4 Hours Later… (May 15th 2002)
1 Minute past Midnight…
At the foot of Halfblood Hill...
The party had long since died out, and everyone was shooed back to their cabins by Chiron. I heard that the older kids, including Luke, were punished by losing dessert privileges, and pegasi stable duties. The poor sods. It was a shame that I couldn't nab more beer from them. I had thought the single can I took would be enough to get me drunk, since I had the body of a 9-year-old, but it appears that one of my stats seems to be hindering such an experience. It's possible that I'd need an entire crate to get drunk, which was unfortunate.
But beer wasn't the reason why I was at the bottom of Halfblood Hill. No, I was here because far, far away from Camp, and no one apart from the gods would see what might happen, and even then, they were probably not concerned with me much, at least for now. I suppose half a year of me doing nothing interesting has made them direct their attention at more important things. All the better for me.
In front of me was a shaking plain white egg. Though it wasn't plain, per say, it was outlandishly large. Larger than even an ostrich egg. It was the Familiar Egg I had gotten last year, and today would be the day it was supposed to hatch.
I had seen Familiar Eggs on the Market, a feature I unlocked when Hestia gave me her handkerchief last year, and they were often sold for very lucrative deals and prices. Even though the system and the anonymous player selling the eggs emphasised that the creature that would come out was completely random. I watched bidding wars happen as Players would offer amazing things in trade. Magic lost to time, weapons of forgotten gods, or entire worlds. It was clear that whatever Familiar Eggs hatched, was valuable.
I stand in front of the egg, gazing down with curiosity and apprehension. It keeps shaking, rumbling. It was happening soon.
I had a pet in my previous life. A cat. He died when I turned 18, but I would always carry his memory. He was a piece of shit, of course, but he was my piece of shit. I'm curious about what will come from the egg. A pet? A friend? Or just a mindless servant?
I lie down on the grass, my head next to the egg as I stare at the sky.. I sing to myself, just to pass the time. I think of a song I heard in my previous life, and smile. It was Japanese, but I think I could do the song justice.
(Author's Notes: For maximum reading experience, go to this link and listen to the song whilst reading: y2u. be/3l8EkdHatWI) (Remove the Space between y2u. and be)
"Ru, ru-ru-ru-ru-ru
Ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru, ah
Ru, ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru
Ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru"
As I sang the melody, I noticed the feeling of heat on my face, but I ignored it. It was summer after all. I smiled at the twinkle of the stars, and kept singing.
"Kimi no naka ni aru aka to aoki sen
Sorera ga musubareru no wa shin no zou
Kaze no naka demo makenai you na koe de
Todokeru kotoba wo ima wa sodateteru"
There was something odd happening. As I sang, I could swear there was somebody else singing. It was the song as a melody instrumental. Was this some sort of Greek Mythology fuckery?
"Toki wa makuragi
Kaze wa niki hada"
Before I could finish the pre-chorus, my ears picked up the unmistakable sound of cracking. I shoot up from where I was lying down, and look at the egg. Small, hairline fractures appear on the shell, allowing glimpses of the intense, radiant light emanating from within. The cracks grew larger and spread, accompanied by faint crackling sounds reminiscent of a gentle flame.
And then I could hear it clearly, the instrumental melody… It was coming from within the egg. I stood up to get a better look at it, and listened to the beautiful song coming from it. The song… filled me with hope, and joy, soothing me. My mind felt as if it were on the precipice of realising something. Something amazing… But what was it?
The egg begins to heat up, and the grass beneath it begins to burn. I am unsure as to whether I should lift up the egg or not, but at this point, it is far too hot for me to even touch it. From the cracks of the egg came out brilliant embers, which stayed in the air and didn't seem to disappear, dancing as if celebrating something.
Then, in a breathtaking explosion of flames and sparks, I am thrown back and crash away onto the ground, as a giant spiral of fire that seemingly touches the sky, lights up the night. I saw the egg shattered, and in the sky, within the flames, was the tiny silhouette of a bird. The beautiful melody was still ringing through the area, the only other sound was the flickering of flames.
The spire of fire suddenly takes a sharp turn. Towards me. The flames speed at me like a spear, but I don't take my shield out. For some reason, I felt as if it wouldn't hurt me. As it came closer to me, the flames of the spire began to disappear, dying down, though the small silhouette remained.
