entrance. Listening closely I could just make out the sound of violins. The next cabin was the best one yet. It was windowless and made with obsidian stone. It had heavy columns and torches lit with green flames that Annabeth called Greek Fire and a skull over the doorway.
"Whose cabin is that?" I asked excitedly.
"That's mine." said Nico. "It represents my father, Hades."
"Hades? As in the Lord of the Dead, that Hades?" I asked in bewilderment. "Nico you're my new best friend."
"Uh…Why?" asked Nico.
"Because you and your dad are cool." I said. "In any interpretation of the myths I always liked seeing Hades."
"Thanks." said Nico. "I guess…"
"You're welcome." I said.
We continued the tour with the cabin of Dionysus. It looked like a regular cabin but covered in grape vines. Then there was the Hermes cabin. It was the least impressive among the cabins I have seen. It was freshly painted brown and had the symbol I usually see at hospitals, a caduceus.
Next was what everyone called Barbie's dream cabin. It was the summer home of the children of Aphrodite. It was a wooden cabin with a painted blue roof, pillars, a checkerboard deck with steps and gray walls. It was hard to get close to it without gagging on the smell of designer perfume. The Hephaestus came next and it looked like a tiny factory, being made of brick and having a smokestack sticking out of it.
A gray cabin was next. It was covered in paintings and carvings of wild animals. I was told that it belonged to Artemis, the goddess of the moon. Annabeth said that since Artemis is a Maiden Goddess she has no children and the cabin is honorary. She went on to add that her Hunters, young women that Artemis blessed with immortality to become her companions, stayed there when they visited. At the mention of the Hunters Nico's face darkened.
The next cabin nearly blinded me. It appeared to be made out of solid gold and so bright that I couldn't make out any details. As we came to the next cabin Annabeth started getting excited. It was gray building with plain white curtains and a design of an owl over the door.
"Why are you so excited about this cabin Annabeth?" I asked.
"Because this is my cabin Tuna Head." said Annabeth.
"And it represents which god?" I asked.
"My mother, Athena. The goddess of Wisdom, handicrafts, useful arts, and battle strategy." said Annabeth.
"So that's why Percy calls you Wise Girl." I said.
"Oh does he now?" asked Annabeth, giving Percy a look. Percy just raised his arms and backed off.
After the Athena Cabin was what I like to call the War Zone. It was a fitting name for the cabin that hosted to children of Ares, the god of war. Looking at the cabin made me remember the God of War games. The cabin was badly painted red, like splattered blood, and has a large boar's head over the door with barbed wire on the roof. Percy joked there were landmines around the cabin. At least I hoped he was kidding.
Compared to the Ares Cabin, the Demeter Cabin was a lot tamer. It has a roof that is made of real grass and has tomato vines growing on the walls. It has wild flowers and roses growing on the porch. Its color is a kind of a light brown. Annabeth pointed to the next cabin in the distance. With a hint of anger in her voice she said it belonged to the queen of the gods, Hera. It is an honorary cabin as apparently Hera doesn't 'go around having affairs with mortals'. It was made out of marble, and shaped like a box. It had slim white columns, garlanded with pomegranates and flowers. The walls were carved with the images of peacocks.
We were down to the last two cabins and looked like complete opposites. The one closest to us was for Zeus, the king of the gods. It was another marble building, looking like a mausoleum, with heavy columns. The big bronze double doors are polished in such a way to provide a 'holographic' effect of lightning bolts passing across. It clearly was the largest of the cabins.
The last cabin that we visited was absolutely breathtaking. It was simple, yes, but it seemed to draw my attention more than the others had. It was a long, low building with windows facing the ocean, and looking like it's made of rough sea stone, with pieces of coral at the end of the cabin and a seashell and a trident over the door.
"Zeus…Ares…Athena…Hera…" I said as I pointed at the respected cabins. "That just leaves…Poseidon."
"My father." said Percy. "That's my cabin."
"You're the son of the sea god?" I muttered, remembering what Mr. Umo said. "He said he was going to take the Umi no Musuko, the Son of the Sea"
"What's on your mind Tsuna?" asked Nico.
"Nothing." I lied. "So is this the end of the tour?"
