The Daughters Of Olympus and the Tablet of Destinies, DOO Book 1

by HephaestusBuilds

Sequel series to Champion Of Olympus. Book 1/4. After Olympus was nearly destroyed and Zeus was killed, new Olympians have claimed the Thrones. The daughters of Percy & Annabeth must face a world that not only knows about Half-Bloods, but hates them. New foes rise, new allies scheme, new Prophecies are foretold. 15 years post BOO.(14 Pantheons! 120 half-bloods. dozens of Cabins!)

6. When your parents are more popular than-

{{{ CHAPTER EDITED DEC 11, 2021 - - - I fixed some stuff throughout, and added a little more content when Astraea was talking to her new cabin-mates. Also, I fixed the small discrepancies when I accidentally wrote Agatha's name as Rosmerta, her mother. If you find any more typos or mistakes, please let me know in a review or PM and I'll fix them. :) - Heph }}}

(Chapter uploaded: November 27, 2021)

Chapter 6: When your parents are more popular than you

(Author's Note)

Hello guys, gals and non-binary pals and welcome back to chapter 6 of Daughters of Olympus Book 1! This chapter is hella late, so let's just get into it, shall we? Longer AN at the bottom telling you what's been going on, as well as some info about this chap.

I want to really quickly give credit to the following people who submitted character and god ideas on Twitter for this chapter: Kaitlynn Beaty, Apollon the Cat, The Smashing Badger, Tony, and Triton.

Thanks again for your ideas, everyone! Y'all are the best!

Link to my WORLD ANVIL PAGE for the Leonidas-verse(under a much-needed reworking): w/leonidas-verse-hephaestusbuilds

!MINOR CONTENT WARNING!

DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLY SENSITIVE TOPICS. READ AT YOUR OWN VOLITION

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Chapter 6: When your parents are more popular than you

[June, 2025, The Theocratic Republic City-States of Greece]

[Recap: After moving back to New York City, Astraea and her little sister Aurora are finally going to Camp Half-Blood. While Astraea is extremely excited to be allowed to leave the house, have friends and use her half-blood abilities, Aurora is utterly terrified and would rather not attend Camp at all. But will Camp be everything Astraea hopes it to be? ]

~o~o~

Astraea hadn't gotten a wink of sleep, she was too excited about going to Camp in the morning. She watched in agony as the minutes crept by, eventually getting out of bed early and going out for a run on their property.

The sun was just starting to creep over the horizon and Astraea felt stronger with every passing minute. She didn't know for sure, but she believed that the sunrise made her stronger. It never amounted to much, mostly she just felt more energized and regained her stamina faster, but it was barely noticeable. The effect went away once the sun cleared the horizon, however. She personally assumed that it was due to her mom being the Titaness of the Dawn.

It was one of the reasons why she liked running so early in the morning, even if she was never allowed to run outside at their old home— having to run laps in their home gym. But now, with all of the property their home sat on— and the numerous magical wards their parents had installed— Astraea was able to run against the rising sun, a smile never leaving her lips.

After a good run and a quick workout session in their new unfinished home gym, Astraea showered, dressed, and finished packing her things for Camp. She spent longer than she cared to admit picking out her outfit for today. Her first impression on everyone at Camp was really important. She finally decided on a pair of stylishly ripped jeans, an athletic sleeveless tank top and a pink hoodie. She realized with a huff that she didn't have much of a wardrobe, never having a reason to before when she didn't leave her house. Hopefully she'd be able to buy some new clothes at Camp, she was starting to outgrow them anyway.

Besides clothes, her comfiest pillow and fluffiest blanket, she didn't really own much, so packing went quickly. It was barely six in the morning and she was ready to go, despite being the only one awake and her parents not planning to leave for a few more hours. With a breath, Astraea got up and headed back down to their gym, deciding to practice controlling her strength output until everyone else got up.

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"Time to go, kiddo. Your mom doesn't want to wait, so we're leaving early."

Astraea's concentration was broken when her dad appeared in the doorway, causing her punch to be even more erratic than the last. The heavy bag swung back wildly and Astraea stopped it with a hand.

"'Kay. Gimme a minute." She quickly wiped the sweat off her forehead with a towel before running after her dad. She hopped into his truck and got buckled in before he and her mom ever reached the vehicle. Her sister was the last one to arrive.

The drive from Manchester to Long Island seemed to take forever, but eventually, they arrived.

And Astraea was immediately unimpressed.

"It's not exactly what I had in mind…" Astraea admitted, a little let down. They were driving along a dirt road nearing an old, beat up farm bearing the sign 'Delphi Strawberry Service'. "It looks like crap."

Her dad snorted. "The farm is only there to act as a cover against mortals. The entrance to Camp is a little further down."

They drove for another minute or so, driving down several dirt roads until they came to a dead end. There was nothing there but an old wooden gate flanked by two stone pillars. Astraea looked for any signs of Ancient Greek lettering or magical wards, but didn't see anything.

"I don't understand… Are you sure this is the right place?"

"It's where Clarisse told me to enter." Her dad said, looking over a parchment written in Ancient Greek. "She said they had to move the main entrance a few years ago to make it more secure. She said to wait here for exactly three minutes and someone will come out to greet us."

It was a terribly boring three minutes.

Well, until soldiers with spears and armor ran out of the tree trunks and surrounded the truck, weapons raised.

"State your business!" One of the soldiers ordered.

"We're Half-Bloods." Her dad yelled out of the window. "Chiron is expecting us. My name is—."

"Half-Bloods?" Another soldier asked. "Step out of the vehicle! All four of you!"

"Someone get Heather out here." Another yelled.

Astraea slowly climbed out of the truck, anxiously watching the soldiers with swords and spears aimed at her and her family. She clenched her fists and tensed her arms. Aurora was shaking like a leaf next to her. Her dad put a comforting hand on her sisters' shoulder and faced the soldiers.

"My name is Percy Jackson. Like I said; Chiron is expecting us." His voice was level and calm, but he watched the spears facing them with a calculating mind as his body tensed in preparation. Her mom looked like she was going over in her head how best to take them down as fast and efficiently as possible. "Now, will you kindly stop pointing those spears at my family?"

Astraea tensed her fists even more.

Three more people walked through the wall of trees. Well, people may not have been the most accurate. The goat horns and legs gave away their identities as satyrs pretty quickly. They were unarmed except for the pan flutes in their hands. The satyr in the middle, a female, stepped up to her dad and promptly sniffed him.

"Um, what?" Astraea couldn't stop herself from asking.

The female satyr sniffed again, before stepping back and smiling. "He's who he says he is. He's Percy Jackson."

All of the soldiers and satyrs around them gasped. The soldier that looked like the leader stepped forwards, taking off his helmet and giving her dad a sheepish look. "We're sorry about that, Mr. Jackson, we didn't know for sure if it was you. We have to be careful nowadays."

Her dad let his stance relax. "It's no problem, really. But please, just call me Percy. I'm a Camper, just like you."

The soldier looked like her dad had given him the biggest compliment of his life. "Y-yes, sir."

"You can drop the 'sir' too—."

"What's everyone standin' around for?" A gruff female voice yelled out through the trees. A tall woman in full armor with a boar tusk helmet and a shimmering spear stepped into view. She was flanked by a large man with dozens of eyes and a Hispanic man with a mischievous grin.

The tall woman took one look at the scene in front of her and let out a curse in Ancient Greek. "Prissy? Annabeth? You're early. We wasn't expecting you for two more hours."

"Sorry, Clarisse." Her dad said, putting a hand on Astraea's shoulder. "My girls couldn't wait to come to Camp. And I guess neither could I or Annabeth."

The woman known as Clarisse nodded to the soldiers. "Get yer spears away from them, ya idiots. Nick, you too. Prissy here could destroy ya before ya blink." She took off her helmet, giving her parents a massive smile before giving her mom a hug and her dad a firm handshake. "It's been too long. I was startin' to think ya two forgot about us."

"It's good to see you, too, Clarisse." Her mom returned the hug before looking her right in the eyes. "Sorry, but can we enter Camp? I—." Her eyes flashed to Astraea and Aurora. "We've had a long ride, and I need to use the restroom."

Clarisse seemed to understand whatever her mom had told her, because she nodded and ordered all the soldiers back to their posts. "'Course, Annabeth, we'll go see Chiron. All of ya get back to work! The city won't defend itself!"

The woman known as Clarisse whispered something to the tall Hispanic man next to her, then kissed him on the cheek before sending him running off back through the trees. She faced her parents again. "Chris is lettin' Chiron know you're here. Now, come on, let's head inside. I don't like standin' out here any longer than I have to. Too big a risk for the mortals to spot us."

"Is it really that bad?" Her dad asked.

"Yeah, but don't worry, this is still the safest place on earth for half-bloods. Their vehicle." She pointed to the truck and a satyr through a magical net over the truck that shimmered and made it turn invisible, replaced by a flowering bush. "You'll have to leave yer truck out here, gas and diesel vehicles aren't allowed inside. I'll leave a few campers to guard it, don't worry."

Astraea found herself following her parents as they walked through a massive tree like it wasn't there. It must have been some sort of powerful magic.

Stepping through the tree, Astraea felt her breath get taken away when she saw what was on the other side.

"Holy shit."

They were on a wide dirt road that had flowering trees, bushes and flowers of every color flanking each side. Past the road were giant fields of strawberries, grapes, corn and lettuce, even a few with apple trees, pastures of cattle and sheep were further off. There was a small river with a stone bridge, several barns and sheds, even a large farmhouse at the far end of one of the fields.

Down the dirt road, Astraea could see a large arena behind even more crop fields, with what looked like training grounds and an archery range next to it.

There were a few stone pathways that functioned as roads further down, each with several small rustic houses forming tiny neighborhoods. Past the houses was a modern apartment complex, with larger, more elaborate and expensive-looking houses behind them.

Way off in the distance, Astraea could see what could have only been the Big House her parents had told her about years ago. She couldn't see the godly cabins, but they could simply be too far away to see.

"Wow," her mom said. "It doesn't look anything like I remember."