And quickly it was nothing but a few sparks… and something orange. Whatever the orange was, it crashed onto my chest, and I caught it in the palm of one of my hands. I looked down at it, and finally understood what it was.
Looking up at me, with its large blue eyes, was a baby falcon-like bird. Blazing orange feathers with red highlights, a small yellow beak. It wasn't any bigger than my hand, yet I could feel power seemingly radiating off of it. "Cheep!" It chirps. It wasn't actually saying anything, but it was insanely cute.
I brought the little bird up to my face, as it innocently stared back at me. "Hey little buddy." I smile at it, and get a cute 'cheep' in response, "So I guess you're my familiar now? I think I know what you are, but let's see what Observe has to say about you"
Name: ?
Age: 0
Title:
HP: 530/530
MP: 950/1800
Stats
Strength: 85
Agility: 93
Endurance: 103
Charisma: 78
Intelligence: 94
Willpower: 100
Description: A newborn Phoenix, considered an immortal mythical creature with unparalleled control over fire, and the ability to quickly regenerate any wounds. Some legends say that the song of a phoenix can soothe emotions, harm those with evil hearts, and can help people achieve enlightenment. This Phoenix had imprinted upon you, seeing you as his guardian. Take care of him, and one day he'll become a strong companion.
Just as I had guessed, what I was holding in my hands was a phoenix. Had I just gotten very lucky with the Familiar Egg, or was this considered a standard drop from the egg? Regardless, I was very happy with what I had gotten, and was happier that my phoenix was adorable.
"Hmm… Let's give you a name!" I say aloud, getting a cheep from the bird, "How about… Pyre?" The phoenix tilts its head, before shaking it. Huh, it was smarter than I thought. "What about… Fawkes?" It raised an eyebrow at me. Perhaps it could sense the plagiarism. "Okay… Let's think. You're a phoenix, you're a bird, and you've got a lot of fire. How about… Icarus?" Yeah, it was a little morbid, considering the boy died in flames, but I think it's a pretty good name for a Phoenix.
The phoenix tilts his head once more, before jumping and flapping his wings in an excited motion, chirping in joy. "Icarus it is!" I chuckle, as the newly-named Icarus flies up and lands onto my head, resting upon it. I suppose being born takes a lot out of you.
Now… How do I explain this to Chiron, and convince him to let me keep Icarus?
10 Minutes Later…
The Big House…
Chiron's POV
I sigh, as Luke Castellan and his fellow accomplices take the last few bags of trash out of the Big House and head to their respective cabins. I can't help but be disappointed in them. I am not blind to the fact that many of the older demigods drink alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of camp, though I am thankful that they do not give alcohol to the younger campers. Some may say it is irresponsible to allow those under 21 years of age to drink, but back in the days of Ancient Greece, people of all ages would lavish in wine, mostly because it was cleaner than normal water. It's one of Dionysus's greatest annoyances about the modern world for putting limits on who can drink.
No, I wasn't disappointed that they were drinking. I was disappointed that they were drinking during one of their fellow camper's birthday parties. It was not only rude, but also inconsiderate. Could they not have waited for the younger demigod's go to sleep? I do hope that their punishment over the next week will correct their behaviour.
I took a seat on one of the couches in the Big House's living room, and took a book that lay on the floor. One of the kids must've knocked it off the bookshelf during the party. Ah, it's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. A very unfortunate tale based on a very unfortunate true tragedy. I met the author in my mortal form. I could swear they were a child of Athena, but they couldn't see through the Mist, however.
Before I could begin to read the book, I heard a knock on the door. Not a moment's peace in this camp. Though I don't particularly hate it. "Come in!" I called out. The door opens and I see a familiar face. Gilgamesh Ashford, though the boy hates the name. I can't blame him, of course. I've met many heroes and gods from the other pantheons, but the Mesoptanian pantheon was… always very quiet. I've always theorised that having existed so long, they grew tired of existence, though the frequent activity of the Hindu pantheon suggests that gods don't tire of existence. Either way, there is something odd about that pantheon.
And there was something odd atop his head. A bird? Were those… orange feathers? Oh… Oh no.
"Hey Chiron" The boy greets me, as if he didn't have what appears to be a rare mythical creature (The irony of me saying this is not lost on me). "Oh, nice book. I'm not a fan of the ending though. I've never really liked tragedies." He's 9. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is most certainly not a book for children. What kind of school gave him a book like that?
