I Can't Even Raise A Sword

Getting settled into Apollo Cabin was a lot easier than I thought it would be. My siblings, as I came to realize, gave a perfectly warm welcome. Introductions were made properly when I woke up the next day. There was a lot of kids in the cabin, certainly not nearly as many as those in Hermes Cabin but still quite a few.

I cared not to mention the fact that I had the dream again; surrounded by fire and laughed at by a man on fire. The same line said as before. It unnerved me.

On my bunk was a camp shirt with the logo of Camp Half-Blood on front. A perfect fit...where had they gotten the measurements for that? Or, the simple answer. It was by magic. I preferred that answer.

The days schedule was like school. A Latin class, combat training, mythology lessons. For Apollo cabin specifically there was medical training in the infirmary, which I was not looking forward to. With my weak stomach I was not going to last long.

Despite the warm welcome and sunshine smiles, there was doubt. I knew why. I had not technically been claimed, and everyone found it odd. They talked about how claiming was a symbol of light appearing above a camper when their Godly Parent picked them out. So what's taking you so long, Apollo? It's obvious, I thought, gazing up at the sun. I felt strong in the sunlight, emboldened. But even around the others, I felt something was just...off.

During Latin class with an Athena kid teaching in place of...Annabeth, I think it was, I met Tetsu there. He was much more cheerful, and exchanged a few words. Still only a few, but it was progress. Ever since saving him from the Telkhine I felt protective of him. Like I had taken the role of guarding his life.

I don't know how I found myself in such a position, needing to protect the kid. I had just met him down an alley, being hunted by a man with a dog head. I didn't even know his last name, only that his name was Tetsu. I didn't know where he came from, how he got there, why it chased him...well, no I had a hint as to why. He was a half-blood, as was I apparently. That was still hitting me.

I found myself surprised in being able to understand what was being said, being able to read the board. This was another language but it came off like normal. As if I always knew it, since birth. I learned Latin traditions, history and some phrases of Ancient Greek that weren't typically useful but were a start.

Coming to the end of the class, I was surprised at myself more. I had managed to pay attention for once. And, I enjoyed the class. I knew what I was learning, it was so easy to understand!

After that class, I walked with Tetsu towards my next class; medical training.

"So, those two...the twins. Know them yet?" I asked, a touch of agitation to my voice.

"Travis and Connor" Tetsu said quietly, playing with an item in his hands. It was a small cube.

If I see them again, I'll make them regret stealing anything from me again I thought, before shaking off the feeling.

"...Right. Hermes?" I had learned after from Lee Fletcher that children of Hermes liked to steal and prank. Those two especially. Lee had already mentioned their names, and the fact one of them was counselor. I felt sorry for that cabin.

"So...you been claimed yet?" He shook his head. "Bummer...neither have I. Guess they got better things to do, right?" Tetsu offered no response.

I had heard the gods were busy. That most of Hermes cabin was undetermined. Lesser gods, such as Tyche and Iris resided in there.

I sighed, gazing ahead to the infirmary. Lee was there, gesturing the others inside yet he remained outside. With him stood Chiron and another camper. My gods, the other guy...

Everything about him was stunning. He popped out like an eyesore, except my eyes weren't sore seeing him. He wasn't broad, but not lanky either. The nice middle ground. A light tan made up his complexion, and when he turned our way his eyes glimmered blue. His hair was cut back military style, yet it only made his facial features stand out even more. I had not noticed his armor and helmet under his hand, a dagger at his side and a slingshot at the other. At his feet lie three packs, armor and other equipment set aside them.

"H-Hey" I greeted, trying not to stare. He offered a nod, a faint mustache visible over his...his lip. He was hot, is what I had been thinking at the time.

"Helene! You are here, I was about to send Èmile off to find you" Chiron said, bowing his head to me. His eyes looked sad. Without rest. "Èmile, this is Helene Miller and Yoma Tetsu. Helene, son of Aphrodite Èmile Boudet. Lee, may we have a moment while they...discuss the matter?"

Lee Fletcher had a grave look about him, and offered me a forced smile before following the centaur.

Now understanding the good looks, I got myself together...somewhat. Quickly brushing hair out of my face, a faint warm blush to my cheeks.

"So...what's got their pants all tied up?" Èmile quirked a brow. Then glanced down at the armor.

"Best get it on, cher. You know how to put on armor, yes?" he asked, and I had to frown. Combat training? I was here for medical training.

I shrugged and got to getting it on. Some kids of Apollo had been kind enough to show a few of the ropes, but mostly for how to remove armor from a wounded camper. Tetsu followed my lead. The older demigod simply rolled his eyes, muttering to himself.

Thinking I had managed it all well enough, I stood straight to show the older demigod...only to suddenly find his hands on me. To say that I easily held back a gasp would be a lie. This dreamy guy was...was...tightening my armor. There was a touch of disappointment. But that was just the effect of one of Aphrodite's children, right?

He tightened under my arms and at my waist, ensuring it was all well enough. And then, he handed me the hilt of a sword. It was bladed on both sides, made of bronze.

I was hesitant. I had never held a weapon, aside from the knife used on the monster.

"Have you used a weapon?" Tetsu quietly nodded.

When had he used a weapon, I thought. Just full of surprises isn't he?

In my lapse of thought the hilt was pushed into my hands against my chest. The pointed tip fell to the dirt, weighed down in my grip.

I struggled for a moment, trying to get used to the way it felt in my hands.

"Swing" Èmile commanded. I couldn't, still getting used to it. The amount of impatience and lack of manners he had already shown did little to impress, only annoying me.

"I said...swing."