"I know, Beth. It's gotta be bigger than Camp Jupiter now."

"Yer right about that, Prissy." Clarisse told him, looking at the four of them. "Camp has gone through a lot of changes in the past decade. Have ya been keeping up with everythin'?"

"I've tried to catch up on all the letters from Rachel and Grover, and they told me about a lot, but they didn't mention how big Camp got."

Clarisse smiled. "Well, I'm not the best at tours, but I guess I can give ya one while we walk to the Big House. First thing ya should know, this isn't Camp Half-Blood."

"What?" Astraea asked.

She pointed down the dirt road where the Big House was just a speck in the distance. "That, is Camp Half-Blood. But where we're standin' right now is a small town called Perseus City."

"Perseus City?" Her dad echoed, his eyes wide.

"Yeah," Clarisse laughed. "Figured you'd get a kick out of the name. Believe me, I didn't pick it. Perseus City is where a lot of the non-Campers live. There's a town hall we'll pass by soon with a Post Office in it. A few stores and businesses like the ROFL Shoppe, Mac's General Store, Winter's Library, etc. But those are further down and I don't have time to show ya all that yet. Chiron told me to take ya four to see him as soon as ya get here."

"I-I didn't know there w-was a town here." Aurora stuttered, looking up to Clarisse. "I t-thought it was just all one camp?"

"What's yer name, kid?"

"...Aurora."

"Well ya look like an exact cross between yer parents. Which means, bad for you, as you get yer dad's ugly face."

Astraea laughed while Aurora just looked like she didn't know what to say. Her mom chuckled behind her hand and her dad just rolled his eyes.

"Nice to meet ya, Aurora." She looked to Astraea. "And yer name?"

"Astraea."

"Good to meet ya two, I'm Clarisse. A friend of your moms' and a kicker of your dads' ass at times."

"Clarisse, language. Please?"

"Sorry, Beth. Now, to answer yer question, Aurora. Where do ya think the rest of the people live? And the adults? In the cabins? Nah, they live in the town."

"You're talking about the TRCSG, right?" Her dad asked. "Rachel mentioned it a few times, same with Grover, but I never paid too much attention to it."

"Yeah, part of the first thing ya gotta learn is that Camp Half-Blood isn't just for kid and teenage half-bloods anymore. After the Promised Day, many half-bloods who had been living among the mortals fled here because they were worried about being found out. And with those kids and teenagers came their parents and families. Believe it or not, but not many parents would allow their children to live at some Camp halfway across the country and never see them again. So Camp started to get bigger and bigger as more people came here.

"After a few years, Chiron and the senior Campers decided to set aside and build a place where the mortal families of the Campers could live, and soon, they built a small town, which was eventually named after you.

"And as the town started getting bigger, stores and restaurants and shops opened up. Not just to provide clothes, food and stuff for the families and Campers, but also to help the families here who couldn't leave Camp make some money. Some of them had their identities as families with half-bloods revealed in the mortal world after the Promised Day, leaving them nowhere to go. So Chiron took them in and let them start new lives here. The town of Perseus City soon followed.

"Second thing ya should know, some of the more political Campers and people here elected that we should have a name, so, after a few years, we settled on the Theocratic Republic City-States of Greece, a mouthful, I know. But they said it fit.. The TRCSG encompasses Camp, everything around it, and Perseus City and New Athens."

"New Athens?" Her mom asked.

"Yeah, it was founded a few years ago and is the newest addition. So far it's only a few farms, houses and a small library, but there's talk of building a university there in a few years."

"Why do they need two cities?" Astraea asked.

"Well, the simple answer is that not everyone could agree on if we should use modern technology and such. Perseus City has wind turbines, hydro-electric plants and solar panels that generate all the electricity they need. They have a few electric tractors and trucks the Hephaestus kids made too to help with agriculture and to get them around. All the houses and farms there have electricity and running water and stuff like that.

"While New Athens, on the other hand, is more traditional. The people who made it didn't want to use modern technology. They mostly just have farms and vendors there, but they're planning on building a university in a few years. But it's taking forever, since they're only using the ancient Greek tools to build."

"C-can we visit them?"

"Sure," Clarisse huffed. "But later. Chiron told me to bring you to him when you got here. He'll assign someone to give ya a tour. I gotta stay at the wall."

"Are you guarding the city against Monsters?" Astraea asked.

"Nah, most Monsters have been gone for over a decade. Same with the Titans."

"Then who are you guarding it from?"

Clarisse growled, "The Zealots."

Her mom mumbled a curse in ancient Greek.

"Do you have any Campers here who were attacked by them?" Her dad asked.

"Only a few." Clarisse answered. "Unfortunately, not many half-bloods survive once the Zealots go after them. It's only thanks to Lady Artemis and Thalia and some sheer dumb luck that they made it."

"What happened to them?" Astraea asked. "The half-bloods who survived?"

Clarisse looked uneasy. "Well, two of 'em didn't have any living family, so they became orphans. But Chiron took them in, so they live here now."

"And the other ones?"

"...He died two days later from his injuries." She said softly, stopping to point at a large polished granite wall down the way that had bundles of flowers and candles all around it. Beyond it was a vast field with flat stones in neat lines. "He's resting over there. Same with the rest of the half-bloods who've died since Camp was founded."

Astraea paused to stare motionless at what she now recognized as a memorial and graveyard. As a minute passed, her eyes found more and more tombstones, plaques, statues and flowers in neat, perfect lines. They stretched back over the hill and beyond her vision. The ones in the front were obviously the newest, with clean headstones, with the ones further back crumbling, but still periodically surrounded with flowers and jars filled with candles. It was obvious they were all maintained and preserved, despite their age.

All in all, Astraea had to assume that there were tens of thousands of them.

Astraea's mouth went dry and she barely had the ability to speak.

"...H-how many of them are there?"

Clarisse stood tall and stoic, but her face was obviously tense. "I'm not sure, only Chiron knows. He's kept a record of every half-blood he's trained and raised since he started three thousand years ago. Every single one. From Achilles and Ajax, to Oileus and Phoenix. He's made a headstone for each one, and, every year, on the anniversary of their death, he leaves them flowers and prays for them."

"...That… I don't know what to say…"

Clarisse gave her a reassuring look. "It's one of the things ya have to remember, Astraea. While we may be half-bloods, children of the gods and far stronger and more powerful than any mortal, we are still that: mortal. We live, and we die. When the Fates decide yer time, ya will end up here, with yer half-blood brothers and sisters."

Astraea didn't say anything as they finally walked away from the graveyard and up to the Big House, where the old centaur in question greeted them on the porch. Looking up to him, Astraea thought of him differently than how her parents had described him. He was smiling and friendly, but she could see the age in his eyes, and with the age, she saw a deep sadness.

"Ah, Annabeth, Percy! Come over here and give this old centaur a hug." Chiron greeted her parents, giving them a big hug.

"Percy, my boy, you look more and more like your father with every passing year." He focused on her mom. "And Annabeth, my child, you become more lovely every time I see you. I hear from Thalia that you've opened up your own architect firm in the city? I couldn't be prouder of you, my child. Oh, it is wonderful to see you again. How have you been? Tell me everything."

Her dad looked happier than he had the last few days, while her mom looked uneasy. "It's great to see you too, Chiron. It's been too long. These two are Astraea and Aurora."

Chiron focused on the two of them, offering them a welcoming smile. "Ah, yes, I don't know if you remember me, Astraea. But I met you once when you were a very young girl."

"I kinda remember you. But not really."

"That's fine, that's fine. You were so young when we met." He gave her another smile and faced Aurora. "Hello, Aurora, was it? My name is Chiron, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"H-hello."

"I'm sure you've already been introduced, but the charming woman who brought you here is Clarisse La Rue-Rodriguez, a daughter of the late God of War, Ares. The person standing over there with all the eyes is Argus, a Monster created by Lady Hera who is in charge of security. Don't worry, he isn't nearly as frightening as he looks."

Argus gave a silent wave, his countless eyes darting around everywhere.

"The man sitting with his feet on my centuries-old cypress coffee table is Chris, Clarisse's husband. He is a son of Hermes. Say hello, Chris, and please remove your dirty boots from my table."

"Sup, everyone." The man known as Chris said, giving a mock salute. He pulled his feet from the table and plopped them on the ground. "Sorry, Chiron. Won't happen again."

"I shall believe it when I see it." The centaur muttered before facing two newcomers into the room. "Ah, and here is our Oracle, Rachel Elizabeth Dare and one of our dryads, Juniper."

"Hey, Percy! Annabeth!" A mass of curly red hair and paint stains tackled her parents from the side, embracing them in a hug. "I missed you two. You don't call, you don't write, here I am thinking you forgot about me."

"Hey, Rachel, sorry about that." Her dad said sheepishly. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good, how about you?"

"We'll catch you up later," her mom said. "It's good to see you."

"'Kay."

A creature that could have only been the dryad Chiron mentioned walked up next and gave her parents hugs. Astraea had never seen one in person before, only in drawings and a photo from Grover, her parents' satyr friend. "Percy, Annabeth, it's great to see you two. I trust you are well?"

"Hey, Juniper. We're tired from the trip, but excited to be back, at least for the moment." Her mom smiled. "I like your flowers." She said, pointing to the flowers in her hair.

"Thanks." Juniper blushed. "Grover gave them to me before he left."

Her dad frowned. "Left? Wait, is Grover not here?"

The atmosphere in the room suddenly tensed. Chiron cleared his throat. "Grover is… currently away at the moment."

"Well, where is he?"

"I am afraid I cannot say, my boy."

"Why not?"

"He was summoned to Olympus." Rachel said quickly. "We don't know what he's doing or when he'll be back. But I can assure you he's fine."

"I must insist we leave this discussion for later," Chiron said. "For when we are in different company."

Her dad didn't look pleased. "Fine."

Chiron cleared his throat. "Now that introductions have been made of the present company, shall we explore Camp Half-Blood for our newest Campers?"

