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Chapter 9: Sam has the Power of God AND Anime?
"Come on, Percy! Let me join!" I yelled at Percy as he kept denying my request to join the event.
"Why not? It looks really fun!"
"Estelle, they're gonna be using actual weapons and battle tactics in this game. This event is to train the kids for real-life situations against monsters or battles."
"Oh come on, I learned a lot from yesterday AND learned some skills from Annabeth my whole life."
"Estelle," Annabeth intervenes, "I understand your frustration but this is something that only half-bloods like us can do."
"Oh, so because I'm not special like you guys, I can't join?!"
"That's not what we meant," Percy replied. "It's just too dangerous for you. We have medical and healing materials that work only on Demigods. It won't work on mortals like you. So because of that, you'll risk heavy injuries in the process."
I guess that makes sense, but I hate the idea of being pushed to the side because I'm some weak teenage girl. So what if I don't have special powers or have demigod blood in me. Batman and Black Widow didn't have powers yet they manage to fight alien invasions, super humans and powerful magical sorcerers. Though it's true that they have training, money and resources. But there's also other characters like Daredevil; Kate Bishop; The Punisher; Green Arrow; Nightwing; et cetera. I mean… they also had money and experience but…
Huh… No wonder Spider-Man is more relatable. He's broke like all of us.
"I'm sorry, Estelle," Annabeth said. "I promise to make it up to you. Okay?"
I shrugged but responded, "Fine, whatever."
"Go meet up with the Demeter kids and help out with watching Luke and Silena, Okay? I'll meet up with you in a bit."
I sighed and nodded as I walked off.
Today is the day Capture the Flag begins. And like Percy said, I am forbidden to attend.
I hate it but there is nothing I can do about it. I don't have the equipment used for CTF and Percy will not allow me to get any. I love my brother but he can be too much sometimes.
Yes, a demigod's life is too much sometimes. But I saw regular folks like Sam and Dean Winchester fight against the impossible. I saw regular people stand up against alien invasions. I saw an ex-thief stand up against a multiversal conqueror and win. Were they fictional? Sure. But wasn't Mythology as well? Couple of days ago, I didn't believe it to be real. At this point, who knows what tomorrow would bring?
Ugh, I'm just so frustrated is all.
"Come on, Jessie!" Said a voice, I saw two girls heading out of the barracks, carrying gear for the games.
"Hang on, Penny. I need to find my sword."
I hid behind a tree as the two went inside again to find her sword. They left their gear by the entrance and I noticed it has the same color as Sam's gear, meaning they are in the same team as her.
Now I know what you all are thinking, stealing is wrong. Do the right thing and you will be rewarded. Well the last time I did the right thing, property got damaged; Percy and Sam got hurt and her dad died.
Sometimes you have to break the rule to do good things. Like Star Wars, if Luke stayed at the homestead, he'd never have saved the galaxy. If Anakin stayed in that Naboo Starfighter, he'd never save all of Naboo. If Rey stayed on Jakku, The Emperor would never have truly been defeated. Heck even life too! If Percy didn't run off to the Sea of Monster, Camp would never heal. If Percy didn't run off to find Annabeth, Artemis would still be captured. I'm probably going to get in trouble for this, but I won't miss an opportunity like this. Still, I'll be sure to leave a note as a way to apologize for my mischief.
After I grab a set of the gear, I put it on and strapped on the helmet so I don't get recognized. I headed toward the area where the event is taking place and found the group Sam is grouped up with.
From what I recall, The game will include most of the campers of the camp, excluding Demeter; Aphrodite; Iris and Hypnos kids. The Demeter kids were tasked to watch over Percy and Annabeth's kids until Annabeth comes back. Hypnos kids tend to be asleep this early in the mornings and Aphrodite and Iris kids were tasked to do chores for the day. If they're missing out on the game, they actually have something planned out for them later on in Summer. Knowing Aphrodite, they'll probably do a fashion show or a silly love-match game. Iris kids will most likely practice magic involving communication since Percy told me that demigods struggle to communicate due to magic and monsters. As I reached and sneaked into the group, I noticed the Hephaestus and Apollo kids on the sidelines, ready to give medical support and replacement for broken equipment.
