CHAPTER 7: FIRST DAY

Nico

"Good morning!" said Sally as she piled the table with blue pancakes and sausages. I merely grumbled in reply and plopped down next to Amelie before grabbing a cup of orange juice. Annabeth was currently reading over some books that without my dyslexia would probably say "American History." Amelie was poking at the pancakes, looking for the fluffiest one. And Piper was currently trying to not fall asleep while eating her cereal. Leo was making a contraption with his silverware while Calypso watched him in hidden fascination.

Jason and Percy came in, arms slung around each other as they shuffled towards the table. They practically landed on top of each other on a chair, pushing each other for room. Sally smiled, "Morning Perce. Made you some blue pancakes."

Percy immediately brightened and started shoving food in his mouth. I smirked, "Always a pig I see."

"You should try it Nico. It's pretty good." Percy said through his food.

Annabeth sneered in disgust, "Cover your mouth Seaweed Brain."

"So are you kids ready for school?" Sally sat down some more pancakes before returning to the kitchen.

Piper clasped her hands, "It's so exciting to be in the same school as Percy's stepfather."

"Paul is a pretty good English teacher," said Annabeth.

Amelie groaned, "One would think that I would be ready after the countless years of experience but the answer is no. School in the 20th century and school in the 21st is the same. Boring lectures and being bullied for not speaking english."

Leo frowned, "Try being that one kid who accidentally set fire everywhere. I mean that both literally and figuratively." He grinned, his fingertips dancing with flames, "All the ladies just happen to want me."

"Doubt it." Amelie scoffed. She turned to Calypso, "If he does something weird to you, let me hit him on the head. Maybe it would fix his loose screw."

"Hey! It takes talent to be this hot."

I flung a piece of sausage towards Leo, "Shut up, Flame breath."

"Your english is pretty good though Amelie." Jason said, cutting up his sausages in a mock gentlemanly way.

"I had over a millenia to learn English. Plus, the Hylla usually gave us lessons in English slang. What exactly does 'hoe' mean though? Do you not use it in agriculture?" Calypso nodded her head, awaiting the answer.

Percy coughed out his food. Everyone stifled laughs. I merely rolled my eyes at their antics. "It's not her fault. It was hard to learn modern day English. And I was only 80 years behind."

Piper grimaced, "You don't need to know."

"But anyway, I don't know what kind of school you went to Amelie, but high school is a different beast entirely." said Jason.

Amelie shuddered, "Anything is better than all-girls boarding school in France. They make you take etiquette class."

Calypso laughed, "I remember Savannah telling me that."

I asked absent-mindedly, "Who's Savannah?"
"My sister. She's an Amazon and daughter of Athena as well. And yes, Annabeth, she has blonde hair too." Annabeth clapped her mouth close.

Sally returned and pushed Percy out of his chair, "Time for school kids."

Everyone groaned simultaneously, except for Annabeth who jumped up and down in excitement.

I slapped my face, "I'm not going to survive this year."
Leo cackled, "Someone's mad a certain son of Apollo isn't here."

My face burned in embarrassment. "Valdez, may I remind you that I have a sword that can quite literally suck your soul out. It would be a shame to die especially after coming back so recently."

Leo whimpered and hid behind Amelie who immediately scooted away from him.

Annabeth ruffled my head, "Doesn't matter. Let's go!"

"I wish Hazel and Frank were here." I said, looking at the crowded hallways before me. "They would have rode in here and skewered all of these people."

Amelie frowned, "Must you be this obsessed with death?"

I raised an eyebrow. She laughed, "Forgot about your parentage for a sec."

Percy elbowed Annabeth, "Think your cousin could bring me home with him."

Annabeth frowned, "No, there is no way Magnus would do that. And come on, it's senior year. Let's make the most of it."

I whispered, "Indeed. I wonder how many people I can kill this year."

Everyone froze and looked at me. I put my hands up, "I was joking."

Amelie put a shoulder around me, "We're going to get along just fine. You remind me of a daughter of Hades back home."

Annabeth pinched her nose, "Enough. Here are your schedules. Nico, Calypso, and Amelie, you guys are enrolled into ninth grade. Leo, Jason, Piper, here are the junior schedules. I worked things around where we could all have the same lunch block. You're welcome."