So swing I did, lifting it straight up. Only to have it hit the dirt, deflected by his dagger. When had he taken it from his side?

"Swing" He commanded again. And this time I was compelled to do so, swinging up quickly. He deflected it again, shaking his head.

"Swi-"

"I heard you the first time!" The sword shot up in my grip, striking his dagger up. It remained in his grip. His gaze was intense, yet controlled.

I huffed, letting the sword drop to the ground as I knelt over, holding my knees.

This guy comes along, and thinks he can make me swing around a sword, like I've been using one for years? For what reason? To embarrass me? I could feel eyes on me. Èmile paid me no more mind. Are all of Aphrodite's kids like this? Cause I hate them already.

"Say goodbye to whoever you need to, get your packs then go to the hill. Don't be too long" he said with a level tone. His commanding tone was gone now, but he was no softer. If I had to suffer his training, I would rather never touch a weapon again. Or look at one.

I couldn't help myself before flipping a gesture in his way. One I had not meant to do in front of Tetsu, but the kid was already too busy preparing his stuff then running off to the Hermes cabin. At least he had friends to say...wait.

Why does he want us to say goodbye?

I looked into the infirmary from where I was. None of the Apollo kids paid me much mind. But it was evident they were trying hard not to.

"Hey, you doing okay?"

I paused, glancing up at a girl with black hair and blue eyes. Her face was one of stunning beauty, her eyes sparkling. I was stunned for words. She only offered a smile, straightening me up.

"Oh, that looks way too tight! What's he thinking" she muttered to herself, adjusting my armor without asking. Not that I minded. I found it easier to breathe now.

"Th-Thanks" I managed to say.

She shrugged, finishing up tidying my armor. Before turning her attention to my braid, unexpectedly.

"It's a nice braid. But..." She got to fixing it up a little, much to my surprise. I didn't even know her and here she was playing with my hair. I didn't even know the beautiful girls name, yet she was fixing my braid.

"Sorry about him. He's in my cabin, but he's more a fighter than a lover" she explained. I realized she meant Èmile. I didn't say anything back.

The Aphrodite girl mumbled about how pretty the braid was and how I could do with more conditioner and maybe some flowers in my hair. I ignored the last bit, not wanting to smell like roses or anything like that. Not my thing.

"Make sure he doesn't go too over his own head, okay? And don't let him bother you. He might fight a lot, but he's just as caring on the inside."

Before I could even ask what she was on about she placed a small package beside my pack and went on her way. I stared after her in stunned confusion.

After regaining my composure for the second time today, I bent down to sling my pack over my shoulder and hesitantly picked up the sword. This was some odd training I was being taken to.

The hill with the great pine tree stood over the summer camp. The tree cast a long shadow over camp, reaching toward the middle. A golden woolen rug had been flung over a branch, with a bronze statue at its base.

By the base of the tree was Chiron, Lee and Èmile in what looked to be a heated discussion. Tetsu sat by the statue, rolling something in the dirt. I chose to step toward Tetsu, avoiding the older members.

I would have sat by him if not for a sudden growl. I paused, thinking a monster was near...in a sense I was right. The statue stared up at me, growling under its breath.

I was amazed, scared and stunned all at once.

A dragon, I thought, a real live dragon.

It sneered, the head rising up. Chiron with a tap of a hoof caught its attention. It huffed, returning to laying its head by Tetsu's side.

"Helene, over here please" Chiron pointed at the ground near them.

I walked over, staring back at the dragon. Once I reached the trio, they all wore strange looks.

"Never seen Peleus like that..." one of them murmured, Chiron quieted them.

"So...friendly welcoming committee you got there" I said.

"Usually. Must be in a grumpy mood this morning" Chiron said, staring past at the bronze dragon. "But that is not the matter of this discussion.

Èmile, I understand your concern, but you heard it the same as I did. She has to go."

"Oui, I did hear what you told me. But surely another is more suited! Lee, do you not have any others who match the description?"

Lee sighed, shaking his head.

"We have healing abilities and archery. No, for once that prophecy was very on point and specific. I hate to say it..." He sighed again, closing his eyes.

Chiron seemed to understand and dismissed the cabin counselor.

As he started to walk away, he placed a hand on my shoulder. There was an amount of sorrow in his eyes.

"Good luck. We'll keep your bunk open, don't worry." Yeah, only made me worry more. It was like they were about to attend a funeral.

"Uh...okay...who died?" I asked, with a quiet chuckle. I was met with a steeled glance. Chirons gaze immediately softened.

"My dear child...I am afraid that the prophecy you heard was for you. There is much I have not told you, but...but we are in dire times. A repeat pf history, a terrible war is on the horizon. We have already lost so many good...

So I have asked Èmile here to accompany you and Tetsu. I have no doubt he is the other to join you. You have not been trained, I know. And that is dangerous, to send you out there with so little experience. He will protect you both.

The Hunters were my second option but they cannot leave...not yet. Believe me child, if there was any other wa-"

"Hold on...hold on. What are you saying, exactly?" I asked, but I had paled with what thoughts ran through my mind. I had an inkling. And a funeral wasn't far off.

Chiron sighed. He couldn't bear to look me in the eye.

"Helene Miller, Yoma Tetsu, Èmile Boudet. You three have been chosen by the Oracle to embark on a quest. Èmile has already figured out your destination. How to get there will prove difficult. The world has become more populated by monsters and other deadly foes. I wish you luck, all three of you. Argus will take you as far as the city bus station. Now onward! Onward to your quest!"

Chiron was visibly upset. I wouldn't have blamed him for running off so suddenly like that...except I did. He just sent me out to my death. This was a lot worse than a funeral. It was an early eulogy.