"Yep, that's it." said Annabeth. "We'll just take you to the cabin where you'll be staying."
"What?" I asked. "Why can't I stay with Percy? Or Nico?"
"Sorry, camp rules." Annabeth explained. "You can only stay in the cabin that represents your godly parent. But since you lineage is currently unknown, and since Hermes is the God of Travelers, all new comers stay there until your parent is determined. Come on Percy; let Nico take Tsuna to the Hermes Cabin."
"But Anna-" started Percy before she pulled him away. "Uh, see you later Tsuna, Nico."
"Where are they going in such a hurry?" asked Nico with a curious look on his face.
"Uh, how old are again Nico?" I asked.
"Umm…thirteen, I think." Nico said.
"You're too young to know Nico." I said. "At the very least, it's going to be a long make-out session."
Nico led me back to the Hermes Cabin. I wasn't too keen on the idea of staying with people I never even met before. Nico and I got to the porch and knocked. A little girl with elfish features opened the door. Nico asked her to get two people by the names of Connor and Travis Stoll. She nodded and went to get the Stolls.
"Hey Nico, quick question." I said as we waited.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Well actually it's two questions." I stated. "First, since the cabins here are the homes of the children of the gods, aren't they all related?"
"Yea, everyone in a cabin is a half sibling." explained Nico. "There are cases where you have full blooded siblings in cabins, like Travis and Connor. What was the other question?"
"Well aren't all the gods like, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, so on and so forth?" I asked. "Doesn't that mean that we're all like cousins or something?"
"Oh, well…" started Nico. "I'm not sure. I never thought about before."
"Well, between you and me," I said, "I think you'd be a great little brother or cousin."
Before Nico could respond two identical boys came out of the Hermes Cabin. They both had tall and skinny with a mop of curly brown hair that hangs in their blue eyes, upturned eyebrows, a sarcastic smile and a gleam in their eyes. One was a tad taller than the other, but other than that they were completely identical.
They introduced themselves as Travis, the taller one, and Connor Stoll, the shorter one, and that they are the co-counselors of the Hermes Cabin. After I explained who I was, they happily led me into the cabin. Nico came in as well. The interior of the cabin looked nicer than the outside. It was crowded, but not uncomfortably so. They led me to an empty spot on the floor and gave me a sleeping bag, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a Camp shirt and brown cargo shorts. Nico whispered into my ear that I should keep an eye on my stuff, as Hermes is also the god of thieves.
After Nico left I talked to my new cabin mates and tried to get to know them. They were really nice people. I noticed that most of them had the same features as Travis and Connor, while others did not. I asked Connor about it and he said that they are the unclaimed campers. An hour or so later we all lined up for dinner. I was at the end of the long line. We walked to the Dining Pavilion. When we got there I saw that all the tables were filled with the other campers. There were as many tables as there were campers. As the rest of the Hermes Cabin walked to their own table, I headed towards Percy's table as he was alone.
"Where do you think you're going Tsuna?" asked Travis.
"To sit with Percy." I said. "What? Is there a rule I can't sit over there?"
"Actually there is." said Travis. "I wouldn't enforce it, but Chiron will."
So I begrudgingly sat at the Hermes Table. I barely fit on the bench, it was so crowded. I stared at Percy then at Nico. It wasn't right for the two of them to be alone. Especially Nico, he's too young to be eating all by himself. I was then brought food by green skinned girls, the Dryads Connor called them. It was a plate of the best grapes, cheese, and barbeque I have ever seen. My mouth was watering and my eyes wide. As I was about to dig in, the entire table stood up and head to the pyre that was in the center of the pavilion.
I asked what was going on when Percy signaled me to stand up and follow them. I did and watched as the others scraped the best parts of their food into the hearth. I was about to say something when I was told that it appeases the gods and that it is a good way for our godly parents to hear our prayers. I was the last one from the Hermes table to get to the hearth. I stared at it for a moment when I saw that Percy was signaling me again to scrap my food into the fire. As I did I thought…no, prayed to my father.
"Please," I thought, "Please give me a sign father."
As I scraped some of my food into fire I smelled a pleasant scent and I thought I felt something. I wasn't sure what, but I guess it was just a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was being watched. Then I walked back to the table and began eating. The food was delicious. As I began to get thirsty the cup next to me filled with a red liquid. I picked it up and took a sip.
