Sorry for the long update, been working on scholarships and college applications. The next chapter will definitely be up a lot sooner.
(Camp Half-Blood)
Danny woke up in the Big House, a glass of nectar beside him on his cot. Katie was next to him, looking down on him.
"You're awake," she said.
"What happened?" said Danny, rubbing his head.
"Me and Annabeth found you and Percy on the ground. You subconsciously got us all out, and then you passed out," she said. "Your wounds weren't too bad, and they healed the minute we stepped foot in camp."
"Percy?" said Danny.
"He's fine. Annabeth got him to the lake and he healed," she said, brushing his dreadlocks. "Why do you get yourself into so much trouble?"
"I don't. It just follows me," he said, smiling. She smiled back, kissing him softly.
"Do the kids know?" said Danny.
"Yes. Jr. and Alicia came yesterday, and Gerald and June are coming today," she said.
"Alicia?" said Danny.
"You forgot they allowed mortals here didn't you?" she said.
"Oh yeah," he said, getting up slowly. He saw she was wearing a camp t-shirt and jeans that went to her knees, and her hair was out.
"You look really good today babe," he said. She was blushing however, but not from the comment.
"Ummm, honey, you're not wearing proper clothing to go outside," she said. He looked down and noticed he was only in boxers.
"Are any of my clothes here?" he asked shyly. She pointed to a drawer next to his cot. Thanking her he got dressed. She watched as he dressed himself, seeing his form, though she's seen it thousands of times. He could see with his peripheral vision that she was watching. He flexed a little before he put his shirt back on.
"Someone likes what she sees," he said coyly. She laughed, coming up to him and holding his hands once his shirt was on.
"One of the reasons I fell for you," she said.
"The main one?" he said, his eyebrow arching.
"Nope, but it's pretty high," she said. The two leaned in to kiss each other, feeling their lips on the other.
"Gods, Mom and Dad, seriously?" said Gerald, coming in. Danny and Katie acted like they didn't hear him and kept going at it, deepening it a little. Gerald turned away in disgust and walked out.
"Parents," he said to himself. Seeing he was gone, they ended it, smiling happily at each other.
"So what's on today's agenda?" said Danny.
"Well we have to make sure everything's okay, and we're on border guard. Also, you and Percy need to explain what happened to Chiron," said Katie.
"Okay," he said. They kissed one more time before they went out to the camp grounds.
In the sword arena, Danny and another camper named Kyle, son of Hephaestus, were practice fighting.
"So how's it going with Alicia," said Kyle.
"Great man. It does have its rewards," said Danny as he pressed his attacks.
"I'm just glad you two finally went at it," said Kyle.
"Hey, I didn't say that," said Danny, deflecting a counterstrike.
"I meant you two going out," said Kyle.
"Oh, right," said Danny as they continued sparring. When they were finished the two went to hang out by the lake. There they were watching the Apollo Cabin taking on a sea monster aboard a Greek trireme. So far the monster had the advantage, the arrows from the demigods skipping harmlessly on its scaly body.
"It seems weird how everything just keeps going back and forth," said Kyle.
"Yeah. The monsters always stay the same, but the demigods always change," said Danny.
"The world use to be a bigger place," said Kyle.
"It hasn't changed; there's just less in it," said Danny.
"True," said Kyle. At that moment, a shadow came across the two campers. Danny turned around to look up at his father.
"Hey kiddo," said Danny.
"Hey Dad. You okay?" said Danny Jr.
"Yeah I'm fine, nothin' to worry about," said Danny.
"Who did it?" said Danny Jr.
"Can't tell yet. You'll find out soon enough," said Danny, walking away.
"But..."
"No buts. Just relax okay, I'll take care of everything," said Danny. Danny Jr. sighed and went back to lounging on the grass.
"You know he's trying to protect you," said Kyle.
"Yeah, but sometimes it gets on my nerves," said Danny.
"Yeah, but that just means he loves you," said Kyle. "Anyway, have you seen Alicia at all today?"
"Yeah, once. Really dying to see her soon," said Danny.
"Well here's your chance," said Kyle, getting up and walking away.
"What are you..." Danny began, before his answer came sitting on his lap.
"Hey lover boy," she said, planting a kiss on his forehead.
"Right on time too," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "Sorry our day got ruined."
"It's fine. You had a good reason. Is your Dad okay?" she asked.
"Yes, he's fine. Thanks for asking," said Danny. "How's camp so far?"
"It's actually better than I thought it would be. I'm really glad you brought me here," she said, her hand lacing his his. She was wearing the camp shirt and jeans today, the regular day-to-day wear. Everyone else was wearing practically the same thing.
"So what do you wanna do you for this little free time?" she asked.
"I don't know. What do you wanna do?" he asked.
"Just being with you for the rest of the day," she said, laying her head on his shoulder. He hugged her to her. As they just lay there, he thought of something.
"Ali, there's this place I know of almost a mile from here that I think we can continue," he whispered to her.
"Where?"
"I'll show you. I think you'll like it," he said. She pulled back to look at him.
