Day 5: Plot From My Favourite Book

He didn't know how this happened. One minute, he was dining at a local street café, and the next the waitress transforms into this ugly lizard lady. I mean, what was all that about.

So here he was, running for his life with his best friend at his side, and this lizard lady keeps screaming about half-bloods and tasting delicious.

"There should be a forest up ahead!" his best friend shouted. "It's pretty deep and thick. We can lose her in there!" The boy nodded and they sped up.

Upon reaching the dark wood, both boys didn't hesitate before sprinting in. It was a rough terrain with pale sunlight seeping through narrow breaks in the leaves. Branches hung high and low, making it harder for the free run they wanted.

Dodging a thick, low branch the boy slowed down.

"There's a stream up ahead!" He could still hear the lizard lady calling and screaming, calling them half-bloods.

"What do you think they are? Half-bloods?" he asked. His friend shrugged.

"I don't know."

Wading through the stream, they hiked up the big bank and hurried further into the forest.

They reached a clearing and froze.

"What the hell…"

Below them, an amazing bundle of buildings spread in the fields. It looked like some sort of camp. Cabins of various colors all formed in an omega symbol, a giant mansion baking in the Long Island sun. Strawberry fields, training areas, blacksmith's and Long Island Sound spread over the horizon.

"What is this place?" he wondered.

The two boys heard a scream and whipped around in time to see the lizard lady run up the hill and crash into an invisible force. They jumped back as she banged her fists sending pale blue waves into the air.

His best friend stepped forward, placed his hand on the wall. "It's seems like some sort of force field, magic."

"Hey, you!" They turned to a shout and held up their hands when a few people hurried up the hill toward them. "Who are you?"

"I'm Armin, and this is Eren. Please we just got chased by some weird creature and we found this place." The boy leading the troops took a step back.

"Where's your satyr?"

"Our what?"

"You…don't have a satyr? How…how did you survive?" The man took off his helmet and looked at them with wide eyes.

He was blonde, buff and big. He stood about 6 ft or so with a broad chest covered by a chest plate. His face was hard and sharp of structure, with hard, gold eyes and firm mouth.

"We don't know, who are you people exactly?"

"Connie, signal the Goddess. I think we need to have her ask those questions instead."

"Right away, Reiner."

"I'm Reiner, this is Annie and Jean, you'll need to come with us. We have a lot to discuss." The two boys looked at each other, but obliged, and followed the three warriors down the hill and into the camp.

"This is Camp Paradis, a safe place for our kind. It protects us from monsters and fends off any dark force that come for us. It's been here longer than history itself. A place where heroes of our stories trained and lived and grew up."

"That's nice, but us? What kind of race?"

They stopped in front of a baby blue mansion, guarded by a stone wolf and tiger. Both fierce and so life like, Eren thought, and nearly jumped out of his skin when the two animals growled and sneered at him.

"Whoa, those are real."

The boy called Connie stepped out of the door and couldn't help but laugh at their horrified, shocked faces. "Don't worry, this is Dynami and Omorfia, the Goddess' sacred animals. They stand for strength and beauty, which is what the Goddess stands for."

Connie gave them a command and they stood and headed for inside the house.

"Follow them. The Goddess awaits."

Eren and Armin exchanged glances, but obeyed, and followed the stone animals into the mansion.

Its interior looked bigger than the exterior. 2 grand staircases filled the room. Polished stone floors covered with fur that looked ragged and thick. Candles floated in the air, filling the room and giving it a soothing glow. The mansion smelled of metal and flowers. An odd combination.

"So, it's true." Both boys looked up and gaped.

A woman had appeared on top of the staircase. She wore a black and silver corset dress that ended at her knees. Dark, scarred boots clicked as she headed down the stairs. A hood embroidered with golden symbols covered her head. Silky, midnight hair pooled around her shoulders. A shining silver bohemian framed her forehead with a sapphire adorning the center.

Once she stepped up to them, they were even more gobsmacked. Her eyes seemed to be swirling like mist, silver as moonlight. Her skin seemed so smooth it was reflective. Her lips were pale and pretty. Her nose sharp and sure. And she radiated power.

"I am the Goddess. Mikasa Ackerman, goddess of the blade. I am the director of this camp, for half-bloods, such as you."

Her voice had a certain wave and flow that calmed the boys instantly. Still tongue-tied from the very presence of this being, Eren turned desperately to Armin. He didn't seem to be faring too well either, but he cleared his throat, nonetheless.

"Your Grace, we are just some kids who got chased and ended up here. We don't know anything about half-bloods or strange monsters, or…"

"Why are you running?" she asked, suddenly. She waved a hand, a couch, a chair and a table appeared. Dynami and Omorfia settled on either side of the chair, and as gracefully as a feather, Mikasa sat down.