"Gilgamesh," I responded, with a slightly exasperated tone, "What can I do for you?" Perhaps if I ignore it, I won't have to deal with it. Maybe Mr D can do something for once.
"I found a baby phoenix. Can I keep it?" He bluntly asks me.
…
…
…
…
"...Fine" I sigh, my hand upon my forehead, "Make sure you feed it, clean up after it, and train it properly. I'm sure Cabin 6 has a book about phoenixes." Though I doubt they have anything on how to look after one. Gods, this child must enjoy making things so complicated.
"Okay, thanks Chiron!" He says, before leaving near-instantly. It was like dealing with a hurricane, making chaos one minute, and then leaving me to comprehend his actions the next minute.
A phoenix. Whatever next? A child of Hades or Poseidon?
I stand up from the sofa, putting my book away. Now wasn't the time for drinking. I went to the fridge and took out one of the beers I confiscated from Luke and his accomplices. Honestly, the longer Gilgamesh Ashford is at camp, the more likely that I become a drunkard. Not even Heracles was as bad as him.
I take a sip of beer, and my face scrunches up. I may need to have Mr D educate the older campers on what good alcohol is.
1 Month Later…
A Cave by the Fireworks Beach…
Gill's POV
I sit upon the sand, wearing only my shorts. My eyes were closed, and I was within a cross legged position, my hands upon my knees. My mind was clear and empty. And focusing on a singular question.
Why do I exist?
Yeah, it was a pretty loaded question. And to help me answer such a thing, I was meditating. Of course, it was also a skill, meaning that I would most likely get actual results.
Meditation Skill levelled up (97 - 98)!
I grinned at the notification. I don't know what would happen if I get it to 100, but hopefully it would be enough to finally allow me to be able to use Shinseina Kenjutsu. It's been almost a year, and I barely managed to make any breakthrough with. The only thing I've done was establish with myself that I am Gilgamesh Ashford now, and not who I was in my previous life. It was something that I should've managed to do a long time ago but… I still had some attachments in my previous life. Memories that were precious to me. But they weren't who I am now.
I feel a weight upon my shoulder, and give a warm smile at the sight of my orange familiar, Icarus, who was having fun singing. He had grown in size over the last month, and was now the size of my head. The other campers were very shocked and freaked out that there was a phoenix at camp, but they got used to it after a week. Hell, Hestia just Plus the Aphrodite cabin helped groom his feathers for free!
But something fascinating about Icarus was his singing. Whilst his voice is able to soothe any emotions, and mentally hurt those considered 'evil', it's also able to increase the levelling speed of my Meditation skill. Because of this, I managed to increase Meditation by 50 levels in the last month, which was an insane growth compared to any other skill.
I closed my eyes once more, and began meditation once more, as Icarus's song filled my ears.
30 Minutes Later…
?
Six Billion, Three Hundred and One Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, and One Hundred and Eighty-Nine.
That is the number of people on the earth.
And I am one of them. Yet, in that endless sea of minds, how does my existence mean anything compared to others? Sure, I have the power of the Gamer, but does that really prioritise my life over billions?
The earth is more than just dirt and water. It's a ball of trillions of strings, each representing the existence of every being that walks upon the Earth. Green, red, blue, I can see every string. An entire world made of strings. They feel so similar, yet when I look at each one individually, they couldn't be any more different. From the atomic level, each string tells a different story of another. Each defining a different existence.
But I was not here to look at strings. At least not these ones.
I begin to pull away at the strings, deeper and deeper, untangling every fate they hold within them. Billions of existences I witness, but I ignore each and every one. I was only here for one string in particular.
An eternity passes as I dig further and further. I see a string made of water, where I see reflections of turmoil and struggles. Of fights against gods and monsters. But I ignore it. The longer I stay here, the more chances I have of going positively insane. Of realising the beautiful, infinite vastness of reality.
In between the gaps that exist besides some of the strings, I see a bright golden light, and for some reason, I felt like that was what I was looking for. I claw towards it, and pull every last string in my way. And then my hand touches it.
My string. My proof of existence. Buried so deep in this world of strings, it was as if the universe feared it. I pull the string, its warmth flowing through my body. I see my life, well the last year of it, and smile at the memories.
