This is sort of a transitionary chapter, where I figure out what happens between the books.
I have a lovely little arc planned out.
"Sequimini spiritus ventos, spiritum meum, et tenete vinctos in brachiis obscuris regni somno. Bianca and Nico, I summon you." Rowan muttered, laying in a circle of sigils. He half expected to fail, he pretty much planned for it. But this day, the day after swearing loyalty to the bitch Hera, his millionth astral projection spell ... worked! In an instant the world went dark, he fell into the arms of sleep before flying through the gray expanse of the astral realm. He flew fast and far, his mind finding the souls he sought...
And in a rush of magic, he found them, Bianca and Nico, stunned and confused, looking around in shock as they existed in what looked like a replica of the Camp's training arena complete with weapons of all sorts.
"Hey there!" He called out as he landed. They both jumped, turning to face him.
Nico beamed. "Rowan, I thought you forgot us!"
"Never, I just had trouble casting an astral spell, mortal souls lacks the flexibility doing them. I somehow, and I am really unsure of this, managed to complete the spell tonight. Anyway, I thought we could get started on practicing combat. Get you some training before the magic breaks. This won't translate completely into real skill, from what I gather, but it should give you an edge when presented with real training. Memory is physical and mental, so you should try getting into shape, learning to fight out there. Maybe I can arrange for you to have real weapons, hidden away. I can teach you to control the Mist, so you can practice in secret."
The kids just nodded, a bit blankfaced. "We will try, if it keeps us safe." Bianca started. "So what first?"
"First, we find what weapon works best for you. Swordplay is always a good start, so we will start there. I will show you basic form and then we will spar. Don't worry about damage, none of us have the means to harm us in our dreaming state."
Within an hour, Rowan was amazed to find both kids were innately gifted at swordplay. Not Percy gifted, but still. Nico, small kid or not, had a mean swing and Bianca had a knack for finding openings. Both were really strong for their age, and both had great stamina. They were going to be scary demigods... and he would be their fiercest ally. gaining powerful allies in return.
"Alright, you guys have a firm grasp of the basics, so make sure you practice as best you can. I will be showing you kickboxing too, so you can hold your own without a weapon. It will also give you an easier thing to practice while you wait for said weapon. Here is a proper stance..." And he showed them just what to do, and again found them quick students, both kids not taking long at all to get their form and movements down. It was exciting and sort of scary to watch.
The training session ended soon, as Rowan felt a burning in his magic. "I have strained myself too far, I need to end the spell... I will be here at least once a week, if I can, so bare with me... be safe, my friends, and be good."
The spell shattered, flinging him back to his body and into the arms of true, deeper sleep, content he had completed at least part of his quest and oath to Persephone.
"""
"We have a mission for you." Chiron told Rowan, looking distinctly displeased. "A young demigod in need, in Jamestown. Found by Gleeson Hedge, a Satyr. He needs you to help extract the young woman and escort her back to the camp. Her name is Alex, and she seems to be quite powerful."
Nodding, he asked. "When do I leave?"
"I would leave soon, we will stock you well."
"I will get some arrows from Charlie, anything to prepare myself." And with that, he hurried to the forges, ready to make more allies, and hopefully make an impact where it counted in the fight against Kronos.
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.