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After her parents talked a little with the Oracle, Rachel, and the dryad, Juniper, the four of them were led by Chiron on a small tour of the Camp. The old centaur and her parents were deep into conversations about how they had been the last few years, so they were walking fairly slow. So Astraea and Aurora took the lead, following the dirt road. It gave them a little time to talk and take in their surroundings.

"This place is so cool!" Astraea said, a massive smile on her face. "I never thought I'd ever be able to come here!"

"...I-it's not like how mom and d-dad said it was…"

"True, I guess. But I think that's because Camp just got bigger since they left. Chiron said we'd reach the Cabins soon, and I can't wait!"

"Where do you think we'll be staying? In grandma Athena's Cabin or grandpa Poseidon's?"

That made Astraea pause, she hadn't thought about that. "Not sure. Maybe we'll be able to decide? If we get to, I'd say we stay at grandma's."

"Why?"

"Because it'll have other people there. Grandpa's Cabin won't have anyone there since Aunt Kym took it over and she doesn't have any kids. It would just be us. That'd be boring."

Aurora looked like she would have welcomed the privacy. "...Y-yeah…"

A voice sounded from off to the side. "Hey, is that Percy and Annabeth?"

Astraea turned to see a small group of adults running up to them, all smiling and yelling out her parents' names.

"Percy, Annabeth! Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" A pretty woman around her parents' age in a colorful rainbow shirt tackled her parents, grinning wide. "We would have thrown a party."

"It is you two!" A man said, smiling and embracing them. "How've you been?"

"You two are moving back, right?" Another asked.

"It's been forever!" Another yelled. "We've missed you."

The questions and greetings just kept coming and coming as the group of Campers got bigger and bigger. Soon, Astraea and Aurora were surrounded.

"Heard you two moved to Chicago, how has it been treating you?"

"How long are you staying?"

"You're moving back, aren't you?"

"Percy, saw you on TV! I didn't know you were doing cereal commercials now."

"You're staying for dinner, right?"

Finally, her parents had to break up the small gathering. "Alright, alright." Her dad chuckled, a massive smile on his face. "It's good to see all of you, it's been too long. Unfortunately Annabeth and I are only staying half the day—." The crowd murmured, and a guy in the back boo'd. "—so we'll have to make it short, but we'll make sure to visit and talk to everyone. But, that's not why we're here..."

He put a hand on Astraea's and Aurora's shoulders, moving them forward. "We're here to drop off our daughters to Camp. Everyone, meet Astraea and Aurora. Astraea and Aurora, everyone."

Suddenly she and her sister were the center of attention, and Astraea had no idea what to do. She had never been in front of a crowd before, in fact, she had never talked to this many strangers before either. So she put on her best confident smile. "...Uh, hi. I'm Astraea."

"Hey, Astraea~!" The woman in the rainbow print practically sang. "I'm Amethyst, daughter of Iris, nice to meet you. I used to work for your dad as his secretary."

Astraea had heard her parents mention Amethyst once or twice, but she honestly didn't know anything about her, let alone that she was her dad's secretary. Her dad had a secretary? Why? "Hello, Amethyst, right? Nice to meet you too."

"Aurora, wasn't it?"

"...Y-yes."

"You look just like your parents, it's almost scary. I wish I had curly hair like that, it's so cute."

"T-thank y-you." Aurora stuttered. Clearly overwhelmed with all the people around them, watching them.

"Damien. Nice to meet you two." A man greeted them. "I never thought we'd meet you two."

All in all, Astraea was introduced to over a dozen of her parents' old friends, but she was terrible with names, so only a few stuck out. Hopefully Aurora remembered their names, she was good with that kind of stuff.

"Okay, everyone," Chiron spoke above the crowd. "Let's not overwhelm the new Campers, shall we? You'll all have time to meet and speak with them later, but now, we must go to the Cabins."

"See you two later, Annabeth, Percy." A man said as the crowd walked away. "Good to meet you, Astraea, Aurora."

"Lovely seeing you again, Percy, Annabeth." Amethyst smiled as she left. "If you need a personal assistant, Percy, just ask! And Annabeth, if you need a secretary for your new architect firm, you already have my number!"

"Bye, Amethyst." Her dad chuckled. "We may just have to take you up on that offer. Talk to you later."

Once the five of them were alone again, Chiron took charge of the tour. "Come now, you two, it's time to see the Godly Cabins. I trust your parents have explained them?"

Aurora just nodded while Astraea spoke up. "Yeah, each god or goddess gets their own. There were originally only twelve for the Olympian Council, then more were added."

"Correct, Astraea. The original twelve Olympians had their own Cabins, of course, and after your parents made the gods agree, more Cabins were made. The agreement was for each god or goddess to have their own, but sadly, not everyone wished to participate, or could be found. So while we have a lot of Greek Cabins now, we do not have anywhere near enough for all of the gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon."

"How many Cabins do you have now?" Astraea asked.

"Over fifty in total, with most of them for the Greek gods. Four are for the other gods, and the rest are private Cabins."

"Other g-gods?"

"Yes, my child. Other gods. Camp Half-Blood is not just home to Greek half-bloods anymore, but half-bloods of several pantheons. The Greek half-bloods live in Camp proper, while the other pantheons live just beyond. I will be having someone give you two a more in-depth tour later as I catch up with your parents, she will answer all of your questions."

"What other pantheons are here?" Astraea asked. "You mean like the Romans?"

"We do have many Roman half-bloods here, yes, and they do make up a majority of our non-Greek population. But they are far from the only other pantheon we boast here." He gestured to a group of six half-bloods playing basketball off to the side— five guys and one girl— one of which was an extremely tall and large young man that looked like a modern viking. The large viking man waved back, smiling wide.

"The group over there are all Norse half-bloods, of various parentages. You will be able to meet them at dinner, if you wish. Just ask to speak to Snorri and he shall introduce you."

"Snorri?" Astraea asked with a snort, finding it silly. "What kind of name is that? Does he snore really loud or something? Is his godly parent the god of snoring?"

"It's an Old-Norse name." Chiron answered as they walked on. "A word of caution, if I may, Astraea. Camp Half-Blood is made up of individuals from all around the world, of people of every nation and language and color. And as such, you will encounter those from countries and regions you have never met nor experienced. So kindness and acceptance is key if we are to coexist together. A name that may seem odd or silly to you, may be sacred or carry great meaning to another. Why, even 'Astraea' is an Ancient-Greek name, and thus is uncommon or even unusual to hear in many places across the world."

Feeling thoroughly chastised, Astraea apologized. "...Sorry."

"It is alright, my child, I know this will all take some time to get used to, just take to heart what I said." He gave her a smile, letting her know she wasn't in trouble. "But it would not be wise to attempt to make fun of Snorri."

Astraea looked back to where the large young man was playing basketball and laughing with his friends. "Why not? Is he dangerous or something?"

"Oh no, heavens no." Chiron waved off quickly. "Not for any such reason like that, of course. Snorri is the Co-Head Camper of the Xenos Cabins, and, as such, holds a high position here in Camp and he has earned the respect of everyone here. They might not take kindly to it."

Before Astraea could ask what 'Xenos Cabins' were, Chiron continued. "Along with Roman and Norse half-bloods, we have Egyptian, Celtic, Mayan, Chinese and many more as well, though not nearly as many as we have Greeks. When we meet for dinner at the Dining Pavilion tonight, I would suggest introducing yourselves to those around you. Not only will it give you the opportunity to make new friends, but it will also help you get a better idea of Camp from those that live here. Ah, here we are..."

They stopped walking and Astraea tore her attention from Chiron, finding herself in front of the Greek Cabins. There were the original twelve her parents told her about, the ones belonging to the original twelve Olympians. Then there were several more in the shape of an omega symbol that her mom helped design back when she and her dad still lived here.

Then, forming a ring around them, were more than two dozen other Cabins, all beautifully unique and strange. Some looked like more traditional cabins, while others looked like greenhouses, bunkers, cottages, lighthouses, planetariums and even one that looked like a tower made of ice and snow. And all around them, Campers went about their daily lives.

She must have looked at them in awe for several minutes, taking in every detail about them before Chiron spoke again, holding out his hand.

"Welcome, young heroes, to Camp Half-Blood."

"Wow, it's so cool!" Astraea nearly shouted. "How many are there?"

Chiron smiled at her enthusiasm. "Over forty."

"And some of these are the non-Greek ones?"

"No, these are all the Greek Cabins. The non-Greek Cabins, or the Xenos Cabins, are located further down this path. We will travel there shortly."

"W-which Cabin w-will we be staying in?" Aurora asked with a stutter.

The old centaur gave a shrug. "That I personally cannot say. As you have both the blood of Poseidon and Athena in your veins, you have the choice of either Cabin Three, the Kymopoleia Cabin, or Cabin Six, the Malcolm Cabin, which had previously been the Poseidon and Athena Cabins, respectfully."

"What about me?" Astraea asked, feeling suddenly nervous. Her father had been a demigod and her mother a Titaness, so where would she live? She looked to her dad in question, knowing she wasn't supposed to talk about her birth parents in public.

Thankfully, her dad understood her wordless question. He spoke to Chiron, his voice low to avoid being overheard. "What about Astraea, Chiron? You know that her parents were… who they were. What Cabin will she stay in?"

"My guess would be Cabin One." Her mom said. "As her father was a legacy of Zeus."

Chiron frowned, which didn't fill Astraea with confidence. "Cabin One has been given to Jason, the new King of the gods after his father—," his eyes quickly darted to Astraea, making her even more confused. "...Passed. So it would be up to him whether or not to accept Astraea to his Cabin. The same will go for Cabin Three and Cabin Six. You will have to ask Kymopoleia or Malcolm."

"If I asked, I'm sure I could get Malcolm to let Aurora stay in Cabin Six." Her mom said before looking to her dad, who nodded.

"And as for Kym, I know she won't have a problem with it. So the decision will be up to Aurora."

Chiron looked to her sister, giving her a big, calming smile. "So, my child, it seems the decision is yours. Which Cabin do you wish to reside in? Cabin Three or Cabin Six?"

