Ch11

The sound of the waves hitting the rocky shore contrasted with the sounds of the various party goers chatting amongst themselves. Hecate had to admit, Amphitrite had good style with her little parties. The various sea goddesses treated her and Nemesis with kindness and seemed to take an interest in both of them and to be honest it was nice.

"Not bad," Nemesis said as they watched some of the mermen do tricks in the water.

She nodded as she watched the mermen do more tricks with the help of some dolphins. "Indeed."

"Nemesis Hecate how are you both enjoying the show?" Amphitrite came up to them with a grin on her face. She wore a fine blue dresses and wore a fancy shell and pearl necklace.

She smiled. "I am fine Lady Amphitrite."

"Likewise," Nemesis said. "New England has a beautiful view."

Amphitrite smiled. "Indeed it does. Though these waters aren't as peaceful as they look, Innsmouth always caused us trouble back in the day."

A shiver went down her spine. "Yes what a troublesome port."

"Well good thing the area around Boston isn't under our jurisdiction anymore," Amphitrite said. "Anyway how what's new with you two? Any troubles?"

"None on my end," she said politely. Though she had noticed that a few more eyes had been on her and Nemesis. Alabaster helping Percy Jackson on his quest led to her being the newest gossip among the Olympians. Nemesis was also being noticed, though more for the fact that her son was the last to see Hermes' kid before he left camp.

"Same with me," Nemesis said. "I've been guiding my own son in camp."

Amphitrite smiled. "All our children make us proud. I'm sure your children will do great things in your names."

"Indeed," she said. Unlike other goddesses Amphitrite never cared about her husband's infidelity so long as they didn't threaten her or her realm and her biological children. "Times are changing fast our children will need to grow up fast."

Amphitrite nodded her gaze flickering with interest. "The seas are eerily quiet these days but my husband and I are keeping a keen eye on our realm."

"One must never become too complacent," she said calmly. "Even for us goddesses it is unwise."

Amphitrite nodded her gaze calm. "Times are always changing, even us deities often fall to the trap of getting complacent. However, me and husband hope to change that." She then clapped her hands. "Now then for the next course of drinks."

She had to admit the little get together was pleasant though she could tell something was off about Amphitrite, the sea queen often stared at the sea with unease as if she were looking at some future problem.

By the time it was time for them to leave Amphitrite saw them off. "I greatly enjoyed both of you here. Come again and let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you Lady Amphitrite," Nemesis said politely.

"We thank you for your kindness," she said.

With that, they both disappeared in a flicker of light to their respective realms. Inside the hall of her chapel she looked over the flames. Times are changing, She had never received this much attention since she helped seal the mind of that crazed mortal HP Lovecraft.

Hopefully my efforts aren't brushed aside again. She had helped the gods in the past but was often forgotten. Of course she was bitter about it but she could tell this time was different, the flames showed the way to her glory and she knew she had to play her cards right this time.

A cold shadow entered her domain. "Lord Kronos" Her voice reverberated throughout her room as the Titan Lord's presence penetrated her realm causing her flames to wane.

"Hecate you know it will just be the same," Kronos said smoothly. "My son's wife may invite you and Nemesis to be in her inner circle but do not think you are one of them."

"I am not a sea goddess," she said politely. "And neither is Nemesis. We each have our own paths and domains."

Kronos chuckled. "How many times have you helped them? How many times have you been cast aside? It will be the same with you join them, with my help you will be immortalized."

His words were like honey, a part of her was tempted yet looking into the flames it was not a decision she could make easily. "My goal remains the same."

"I have many allies," Kronos said calmly. "I reward those who serve me Hecate. Remember that. You shall have the recognition you desire. Choose wisely."

Ethan gripped his spear tightly as he saw the array of monsters charging at the camp. He along with the rest of the Hecate Cabin were with the Hephaestus Cabin on patrol and with each day the monster attacks seemed to be getting worse and worse. "Alright move out!" Beckendorf yelled.

Squinting his eyes he could see them about around a dozen Laistrygonian Giants charged at them throwing large rocks at their ranks.

"Watch out!" Balthazar yelled as the son of Hecate chanted a spell and a green shield covered them from the rocks.

Come on I can do this. He charged at the first giant and thrusted his spear at its chest. The monster roared and tried to hit him but he pulled away and dodged the attack.

I'll show them what a child of Nemesis can do. He dodged a fist and struck the giant again when Balthazar charged at the giant and plunged his sword in its chest. The giant roared as it turned to dust. "Thanks."

The son of Hecate nodded. "Lets take care of these."