"Code Red Mountain Dew?!" I exclaimed. I drained the cup and it refilled itself.
Friday came by fast. The Hermes Cabin (actually, it was Travis and Connor specifically) put me through several 'events' to help me determine my lineage. They had me race Dryads and members of the Hermes Cabin but I wasn't fast enough to beat them. They watched me when I tried archery with the Apollo Cabin. I failed miserably at that. I fared much better in canoe racing with Aphrodite Cabin and the Naiads. I wasn't good at building anything either, so I took that as a sign that I'm not a son of Hephaestus.
Every other day the Hermes Cabin had a sword sparring session with Percy. Since Nico was alone he usually just followed Percy around, so he was there as well. During these sparring sessions I easily beat the other members of the Hermes Cabin. This was even with the fact that none of the sword I used felt right in my hand.
"Hey Tsuna!" said Percy. "Want to spar against me?"
"Sure." I said as I walked to him. "If you think you can take me."
"Oh no." said one of the campers.
"This isn't going to last long." said another.
"Place your bets!" cried Travis and Connor in unison.
Percy and I readied our swords. We circled around each other, looking for the best moment to strike. I made the first move. With a thrust of my sword I striked. Percy wasn't expecting it and angled his sword to block the blow. He then attacked and I was able to parry his attacks. It was really fun sparring with Percy. I was using techniques I learned from Kendo and Fencing. We were going at it for several minutes. We both were drenched in sweat and the crowd was cheering the both of us on. It was nearing the end game, and Percy and I were getting really tired. The blade I was using was extremely awkward to use and Percy saw that. The next time we clashed swords he swung the sword I was using out of my hand and me at sword point.
"Okay…" I started. "You win"
That Friday night after dinner was Capture the Flag. Over the past week the Ares and Athena Cabins were making deals and alliances with the other Cabins. After dinner, it was the Poseidon, Athena, Hermes, Hades, and Dionysus Cabins on the blue team, and the Ares, Demeter, Apollo, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Iris, Hypnos, Hecate on the red team. With some armor put on and being armed with a sword, which felt unbalanced like all the rest, the blue team walked to one side of the forest.
"Here's the plan everyone." said Annabeth. She and Percy were unanimously elected the leaders of the blue team. "We all know that the Aphrodite Cabin doesn't really participate in the game and we shouldn't expect much from the Hypnos Cabin. So Percy, Travis, and Connor, you three go and get the flag. I'm assigning Nico and Tsuna to guard the creek. Me and Pollux will guard our flag. Everyone else is to distract and stall the red team for as long as you can. Good luck everyone."
The team separated and Nico led the way to the creek. As we stood guard I fidgeted with the armor. It was heavy and tight and really uncomfortable. Every now and again I saw a bird's shadow but every time I looked up there wasn't a bird.
"Man this armor is uncomfortable." I said.
"It's something you'll get used to." said Nico. His armor was black and he was wearing a skull shaped visor, which completed the whole 'son of a god of the dead' thing.
"And this sword doesn't feel right either…" I said.
"I didn't peg you as a complainer Tsuna." said Nico. "And do you always talk so much?"
"Jeez Nico, how did you become so uptight at the age of thirteen?" I asked.
"I just grew up." Nico said. "When you're the son of Hades, it's the best thing to do."
"That's not right." I said. I put my hand on his shoulder sympathetically. "Nobody should be forced to skip their entire childhood. You should reconnect with that part of you Nico."
"What do you know about it?!" demanded Nico as he stormed away. "You don't know what it's been like for me. You don't know what it's like to lose someone you love!"
"Actually…" I started. "I do."
"What?" wondered Nico.
"Percy didn't tell you, did he?" I asked. Nico shook his head. I turned my back to him and walked to a large rock that was next to the river and sat down. "Of course he didn't."
"What happened to you Tsuna?" asked Nico as he walked closer.
"I… my Mother…" I stuttered. My heart felt like it was tightening, all of the pain was returning. My emotions were getting the better of me. "My Mother, she-she died recently. She was on a sea expedition when a freak storm when…when…"
"It's okay Tsuna." said Nico. His hand was shaking as he put it on my shoulder, as if he has never done any comforting before. I felt tears falling down my cheeks.