Aurora spent a full thirty seconds studying the two Cabins in question, Astraea could see her eyes looking them over for every tiny detail. But she just didn't look at the Cabins themselves, but the Campers of each. Or, should she say, the Campers of Cabin Six, as Cabin Three was completely empty.

"...I-I want to stay in C-Cabin Three."

Her parents both looked happy and proud, while Chiron smiled. "Then, young one, Cabin Three shall be your new home, but know that if you ever change your mind and wish to move to Cabin Six, you need only ask. Go now, take a look inside the Cabin. The cleaning Harpies will move in all of your belongings shortly."

Aurora looked utterly terrified as the two of them walked up to the tiny Cabin made out of coral and sea-stone, while their parents and Chiron were still standing talking a few Cabins away. Astraea thought it looked really cool with the small bubbles of water around its window that formed a tiny coral reef, despite being terrified of the water. It even had several brightly colored fish swimming among the sea plants and rocks.

"Come on, Aurora," Astraea prompted. "Let's check it out. They're taking forever."

"O-okay." Still nervous, Aurora walked up to the Cabin first and promptly politely knocked on the door.

"...What are you doing? No ones gonna answer it. No one lives there." Astraea deadpanned. "Just go in already, I wanna check it out. It looks really cool on the outside."

Aurora, while still nervous for gods know what, hesitantly opened the door and Astraea was immediately overwhelmed with the smell of the ocean. It was like salt water was being forced into her nose, it was so strong. It also smelled like seaweed and fish, gross.

"Woah…" Aurora muttered, walking into the interior of the small Cabin. "It's like being underwater in here. There's fish swimming in the walls."

"Really?" Astraea asked, taking a step forward into the Cabin. "Lemme see—."

Suddenly Astraea was hit with a massive wall of seawater, knocking her onto her butt out of the door. She quickly got up to find, to her horror, the Cabin filling up with seawater.

"Aurora! Get out!" Astraea yelled. "Get out now!"

Her sister stood in the center of the room, distracted by the fish and octopus swimming in the walls and ceiling. "Huh? What did you—." When the water reached her ankles, she snapped back to reality. She started looking around frantically. "What's happening?!

"Get out of there!" Astraea ordered, banging on the solid wall of seawater that blocked the door. She punched the water several times, but nothing happened.

"I can't!" Aurora yelled, her face as worried as Astraea felt. She attempted to walk out though the wall of water, but it was like a solid wall. The water inside the cabin was at her waist now and rising fast.

"Help! Dad, mom! Chiron! Help! Aurora's gonna drown!" Astraea yelled as she continued to wail on the wall of water, her fists going numb.

From off in the distance she heard her worried parents' voices and a scrambling of feet, but couldn't make out what they said in her panic. A small crowd of half-bloods was forming a circle around the cabin, but she ignored them.

"Astraea, help me!" Aurora begged, the water was at her shoulders now. Her face contorted with fear, tears streaming from her eyes.

Astraea threw her shoulder into the wall to no avail. "I'm coming!" The seawater passed her head now, and Astraea knew her sister couldn't breathe underwater like their dad, so panic set in more.

"Aurora!" Losing all concentration and focus, Astraea's wings burst from her back as she punched the water with all her might, making her arm go numb, but even still, nothing happened. Aurora swam up with the water, inches from the ceiling. Soon, there would be no air left and her sister would drown.

Astraea punched the water even harder. "AURORA!"

"Astraea! Get out of the way!" Her dad appeared at her side in a moment, pushing past her and diving through the wall of the water like it was solid air. He shot towards Aurora like a torpedo and grabbed hold of her, creating a bubble of air around her so she could breathe.

The next second her dad shot back out of the flooded cabin with her sister in hand, landing at her feet. Aurora gasped for air as their mom hugged her.

"Sweetie, are you okay? What happened?"

Aurora kept gasping for air. "Slow your breathing, honey." Her dad said calmly. "You're okay, you're okay."

Astraea nearly threw her mom to the side to get to her sister, hugging her tight. "Aurora, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay… Just… just out of breath."

"Are you alright, child?" Chiron asked, his face pale.

"I'm okay."

"What happened?" Her father demanded, looking to Chiron. "Why did the Cabin start flooding? Aurora could have drowned!"

Chiron looked even paler. "I believe it is because Astraea attempted to enter it."

Astraea paused hugging her sister to look up at the old centaur. "Why me? I didn't do anything."

Chiron looked unnerved. "...I am aware. The problem stems not from anything you did… but from who you are…"

"What's that mean?" Astraea practically demanded.

"Maybe I can explain." A voice suddenly sounded from the cabin itself. Seconds later a goddess with hair like jellyfish tendrils appeared out of sea mist.

"Kym?" Her dad asked. "What's going on? Why did the cabin flood with water?"

"My cabin has natural defenses on it," She explained. "It prevents those half-bloods of other domains from entering it." She paused to look right at Astraea, her eyes boring right into her. She had met and talked to her aunt Kym several times over the years, but this was the first time she frightened her. "And Astraea, I'm afraid, cannot enter my cabin."

"Why not?" Astraea asked. "You know me, aunt Kym. We're family."

The goddess grew sad, frowning. "Yes, we are, my niece, and family of the seas stick together… but we are not family in blood. And blood, especially godly blood, carries great power."

"What are you saying?" Her dad asked.

"I am saying, baby brother, that Astraea cannot reside in my cabin because her godly blood prevents it. As a half-blood of the skies, she cannot enter a cabin of the seas. I am sorry, but it is out of my control. Astraea will have to stay somewhere else while she lives at Camp."

Astraea's heart broke. All she wanted was to have fun at Camp and spend time with her sister, but now, now she couldn't even stay in the same cabin as her.

"So what is she supposed to do?"

"She must find another cabin to take her in."

"Maybe we can ask Malcolm," her mom offered quickly. "I'm sure he won't have a problem with it—."

Kym cut her off. "I am sorry, Annabeth, but she will not be able to reside in Malcolm's cabin either."

"Why not? Malcolm is the god of wisdom, that's not a specific domain like yours. I can still ask him—."

"Asking Malcolm will do nothing, I am sorry."

"Why?" Her dad all but demanded.

Her aunt's face dropped. "Because no Greek cabin will accept her… they will not accept her blood. If she were to attempt to enter another gods' cabin, they would be alerted to it and come here, believing her to be a threat." She looked to her dad, giving him a careful, warning look. "You know what I mean, baby brother, blood is a powerful thing, and the other gods will not accept her."

Astraea looked to her dad for answers. "Dad, what does she mean?"

"But where is she supposed to stay?" Her dad didn't answer, worry clear on his face. "The other gods didn't sense her blood, right? They still don't know?"

"..." Her aunt paused, considering her words as she studied Astraea. "...No, they did not detect her. But take heed, brother, for they will if she were to ever enter another Greek cabin."

Astraea was even more confused now. "What does that mean—?"

"Not now, Astraea." Her dad interrupted her. To her aunt, he asked, "Where's she supposed to stay?"

Chiron was the one to answer. "If the Greek gods will not accept her blood, then the only place she can reside are the Xenos cabins."

"What's the Xenos cabins?" Astraea asked, confused and getting angrier and angrier by the second by not having her questions answered. "Can someone tell me what's going on here?"

"I-I think it means 'outsider' in Ancient Greek." Aurora said from beside her.

"You're right, Aurora. Xenos means 'outsider'." Their mom said, before looking towards Chiron. "But what does that mean? Why are they named 'outsiders'?"

"It is the name for the non-Greek Cabins here in Camp Half-Blood." The centaur answered.

Astraea was getting more confused. "But why is my blood or whatever not letting me stay in the Greek Cabins?" She asked, looking from Chiron to her dad. "The godly Cabins are related to our godly parents, and my parents are—"

"Unknown, I know. We don't know who they are." Her dad interrupted her, lying. He gave her a warning look before looking wearily to the small crowd of Campers that had circled them having heard the commotion. Her dad looked back at her, his eyes telling her to listen to him. "I guess it makes sense that someone who isn't of Greek blood can't enter a Greek cabin."

Astraea felt utterly infuriated. She had no idea why her dad was making her lie by saying she didn't know who her parents were, or who she was related to. Her father was a son of Heracles, the most famous Greek demigod ever, why would anyone have a problem with that? Or, was it possibly because her mom was a Titaness? Astraea thought about that for a few seconds, guessing it could make a little sense.

As if he was trying to make her angrier, he whispered under his breath so others wouldn't hear, "Astraea, your wings. Put them away. What have I told you?"

Astraea honestly didn't realize that her wings were sticking out of her back and on full display for the few dozen campers around them. Good thing she was wearing a tank top with an open back, otherwise her shirt would've been shredded and her wings could have gotten injured.

"Yeah, sorry, sorry." Astraea mumbled, trying really hard not to swear. "Won't happen again."

"Hold on, young one." Chiron said, interrupting them. She noticed him— and everyone in the crowd as well— looking at her wings with either interest or intrigue. Astraea figured most half-bloods didn't have wings. "You are among friends here, both our half-bloods and mortals. There is no danger in letting them free. After all, you were born with wings, they are from your godly blood, so to hide them would be to hide a part of yourself."

Astraea looked from her dad to Chiron, who was giving her a reassuring smile. "Of course, I cannot make you do anything, and I cannot tell you how to express yourself. So if you would like to keep them hidden, by all means, do so, but if you wish to keep them out, you may."

"...Really? I can have my wings out here? All the time?"

"Yes, my child, you may." Chiron smiled with his eyes. "Here at Camp we encourage our young half-bloods to be who they are, to live as they wish, to express themselves how they wish. Your wings are a part of you, so I can not in good conscience forbid you from embracing them."

Astraea didn't know what to say, but she had to bite her lip to keep herself from tearing up. She had never had an adult say that to her before. "...I… I— Thank you, Chiron." She said, hugging him.

"Of course, my child." He returned the hug, carefully avoiding bumping her fragile wings. He whispered in her ear. "Never be afraid to express yourself and be who you are. Not here, not anywhere. Not for anyone. Be who you know you are inside."

Astraea quickly wiped away her tears with the back of her hand before pulling away from the hug. She looked to her dad for final approval, finding his face conflicted. "Dad?"