But I pull and pull, but there is no end. It couldn't be… An infinite string?
As pools and pools of the string float around, I stare at it with wonder. What am I meant to do with it?
An idea comes to my mind, and I fly out of the centre of the world of string, still holding my own golden thread. As I enter the orbit of the metaphysical planet. I grin. My proof of existence shall be imposing my reality upon all others.
I begin flying around the giant sphere, as the string wraps around the world. At supersonic speeds, the world that was once a vast sea of red, blue, green, and all different other colours, is replaced with gold. And soon the world itself is gold.
I am more than a mere Gamer.
I am more than some guy who was reborn.
I am Gilgamesh Ashford, and I exist to live to the fullest, a life with no regrets, and a life where I bring a smile to others and myself.
I do not fear death, nor do I wish to wield it. Death is my oldest friend, who will be there for me till the very end.
I need no purpose, because the best way to live is to live in the present!
The world wrapped in golden string glowed and shone bright. I saw glimpses of my possible future, but the visions didn't show anything important, though it did bring me joy. I saw the sight of me smiling, with a grin that would've never happened in my previous life
As the golden light engulfed my sight, I felt myself leaving the metaphysical world I had somehow entered.
And my own string left my hand, and joined the rest as a sovereign string.
Back in the Real World…
I gasp as my eyes open, with Icarus looking down at me with concern. I struggle for air as I try to get up from my lotus position. Sweat runs down my skin, my fingers tremble, and my limbs feel weak.
As I stand, my eyes squint in pain. The world… looks so different right now. No… It was the same, but it was like I could flickers of my golden string, as if it was at the barrier between the metaphysical world I had interacted with seconds before, and the real world right now.
I look at the cave around me. It was as if a tornado ran through it. But it was very… creepy. There were spirals everywhere. Etched into the rocky walls and ceiling and carved into the sand, the spirals seemed permanently sculpted into the cave. Was it because of me? If so, sorry Rachel. If I remember correctly, this is where Rachel Elizabeth Dare, the future Oracle of Delphi, would reside when she took her new job.
I mean, the spirals add character… right?
With my legs weak, I stumble forward, but almost immediately fall to the ground, my face kissing the sand. Ah well, maybe I can jus… just… rest here for… a bit…
Around the World…
No POV
Throughout the planet, every living being skipped a beat, as an image flashes by their mind. An image of a boy, with skin that was a Mediterranean bronze, eyes blue as endless skies, and hair golden as the finest treasures. One sound fills their ears, a gentle laugh.
But a mere moment later, they shake it off, and write it off as a mere daydream. But their subconscious shall remember for them. And they will remember when the time comes.
More importantly, there were three very old ladies who were shell shocked, as they all stared at their basket of threads, all of which were now golden. The Fates, for the first time in their lives, were confused. The thread they used to create new fates for new humans had all turned into a brilliant gold colour. But how?
"This is impossible!" Lachesis, the second oldest of the three siblings, shrieked, ignoring the confusion of a random passerby. "The threads, they have been ruined!" The immortal breathed heavily shocked and confused by the new situation she found herself in.
"Not just the unwoven threads either" Atropos whispered in horror, holding some of the golden threads, "But the ones we have created have also been changed. We… We have lost control of the fates!"
Clotho looked at her sisters and the golden threads grimly, as she knew what exactly had caused this, though she had no idea how to remedy the situation, or whether she should. "We must go see those who control fate in other pantheons. The Norns, The Matrones, and whoever else we know. We must see them."
"And what will we do after, sister?" Lachesis cried, as she clawed through every single thread in a vain hope of finding a plain one.
Clotho sighed, and gave a solemn smile, "Perhaps we should go on a holiday. I hear Athens is nice this time of the year." She somehow managed to ignore her siblings' incredulous stares, and wonders:
What exactly was that boy planning?
4 Hours Later…
Camp Halfblood…
Gill's POV
My eyes open, with sand in my hair and all over my body. I try to get up from where I lay, but I feel a small weight on my chest. I tilt my head to get a look, and see Icarus sleeping on my chest, oblivious to the fact that I was awake. It seems I would be lying here in the sand for a little longer.
"You're such a doormat to your own bird, Gilgamesh" There was only one person who uses my full name so casually.
"Sup, teach" I sigh, as the ghost of Sasaki Kojiro peers over me, sitting (or rather floating) upon a rock. "How are you doing?"