"Thanks Nico." I said.
"I lost my mom too." admitted Nico. "And my sister. I had so much anger in me. I even hated Percy for the longest time."
"But you two act like brothers." I stated.
"And you and Percy don't?" Nico asked. I saw another shadow from a bird fly across the ground.
"You think we act like brothers?" I wondered.
"Yeah, I do." Nico said. "Especially since he never left your side when you were in the infirmary. He seems really protective of you."
"I never knew Percy really cared." I said. "Then again it has been a bit obvious. So how did you get over your hate?"
"Percy saved my life." Nico explained. "It was when I was off on my own and traveled the Labyrinth looking for a way to revive my sister."
"You tried to revive your sister?" I asked. "Why?"
"She was the last person I had, the last connection to my past." Nico said as he clutched his knees. "I had no one left."
"But now you have Percy and Annabeth, Sally and Paul…there must be a few campers that your friends with." I said.
"I think the Ares Cabin likes me the best, but I don't think the others do very much." said Nico.
"That's their loss then." I said. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. "And guess what."
"What?" he asked curiously.
"You have me for a friend as well." I said. "You can't be alone with all of us around in your life."
"Thanks Tsuna." He said. He looked around and stood up. "I think we should get back to guard duty or else Annabeth will never let us hear the end of it."
"Yeah you're right." I agreed.
I stood up and looked around myself. I heard fighting and the yelling of the other campers, but surprisingly there were no campers heading in our direction. That bird shadow that I keep seeing appeared again and when I looked up the bird was gone. It was really starting to bug me. I started getting the feeling that I was being watched. The shadow appeared again and hovered around Nico who didn't seem to notice it. I noticed that the shadow was stopped moving when it was right behind Nico and got bigger. Figuring it was something bad I ran to Nico and tackled him out of the way. As we rolled on the ground something big and fast swooped down and back up into the sky.
As Nico and I stood back up we drew our swords. The thing flew above us in a circle and landed on the ground in front of us. It looked absolutely repulsive. To say that it looked remotely human was being generous. Its body was covered in greasy gray feathers. Its arms were bird wings and at the ends of the wings were human hands. It was wearing baggy sweat pants that were stained with blood and…other disgusting things. The feet looked kinda like a chicken's, but much more deadly. The face was the worst part of the creature. It was the most human part about it. Where its mouth and nose supposed to be was a long, pointed yellow beak. When it opened the beak it revealed sharp teeth. I could just tell that there was something in between his teeth, and it was still twitching. And around its neck was a necklace made of bones in the form of a kanji.
"There you are!" said the bird creature. "It took far too long to find you, Tsunayoshi!"
"What in the name of the gods is that?!" I asked. I quickly got used to the way everyone speaks here.
"My guess? A harpy." Nico said. "A really ugly one."
"Don't compare me to those weakling harpies!" said the bird-man. His feathers ruffled when he got angry.
"How did you get passed the Camp's magical borders?" I wondered. "They are designed to keep monsters out."
"*Chuckle* That barrier of nature magic was hard to get through, but thanks to this amulet," started the bird when he indicated to the bone necklace, "I was able to slip right through. And the smell that was radiating off that Fleece? Revolting!"
"Apparently you haven't smelled yourself lately." said Nico with his t-shirt over his nose.
"I only have to bring Tsunayoshi back with me you little morsel." The bird-man said as he picked at his teeth. "But the trip does make one hungry, and you look delicious."
"If you want Nico," I said as I stood in front of my black haired friend, sword raised, "You'll have to go through me."
"You Greeks and your hero complexes." said the bird. "It's so sickeningly sweet."
"If you're not a harpy, what are you?" asked Nico.
"Well, your pantheon hasn't encountered mine in many centuries, so I doubt you've ever heard of me." The bird-man said. "But I am a Daitengu."
"Daitengu…why does that sound familiar?" I thought to myself. "Name yourself."
"Why do you wish to know my name Demigod?" asked the Daitengu.