Her dad let out a sigh before regarding Chiron and everyone around them looking at them, as if debating in his head whether her having her wings out risked people finding out who her parents were.

Finally, he nodded. "The rule was that you hide them at home and when we went out so people wouldn't know you were a half-blood… but here, there's obviously no reason to hide that fact." He gave her a reassuring smile, but Astraea knew he wasn't happy. "So, of course you can have your wings out whenever you want."

She didn't stop herself from hugging him too. "Thanks, dad. It- it means a lot…" She mumbled in his ear, not knowing how to put it into words. "It just… feels wrong to hide them… like I'm lying to myself."

A wave of frustration washed over her dad's face, like he was mad at himself. "I know, little star… It's just, it was dangerous in the mortal world. The Zealots would try to kill you if they found out. I was just trying to keep you safe."

Astraea pulled away, giving her wings a small flap to stretch them out. "I know, dad, but they're my wings, I should have been allowed to decide what to do with them."

"When you turn eighteen and move out, maybe." He joked before seemingly remembering that they were being watched by a few dozen Campers who had no idea why a cabin flooded, a goddess showed up, and now a heart-to-heart was going on. He cleared his throat. "Just promise me you'll remember what we talked about, alright?"

Astraea sighed, knowing he meant not telling anyone who her parents were. "Yeah, got it."

"Good girl." He kissed her hair before returning to stand next to her mom. "Stay safe."

"So, if Astraea can't stay in the Greek cabins, then where will she go?" Her mom asked, bringing the conversation back. "At those Xenos cabins you mentioned before?"

"Yes, she will." Aunt Kym said. "It is too dangerous otherwise, and the other gods will not permit her to regardless."

"What are the Xenos cabins like?" Astraea asked. "Are they like the Greek ones? One cabin for every god?"

"No, the Xenos cabins do not have a cabin dedicated to each god." Chiron explained. "There are a total of only four. You will be sharing a cabin with several others."

"How are they split up?" Astraea asked.

"By gender." Chiron answered, looking off in the distance at a newcomer. "The founder of the Xenos cabins decided it would be most appropriate. But instead of explaining everything about the Xenos cabins myself, I shall let the co-Head Camper explain them herself."

A woman stepped up next to the centaur, offering everyone a wide smile. "As-salaam alaikum." The woman greeted in another language— was that Arabic? "Hello, I am Rana Muhammed, it is a pleasure to meet you." She gave them another brilliant smile.

Astraea studied the new woman. She looked to be eighteen or nineteen or so, had a golden-almond skin tone and wore a light blush pink hijab and a fashionable modest ankle-length skirt and a light sweater. She had a natural, effortless kind of beauty that would make any woman or goddess jealous. Astraea figured that even her aunt Piper wouldn't have been able to find a single thing wrong with her outfit.

"Hey, I'm Astraea."

"...Aurora."

"Hello, Astraea, Aurora. As I said; I'm Rana. I am a Co-Head Camper of the Xenos Cabins, and as such I can explain them to you. Chiron asked me to give the two of you a tour today, so, whenever you're ready, we can begin."

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"So which cabin am I going to be staying in?" Astraea asked. "What are the Xenos cabins? And where are we going?"

She and her sister had just left on another tour with Rana, leaving her parents and Chiron behind. Astraea found the silence comfortable with Rana, but she didn't want silence right now, she wanted answers.

"I will explain everything as we go, do not worry." Rana soothed her, a calm smile on her face. "From what I gathered, you are unable to stay in the Greek Cabins due to your blood. As am I, as I have Egyptian blood. But what confuses me is why your blood would be preventing you from staying in the Greek cabins. Are you not the child of Percy and Annabeth? Children of Greek gods?"

"I'm adopted."

Rana, for her credit, had the decency to not react. "Ah, there is no reason to feel any way about that, there are many half-bloods here who are adopted. Do you know who your godly parent is? Or their pantheon?"

"No." Astraea lied, remembering her promise to her dad to not tell anyone who her birth parents were. She still didn't know why, but he insisted that it wasn't safe to tell people.

"That is quite alright, not every half-blood is claimed, especially non-Greeks."

"...Are there…" Astraea hesitated. "...Are there many adopted people here?"

"Oh, yes indeed. For one reason or another, whether it was for an external or internal reason, many young half-bloods are left on their own, and Chiron takes them in. I myself was forced to leave home at a young age, being sent from my home to live at Camp. We may not be blood, but here, at Camp, with Chiron, we are family."

"Huh." Astraea didn't know what to say.

"May I ask something about you?"

"Yeah." Astraea shrugged as they walked.

"Do you have any natural affinities or abilities or skills? You may not know who your godly parent is, but we might be able to use your natural-born skills to narrow it down. If you can, for example, control water, then we would first look at water deities."

"Well, I have wings." Astraea said matter-of-factly, giving them a few flaps.

"Anything else?"

"Um," Astraea didn't know what she should say, but she figured the truth wouldn't hurt, there were bound to be dozens of gods and goddesses who were strong, and it would be too hard to hide anyway. And, if she were honest, she didn't plan to hide her strength once her parents left. "I'm strong."

"Strong, you say? Yes, I would have assumed so." Rana said with a chuckle. "You are obviously quite strong, given your muscular physique. I'm rather jealous I cannot look like you."

"Oh?" Astraea's brow rose, looking the young woman up and down. "Well, if you wanna get buff, then you gotta put in the work and eat right. You'll be able to if you put your mind to it."

Rana laughed, it was like Apollo himself was playing a chord. "You misunderstand me, Astraea. I mean that I cannot dress or hold myself like you. It is not considered proper where I come from."

Astraea paused to think. "Is it because of your…" She pointed to her own head, not knowing how to bring it up. Thankfully, Rana looked amused.

"Because of my hijab? Yes. But my decision to wear it and dress a certain way is just that, my decision. Still, I must admit that the prospect holds a little excitement for me, but given the choice, I would still choose to wear modest clothing."

Astraea looked from Rana's super-modest outfit to her own more casual one. She didn't consider her clothes to be inappropriate or anything— gods know her mom would kill her if she wore something like that— but her arms were completely bare and her stomach visible. It made her think. "Sorry, but… does what I'm wearing make you… uncomfortable?"

"Oh, no no." Rana waved off quickly. "Nothing like that, don't you worry. But thank you for asking. Feel free to wear whatever you wish. Here at Camp we encourage everyone to be who they are, so dress and act as you like. Just ensure that you dress appropriately out of your room."

"My room?"

"Yes, the Xenos cabins are split into two main cabins— one for boys and one for girls—, with Campers being split into rooms, instead of one one like with the Greek cabins. I always thought that the girls deserved more privacy, so when Chiron came to me asking how I wanted to set up the Xenos cabins, I elected to split them up by gender.

"Each Xenos Camper— bar some select few exceptions— is paired up with a roommate and given a room to share. We currently have only one room with only one occupant, do you wish to share that room or get your own?"

"Share it." Astraea said easily. "It'll be fun."

Rana had an uneasy smile before it was quickly replaced. "Yes, it should. Your room will be number 3. I'll have the cleaning harpies move in all your belongings while we meet the rest of Xenos Cabin Two."

"R-Rana? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Aurora. What is it?"

"You said you formed the Xenos cabins, right? Why did you put them so far away from the Greek ones?"

Rana looked a little sad. "Because most of the Greek half-bloods did not want us to be closer to them." She explained carefully. "When I was first trying to set up the Xenos cabins several years ago, there was a lot of…" She paused to consider her words carefully. "Discourse between us and the Greek half-bloods."

"Why?" Astraea asked.

"Because they believed that this Camp was only meant for half-bloods of Greek heritage, and that half-bloods of other pantheons should not be welcome here. Roman half-bloods were the first to move here from New Rome," She explained. "Wishing to live away from the strict military rule, and while there were a few small incidents, the Greeks and Romans quickly got along and accepted each other. The same, however, could not be said when I, an Egyptian half-blood, and other pantheons arrived."

"Why did they not like the Egyptians?" Aurora asked. "My parents met a few of their gods and magicians before, they eventually got along. Mostly."

"Old wounds still bleed." Rana replied. "At least, that's what they said, and I have to admit that I have to agree. You have to remember that we are not just individuals, but half-bloods of gods and pantheons that have existed for thousands of years. Eventually, every nation fought another, and with that, every pantheon. Of course, over the past two thousand years or so, the gods have tried their best to soothe relations with another by mostly avoiding each other, but us half-bloods still hold on to that strife.

"That is why I work so hard to mend the divide between the Greek and Xenos cabins. Why I work with the Head Campers of the Greek cabins to create fun events and activities for us all to participate in. I truly believe that the only way to bridge the divide between our cabins is through love, friendship and acceptance. That, at least, is what I think."

"Are there a lot of problems between the Greeks and Xenos cabins now?"

"Not like there used to be, no. Now, it is more like we are separated and too stubborn to let go of the old ways. It is fortunate, however, that most of the older Campers that had problems with us left a number of years ago. The half-bloods that are left are too young to remember what it was like back then. Something I can only be grateful for."

"Rana," Aurora said. "You talk like you've been here a really long time… but you can't be that much older than us, can you?"

Rana gave a dazzling smile. "You are quite right, I'm eighteen, not much older than you. But I have been here a really long time, I was sent here when I was five years old, so I saw Camp go through a lot of changes over the years."

They came up to the top of a small hill overlooking a large valley, and inside of the small valley were two large buildings that looked more like lodges than cabins. They were completely identical, except for the small groups of half-bloods milling around them.

"Here we are, ladies. May I introduce you to the Xenos cabins."

"Wow, they're really big." Aurora said, taking them in.

"Which one will I be staying in?"

"Xenos Cabin Two," Rana explained as they walked closer. "The girls cabin. My cabin. Xenos Cabin One is, naturally, for the boys. Snorri leads them. With Xenos Cabin Three being for Snorri and myself. It's a little further down this path, around the bend and behind a small stand of trees. If you ever need anything, please know that my door is always open."