Leo groaned, "Why is Calypso in ninth grade?"

"Well, for the same reason Nico and Amelie are. All three of them haven't been to school in a while or even at all. So, they need to start from the beginning since it's easier to learn that way."

Amelie groaned, "Seriously? People think I'm what, 14? Couldn't I just be a smart kid who skipped a grade or something?"

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, "No. Go to your classes. Nico, make friends. See you during lunch!"

RAWRRR. I glanced at my stomach and cursed at it. I only had twenty minutes left of World History until lunch. Unfortunately, no one was in my class. (Calypso had biology with Amelie.) I was left to completely fend for myself against the monster that is my stomach.

The teacher, Mr. Green, droned about what we would learn about the next year, his voice drowning out the tick of the clock. "Then in late September we will hit the Hellenistic Era and the Roman Empire. I know you guys might be extra interested because of our very own superhero Wonder Woman."

To that chatter arose in the classroom. "Guys, settle down. This is still a classroom. Keep the discussions outside."

"Ah come on teach, it's the first day. Lighten up. The class seems invested in talking about Wonder Woman. This is literally the first time we paid attention to you all day." said the kid next to me.

Mr. Green rolled his eyes and sat into his chair, "Only for today, okay Keisha? Who wants to start our discussion?"

Soon, voices started overlapping, arguing with each other over costumes, who would win against superman, etc. Mr. Green rubbed his temples and started chanting quietly.

Keisha immediately whisked out her phone and started texting. I raised an eyebrow. She said, "Yes?"

"Nothing. Just glad we basically don't have to do anything for the rest of class."

"No problem, uh-"

"Nico."

"Right, well if you don't mind, I would appreciate being undisturbed right now."

"Um." She continued texting.

"Not looking for a friend here. Stop talking to me unless you want to face my boyfriend's jealous antics. I have to text him every class period."

"Yeah, definitely sounds like a healthy relationship."

"His friends are in our class. So please, shut it for your own good." I glanced around the room and saw a couple of guys whisper towards our direction.

Sorry, Annabeth. Couldn't make a friend. Not like I would want to anyway. After what seemed like the time it would take to travel to the underworld and back, the bell finally rang. Mr. Green pointed to the door and said, "It was nice meeting you insufferable, um, sweet children."

I filed out the door, glancing a look at the soulless body of my teacher. Hmm, I would have to remind father to go easy on the man. I started making my way towards the lunch room, passing by Keisha and what seemed to be like her boyfriend, a fairly tall and thin boy with a stack of books in his hand.

Said boyfriend was also approaching me, fast. He smiled and bared his teeth at me, "Welcome to Goode High School. Your name?"

"None of your business."
"Clever. But, I just like keeping tabs on everyone my Keisha interacts with."

I rolled my eyes, "Great. Don't know what that has to do with me."

"Well, I'll figure out your name soon enough. And please, stay away from Keisha." He hurried over to Keisha who was glancing at me worriedly. He slung an arm around her and they walked away.

Great. Couldn't make a friend, Annabeth. Instead, I might have made an enemy.

I walked over to the lunch room, took a tray of 'food,' and looked for any semblance of familiarity. I felt someone clasp a hand on my shoulder. I growled, "Percy."

Percy turned me around and put his hands up, "What's up with you Death Breath? Are you on Will withdrawal?"
I narrowed my eyes, "How do you even know that word?"

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Annabeth. Hey, come on. Let's sit outside!"

He dragged me out the doors towards a sunny table where everyone was already picking at their food. Amelie waved and said, "Will told us you need sunshine. So here we are."

I sat down and grimaced at the microwaved pizza. Piper ate everyone else's vegetables while Leo tinkered with something. Calypso smiled, "How is the first day so far?"

Everyone looked at each and shrugged. Amelie nodded, "I told you guys. No matter when or where, school is school. And it sucks."

Percy frowned, "Did someone meet Xavier?" He pointed to Keisha's boyfriend, who was glaring at me.

Jason smirked, "Not everyone has been to Goode before Water Boy."