"If I'm going to send you to the pits of Tartarus, I would like to know your name." I said. "It's only the honorable thing to do."
"Tsuna-" started Nico.
"Honor *pfft*" scoffed the Daitengu. "I almost forgot what that was. But very well, Umi no Musuko, I shall indulge in your little request. I am called Ajari. Now you're coming with me!"
Ajari the Daitengu ran at us with a speed I didn't imagine he could possess. He swiped at us with his clawed feet and punched at us with his hands. Nico and I countered his claws with our blades. Ajari seemed disturbed by Nico's sword and I couldn't blame him. Percy told me that unlike our normal swords and weapons which are made of Celestial Bronze, Nico's sword is made from metal that originates from the Underworld, called Stygian Iron. It is capable of absorbing the very life force of a monster.
Ajari flew into the air and with a screech that echoed throughout the forest he dove at us. Nico got out of the way while I stepped to the side. As Ajari passed I swung my sword down and sliced off his foot. With scream he fell to the ground and rolled around.
"Argh! My foot!" cried Ajari as he clutched what was left of ankle. "You'll pay for that you Rokudenashi!"
Ajari attacked much more fiercely. His fingernails grew long talons and he slashed at me and Nico. We were seriously cut up, but thankfully his talons couldn't pierce the chest armor. Nico and I made a plan without talking to each other. I distracted Ajari while Nico snuck up from behind him. Ajari seemed to know what was going on because he slapped me way and knocked Nico's blade out of his hand.
"A sneak attack won't work on the likes of a Daitengu!" yelled Ajari. He raised his clawed hands and swung down with all his might. His talons ripped through Nico's armor and made large gashed on his chest.
"NICO!" I screamed. I ran as fast as I could and swung my sword. Ajari heard me and jumped out of the way, so I was only capable of clipping a few of his feathers.
When Ajari went out of sight I ripped off my armor and took off my jacket. I cut what was left of Nico's armor off and pressed my jacket into his wounds. There was a lot of blood and I didn't know what to do.
"PERCY!" I yelled. "ANNABETH!"
"Craw!" yelled Ajari.
He dove again and picked me up by the shoulder, his talons digging into me. I was able to pick up my sword before I was taken off the ground. As I struggled he took me over the forest. I stabbed him the thigh and he dropped me. I fell into the trees and collided with many branches. I was lying on the ground in serious pain with a dislocated shoulder when Ajari yelled from above.
"You better hurry up and get to your friend Umi no Musuko!" taunted Ajari. "I can smell his blood, and I'm ever so hungry!"
"No, Nico!" I yelled as I stood up.
My body was beaten, but not my drive to protect Nico. I didn't even bother looking for my sword. I just ran straight to the river. When I got passed the trees, Nico was attempting to fend off Ajari with his sword as the bird creature dove at him. As Ajari attacked Nico again the son of Hades swung his sword and just barely scratched Ajari's face.
"Argh! You little brat! No one denies Ajari his meal!" yelled the Daitengu. He dove again and I ran as fast as I could to intercept Ajari and stood in front of Nico, who fell to his knees because he was exhausted.
"Please, somebody…ANYBODY!" I yelled mentally. In the corner of my eye I saw my dragon ring glow brightly. "Help me!"
The next thing I knew was that Ajari's beak was imbedded deep into my left shoulder. I felt the warmth of my blood fall out of the wound. Ajari was grunting for some unknown reason. He took his beak out of my shoulder and slowly walked back. I glanced down and saw that there was a long silver blade in his chest, right under where his heart should be. Ajari jumped back and clutched his wound.
"So our informants were right…" said Ajari with staggered breathing. "You have revealed yourself… Ryūjin."
I raised the sword, which was a katana, to eye level so I could look at it. First thing I noticed was that it was perfectly balanced in my hand. The blade was three and a half foot long silver blade. At the base of the blade were wave designs, and the blade was faintly glowing blue. Ajari's blood flowed off the blade, not even leaving any indication there was something on it. The guard was made of a beautiful white stone with an intricate dragon design carved I to it. The handle was tightly tied in a dark blue cloth and the pommel of the sword is shaped in the head of a dragon. The dragon head had an open mouth and a pearl was imbedded into it. The eyes of the dragon head were made out of sapphires.