Sweat formed on his brow as all of the training he used was put to work. I'll prove your worth here mother. He thrusted his spear into a giant's chest as Balthazar slashed its hand off. Around him the other children of Hecate casted various spells that lit the giants on fire.

"GRRAAHHH!" The ground shook as a rather large giant came up to them its face meaner and uglier than the rest.

"Slow it down with magic!" Balthazar ordered.

The Hephaestus Cabin engaged the giant as its movements were slowed. A blast of green fire it the giant but it just made it angrier.

"We have to weaken it somehow. Don't you have a spell to break its leg or something?" He asked as Beckendorf brought his hammer down on the giant's toe making it roar in pain.

Balthazar nodded and held out his hand. "Everyone repeat with me and focus on the legs! Crus Torquent."

"Crus Torquent."

He winced at the sound the giant's leg made and turned away at how it unnaturally twisted. The giant roared in pain as fell to the ground its horribly mangled leg was twisted in a way no doctor could ever fix.

"Lets take this thing down!" Beckedorf yelled.

He gripped his spear and charged. To his side Balthazar came with his sword as they all sunk their weapons into the giant. He thrusted his spear into the throat, blood seeping out of the wound as he repeatedly struck over and over until the giant was nothing but golden dust.

He breathed heavily and rested against his spear as he looked around. These attacks are getting worse and worse. Why did Thalia's tree suddenly act up? It was a question many had been asking since the barrier started to break and the monster attacks had become more frequent.

"Alright everyone lets head back the area seems to be clear," Beckendorf said.

Everyone nodded in agreement and when he finally came back inside the camp border Beckendorf came to him and Balthazar with a smile on his face. "You both did well. I'm glad to have you guys working with us."

"Thanks," He said.

"No problem," Balthazar said. "I'll go check on Alabaster."

Beckendorf nodded. "You know you guys are pretty with this barrier stuff I hope it can be fixed."

"Us too," Balthazar said before turning around and leaving.

"Well let me know if you need anything Ethan," Beckedorf said before patting him on the back.

"Th-Thanks." He quickly went to his cabin, the dark room with many empty bunk beds and a golden scale in the middle was odly calm. Balance. He went over and looked at the scale. Mother I hope I can make you proud. Allow me to help you bring balance to this world.

The Nemesis only had him as an occupant but he hoped more of his siblings would come. I wonder how she feels about me? I doubt she is the most warm deity. He sat his spear down and rested on his bed.

I may be the only one here but this summer I'll prove what I can do. He clenched his fists in determination. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, my mom has a cabin and now I must show everyone what she can do. He scanned the empty bunk beds, it was lonely but he hoped he could be an example to his future siblings.

After a quick rest he exited his Cabin and was greeted by the sight of Alabaster and Lou in a heated discussion.

"Make sure we continue the enforcement spells where the barrier is starting to decline and reapply stronger barrier spells where it is weakening," Alabaster said his brow covered in sweat.

Lou nodded. "Got it. The next batch of healing potions is ready, I'll deliver them to the Apollo Cabin."

"Good get going," Alabaster said.

"Um do you guys need anything?" he asked.

Alabaster looked him over. "No just keep going out on patrols." His voice was polite and civil but still cautious.

"Oh ok," he said avoiding his gaze.

Alabaster turned away from him, the son of Hecate still saw him as untrustworthy and kept him at a polite distance. Everyone else even Percy doesn't see me fault. Why are you still acting like this?

"Oh uh have you spoken with Percy lately?" he asked.

"Yeah have you?" Lou asked making her brother frown at him.

"H-He's fine," Alabaster said rather defensively. "Me and Balthazar train him nightly, it's rather exhausting but he's learning."

"Well don't go too hard on him," Lou said. "Not everyone learns as fast as you."

Alabaster shrugged. "I know. Anyway, he might be here soon for the summer if things here don't go bad real fast."

"It will be good to see him. "Well see you guys around." Lou waved at him as he left. I know Alabaster is talented but he really has to learn to not control everything.

As he walked around the camp he passed by various campers some who were going to defend the border. The atmosphere was getting grimmer by the day as the border got worse and Thalia's Tree continued to slowly die.

He found Chiron by the fire pit, the centaur's face had a shadow across it as he stared at the flames. "Uh hello sir."

"Ethan Nakamura please join me. How was your little excursion?" The centaur asked as he looked at the dying flame.

He bowed and quickly sat across from him. "Alright sir. Are you still being blamed?"

Chiron nodded. "Unfortunately yes but until a solution is found the gods need a scapegoat."

"That's not fair," he muttered. "The camp needs you."

"Such is life," Chiron said. "I'm glad you are here Ethan, every hand is welcome."