"Sorry, sorry. I mean did anyone mess with Keisha, she's the one with purple hair? 'Cause Xavier is pretty protective. He literally will ruin your high school year."

Amelie glanced over at me, "Nico's our lucky winner."

"Does he beat you up or something?" said Leo.

"Nah. He just turns the whole administration against you. He doesn't have the muscles to actually beat one of us up. But he's got the connections to get someone else to do it for him." said Percy, popping a grape in his mouth.

Annabeth shook her head, "Don't worry Nico. He'll only bother you for a year or so if you're lucky."

Jason asked, "Did he do anything to you two?"

Percy and Annabeth both shrugged. "We've heard stuff though."

Calypso frowned, "Can't you just beat him up or something?"

"He'll get us expelled. I can't get expelled for the twentieth time." Percy shuddered.

I shrugged, "I can always just scare him a bit with a skeleton or two."

Amelie nodded, "Smart. But bullies are bullies. From my experience, skeletons aren't enough. Brandish the sword and they come running to mommy. Or of course, revenge is always a nice solution."

Percy said, "You've been bullied before."

"I've mentioned it earlier. But yeah, there will always be people who hate you. You get used to it eventually where it doesn't faze anymore. As long as you remember that you have people to support you."

Calypso added, "And you pick up wisdom with experience."

Jason clasped me in the back, "Nico, we are your family now. If you're going through something, don't be afraid to tell us. We are weird, sure, and might tease you. But we'll protect you."

I smiled, red as the front of Ares' cabin.

"Agreed, Nico. Same thing for any of you as well. Anyway, did anyone actually do anything interesting?" asked Annabeth

I sighed, "If you think talking about Wonder Woman in World History is interesting. Wait, she's from Themyscira, no?"

Amelie nodded. Percy and Jason shared glances and started brightening like a child during Christmas.

Percy exclaimed, "Do you know superheroes? Like Aquaman?"
"Or Superman?" said Jason.

"Uhh, no."

Annabeth hummed, "If mortals know about Themyscira, do they know about us and Camp Half-Blood?"

Amelie shook her head, "No. The mist does the trick to change even the most curious minds. Most people know of Themyscira but don't truly understand the significance behind it. But anyway, superheroes. I've heard of them back home. Are there any more?"

I exclaimed, "Batman. One of the only best superheroes out there."

Percy scoffed, "He doesn't even have powers. You only like him because he wears black and stuff. And he definitely can't beat Aquaman."

Amelie perked an eyebrow, "Have you even met Aquaman?"

"No."

"Well, perhaps you should ask your father, no? Poseidon, king of the sea and all?"

Realization dawned on Percy's face. Annabeth sighed and smacked him in the back of the head. "Boys." she muttered.

Jason smiled, "I personally think Superman is best."

Leo cackled, "I think you're both wrong. Have you seen those hawk people? Like what are they? They're like birdmen and it's hilarious."

Annabeth, Piper, and Calypso sighed and muttered, "Boys."

Amelie lit up, "Hmm. Reminds me of Horus."

A collective "Who?" went around the table. Amelie waved her hand, "Never mind. Wonder Woman seems pretty good right?"

Leo hummed, "Well… she is pretty badass. And a demigod too. I could cope with that."

Jason and Percy shrugged. I nodded in agreement, "Yes, Father has talked about her a few times. Acceptable decision." Calypso smiled and high-fived AMelie.

Piper whispered, "I kind of like Martian Manhunter."

Thus, a new round of discussion arose only to be interrupted by Annabeth ushering us back towards the classrooms.

"Welcome back! How was school?" said Sally as she hugged each and every one of us. Percy replied, "Hey mom." and greeted the hug with equal force.

Amelie shrugged, "It could have been worse."

"Thanks again for letting us stay here Mrs. Jackson."

"Oh, it's no problem. And remember, it's Sally, Jason."

Annabeth collapsed on the sofa, "When is Paul coming back?"

"Soon. He just needs to finish up a few things back at the school."

Piper smiled, "How were the tests?"

I glanced at Sally's stomach, protruding out like a balloon. "All good. Nothing wrong so far."

Percy grinned, "I'm so excited to have a baby sister."