"There are only three cabins here, then?" Aurora asked as she looked around. "But didn't Chiron say that there were four earlier? What about the fourth one?"

"Oh, yeah. He did, didn't he? Can we go see it?"

"No, you may not." Rana said quickly, looking uneasy. "Xenos Cabin Four is… a private cabin. With only a single resident, and they are not allowed any visitors. I would, also, advise extreme caution. Do not, under any circumstance, go there. I have heard of a few older Campers trying to dare new ones into going up and knocking on the door.

"So, let me be perfectly clear." Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "If I find out that either of you two go anywhere near there, then I will have you two on cleaning duties for two months. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Rana."

"Y-yes."

Now Astraea wanted to check out that forbidden cabin even more.

"Good." Rana transformed back to the kind and cheerful woman she was a moment ago. "Then, if you would like, we can begin our tour of the Xenos Camp."

"Astraea and Aurora Jackson, is that you?"

Astraea turned to see two unknown half-bloods walking up to them. The guy was really tall and scrawny, lanky like a twig. He was in baggy brown pants and a t-shirt, looking like he lived on the couch. While the girl was short and plump, with a very expensive style and air around her, her entire outfit was pressed and fitted to perfection. Both were in their early twenties. Astraea didn't know who the guy was, and she had never met the girl in person, but she had seen pictures of her before.

"Hey, do I know you?" Astraea asked blankly, unable to remember her name.

"She's Jenny-Lee." Aurora whispered in her ear quietly. "Mr. Davenport's daughter. We met her once back in Chicago."

"We did?" Astraea whispered back. "Huh, she looks familiar, but I don't remember that."

"You have a terrible memory. You should try using your brain more."

Aurora was saved by Jenny-Lee and who Astraea assumed to be her boyfriend or husband, given how they were holding hands and walking really close.

"I thought it was you two," the woman known as Jenny-Lee said with a wide smile. "I knew that your parents were coming today, but I didn't know they were bringing you."

"You knew our parents were coming today?" Astraea asked, confused. "No one else seemed to know that. When we were walking around we got swarmed and everything."

Jenny-Lee bit her lip and looked between them before looking up to the man next to here. "Oh, uh, well… your mom contacted me a few days ago, telling me she would be here today. I'm going to be meeting her in a few minutes, actually."

"She did? Why?"

"You all know each other?" Rana asked, interrupting the conversation. "That's wonderful."

"Our mom worked with Jenny-Lee's dad a few years ago." Aurora explained. "She designed his new office building."

"And our estate." Jenny-Lee said with a smile. "Father still can't get over it, he fell in love with it. Now that you're living in New York, I'm sure he'll want to see your parents again."

The tall man next to Jenny-Lee coughed, getting their attention. "Oh, goodness me, I nearly forgot to introduce you, dear, I'm so sorry." She gestured up to the tall man. "Astraea, Aurora, this is Gregory, my boyfriend."

"Sup, everyone, names Gregory, but call me Greg. Nice to meetcha." While Jenny-Lee spoke like a proper wealthy young person, Gregory talked like anyone on the street. It was kind of refreshing. "I'm a son of Asclepius and a Legacy of Bia. I'm also like the Head of the Asclepius Hospital."

"Hospital?"

"Yeah, like, where do you expect all the injured to go? The Big House? Nah, there's like, hundreds of people here, there wouldn't be any room. So we made a hospital a few years ago. Jenny-Lee and I both work there. Just lemme know and we can give ya two a tour later, it's kinda cool. We have a magical injuries ward, you wouldn't believe the cases we get in there."

"You work at the hospital, too, Jenny-Lee?" Astraea asked, giving a sheepish look. "Who was your godly parent again? Sorry, I'm terrible at remembering names."

"Oh, not to worry." Jenny-Lee smiled. "My mother is Eileithyia, the goddess of Childbirth. I run the Maternity Ward, but I also help out wherever I'm needed. We don't get too many births here, for now, at least, so I help out wherever I can." Before Astraea had the chance to speak again, Jenny-Lee continued. "So, will you two be attending father's school this year?"

"You mean his fancy prep school for snobby rich kids in the city?"

For her credit, Jenny-Lee just looked amused. "That would be the one I was referring to, yes. It's not that bad, I'll let you know. In truth, it is one of the best schools on the east coast. You could do a lot worse than it."

"I think so. Dad said he and mom still have to talk to the principal, but that's the plan."

"Excellent. I'm sure you will love it there."

Greg cleared his throat, tapping his watch. "Jenny-Lee, your ten o'clock…"

"Oh, heavens! I nearly forgot." Jenny looked at the time and gave an apologetic look. "I am afraid we must cut this conversation short. I have an appointment in twenty minutes and I cannot be late. Feel free to come see me over the next few days and Greggory and I can give you a tour of the hospital." Jenny-Lee said as she and Greg left.

Alone again, Astraea thought on what Jenny-Lee said, looking to her sister. "Why do you think mom and dad are gonna see Jenny-Lee later? Why did she know they were coming but no one else did?"

Aurora didn't answer, she just continued to watch Jenny-Lee and Greg quickly walk off into the distance.

"Are you two ready to continue the tour?" Rana asked. "Astraea, I thought we could check out the girls' cabin now. What do you say?"

~o~o~o~

"So this is Xenos Cabin Two, the girls cabin." Rana explained as they walked through the large lodge-like cabin. They were in what looked like a large shared living space, with a small kitchen set up along one wall. A long table with plenty of chairs separated the kitchen from the living space, it itself filled with couches and lounge chairs.

"There are over twenty rooms here, not all occupied." Rana continued. "As it stands, every girl here has a roommate, well, except for one."

"Why's that?" Astraea asked with a grin. "She snore really bad?"

Rana didn't chuckle. "No, well, yes— but that's not the reason. She is rather… difficult to manage. So she has her own room. I would advise you to stay out of room number two, as well as keep the door to your room locked when you or your roommate are not in there. As your room, number 3, is right next to hers, it will be at the most risk."

"Oh, so she's a thief?"

"Not by choice."

"What's that mean? You have to choose to steal things, don't you?"

"You are quite right, you do have to make the choice, but for Eda…, she can not help it." Rana stopped walking to look at Astraea. "But if anything of yours goes missing, please, inform me, as I will handle it. Please, do not confront her yourself. It will only make things worse."

"Um, okay, I guess?" Astraea shrugged. "I don't have much besides clothes anyway."

"Just keep a close eye on all of your belongings, alright?"

"Yeah, sure. So, who's my roommate? When can I meet her?"

Rana opened her mouth to reply, but a gruff shout sounded from down the hall. "Get outta my way, fox! What're you lookin' at?!"

Astraea turned to see what could only be described as a bipedal, six foot hairy boar monster in human clothes stomping through the hallway like it had personally offended her, pushing a smaller girl with a fox tail and ears out of her way. The monster was slightly hunched over, with a large boars' head and snout with tusks. Her neck was thick and her upper body was bulky and monstrous, completely covered by coarse brown-grey fur. While her legs were short and stubby like a boars', ending in misshapen hooves. The weirdest thing? She was wearing an oversized shirt that read 'IZ' and a Hawaiian flower print skirt and no shoes. But Astraea figured that this strange-looking monster probably couldn't fit into any regular pair of shorts, pants or shoes.

Just as Astraea was wondering what on earth she was looking at, the hulking boar monster noticed Astraea's staring and she let out a snort of rage. "What're you lookin' at, princess? Close yer mouth before I close it for you!"

Astraea blinked. "Sorry, I just- well, I was just wondering what kind of monster you were—."

"Monster?!" The female monster yelled, getting angrier by the second. "I ain't no monster!"

"Oh, sorry. Well, what are you—?"

"I'm a HUMAN!" She roared. "Same as you! Now stop lookin' at me already or I'll kick yer pretty ass!"

"Girls," Rana spoke up from beside them. "Let's all calm down, shall we?"

Anger started to boil inside Astraea as well. "Hey, I wasn't trying to be rude. You don't have to be such a dick!"

"Yer the one being a dick!" The boar girl yelled. "Lookin' at me like that!"

"Like I said; I'm not trying to look at you like anything. I just haven't seen someone like you before—."

The boar girl gave an animalistic growl, taking a bold step closer. "I don't look like nothin'!"

"Girls," Rana repeated, her voice becoming more firm. "Take a step back and calm down-."

"Stop yelling at me!" Astraea yelled back, fists tightening.

"Fucking make me, you pretty little shit."

Astraea brought her fists up. "Insult me one more time, pig, and I'll-."

"PIG?!" The boar girl was running at Astraea the next second, her massive, heavy fists flying at her face. The large girl had the size advantage, but Astraea was confident she was stronger and faster. So she danced back to avoid a sloppy punch, bringing back her fist to prepare for a counterstrike.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Rana jumped in between them, expertly deflecting their attacks with her open hands and throwing them back in opposite directions. Astraea hit the large dining table and was stunned for a second. Opening her eyes and ready to continue the fight, she was suddenly stopped when a blur whipped out from under Rana's hijab and flew right at her face, stopping only an inch from her nose.

Suddenly taken out of the fight, Astraea realized that the 'thing' that was pointing at her nose was in fact a huge stinger, which was— once she dared her to pull her eyes from the threatening stinger— connected to an extremely long scorpion tail.

"Both of you have cleaning duty for a week," Rana declared firmly, standing tall and imposing in her fashionable sweater and pumps. "For that utterly unacceptable and unbefitting behavior. Kala, you know better than to let someone get to you so easily. And you, Astraea," Rana's venomous glare focused on her. "You raised your fists first, so your cleaning duties will actually be extended for two weeks."

"But she—."

Rana glared, making Astraea stay silent. "I shall only say this once, but fighting is explicitly forbidden here at Camp. If I catch you fighting again, then I will have to speak to Chiron about possibly removing you from Camp."

The weight of what happened hit Astraea. She realized how close she was to being kicked out of the only place she ever wanted to be on her very first day.

The scorpion tail started retreating back to Rana, pulling back under her hijab, which she flawlessly fixed to perfection. It was only now when Astraea realized that it was Rana's hair spun around and coiled together to form a really long scorpion tail.