He shifted in his seat. "I'm not as strong but I hope to pull my own weight." Unlike other campers he didn't have any flashy powers or anything.

"You have a strong will and heart just like your forefathers," Chiron said as he stared at the dying flames. "The land of the rising sun made many formidable warriors." The centaur shivered as if reliving an old memory. "That front of the war was brutal and their tenacity proved it."

"My grandfather was interned," he said awkwardly. Not a common assumption, a lot of people thought his family fought against the US during the war.

Chiron avoided his gaze. "Yes an unfortunate event made by the errors of others." For a moment the air tensed up as if they were speaking of something taboo.

The centaur shook his head. "Anyway I wish you luck Ethan. I hope you can grow strong as a hero here, but remember a hero needs support and companions. I imagine your parents told you the story of Momotaro?"

He nodded. "Yeah my grandparents told me about him." He sighed as he remembered his younger days when his grandparents told him stories about Japan. Among them was the story of how Momotaro defeated Oni with the help of his animal companions.

Chiron looked at him and nodded. "Much more can be done in a team. If you look after others and they look after you your chances of survival are greater."

"Thanks," he said as he looked at the remaining dying embers. I want to make my mother proud and show this camp what I can do. "I may not have animal companions, but I'll do my best to protect the camp."

"I wish you luck. Momotaro is an admirable hero even if some of his students didn't learn from his message during the last century." Chiron shivered. "Well they were zealous that's for sure. Too zealous many would say."

He raised an eyebrow. "You met him?"

Chiron froze as the air became tense. "Uh I was just figuratively."

"Oh ok," he said awkwardly. "Um thank you for everything."

Chiron nodded. "Be safe."

As he watched the centaur leave a pang hit his heart. Chiron was always kind to him and taught him even when he wasn't claimed. I'll make it up to you. I'll protect this camp and show what a child of Nemesis can do.

Alabaster's brow furrowed as he examined the runes his siblings had put. Everything is right but it still isn't enough. The camp was looking up to them to help fix the barrier but there was only so much he and his siblings could do when the root of the problem was that the tree was dying.

He muttered a spell and waved his hand as a half dozen runes flew at Thalia's Tree. His runes glowed a bright green as they sank into the tree. That should stop the decay for a while. Unfortunately he wasn't the best when it came to poisons and his siblings that did know them didn't know how to get rid of this one.

Maybe mother would know? He rubbed his chin as he heard people cross into the camp. Clarisse and Annabeth walked with a bunch of their siblings, the two girls were in a heated discussion.

"A quest must fix this," Annabeth said.

Clarisse nodded her brow grim. "I won't let anyone harm this came, I swear on it."

Both girls stopped when they saw him. "Good evening," he said politely.

Annabeth frowned looking at him as if he were in a place he didn't belong. "What are you doing to Thalia's tree?"

"Trying to heal it. Unfortunately, whatever poison was used is stronger than any I saw," he said, ignoring her half accusatory tone.

"Fine just don't mess it up." Annabeth said her tone half condescending.

Oh I'm so scared. His brow twitched. "Do you think I'm that stupid as to let the camp's barrier die when my siblings are also here?" This will be the first summer of the Hecate Cabin and he wasn't going to let his mother's name be tarnished by allowing this barrier to falter.

Annabeth glared at him but Clarisse grabbed her shoulder. "Come on lets get something to eat."

The Ares and Athena Cabins left the area, as soon as they were gone he shook his head. What a piece of work both of them. Frankly he avoided them but at times it felt like they wanted to prove something by bothering him and his siblings. Is she still pissed that Percy didn't take her on his quest?The daughter of Athena was one of the few who wasn't welcoming to his family and made it clear whenever they were forced to interact. She made it clear that she didn't think they belonged at camp.

The rest of the evening was somber, the news that Chiron would be replaced had dampened the mood. As he and his siblings offered their food to his mother he looked into the flames. Give us the strength to help. I swear the camp and the gods will know your value.

As he headed towards Cabin 3's bath house he ran into Ethan Nakamura. The two stared at each other awkwardly.

"No problem. The barrier ok?" Ethan asked.

"It's hanging in there," he said. "I better shower before my siblings get in."

They stared at each other awkwardly. "Um let me know if you need anything.

"Thanks. See you around," Ethan said before heading to his own cabin.

He sighed and quickly took a nice warm shower. I do have a hard forgiving others. It may have been from his upbringing where he was on the streets a lot but he also was upset that Ethan inadvertently helped Luke and ended up getting Percy hurt.

It wasn't his fault. He turned off the water and quickly dried off. I'll try to make up with him. He was never the most forgiving or trusting but Percy forgave Ethan so he might as well try.