"Yes. It should be just a few weeks until I have her now. Now, come on, tell me more about your days."

Leo scoffed, "It would have been much better if we could have just ditched it to go to the beach or something."

Meanwhile…

Megan gleefully took her hot dog. Robin continued passing around the hot dogs. The group watched the waves try to destroy their sand castle. Robin whistled, "Wish Wally could have been here."

Everyone nodded in agreement, but quickly forgot about said teammate as they played some more volleyball.

Amelie

I kissed fresh ground after flying in Princess Diana's invisible jet. We were in New Orleans, at Kent Nelson's abode, after I just barely managed to hide an IM in the bathroom. I snuck out of my shared room with the girls and met up with Princess Diana for a meeting.

As I approached where I knew was the invisible tower, I saw Batman, Kent Nelson, and Black Canary talk about something in low whispers. They immediately stopped as they noticed me arrive.

I crossed my arms, "So… why am I here?"

"To train. Before we deem you ready to join the team." grunted Batman.

"What kind of training are we talking about?"
"Self control. If you achieved your objectives for today, you can begin patrols with Canary or shadow Wonder Woman."

"Fun."

"Kent, here, will help you control that goddess of yours."

I smiled and bowed a bit for the old gentleman. He waved his hand and gestured for me to follow him inside the tower. I glanced around at the other superheroes before doing so.

I followed him up the stairs into a weird void of sorts, stairs everywhere and in all directions. Mr. Nelson chuckled, "Don't stray too far behind. It gets pretty wild up here."

"What about the other superheroes?"
"Oh, they aren't joining us for our little exercise. They're probably discussing more about who you are. You are quite the enigma Ms. Gray."

"Amelie would do." At the end of the stairs was a door, swung open, to reveal a room fully lit with candles, a mist hanging from the ceiling.

Mr. Nelson sat down on the floor. I did as well and the door immediately slammed shut.

"Did you bring me up here to an isolated place just to kill me or something?"

"Have you no faith in me? Or God?"

"Last time I checked, I was a daughter of a greek goddess. I don't think I have faith in the type of higher power you're talking about."
"I'm talking about Fate. It's time you accept your situation."

I laughed a bit, "What do you mean?"
"Fate set you on this road for a reason. We are all subject to Fate. You are tied to Gaea, and there is no way to undo that. You have to accept that you are cast away from your home, away from family. But you also need to accept that you have a new family. Whether you know it yet or not. Once you accept, then can you finally control your inner demons."

I sighed and closed my eyes. Gaea you there you old hag? Shut up demispawn. I'll actually listen to you from now on. I accept that you are in my body, and I accept that despite my wishes, I am yet again a tool of the gods. … Gaea? You gonna talk. As long as you recognize I'm in charge. Of teaching me how to use your awesome earth powers? Sure. Of my body? No way in hell.

I opened my eyes again and nodded at Mr. Nelson. He smiled, "Let's continue. Let me tell you about how I try to regain control over Nabu… I remind myself of the memories my body experienced. By reminding the body of its previous owner, it will usually make the switch by itself."

"Basically, reconnecting the tether between our soul and the physical world, through physical memories."

"Exactly, though it has been a while since I've actually worn the helmet."

"Wait, what about the day in Manhattan. Was that not Nabu?"

"Well, you see. I've given up the helmet. Instead, I've made my own and use the remaining magic I've learned from Nabu. I've fused with Nabu enough to feel like his memories are mine. So, though we've never actually met before that day, I remember interacting with you."

"I see. Your body was controlled by Nabu for so long that it retained some of Nabu's physical memories."

"Hmm. I've never thought of it like that."

"So, how exactly did you meet Nabu?"

"Well, it's an old story. Even before Wonder Woman was introduced to the world…"

Mr. Nelson and I came down the stairs to see Batman, Black Canary, and Princess Diana in the living room. Batman asked Mr. Nelson, "How was the training?"

"It was good. I enjoyed talking to Amelie here, and she practiced some of Gaea's powers on her own. In due time, she won't need to tap into Gaea's control in order to really get some truly wondrous results."