I know that there's no children of the Big three (As far as I know) joining. So the rest of the camp is attending this game. As Chiron announces the game and explains the rule, I was looking for Sam.
"Welcome Campers, to the annual Capture The Flag event!" Chiron announced. "Now for all of you new campers this summer, let me explain the rules."
Chiron explains how the game is to give us experience on tactics and combat so that when the kids are off to do quests, they will be prepared to face many challenges. Apparently they will also be using real weapons as well. Who's idea was it to give kids deadly weapons during a camp activity? Why not give them foam swords or nerf blasters or just good old fashioned Paintball warfare?!
I need to ask Percy if anyone ever dies in these games.
Anyways, I found Sam who was also wearing armor and whispered to her.
"Psst, Sam!" I whispered.
"Stella?!" She responded. "What are you doing here?! You know Percy and Annabeth will get mad if you get involved with this?!"
"I'm not missing out on camp because I'm just a mortal girl. I'm gonna show everyone I can be strong too."
"But Stella, you heard what Percy said. This is a dangerous life."
"And yet you're okay with that?!" I asked. "I'm not letting you go through this alone, Sammy. Just like the Winchester brothers, we're in this together, no matter what."
Sam usually likes to stay close with me since she tends to get bullied back in the day. But ever since the Vulture attacked us, she wanted me to stay safe and get stronger on her own. I kind of understand though, she lost her dad and right now, I'm all she has left.
After Chiron explained the rules, the campers split up and headed toward their flags. Our team, the red team, are strategizing on how to retrieve the other team's flag. Several of the leaders talked about how to win and then decided on a plan.
The majority of the group will go on the offensive while a handful will stay behind and guard the flag. A classic tactic.
And guess where Sam and I are stationed?
Yep.
Guard duty.
"I risked getting into trouble just to guard a flag?!" I yelled.
Sam and I are stationed close to the flag while the rest are stationed a bit further but close enough to the flag.
"I mean, it's better this way," Sam replied.
"No it's not! We should be out there, fighting other warriors and getting riled up! Not just simple guard duty!"
"Think about it, logically, Stella. We're still new to this world, we're not really ready to face what's beyond this camp."
"Well Percy did!" I said. I sighed and sat near a log.
"Stella, what's really going on?"
Sam looked at me with concerned looks and sat next to me.
"Nothing, just… I hate that my whole life, my family kept this from me. Percy; Annabeth; The Zhang's; The Valdez's and even the fact that they KNEW Piper McClean! I told them how much she's our most favorite actress and how badly I want to meet her!"
"They did it to protect you. Like dad did."
"Yeah, but I don't like that my whole family lied to me. They knew how much I enjoy mythology. I could've helped them out in the past! I could've given important info or something. But instead, I was left behind to attend high school while they go off saving the world!"
I ranted for a while as Sam listened.
"Stella, they just want to protect you because they love you. You know how Percy can be. Remember when we were kids, you heard him say 'ow' and you quickly grabbed a bandaid so that he could get better?"
I blushed at the memory.
"You have a big heart, Stella. Percy knew that; he figured you'd go far and wide for him and his friends."
I shrugged. "That's what family does, we're there for each other through thick and thin. And that includes you, Sammy."
I brought a fist out for a fist bump and Sam returned the gesture. Sure, we're not out having an epic battle like Odyssey. But being here with my best friend is better than any epic moment.
Rustling noise came behind us and it was one of the campers we were paired with.
"We have a problem," He said, panting. "Several of our members just spotted a small group heading this way. Looks like a small regiment managed to sneak off and are heading this way!"
A few more of our team members joined up and formed a barrier around the flag.
"You did say you wanted some action," Sam responded.
"That I did, Sam. That I did."