Sasaki chuckles, as he bobs up and down, "Oh, I'm doing fine, but you… don't look so great." Geez, way to state the obvious, "Anyway Gill, you've somehow managed to surpass and shatter every single expectation I've had for you."
"I have?" I question, a little confused. I quickly glance at my last two notifications, and my eyes widen in surprise.
Meditation Skill levelled up (99 - 100)!
You have gained the Shinseina Kenjutsu Skill (Level 1)!
Fuck yes! So my hypothesis was correct. Well, that's one big goal that I can cross off the list this year.
"Indeed." Sasaki grinned, "You've managed to unlock Shinseina Kenjutsu in just over a year! I think that might be a record. Hell, it took me 2 years to even think of meditation!" Really? I thought meditation would be obvious, "So tell me… What did you see?"
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, when I finally unlocked Shinseina Kenjutsu, I saw a giant fish, like real big." Sasaki jokingly widened his arms, "Every scale upon that fish represented a different person on the earth, and my scale was next to the head. A single black scale in a sea of aquamarine. I pulled the scale off the fish, and stabbed the fish with it."
"...You tried to kill a gargantuan fish that had billions of scales?" I question. Y'know, when I first met Sasaki, I thought he would be a super serious and cool swordsman, but in all honesty, he's kind of a goofball.
"Yup. Turns out that I wasn't meant to do that!" Sasaki laughs, a little flustered, "Even though I had unlocked Shinseina Kenjutsu, harming the representation of the collective existence of every living being, meant that the real world would be harmed too. If I'm correct, I think my actions caused a famine in China"
Well, that's a little concerning. I wonder what would've happened if I had made a mistake. Another famine? Or something worse… "Well, I didn't see a fish. I saw an entire world made of thread, and I had to dig down into the world to find my own thread."
I see Sasaki with his fingers to his chin, pondering on what I saw. "It makes sense, I suppose. Your Fates, the Moirai I believe they are called, have a heavy emphasis on threads being related to fates."
I pet the sleeping Icarus, who gave an oddly human snore, though still cute, "Hey, teach, since I can Shinseina Kenjutsu now, can we finally stop the basic sword training?" Seriously, over a year of simply swinging my sword can get very… grating upon a person's sanity.
Sasaki ponders again, "Hmm… I don't know… Has it been two years since we started your training?"
I could see where this was going, "No…" I sigh.
"Then no!" Sasaki grins with a shit-eating smile. He places a ghostly hand upon my head, which just phases through. "Now how about you go back to the Camp, I'm sure your friends are worried."
I looked outside, and noticed the sky had turned dark. Has it turned night already? I turned back to Sasaki, but nothing was there. It seems he must've gone back into my ring.
"Chirp?" I looked down and grinned, as Icarus was now awake. Ah, sweet freedom. I could get up now. As I stand up, Icarus flies up and goes outside of the cave. I quickly follow him outside, and notice the large moon.
Huh. I think it's going to be full tomorrow.
Author's Notes: Hey guys! Slightly shorter chapter than usual. Sorry about that lol.
Also I'd like to admit something to you lot. Last chapter, I said in the Author's Notes that I might ship Gill and Annabeth. Sorry, but in reality, I said that to gauge your reactions. Honestly, they were pretty mixed, but insightful nonetheless.
I'm not gonna lie, who I ship Gill with won't matter till he's *at least* 15 or 16. And I have no clue who I'm actually gonna ship him with. Honestly it depends on my mood. One day I think to myself "Ya' know what would be cool? Gill X Aphrodite" meanwhile the next fucking hour, I'm like "Nah Gill X Aphrodite is dumb af. Now, Gill X Zoe, that's where it's at!" So yeah, it's probably gonna a looooong time before we get even a scent of shipping.
Anyway, thank you all for the support for this fic! We are super close to 1000 followers!
And on a brighter note, some familiar faces are coming to the next chapter!
Anyway here is Gil's Player Profile:
Name: Gilgamesh Ashford
Age: 9
Level: 42
Title: Halfblood Resident
HP: 6390/6390
MP: 6720/6720
Stats
Strength: 206
Agility: 200
Endurance: 171
Charisma: 205
Intelligence: 200
Willpower: 203
Luck: 175
Stat Points: 0