"I'm done with this shit." The boar girl mumbled, walking towards the exit behind Astraea. "Why can't Chiron just let me have my own private cabin like that demon, huh? It's not fucking fair."

As she was walking past Astraea, she purposely bumped her shoulder, muttering, "Yer lucky Rana was here to save yer ass, blondie. Next time we settle this." before leaving and slamming the door behind her.

Mumbling something in a language Astraea didn't know, Rana put on a strict face. "Astraea, I want you to be careful from now on how you treat us half-bloods with inhuman features. We are no less human, despite our sometimes monstrous appearances. Why, even you, with your wings, do not appear human. Should I or another half-blood make fun of your appearance too?"

"I-I… Okay, I'm sorry." Astraea apologized, realizing she was kind of an ass for assuming the boar girl was a monster. "Just, who was that? And why do you have a scorpion tail coming out of the back of your head?"

Rana paused, looking back to the door as if making sure the boar girl was gone. "Her name is Kala, Kala Frederick, and she is a human. Not a monster."

"A human?" Astraea asked, disbelieving. "But she, well, not to be rude, but she didn't look-."

"Human?" Rana asked, interrupting her. "Yes, Kala does not appear to look human, but, I can assure you, she is a human."

"How?"

"She looks like that because she is a demigod." Rana explained. "Her godly parent, Kamapuaʻa, is the Hawaiian boar god. And, as such, Kala has a lot of boar features; snout, tusks, fur, hooves, things like that. But, she is still human."

"...Oh, sorry."

"Don't apologize to me," Rana said firmly. "Apologize to Kala. You two should learn to get along, for both your sakes."

"What's that mean?"

But Rana didn't answer, instead she turned to face the small group of girls watching the impromptu fight. "Ladies, there is nothing to see here. Go back to whatever you were doing."

Most of the girls gave a mumbled, "Yes, Rana" before heading off to other areas of the cabin. While a few stayed in the living area, sitting on the couches and talking. Satisfied that the scene was over, Rana left the cabin, seemingly going after Kala or finding Chiron or her parents.

Shit, Astraea thought, her parents would be pissed she got into a fight on her first day.

Astraea was left awkwardly standing in the middle of the room, not knowing what to do or what to say. She hadn't even met these girls yet and she had already gotten into a fight in front of them. At least it seemed that this Kala girl wasn't too well liked, and Astraea hadn't gotten into a fight with the most popular girl in the cabin.

The small girl with the fox tail and ears Kala had pushed earlier walked past and Astraea called out to her. "Hey, uh… what's your name?"

The fox girl regarded Astraea carefully, like she was worried she would make fun of her too for her appearance. "...I'm Huli jing. I'm in room 5."

"I'm Astraea Jackson, nice to meet you." Astraea put on her best friendly smile and held out her hand.

The small fox-like girl observed her outstretched hand for a few seconds, not blinking. It was kind of unnerving. Suddenly, the girl spoke. "Are you an angel?"

"What?" Astraea asked, confused by the questioning tone.

"Are you an angel?" Huli jing asked, her head tilted, unblinking. "Or I guess you could be a Tennin."

Astraea blinked. "Um, I don't know what a Tennin is?"

The fox girl looked her up and down, unblinking. "It's what you are."

"Um, I'm really not."

"Are you sure?"

"Um, I think so?"

Another girl laughed behind them. "Come on, Huli, stop confusing the new girl." The girl walked up to them and took Astraea's hand, giving it a firm shake before chuckling. She was two or three years older than Astraea, slightly taller than her, really pretty with golden hair and ethereal, slightly glowing skin. Her casual and 'rough and tumble' choice of clothing drastically contrasted her regal features. She gave off major tomboy energy, much like Astraea herself, which she instantly felt a connection to.

"I'm Ketevan, the only known child of Dæl, Georgian goddess of Hunting and… other stuff. You're the new girl, Astraea, right?"

"Yeah, I'm Astraea Jackson."

"Jackson? So you are Percy and Annabeth's kid, huh? Which means you're really famous around here."

Astraea blinked. "I am?"

"Of course." Ketevan looked at Astraea like she had gone crazy. "The kid of the two most famous demigods to ever go to Camp? Of course you're famous. But," Ketevan paused, giving Astraea a confused look. "Why are you in the Xenos Cabins? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cool you're here, but shouldn't you be in the Greek Cabins?"

"I'm adopted." Astraea said for the second time today, this time feeling a little embarrassed. "I don't know who my godly parent is."

"Adopted?" Another girl asked from a table playing checkers with another girl. "I thought I heard that Annabeth had a kid on Olympus?"

Astraea felt like an animal in a zoo. "...That's my little sister, Aurora. She's… my parents' biological child."

"Oh," Ketevan said, eyes widening. "I guess that makes sense. But I never heard of you before, actually. What can you do?"

"Excuse me?"

"What can you do? I'm good with a bow and can make anyone do what I ask when I bat my eyelashes." She gave an overdramatic bat of her eyelashes, laughing. "The boys always trip over themselves when I sigh. It's funny sometimes, but it gets kind of annoying now. They won't leave me alone."

She pointed a thumb to the short girl with fox ears and tails that was sniffing an apple in the kitchen. "Huli there can shapeshift. Valka— the giant redhead over there on the couch— is really strong and can control lightning." Astraea followed Ketevan's finger to the couch, finding who could have only been Valka. She was a full head taller than Astraea and built like a rhino, but a very pretty rhino with a regal face that didn't fit the rest of her body. Valka didn't say anything, but gave Astraea a respectful nod.

"Those two over there playing checkers are Kai and Agatha." Ketevan introduced. Kai was clearly from somewhere around the Pacific islands and built like a swimmer. While Agatha was shorter and…. full-bodied. Astraea didn't know how to describe her otherwise without sounding rude. She looked plenty nice, though. "Kai can do magic, and Agatha can grow food and heal minor injuries."

"I make a mean squash." Agatha said with a smile before moving a piece on the checkerboard, giving Kai a grin. "King me."

"Awe." Kai whined dramatically, groaning. "I was distracted by the new girl, that doesn't count."

"That piece has been there for like five turns, my dude, maybe you're just not good at this game."

"Shut it." Kai said playfully.

"That's everyone that's down here for now." Ketevan said, gaining Astraea's attention again. "We'll introduce you to everyone at dinner."

Astraea looked at the dining table. "We eat at the Dining Hall, with the Greeks, right?'

"Yeah, but we didn't used to until a few years ago. It took Rana forever to convince Chiron."

"We'll introduce you to the boys later." Agatha said as she decimated Kai at checkers. "We're on a break from activities right now, but we can meet some of them later."

"What room are you in?" Ketevan asked. "You got your own room, right?"

"Nah," Astraea shook her head. "Figured it would be boring. I'm in room 3-."

Half of the girls in the room gasped. Agatha said "fuck you didn't", and Valka said something in Norse.

Astraea suddenly got the feeling they knew something she didn't, and she was starting to get the feeling she knew why. "What's the problem…?"

"Your roommate." Ketevan said. "That's the problem."

"Why? Who's my roommate?"

"Dude, Kala is your roommate." Agatha answered, giving Astraea a look like she had been sentenced to death. "The girl you just got in a fight with."

"Fuck."

"Yup." Agatha agreed. "Fuck indeed. It's been nice knowin' you, tho."

"Just apologize when you see her." Ketevan suggested. "Kala's always angry, but it might help. Maybe… Probably not, but there's always hope?"

"I'd just ask Rana for a different room." Kai said seriously. "I'd rather sleep outside than in the same room as her."

Astraea remembered how angry Kala was at everything. "It can't be that bad, can it?"

"Yeah, it can." Agatha said. "She gets into a fight like every week now. Sent Reine to the hospital last month. Broken arm and nose, plus, like a dozen teeth knocked out."

"It was only three teeth, Greg was able to grow them back the same day." Ketevan corrected. "And it was a sprained wrist, not a broken arm."

"But she did break her nose." Agatha reminded.

"That's true."

"Well, fuck." Astraea repeated. "Do you think Rana will let me change rooms?"

"Probably, especially now since you already got into a fight with Kala. It wouldn't be safe to let you sleep in the same room with her now."

"I can take care of myself." Astraea huffed, not liking that the rest of the girls assumed she'd lose to Kala.

"Yeah, maybe, but Kala's crazy. She bit Snorri once, and that guy is huge."

"Well, whatever, I can handle myself." Astraea reaffirmed.

"Sleep with your back to the wall." Agatha suggested. "And, like, maybe a sword."

"I have a sword!" Huli said excitedly, popping up out of nowhere, apple peels in her hair. Astraea flinched when the tiny fox girl was suddenly next to her.

Ketevan frowned. "You don't have a sword, Huli."

"Well, maybe not, but I can find one-."

"What did Rana say?" Ketevan interrupted. "We're not allowed to have swords in here anymore."

Huli looked aloof for a second, then sad, then aloof again before scampering off somewhere out of sight, her fox tail swishing back and forth. Astraea watched her disappear with a raised brow. "She's… kind of odd."

Agatha snorted. "You have no idea. Now, come on, join me in checkers so I can once again become the undefeated champion of the cabin."

~Follow, Favorite and Review~

Annabeth sat in a sterile, blank, white room, feeling completely exposed and utterly terrified. Her fingers nervously fumbled with her medical gown in between rubbing together, this medical room was so cold it made her shiver.

Or maybe those were her nerves.

The door sliding open seemed so loud in the too-quiet room. Annabeth turned to face a nurse her age with a supportive smile and clipboard. "Good morning, Annabeth. How are we doing today?"

Annabeth, despite herself, stuttered in her nervousness. "H-hey, Jenny-Lee. I'm not doing good, if I'm honest."

Jenny-Lee didn't visibly react to her words, but Annabeth knew she was observing her carefully.

"Would you like to talk a little first? To ease your nerves? Or would you like to stick to business?"

"Business. For now." Annabeth said, feeling like she couldn't handle small talk right now. Not with the weight in her gut. "We can catch up later."

