Disclaimer: I do not own Hero: 108 or Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Chapter 3:

Chiron looked at the demigods over the campfire, seeing Lupa and her pack settle contentedly by the fire. "Chiron, what tale will you tell us today?" A young demigod asked excitedly.

Chiron smiled, before asking, remembering of the new people that were around. "What sort of tale would you like to hear? A Chinese tale? Or a Greek? Possibly Roman?"

Artemis looked at the centaur. "Tell us a Chinese tale. It has been a long time since I have heard of those."

Chiron nodded. He was created personally by Hawk, and Hawk had told him many tales, all Greek, Roman or Chinese. He stopped. "What tale would you like to hear?"

"Tell them the tale of the youngest Chinese god. Hawk." Lin Chung's voice was clear over the crackling of the fire. The group from the Hidden Kingdom nodded eagerly as well. The tale was highly known back home, though it was said to only be a myth.

Chiron hesitated, seeing the flames rise up several feet, before nodded. "Very well." Everyone leaned forward. "A long time ago, before anything existed, the Chinese gods did. Now, the Chinese gods were newly created, with the youngest being Eagle's brother, and the most beloved god of them all: Hawk." One camper raised his hand, and Chiron nodded to him.

"Why was he called Hawk?" Chiron smiled apologetically, not knowing the answer, before another voice answered for him.

"Because a hawk blessed him at birth." They turned to Lin Chung, the flames dancing in his dark eyes.

"What?" The camper, a son of Athena, asked.

Lin Chung turned to him. "It is said that when Hawk was born, a hawk, a rare animal back then, flew down and blessed him, before it disappeared. It was not known where the hawk came from, since Hawk himself created all life here. Hawk was known for having three favoured animals: The panther, the shark, and the hawk. He was known for having four forms. During the early morning, he would wake up the sea creatures, moving into the form of a shark. By noon, he would have turned back into a human, helping the humans with their lives.

"It was said the only thing to point him out was his amber eyes. In the night, he would take the form of a panther, helping anyone in the dark. However, when midnight struck, Hawk would take the form of a hawk, and soar up to join the other gods in the Heavens. When morning's early light arrived, he would start the routine again."

Chiron nodded, startled, before continuing. "He was the god of Protection and Creation, and was known for creating Mortals. Any human or animal. He was the Protector of the Mortals, and answered their prayers everyday, no matter how many he received. Everyday, he would receive several calls for help. Now, one day, a being came, who went by the name of Twin Masters.

"He was the enemy of the gods for a long time. He was personally created by Hawk, who was forced to in order to maintain the balance. Hawk had placed him in eternal sleep. However, Twin Masters created a being to do his work for him: the Destroyer. The Destroyer was suited to be the bane of all the Chinese gods, but one: Hawk. The Destroyer went on a rampage, and destroyed each of the gods' domains, leaving them helpless. Hawk, not willing to see his brothers and sisters in distress, helped them by sending them into hiding.

"You see, Hawk was a free spirit. He had not just one domain; he had many. He was linked to the earth himself, and the only way to destroy him was to destroy the earth, which Twin Masters couldn't risk. Soon, however, Twin Masters found the hidden gods. He then tried to get rid of the gods, but again, Hawk stood in the way of his otherwise flawless plan.

"You see, Hawk was the youngest, and because of his skill in battle, was nearly impossible to kill. He engaged Twin Masters in a fearsome battle, until he was shot down. The Destroyer, trying to please his master, immediately cast a curse, one that he sent to Eagle. Hawk was buried under rubble, but, unwilling to see his sister hurt, immediately freed himself, and tackled the Destroyer from the side."

The flames of the campfire soared higher.

"The spell hit him and sent both of them to the edge of the Heavens. The Destroyer faded, having been killed." The flames soared higher. "But, there was a sacrifice needed. As Hawk passed, he whispered several words to his sister, Eagle. 'The people. Wait for me.' Then, his body dissolved into dust, and scattered around the world." The fire went dangerously low, reflecting the audience's mood.

"In the world, Twin Masters announced that Hawk had passed, but the people were unwilling to hear that their beloved protector was gone. The gods' sorrow was clear, though, and, for seven years, mortals suffered famine, droughts, floods, harsh weather, and a lot more. However, at a meeting after the seven years, Eagle remembered her brothers' words, encouraging for the others to once more aid the mortals.

"However, one god, Aiden, the god of Darkness, left the Heavens, trying to find something, anything, to retrieve his beloved younger brother. He found nothing, and had not contacted the gods since. Now, the mortals have forgotten the gods, since Hawk held the memories and influence over his creation, encouraging them to believe in the gods.

"He was kind hearted, and was content with not being noticed as long as some people noticed him from time to time. He was the heart of the gods, and the one who kept in touch with the Mortal world. He was known for being a skilled swordsman, though his archery was unmatchable. His skill with his bow, made of ivory, was legendary around the Mortal World and the Heavens before his death."

Percy found himself smiling at the similar description of Hawk and Hestia in his head. Lin Chung tilted his head, finishing as everyone turned to him. "It is also said that Hawk had different ways of helping people. Some say that when the Chinese gods are needed the most, he will return."

Night soon fell, and everyone retreated back to their cabins.

"No! Hawk!"

"The people. Wait for me." The scene faded quickly, changing to another one. The hut was dim, and a red-faced man was shouting at a small boy, who was in a corner.

"There you are, you pathetic boy!"

The young boy in the corner whimpered, trying to get away. "You will pay for releasing all of my treasures!"

The man in front of him picked up a whip. And, flinging it back, the whip slashed forward mercilessly.

Lin Chung woke up, his eyes wide. His dark eyes were clouded with fright, as he breathed in and out slowly. Looking out, he saw the moon, and immediately knew what time it was. Midnight.

For some strange reason, another thought flitted into his head. The time when Hawk was born.