"Where did you come from?" I asked as I marveled at the magnificent blade.
"*SQWUAK!*" yelled Ajari. He angrily rushed me and swiped with his clawed hands. I countered his attack with my new sword.
"This blade is amazing!" I thought. "It's perfectly balanced in my hand, like it's an extension of my own arm!"
Even with the new blade Ajari was able to get some hits in. His claws tore at my side. I ignored the pain and the loss of blood and sliced Ajari in a downward strike. A line of blood burst out of his wound. With a screech he used his only foot to grab my thigh and squeeze with all his might. A loud cracking sound was heard and I screamed in pain, but with Ajari so close I stabbed my katana through his left wing. I ignored the pain and slashed at Ajari as fast as I could, backing him up to the river. As I was about to go for the killing strike Ajari jumped over me and kicked me into the river.
"How sweet!" said Ajari as he glided over to Nico's unconscious body. "Dead meat!"
"No!" I yelled as Ajari opened his mouth and plunged at Nico. "NICO!"
Several arrows shot out of the forest and impaled Ajari in the back. He cried out in pain and rolled away. Campers appeared from every part of the forest, swords and spears raised and arrows notched. Chiron sprinted through the woods with Percy and Annabeth on his back. His bow was notched with five arrows.
"Get away from my campers you foul creature!" demanded Chiron.
"Nico!" yelled Percy as he ran over to help his friend and cousin. Annabeth ran over with him.
"Ah, look who it is," said Ajari as he pulled out the arrows, "Old horse man. How have you been Chiron, old friend?"
"You are no friend of mine demon!" yelled Chiron as he released his arrows. Ajari jumped into the air and dodged the arrows.
"I'm only considered a demon in certain eras Chiron." said Ajari. "Now is you excuse me, I'm starving."
Ajari dove at Nico again, teeth bared. Chiron and all the archers readied their arrows. Percy and Annabeth raised their weapons, ready to defend Nico. I somehow knew that they wouldn't be able to stop him from getting Nico, so I yelled.
"NO!" I screamed as I reached towards Ajari.
I felt a pulling in my gut and a large column of water blasted up from behind me. It formed a hand and grabbed Ajari, and then it slammed him into the center of the river. He broke the surface of the water and spat out the river water.
"Stay away from him!" I demanded. I felt something cold crawl up my body and enter my wounds. I looked at my hand and saw that water was crawling up my body and healing my wounds. It was also energizing.
"Well that proves it!" said Ajari with a maniacal smile. "Oh, my Master will be pleased! You're definitely coming with me now!"
"Just try it Tweety." I said with a glare. I angled the blade away from me and had the point break the water's surface. I wasn't sure what I was doing; I was just going on instinct.
Ajari the Daitengu ran at me (more like hobbled in all honesty) as fast as one foot could carry him. As he ran I swung my katana in an arc in front of me. An arc of water formed and it collided with Ajari. The Daitengu wasn't expecting it and just barely dodged, causing his left wing to be sliced off with the water blade. I swung the sword again and created another arc of water which cut off Ajari's left wing. He fell to his knees before, look scared.
"Go back to the pit where you came from!" I yelled as I sliced his head off. As soon as his head was removed Ajari's body turned into a combination of sand and a pile of greasy feathers. I then remembered my injured friend. "Nico!"
I got out of the water and instantly felt much weaker. As I ran to Nico, all of the campers were staring at me with wide eyes. Annabeth nudged Chiron, who was putting a healing balm on Nico's chest. Chiron looked up and looked as shocked as the rest of the campers. Even Percy looked awestruck.
"What's everybody staring at?" I asked.
"It is determined." Chiron finally said. All the campers and Chiron kneeled before me, except Percy, who was looking above my head. I looked up and saw a fading green, holographic trident.
"Dad…" said Percy as he shifted his gaze to me. "Why has he never told me about you?"
"What are you talking about Percy?" I asked. "What does Poseidon have to do with this?"
"Tsuna, it means…it means that we're-" Percy said, trying to get the word out.
"Your godly parentage has been determined." interrupted Chiron. "Poseidon. Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Father of Horses. Hail, Tsunayoshi Noble, Son of the Sea God."