I had my shield and spear up and ready. The enemy's horn sounded nearby and we heard a loud cry of multiple warriors in the distance. Before I knew it, the enemies were charging at us. Several of our team members were already in combat against the enemy. Sam yelled out to me to watch out as one of them charged at me. She jumped and blocked their attack. Looks like all that training yesterday really paid off. Just as I was getting back up, I felt a strong tingle, like a sixth sense was reacting and next thing I knew, I rolled to the side just in time before an enemy fell right where I was.
I got back up quickly and headed toward Sam's location. She was being overpowered by two warriors. I charged forward and slammed my shield at one of them, making them fly off at the distance. I was surprised at the distance he flew; since when did I gain such strength?
"Stella!" Sam yelled as she cut the warrior at the leg and slams her shield at their face. "Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine! Protect the flag!"
Sam nodded.
Several more troops arrived and our teams are still holding them off. But we were heavily outnumbered. Maybe sending most of our most valuable troops towards the enemy wasn't such a good idea after all. We kept holding them off, but they were quite resilient. The weird thing is that you think I'd be hesitating or getting weak knees, except I wasn't. I kept getting this strong adrenaline pumping in my blood, feeling that tingle whenever an enemy attacks and such immense strength when fighting back. I took down three more already and I'm still feeling great. What the heck is going on?
Anyways, Sam is actually doing really well. The training from yesterday really paid off, but she is still Sam so she's been hesitating most of her attacks and flinches at every enemy's attack.
"Stay close to me, Sam!" I yelled.
The battle was fast and fierce, but we're standing strong. Several of our members are down but a majority of the enemies are as well. Only one remained and he was doing well against both me and Sam. As we continued to push him back, Sam told me to go for his legs. So I ducked down, dropped my spear and shield and took out my knife. I sliced his legs as Sam grabbed his arms and judo flipped him to the ground.
I cheered.
"And that's how we roll! Up top, Sammy!"
I had my hand out for a high five and Sam replied happily. I looked around and noticed that several of our team members are down and wounded but only two remain, excluding me and Sam.
"You guys okay?" One of them replied.
"I'm good, Tristan. You?" The other replied with a feminine voice.
"I'm good Becky. Thanks. What about you two?" Tristan asked us. I nodded and Sam replied.
"A bit beat but still standing."
"Good," Tristan sat down to take a breather. "That was too close."
Becky nodded and smiled, "You two did great out there for your first time."
"How did you know it's our first?" I asked.
"Your gear is still shiny and new," Becky replied.
I snickered and replied, "Oh? So we're shinies then?"
As someone who watched the Clone Wars series, being called that will hit harder than Dio dropping a road roller on you.
Tristan scoffed at my comment, "For now, but in time, you might make it to Arc Trooper with those skills."
We all laughed at that. I think I'm gonna have a great time here at Camp.
"Whatever you say, Captain Rex," I replied jokingly.
Suddenly, footsteps were in the distance and the four of us stood instantly. All of a sudden, a shield fly by us and Sam and I dodged quickly by rolling out of the way.
One warrior jumped out of hiding and charged straight at me and Sam. Another jumped behind Tristan and Becky and attacked. The shield-less warrior relentlessly attacked me and Sam. We tried to counter attack but he was too fast and reacted quickly to our combos. He tripped Sam and then launched his spear toward my shield, forcing me to drop it. I still had the dagger I got from the barracks so I took that out and charged at him. Just as I was charging, that strong sense tingled again and I quickly duck and rolled before the warrior was able to slice his sword.
I sliced near his legs and grunted in pain. He was just about to punch me with his open arm but I quickly grabbed him and judo flipped him myself. I really gotta thank Annabeth for those lessons.
The warrior got up quickly but his helmet fell off, revealing his face.
"Mitch?!" I said. The warrior was Mitch, that jerk from yesterday.
He scoffed, "Estelle Blofis? I thought your big brother didn't want his baby sister involved with the big boys."
"Says the guy who's getting his ass kick!" I replied.
Sam rushes in with her shield, hoping to knock Mitch out, but he was too fast and quickly disarmed her.
"Too slow!" He yelled.
He kicked Sam at the stomach and knocked her down.
"Sam!" I yelled before she fell down on the ground.