That night he trained with Percy in the dream realm alone. Percy's moves were more fluid than before, his strikes and thrusts had determination in them as they exchanged blows.

"Not bad," he said as he sent a ball of green fire at Percy.

Percy cut through the attack with ease and came at him. He blocked the attack and countered. "How's camp?" Percy asked as they exchanged blows. "The tree still acting up?"

"It's slowly dying and the monster attacks are becoming more frequent," he said as he pulled away. "Also Chiron." He paused and looked at the ground not knowing what to say.

"What happened to him?" Percy asked.

He sighed. "He's being replaced. Zeus isn't happy with his daughter's tree dying."

The son of Poseidon stared at him in disbelief his mouth agape. "That's not fair!" Percy yelled his voice echoing throughout the room. "How will we learn how to fight?"

"The camp will figure something out," he said. "I'll pick you up tomorrow?" Personally he had been hoping to meet up with Percy but he was never that good at initiating social activities.

Percy nodded. "Yeah it's my last day of school."

"Great. I'll head over there as soon as I can," he said. Inside a wave of relief washed over him, he really was glad Percy still saw him as a friend.

"How's Ethan?" Percy asked.

"He's ok. I haven't seen him a lot since I've been helping defend the camp and strengthen the barrier," he said avoiding his gaze. Frankly he didn't want to say that he didn't talk to him that much.

Percy looked at him as if he knew he wasn't saying the entire truth. "Well we should hang out sometime, the three of us. When we can of course."

"S-Sure." He scratched his head and looked around the dream realm. "So um was this year better than others?" The son of Poseidon had told him about his long history of being expelled from schools.

Percy shrugged. "Yeah though there are some douchebags around. I met a friend though, he seems nice."

"Oh," he said awkwardly. Not like he wouldn't have friends. Percy was a good guy.

"Have you been to school?" Percy asked.

He shook his head. "No um I did when I was younger but when I left my father my mother and aunt trained me." Though frankly both wanted him to go to back to mortal school, something about it being an experience. "Though I've been listening to this guy named Dr. Claymore, pretty interesting stuff but I don't go to school."

Percy shrugged. "I mean you're not missing much. Though to be honest I've been practicing the mist on my teachers and bullies."

"Really? What did you do?"

A grin spread across the son of Poseidon's face. "I made his clothes of this jerk named Matt Sloan disappear, that was funny."

He laughed and Percy laughed with him. "Good to know. Is he that bad?"

"Oh he's a jerk," Percy said. "Also picking on me and my other friend I made. Anyway how are you siblings?"

"Oh they're fine," he said. "Just busy helping around camp. It's our first summer here so we want to do our best." Though some people don't want us there but they can screw themselves.

"Well I'll see everyone there," Percy said.

"You too." As soon as Percy disappeared he looked down at his sword. I never really had friends before him. Being on the run most of your life did that. He shook his head. I never knew others with empathy could exist.

"You seem happy Alabaster." His mother appeared behind him with her torch in hand.

He quickly bowed to her. "Mother what brings you here?"

Hecate's gaze was calm yet he could see a hint of unease in them. "How are things at the camp?"

"They are alright. We are just getting used to things," he said. Yeah there were people that didn't think much of him and his siblings but he hoped that to change that. "We are helping fix the camp barrier."

His mother's gaze betrayed nothing. "Be alert. Keep an eye on your siblings."

"I will," he said firmly. "I won't let you down."

His mother's gaze flickered with curiosity. "You've been at the camp for a while now. Have you thought of continuing your education?"

"I do," he muttered. "I have you and Aunt Medea." Though he knew what his mother meant, real school with mortals like Percy did. He avoided her gaze. "I don't need anything else." There was nothing that he could learn at a mortal school.

"Alabaster you really should learn to let others in," his mother said calmly.

He flinched his gaze turning downward. "Your glory is all I care about," he muttered.

His mother gently patted his shoulder. "I know. But as a mother I also want you to be happy."

He avoided her gaze. "You are what makes me happy." It wasn't a lie, his mother was his world and he would do anything for her.

"Your devotion makes me proud." His mother looked at him with her gaze that flickered like a torch. "But you are young, you should be making friends and having fun as the young people say. You need to let others in."

He avoided her gaze. "It's not easy." All his life those he let in let him down, except his mother and to an extent some of his siblings.

"Nothing is," Hecate said. "But I know you could use the companionship." She smiled at him. "I want you to be happy and live your own life. After all, I'm doing my own part for myself and my children." His mother turned around. "Be safe and remember others look up to you as well."