"What do you mean?" Armin asked.

"Why are you running? It's a simple question. Are you running toward something…or from something?" She gestured to the couch, and the boys generously sat. "Something chased you here, you say. But how did you end up here in the first place? You knew that monster was going to kill you and you ran. But I'm betting, that's not the first monster chase you were in." She snapped her fingers and in a whirl of wind a woman, almost transparent appeared.

"Goddess, you summoned me?"

"Alisa, would you mind bringing our guests some nectar and ambrosia, they could use the pick-me-up," she requested.

"Right away." And in another whirl of wind, she was gone.

"What was that?"

"A sky nymph, eccentric creatures, but loyal to the bone. So…tell me."

"No, you are right. We have been chased before. You see, Eren and I lost our parents a while back, and we were living on our own. But 3 days ago, some man appeared at our doorstep, telling us to run south, make it to Long Island, or we'd be killed," Armin began, "of course, we didn't believe him. We just assumed him a troubled man with a delusional mind. We never imagined the next day, when we stepped on the train to get to work, a beast the size of a bear attacked us."

Alisa appeared again, placed down a tray holding a teapot, cups, and a plate of square treats.

"Thank you." She turned back to them and poured a hot liquid into the cups. "Please, drink." They did, and immediately their spirits lifted.

"Wow…What is this?" Eren asked drinking more.

"Proof, that you are as you say, and as you are assumed to be. If you were not one of us, you would have been burned to ash."

Both boys froze.

"We could've died if we drank this?" Eren asked, placing the cup down.

"Yes, but this was proof for the bigger picture, more proof is that my pets haven't eaten you, so you are as you say."

"The one called Reiner asked us how we survived…what did he mean?" Armin asked.

"Being a demigod, or half-blood if you prefer, you are right away not like the others. Your blood, you scent, all of it, attracts monsters of the history books. Have you studied Greek mythology? Know the gods? The monsters? The heroes?" she asked.

"Of course, but-"

"They're real," Eren said. "Aren't they?"

"As real as one of them sitting in front of you," Mikasa said.

"You're a God?" Eren demanded.

"Goddess, yes, I am. But an underling, if any. I am the goddess of the blade. I am summoned to Olympus as a last resort. Not that I mind on principle. I was given the task to train warriors, prepare them for life outside this wall of magic. And you, Eren, Armin, are two of those warriors. Tell me, who are your parents?"

"I've never met my mother," Armin said. "My father said she left shortly after I was born. He doesn't like to talk about her."

"My father left as well, leaving my mom to raise me alone. I will never forgive him…" Eren's hands clenched and Mikasa watched, then sighed.

"Your mother, your father, had no choice," Mikasa began. "I know this may come to be a shock, but your parents, were gods."

They simply stared at her, as if she spoke in a different dialect.

"Your parents were gods, that's how you are able to drink the nectar, eat the ambrosia, and why my dogs have remained vigilant. They mate with humans and disappear once the young are born. It wasn't your fault, your other parents, or the gods fault. This is just the history continuing. Please do not be harsh with them, they are only doing their duty," Mikasa explained.

"Which ones?" Armin asked, as Eren still remained silent.

"Well, we should find out at the fire tonight, now I'm assigning two of my finest warriors to do your orientation. Get comfortable, boys. I have a feeling you'll be staying here a while. Dynami, please go and fetch." The wolf got up, gave the boys one last growl as if to say, "don't try anything while I'm gone", before walking out.

"What exactly are we supposed to do?" Eren asked.

"For now, get settled, and prepared for the feast. My warriors will explain everything."

"Are we…safe here?"

"No place safer, my word. I think you will like it here. You can be yourselves without any retributions or consequences. I'll be that girl and assume you two didn't get along with others your age."

"How did you…"

"Because it was the same as the rest of us. We are built for combat, speed, and battle. Not peace, comfort or restfulness. We are warriors, and it's going to be nice for you two to finally harness the powers within you."

Just as she finished, the animals returned, and two blonde girls entered.

"Goddess." The both bowed their heads in respect.

"Annie Leonhart, Historia Reiss, these are the newest recruits. Armin Arlert and Eren Jaeger.

"Boys." She gestured to the girls. "This is Annie Leonhart, daughter of Ares and Historia Reiss, daughter of Aphrodite. They will be giving you orientation."

The two boys stood up to greet them, albeit nervously.

Historia chose Armin and started to lead him out. Annie was about to speak when Mikasa took over.

"Annie, please wait outside, Eren will join you momentarily." Annie nodded, and headed out.

Mikasa poured some nectar into a cup and sat back with it. "You know as well as I, Eren, that you are different. I can sense it from you. Power, unimaginable, potential, unbelievable, honor, unmatchable, and strength…untameable."

