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Chapter Ten
Campers
Annabeth was silent the entire ride to camp, processing everything she had learned, while everyone else was chattering a million miles an hour talking about Olympus, how different their parents were from what they thought, but mostly about the Big Three demigods. It had been a curveball from right field. None of them knew what to think.
Argus was silent, as usual, but then Annabeth noticed that he seemed to be trying to ignore them. She proceeded to cut through the noise by asking him, "Argus, did you know that those three demigods existed?" It was eerily quiet in the van as the other occupants turned to stare at the camp's hundred-eyed security guard.
He glanced at each of them with a separate eye before reluctantly giving a single nod. Before the campers could barrage him with questions, however, Chiron cut in and said, "He probably was told not to say anything. Right Argus?" Argus nodded in confirmation.
The campers flopped back in their seats and were silent the rest of the ride. Their friends mobbed them when they exited the van in front of the Big House. Finally, Clarisse noticed their lack of enthusiasm and asked, "What happened up there that has you so withdrawn?" Annabeth responded with, "The children of the Big Three."
"WHAT?" By the time Annabeth imparted this news, the entire camp had gathered around the group. The exclamation rose from every throat. They then proceeded to swing their incredulous gazes to Chiron who could only nod in confirmation.
He took the time to extract himself from his wheelchair before addressing the assembled campers. "The youngest is the son of Hades. His name is Nico di Angelo and he's eleven years old. The second oldest is the daughter of Zeus. Her name is Thalia Grace and she's twelve years old. The oldest is the son of Poseidon. His name is Percy Jackson, he's thirteen years old, and has somehow managed to attain the position of commander of the Atlantian Army. They are all Princes or Princess of their fathers' domains. Don't ask me anymore, I am unsure of their circumstances."
The campers began buzzing about this while some asked the ones who had been to Olympus to tell them about the other demigods. By dinner, everyone knew their descriptions and their prowess with weapons. They were still the main topic of conversation during the meal.
Surprisingly, Chiron struck the idea of the usual camp songs and instead addressed the fire. "Lady Hestia, is there anything you can tell us about the demigods?" The campers whipped around startled when the fire seemed to answer, instead seeing the small girl sitting tending the flames.
"Yes, my brothers have given me permission to disclose the histories of their children. Who would you like to hear about first?" Chiron looked thoughtful for a moment before saying; "Let's go from the youngest to the oldest."
Hestia nodded and began talking. "Nico is Hades' only living son. He was born eleven years ago and his mother died during his birth despite all the doctors did to save her. She waited until he was five to try for rebirth. She was reborn when he was seven. He has been raised in the Underworld, visiting Olympus to see and learn with his cousins, and Persephone has become his true mother. At the age of nine he completely tamed Cerberus, the three-headed hellhound, and was given possession of it. He was crowned Prince of the Underworld on his first birthday and he will undergo a trial to prove himself and become the commander of the Army of the Dead when he is twelve years and six months."
"Thalia was born twelve years ago. Her mother walked out of the hospital and disappeared as soon as she was released. She has never once tried to find her daughter. Zeus took her to Olympus and Hera grew to love the child and, as with Persephone and Nico, became the mother of Thalia. She holds possession of a powerful eagle given to her by her father on her fifth birthday and she is his lieutenant. She was crowned Princess of the Skies on her first birthday as well and is set to undergo her trial at summer's end."
"Perseus, more often known as Percy, is the eldest, born thirteen years ago. He lived with his mother for three weeks before she was killed in a hit and run accident. Poseidon, therefore, was the first to break the ancient laws, now abolished, and take Perseus to his home in Atlantis. Amphitrite was not happy, but grew to love the child, as did Triton. His pet is a stallion Poseidon specially created for him. It can breathe underwater and swim, as well as run across the surface of the water. It can also breathe on the surface and run on land. Its final attribute is that it can grow wings like a Pegasus and fly. Poseidon gifted him with the steed on Percy's seventh birthday. He grew up visiting Olympus like Nico. He underwent his trial eight months ago and obtained the station of commander of the Atlantian Army, as Triton is heir to Atlantis and Perseus has no wish to usurp his brother's position. He was crowned Prince of the Seas on his first birthday by his overjoyed older brother."
"They have been trained by Athena, Ares, Artemis, and Apollo, as well as their fathers. The other Olympians have also taught them something about their domains. At the moment, they are on a mission to deal with the influx of monsters, though their fathers are not happy with it. I'm afraid that is all I can tell you. Good evening campers." With all of this said, Hestia nodded to Chiron and disappeared while the campfire went out.
Chiron sighed and said, "I think that has been enough for tonight. Campers, to bed." They campers got to their feet and dispersed to their cabins. As he watched them go, Chiron wondered if he'd ever see the children of the Big Three sitting around the campfire with the rest of his charges.