"Sure, I'd love to visit it," she said, eyeing him with a glint in her eyes he knew all too well.
"Meet me tonight at around 12 by our cabin," said Danny.
"I will," she said.
"Hey Danny, our cabin has to go out on a scouting mission at twelve tonight," he heard Gerald shout from somewhere far off. He and Alicia groaned.
"One day, I'm going to kill him," said Danny.
"Can I join you?" she said.
"Gladly. Guess it's postponed for the time being," he said.
"Well you know where to find me when you're ready," she said, kissing him.
"No fair Seth!" said June as she was splashed by a wave in the lake.
"Come on, this is the only place I can actually use my powers without getting in trouble," said Seth. The two were in swimwear having a 'romantic' encounter.
"Yeah, but you don't need to use it like that," she said.
"Come on, you can use yours," said Seth. June smiled deviously and touched the water, sending an electric current straight for Seth, shocking him and have him nearly jump out of the water from the shock.
"Okay okay! No powers," he said, holding his hands up in defeat. She smiled and walked through the water towards him. He walked towards her to and the couple embraced each other as they kissed passionately in the water.
"June?" said Gerald, calling out for his sister. The two heard it, much to their displeasure.
"Do you think we can continue this underwater?" said June.
"My pleasure," said Seth. He held her in his arms and dove beneath the waves, where he conjured up an air bubble so that they continue their romantic hour.
"I swear he knows the worst to call," said June when the bubble was made.
"You're telling me," he said, his arm around her waist. Her head rested on his shoulder as he stroked her back between her bikini bottom and her chest strap.
"Since we're down here by ourselves for the time being, what do you wanna do?" she asked.
"Actually, there was something I wanted to do for awhile," said Seth.
"What's that?" said June.
"I wanted to recite a poem I made about you," he said.
"You're serious?" she said, astonished.
"Yeah. I made it in my free time.
"She sits there, deep in thought as the wind blows through her hair
Not knowing about the love she will share
Yet she goes about her life, as if waiting for her time
As she sits in the ray of the sun, she shines
Her brown irises breath out to the world the feelings she shares
And her luscious lips speak sweet blessings to all who she bears
All sit before her, gazing in awe at her all beloved
And her lover exchanges undying words, to the woman he deeply loves."
June's heart immediately went into overload as she hugged her boyfriend with all her might."
"That was the most beautiful someone has ever said to me," she said. He rubbed her back more softly, letting her hug him as tightly as she wanted.
"I'm glad you liked it," he said.
"You're the best boyfriend I've ever had," she said.
"About that, I wanted to ask you something," he said.
"What?" she said, pulling away so that their faces were almost touching.
"I was thinking that later on, after college, if you'd marry me?" he said. She blushed furiously in her cheeks.
"You mean it?" she said.
"Yes June. I think you're the one who I should spend the rest of my life with," he said.
"But it's so...sudden," she said.
"I know, but that's what I've been wanting to get off of my chest for three months now. I understand if you d..." She kissed him so fiercely that he fell down onto his back, bring her down with him. The kiss heated up as before she let go two minutes later.
"I will, that is if you guarantee you'll always be loyal to me," she said.
"That's a promise," he said.
(Midnight)
The Gaia and Apollo cabin, meaning the entire Stone family, was stealthily moving between the trees of a forest in Maine. There mission was unclear, but Danny Sr. had a good idea of what they were looking for.
Danny Jr. was walking next to Gerald.
"So how was camp?" said Gerald.
"It was just fine," said a very annoyed Danny.
"You okay?"
"Perfect, never been better," said Danny, still annoyed. If it were up to Danny, he would killed Gerald right then and there, but they had an assignment to do. Gerald could sense the annoyance in his brother's tone, so he decided to just remain quiet.
Danny and Katie, along with the Apollo counselor Gary Rogers, were up ahead, while the rest of their cabins followed behind spread out.
"So what was it that attacked you?" Katie said quietly to him.
"It was a Norse god. We ran into him," said Danny.
"What? They're real?" she asked.
"Yes. You have to keep it just between us. Annabeth knows already, and I think the gods know too," said Danny.
"Okay. Shouldn't we tell the kids though? They have the right to know," she said.
"They do, but we can't alarm them about it now. They'll learn eventually, but for now we keep it secret," said Danny.
"Okay. I just hope you guys know what you're doing," she said.
"Me too," he said. After hours of searching for something that wasn't there, they headed back to camp. The kids and adults immediately went to the shower to wash off the dirt, grime, and sweat. Once that was done they retired to their cabins.
The Gaia cabin had underwent some massive redecorations. It had two rooms now, a room for the kids and a room for the parents. The kids had two bunk beds while the room where their parents slept had a queen-size bed. It was a nice arrangement for them, especially since their parent's room was soundproof it they were going to partake in some 'late-night activities.'