"That's good. It seems you've cleared your objectives for tonight. Tomorrow, expect to be with Canary to practice your hand-to-hand skills. Don't want you relying on your superpowers too much, even if you're barely starting to control it. Now, please excuse me. I have to get back to Gotham." With that Batman exited out the door.

I heard some engines being fired and a vehicle zooming through the sky. Black Canary smiled and shook my head, "I reside in Star City with Green Arrow and it took some convincing to let you accompany me for some drug busts. Green Arrow won't be patrolling tomorrow with his protege, so it's just us."

Princess Diana smiled, "It doesn't take too much to get Green Arrow practically begging at your feet."

"That's true." Canary laughed a bit. "But anyway, I believe Wonder Woman wants you to join her in some sparring this weekend."

"It's definitely going to be a sight to see." Mr. Nelson lowered himself onto the sofa.

I smiled, "Thank you guys for all your help, especially you Mr. Nelson."

"Kent is just fine, dear. And isn't it time for you to go? You have school tomorrow."

I nodded and followed Princess Diana back to the jet.

I hopped into the seat behind her and waved at Kent from the ground.

Princess Diana smiled, "How are you adjusting?"

"Not as bad as I thought. I do miss the Amazons though, and these superheroes don't seem so bad either."

"What about the demigods you are staying with?"

"Merely temporary I suppose until I find a permanent place to settle."

"What about family? Community?"

I sighed, "I think I left that with the Amazons. I've made friends, yes. But it just isn't the same."

Princess Diana didn't say anything to that and continued flying.

She dropped me off above the apartment complex. I jumped down towards the fire escape route and waved as Princess Diana sped off.

I climbed the ladders until I found the girls room of the Blofis-Jackson apartment. I opened the window hesitantly, waiting for the shifting of covers to reveal an awake demigod. I climbed back inside and shut the window firmly down. Safe. As a bit of advice, perhaps you should tell them of your nightly escapades. Wouldn't want to ruin the trust you've built. I'm pretty sure I can keep up this double life, Gaea. Don't worry about me. I'm not. I'm worried they'll kill you, hence me, when they realize you're harboring such a major secret. I rolled my eyes at that and climbed back into bed, hoping to catch at least an hour of sleep. After all, I wouldn't want to disappoint Annabeth by sleeping in on a school day.

Flashback

Athenais buried her head as Hippolyta circled around her. "I'm sorry, my Queen. I failed my mission."

"What is family?"

The daughter of Athena glanced up from the floor to like at Hippolyta. "What?"

"What is family?"

Athenais was silent for a time, before answering, "Family is a group related by blood. Like how Athena is my mother because her blood runs through my veins."

"Does family sacrifice for each other?"

"I would hope so."

"Then why did you sacrifice yourself for your fellow Amazons."

Athenais falter, "I, uh, I don't know."

"I think I know. Ever since you came here, you were obsessed with proving yourself worthy for your mother. A worthy cause. You trained hard against other Amazons, interacted with the mainlanders, negotiated with godly beings. All in hopes to gain your mother's affection, to gain a family. You said family sacrifice for each other. You sacrificed yourself for your fellow Amazon. Someone who isn't Athena, someone who isn't your own blood. You did it because you consider the Amazons as your new family. Yes, you failed the quest. But you also gained something also, a family willing to sacrifice themselves for you. So please, trust us and lean on us, Amazons. We would sacrifice ourselves for you as well."

"A family, huh?"

Hippolyta smiled and nodded. "Family isn't necessarily about blood. It's only by luck that you are blood-related to someone. But it's by Fate that you feel a connection to someone else. Fate guided you to us, the Amazons, your family. And it will continue to guide you throughout your life and quests. Perhaps you will find another family. But just remember, that once an Amazon, always an Amazon. You always have us to rely on. Don't be the sacrificial lamb. You are more than just a willing body ready to die for the gods. You are a person, who has another reason to exist. For us, the Amazons."

...and that's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. From now on, I'm going to be doing some Q&A for the author's note. So, let the show begin!

Q: What is your favorite Young Justice Character? And would said character be able to beat Percy Jackson in a fight?

Reviews are welcomed.

Eat. Sleep. Read. Repeat! May you all stay healthy!
-hope4all