I look back and see Tristan and Becky still struggling with the other soldier, who turns out to be Daniel since he too dropped his helmet.
Looks like I'm on my own for now.
"Crapbasket," I said.
"Just give up," Mitch said. "This just isn't for you. You're not cut out for this life. Go back to high school."
Every word Mitch says just makes my blood boil.
Mitch continued attacking me, but I was quickly reactive to all of his attacks. That sense that continues to tingle keeps me from getting hurt. I'm starting to wonder why this is happening; it never happened during the time The Vulture and The Minotaur attacked us or even when Percy and Annabeth were training us.
What the hell is happening to me?
"Hold still, you brat!" Mitch yelled.
"I don't even know how I'm doing this!" I yelled. "I'm just dodging by instinct!"
Mitch swoops down and tries to trip me, but I jumped and somehow, I flew a couple feet back.
Panting, Mitch replied. "Gotta admit, kid. You got moves."
Suddenly, I heard Tristan groan and saw both him and Becky on the ground. Daniel was still standing but barely; he's a bit bruised up and tired out, but he's still standing.
"It's over, Estelle," Daniel said. "Just give up. I promise that Mitch won't go too far. I promise."
I scoffed, "Fat chance, Daniel! I can take on both of you! I haven't even gotten a scratch!"
"You heard him, Danny," Mitch replied. "Time to teach the twerp about the real world."
"Wow, a big tough guy is gonna teach a defenseless little girl like me about how cruel reality is," I said sarcastically.
He rushed towards me, but I dodged quickly. Daniel was about to join in on the attack but Mitch ordered him to stay out of it.
"But Mitch-"
"I don't care if she's Percy Jackson's sister! She needs to understand what it means to survive this world!"
"And what's that? Push-ups, sit-ups and plenty of juice? The ol' Vegeta training?"
Again, Sam showed me anime and… let's be honest, who HASN'T seen Dragon Ball? That's definitely a must watch and that's coming from me!
Mitch continues attacking, forcing me to back up since I only have my dagger. My spear and shield are around but too far to reach. All I can do is keep dodging, which is easy to do thanks to this sixth sense that keeps tingling.
I really need to get that check after this.
Suddenly, I tripped and fell from a small branch that came from a tree nearby.
"Crapbasket!" I yelled.
Before I could get up, Mitch already pointed his sword near my neck.
"It's over. You lost, Estelle Blofis."
I hated to admit it, but he was right. He was just more skilled and experienced than I am.
"Fine… I-"
WHOOSH
A strong gust of wind flew past us and was heading toward Sam's location. It was spiraling around as she was slowly getting up.
"Sam?" I said.
The gust of wind kept getting more wild until a loud boom noise hit and burst the air outward. The crazy part was not just that, it was the fact that the wind went from a cooling breeze to a hot burst of heat.
We all covered our eyes due to the wind and when it stopped, we all faced toward Sam and something astonishing was happening.
On top of Sam was a sigil of an Owl.
As a huge fan of Mythology, I know what that means.
"Well then, congrats on being claimed, Samantha Stacy, Daughter of Athena," Mitch said.
But I was still wondering about what's happening to her. She got knocked down hard and fell to the ground, but she got back up like it was nothing. Her eyes were closed and her helmet fell off.
"Sam? Are you okay?" I asked.
Mitch walked toward her and waved his hand around her face. She did not react and Mitch shrugged it off as if she's just sleepwalking.
"Probably out of pure instinct."
Daniel replied, "I don't know, Mitch. I'm feeling a strong presence on her."
Mitch scoffed, "It's nothing. Just a little tap and she'll-"
WHAM
Mitch was sent flying away from Sam.
Daniel and I were shocked at the sudden action because Sam literally did nothing. It was just only a strong gust of wind that hit him. She then opened her eyes and…
To this day… I can't forget those eyes.
Her dull gray eyes were brightened into sharp silver ones. Then a small light surrounded her, like an immense yet calming heat.
I can tell it was hot because I can feel it even from this distance.
"What the…" Daniel was speechless at the sudden change.
As for me…
"Sam… What on earth happened to you?"