"Gaia cabin, bed," said Danny. The lights went out and everyone got into their respective beds to sleep. Danny Jr. couldn't sleep, his heart and mind on Alicia. He'd really wanted to take her to the place, but didn't know if he could now. He knew they should wait, but his hormones were getting the better of him. He decided to read a book. That always got him tired. Just as he was reading, he saw something go past the cabin. It was like a golden light, but fast. Danny thought it was mind playing tricks on him, so he decided to just forget about it and read, eventually falling asleep.
Little did he know was that the golden flash came back, and two pairs of ice-blue eyes stared through the window, surveying for a long time before disappearing once again.
(One week later)
"My young demigods. I can't tell you how grave this situation is," said Chiron. All the head counselors were at the Big House. Mr. D. was there too, not looking bored, but not looking excited over something either.
"We've received word from the Nordic gods. They're not happy about this, and they gave us a 24 hour ultimatum to hand over their lost territory or else open war is inevitable. They've already claimed their first casualty of the war. A demigod in Wisconsin was found dead in his house, a knife in his back, and Scandinavian scrawls over his body. He was a son of Hermes," said Chiron, sadness in his face. The Hermes counselor was trying not to let her tears out, meaning that she had known him.
"When does the deadline end?" said Percy.
"Tonight at twelve," said Chiron.
"This is crazy. What is this lost territory that they're yelling about?" said Annabeth.
"Back when the world was younger, all the gods lived in harmony with each other. There was the Olympian gods, the Norse gods, and the Egyptian gods, with various lesser deities scattered here and there, like the Sumerian and Persian gods. They ruled their respective lands, but eventually greed set in. It first started with the Olympians. Alexander the Great, son of Zeus, conquered much land in his campaigns. Eventually he reached the lands of the Egyptian gods, and took them for the Olympians. The Olympians and the Egyptians fought over control of the region, but the Olympians eventually won them over and controlled them centuries before they eventually lost their power and sank into the pages of their mythology. The lesser gods and goddesses eventually faded away too, but the Egyptians are still out there clinging to their territory."
"It was the Norse gods who started the first war. Seeing how the Egyptians fell, they knew they were next and attacked the Olympians after the fall of Rome. They won a lot of territory in Europe, even reaching to Greece itself, but the rise of Christianity countered them, giving the Olympians the strength they needed. The Nordic gods were driven back into their heartland, with small toeholds in various parts of Europe. Eventually everything stemmed down and they were at peace once again."
"Then Christopher Columbus, son of Hermes, discovered the New World: the Americas. The Olympians gazed their eyes on the new land and knew that this was where the flame of Western Civilization would go to next. They traveled there, where they met gods just as powerful as they were. These gods used human sacrifices to gain their power, and they and the Olympians fought long and hard before the Olympians finally overpowered them and sent them into the darkest corners of the rainforests. As they were fighting the Aztec gods, the Norse set their sites on the New World as well and began to claim territory their. It was only after defeating the Aztec gods that the Greek gods scrambled for territory of their own. Eventually the two sides fought again, this time to a draw, during which they carved out their respective lands, and the Norse gods increased their lands back in Europe, this time over all of Germany and large portions in Central and Eastern Europe."
"Eventually, another war followed again, this time coining at precisely the same time World War I began since Archduke Ferdinand was a demigod offspring of the Norse gods and his assassin under the employ of the Olympians. The first World War erupted and eventually after four years of biter fighting by all, the Olympians claimed victory and gained all of the Americas and nearly all of Europe, save for the Scandinavian countries. The Norse gods claim that the Olympians stole parts of New York that was rightfully theirs even after the war," said Chiron.
"Which parts?" said Danny.
"The areas with large German or Scandinavian populations. There's even a few of their demigod children still here," said Chiron.
"But Chiron, what if war is inevitable?" said Clarisse.
"Then we must prepare for it. Assemble your cabins. It's time we told them the truth," said Chiron.
(Olympus. 11:50)
All the Olympians were debating, including Hades and Hestia.
"War is inevitable. We should meet those Nordic gods and show them who the real gods are!" yelled Ares.
"War will bring suffering to all Ares. A peaceful solution must be reached," said Athena.
"By what? Giving them their so called 'territory?' We won it fair and square," said Apollo.
"But this must not turn into violence," said Artemis. As the gods continued arguing, Zeus raised his hand and the entire room shook. Immediately the other gods stopped their bickering.
"We have guests," said Zeus. The Olympians turned around to see their Nordic counterparts on the other side of the room, staring coldly at them.
"The clock is near till midnight. Do you agree to our terms?" said Odin, his eyes flashing white-grey.
"We will not let you order us around like your personal servants. We deny your terms," said Zeus. A few of the other gods and goddesses made motions to disagree, but Zeus turned them down.
"Are you sure? We do not wish to bring war," said Odin.
"If you did not wish to make war, you would not have slain a son of Hermes, nor come at us with these demands Nordic scum," said Zeus. Tyr made a motion to attack, but Odin stopped him.
"Is this your final answer?" said Odin. The ravens perched on his shoulders moved about impatiently.
"Yes," said Zeus, thunder shaking the clouds.
"Then we have our war," said Odin coldly. The clouds shook with lightning and thunder, and the ravens cawed fiercely. The War of the Gods had begun.