"I do hope so," the squat woman said with a smile, going over a few notes on her clipboard. She lowered the clipboard and sat in a rolling stool next to the bed, moving close to Annabeth. "You said that you have been discharging a lot of fluid, yes? And your stomach is hurting a lot?"

"Yeah, I've been getting cramps the last week."

"Hmm." Jenny-Lee made a note. "Have you been experiencing light-headedness or dizziness? Nausea?"

"Sometimes when I wake up." Annabeth admitted. "But they sometimes go away by the time I go to work. I assumed it was stress at first, then, well, good news. I thought I was finally pregnant."

"Have you done an at-home test yet?"

"...No, I haven't."

Jenny-Lee raised a brow. "You haven't? And you haven't gone to a clinic either?"

"No…"

"Hmm." Jenny-Lee made another note. "Well we can certainly check today. I'm much more accurate than any mortal test, after all. Back to symptoms, have you been experiencing a fever? Weight loss? Back pain?"

"Yes."

"For which one?"

"All three."

Another note.

Jenny-Lee sighed, adjusting her glasses. "Now, last question. Have you been to a doctor yet?"

"No," Annabeth said, letting out a breath. "I-I… I'm worried about getting bad news."

"I fully understand that, Annabeth. Sometimes fear and anticipation makes things worse, especially when it comes to medical issues. Have you been keeping check of your cycles?"

"No, I haven't."

Jenny-Lee raised a brow. "You haven't?"

"No…"

"Hmm." Jenny-Lee made a note on her board before putting it down, giving Annabeth her full attention. "Annabeth, if I can be blunt, why did you come all the way to see me? Especially when you can find out faster at home? Or, you could have even gone to Olympus and asked my mom. I know you and Percy haven't been to Olympus since you left Camp, but my mom could just as easily come to you." Jenny-Lee sighed, adjusting her bulky glasses. "What I'm asking, Annabeth, is if you really want to know…"

Annabeth paused, not understanding the question. Of course she wanted to know. She hadn't been able to sleep for two weeks because she was worried about it. Why wouldn't she want to know?

Jenny-Lee, it seemed, understood Annabeth's confusion and put a calming hand on her own. "I just want to make sure that this is what you want, Annabeth. Because once I check, well, I've never been wrong before. You'll know for sure…" She let it hang.

Steeling herself, Annabeth bit her lip and nodded. "I'm sure. Do it."

"Alright, then. I'll prepare for the examination." Jenny-Lee said, all business. She slipped on some medical gloves and rolled back over to Annabeth. "Lay down, please. And relax."

"I am-."

"You are nowhere near relaxed." Jenny-Lee cut her off. "Your shoulders are tense and you're going to damage your teeth if you keep clenching your jaw like that. Relax."

"Fine. I'll… try."

"That's all I ask." Jenny-Lee said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Now, this is going to be uncomfortable, but it is imperative that you don't move for the entire examination. I'll use my abilities to check you and… the embryo. If it is indeed there."

"O-okay."

Jenny-Lee paused. "...Do you want me to get Percy? As long as he stays calm, he can be here with you."

"No, no. He'd just fuss over me more than he already is." Annabeth joked. "I told him to wait outside."

"...Is there possibly someone else you wish to be here with you?"

"No, only my girls are here… and I don't want them to be here for this. Gods, they don't even know…"

"We don't know anything for certain yet." Jenny-Lee reassured. "You said on your form that you "just have a bad feeling", we have no confirmation yet."

"But I can feel it…" Annabeth whispered. "Somethings wrong, I can feel it."

Jenny-Lee didn't react, instead she raised her hands and they started to glow with an ethereal aura. "We'll get our answers soon, Annabeth. Don't worry. Just stay still, this is going to be uncomfortable."

~Page Break~

Astraea had just met back up with Aurora around the Big House where their parents had told them to meet. They'd be leaving soon and made them promise they'd say goodbye.

Astraea had met a few more girls in her cabin, as well as several of the boys. Luckily, she hadn't gotten into a fight with any of them. She was in the process of retelling the story with her little sister when her parents appeared around the corner. She was about to call over to them when she suddenly stopped in her tracks, her heart frozen.

Her mom was crying.

Like, full-blown sobbing. Her eyes and nose were red and puffy and she had more tear stains running down her face. She was also practically leaning on her dad for support, her walking unbalanced and unfocused.

Astraea knew her mom was strong, the strongest person she knew. She never cried. Without a second thought, she ran up to her. "Mom, what's wrong? What happened?"

Her mom looked even sadder for a moment when their eyes met, but she quickly hid it away. Wiping her face with her hand. "I-I'm fine, sweetie. I just-... I just received some… bad news."

Aurora appeared next to her. "What news? Mom, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Your mom isn't doing well right now." Their dad said, giving them his best reassuring smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We'll tell you later, but when you mom is in a better state."

"But what happened?" Astraea insisted. "Is mom going to be okay?"

"She's-."

"I'm going to be okay, honey, don't worry." Her mom interrupted, trying her best to smile. "It makes me so happy that you're so worried about me… But don't worry, I'll be okay."

Aurora studied her. "Are you… in pain?"

"A little…" Their mom admitted. "But Jenny-Lee and the doctors gave me some medicine, so I'll be okay in a few days."

"A few days?" Astraea asked, eyes wide. "What happened?"

"We'll tell you later, girls." Their dad repeated. "For now, give us some big hugs and promise you'll have fun and behave yourselves, okay? We need to be leaving and it looks like Chiron is waiting for you."

Astraea took a second to tear her gaze away from her mom, and she did indeed find Chiron a respectable distance away waiting for them.

"But, m-mom," Aurora mumbled. "You're in pain…"

"I'll be fine, sweetie. Don't you worry."

"But-"

"Girls." It was Chiron, but Astraea didn't pay him any mind. "It is time for camp activities. Your parents must be leaving. Please, say your goodbyes and follow me."

Astraea took her mom's arm. "But why can't you just tell us what's wrong?"

"Listen to Chiron, Astraea." Her dad said. "And to us. Your mom will be fine, she just needs some rest. We'll IM you two when she's ready."

Astraea didn't want to give up, but she knew she wasn't going to get anywhere. "Fine." She gave her mom a hug, holding her tight. "Just promise me you'll tell us what's wrong…"

"I will, honey. Don't worry." Her mom hugged both of them for several minutes, before finally giving their dad a turn. And all too soon, their parents left.

Astraea watched them as long as she could, and even after they were gone. She just watched the empty path they left on, as if expecting them to come back.

And a part of her hoped they would. The first time she would be away from her parents in a decade, and she suddenly wanted to go back home.

Astraea chuckled at the irony. For most of her life, she couldn't wait until she got away from her parents, but now, she missed them.

To be continued

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(Author's Note:)

Welp, there's chapter 6 of Daughters Of Olympus. A long one, I know, but I didn't want to cut anything to get it out quicker. I've been sick for pretty much this entire thing, so I apologize if there's a bunch of typos. Lemme know if/when you find them and I just might collect them all and edit this chapter. Maybe. I don't normally do that, actually.

Anyway, a TON of stuff happened. We finally arrived at Camp, were introduced to the Theocratic Republic City-States of Greece(explanation for the name below), which will be a bigger part of the story later, met a bunch of new characters and learned what was wrong with Annabeth.

For clarification, just in case anyone didn't catch it: Annabeth had a miscarriage. I stated a few(?) chapters back that Percy and Annabeth had been trying to have kids the last few years, but hadn't had any luck. I apologize if this made anyone uncomfortable, but it's life, as cruel and f*cked up as it is sometimes.

Anyway, sorry again for the delay in getting this chapter out. I've been busy, bought a new car, applied for a new job, got said job, found out my new car was a lemon, got the worst cold of my life and have just been busy. No promise when ch7 will be out, though. I want to work on some upcoming stories and maybe some more one-shots in other languages. If you happen to speak/read Norwegian, then check out my new How To Train Your Dragon stories on my profile.

Let me know what you thought of this chapter in a review. Or if you have any questions. I try to reply to them all(the ones that aren't just a few words, at least), but FF is screwy sometimes so it might be a little but before I can reply.

Anyway, have a good one,

Hephaestus

Informational Tidbit: The Theocratic Republic City-States of Greece is a collection of (for now) two cities within the Camp perimeters, but are a separate entity. Basically, the people living there are adult campers or family members of campers that either couldn't live in the mortal world, or decided to move there to be close to their half-blood children in camp.

They have their own leaders, stores, homes, businesses, currency and everything self-sustaining cities need. We will see more of them in the future, don't worry. For any question, please ask in a review or pm.

For the name:

~Theocratic: Taken from Wikipedia: "Theocracy is a form of government in which a deity of some type is recognized as the supreme ruling authority, giving divine guidance to human intermediaries that manage the day-to-day affairs of the government." "The word theocracy originates from the Greek word θεοκρατία (theocratia) meaning "the rule of God". This in turn derives from θεός (theos), meaning "god", and κρατέω (krateo), meaning "to rule". Thus the meaning of the word in Greek was "rule by god(s)" or human incarnation(s) of god(s)."

~Republic: "form of government in which a state is ruled by representatives of the citizen body."

~City-States: Taken from Wikipedia: "A city-state is an independent sovereign city which serves as the center of political, economic, and cultural life over its contiguous territory.[1] They have existed in many parts of the world since the dawn of history, including cities such as Rome, Athens, Sparta, Carthage, etc."

~Greece: That's where the Greeks came from, duh.

Bonus Informational Tidbit: Taken from Wikipedia: Xenos "is a word used in the Greek language from Homer onwards. The most standard definition is "stranger". However, the word itself can be interpreted to mean different things based upon context, author and period of writing/speaking, signifying such divergent concepts as "enemy" or "stranger", a particular hostile interpretation, all the way to "guest friend"' one of the most hallowed concepts in the cultural rules of Greek hospitality."

Question of the Day: 'Who is your favorite new character introduced in this chapter?' Rana, Snorri, Jenny-Lee, Greg, Kala, Huli jing, Agatha, Ketevan, Kai. I'm curious.

Next time: "Why does everyone think I'm a shoe?"