Eren didn't say anything, just trembled a little in her aura.

"You are speechless, which is as expected. I want you to know, Eren, I'm open to any questions you might have. And I have no doubt, you will do this camp good. We could use someone like you. You're instinctive, and you are irrational, you are the perfect weapon. And with your friend, he is smart, canny, and unpredictable, that much is clear. He's willing to do anything for you, and you in return. Together, you two can be an unstoppable force. If you were to gather more of my warriors, bring them together, we, the entire camp, would be unstoppable."

"Why do we need to be unstoppable?" he asked.

"Half-bloods face death every single day, until the end of their time. Every day is a battle for survival. It is not just monsters, it's gods, immortals, demons, any evil force created and told in history exists. And destinies are written. Some from ancient times have yet to be told. The wrong force, the wrong power could spell disaster for us all, and we need to be prepared," the goddess explained.

"I understand, I will try my best."

Mikasa smiled, and Eren melted.

"I believe you…"

Eren and Annie strolled through the fields, the cabins, and the training areas. She didn't talk much, only explained the essentials. Like where the blacksmiths were, who ran then, what was made. The cabins, which building dedicated to which god/goddess. All the basic knowing's of the camp.

"So, daughter of Ares, isn't he the war god?" Eren asked to make conversation.

"Yes."

Eren frowned. "Do you have like super strength or something?"

"Yes."

"You're not much of a conversationalist."

Annie sighed, tucked her hair behind her ear. "Personal issues." She glanced toward a basketball court where a few campers were playing. She continued to watch them as they walked, or at least one of them. Eren zoned in on where Annie stared, and couldn't help but smile.

"You don't seem the type to have a crush on someone," he said.

Annie tsked and whipped around to face him. "It's none of your business. I don't have a crush on anyone."

Eren looked back at the court, at the boy she was staring at. He was ridiculously tall, with black hair, and a firm stature. "What's his name?" Annie didn't answer. "Come one, I'm stubborn, I'll keep asking. What's his name?"

"You need to shut up."

"What's his name?"

"I'm serious."

"What's his name?"

"Eren…"

"What's his name?"

"I am going to kill you, if you don't shut the hell up."

"What's his-"

"Bertoldt!"

Eren stopped. "Bertoldt? Who's his godly parent?"

Annie sighed in irritation. "I hate you."

"You don't even know me!"

"His father is Hermes, okay?"

"God of thieves, if I'm remembering right?"

"Yes," Annie sighed.

"Betting your wishing he'll steal your heart."

"Okay, that's it! I'm walking alone."

"No, wait, I was kidding, come one Annie, I thought we were friends?"

Meanwhile, Armin and Historia finished their tour with a stroll along the Long Island beach.

"So, what do you think?" Historia asked him. Armin scratched the back of his neck.

"It's great, really. But this whole thing it's kind of…" Armin trailed off.

"Surreal? Crazy? Totally ridiculous?" Historia prompted.

"Yeah, you could say that."

Historia giggled and Armin couldn't help the shy smile. He studied Greek mythology out of interest and he knew all about the gods, the stories, the heroes, everything. He knew of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Historia was definitely her daughter. With her luscious golden hair, her baby blue eyes, her supple lips and her glowing skin. Being around her made him feel nervous. Like if he said the wrong thing, he could get blasted by lightning.

"So, who do you think my mom is?" Armin asked.

Historia sat down on the little rock wall lining the beach, gestured for him to sit beside her. Armin complied.

"I don't know. You can guess, but only the goddess would know."

"You don't think my mom is…ah." He looked toward the mansion and Historia laughed.

"No, it won't be Mikasa. She may be a goddess, but she was a half-blood before. She's not into all that. She says she would much rather find love the true way. She hasn't met anyone yet," Historia explained.

"Well, I'm sure she has a lot of choices."

"No kidding. She is quite beautiful, she's a goddess after all. She's powerful, rich. But that's all the boys care about. Every demigod, god, mortal, she has ever met only likes her because she's gorgeous and a goddess. That's no way to love someone," Historia said.

Armin agreed. "So, what about this fire tonight?"

"We have a fire every second night. Just updates on training schedules, game prep, announcements that are being made. It's just an assembly where Mikasa talks about certain things going on in the camp. It's quite fun."

"I see. I'm nervous to find out who my mother is."

Historia put her hand on his arm. "Everyone is. Once you find out, your life will never be the same. That goddess is going to be your patron, your parent, the one being in this world you need to impress. The last thing any demigod wants is to disappoint their godly parents."

Armin laughed nervously. "You know, that doesn't really ease the fears."

"Sorry, but it's true. I'm just preparing you."

"I know. Now, is there a shower somewhere here? I haven't showered since I ran from my hometown…" Historia got up, held out her hand.

"Come with me." Armin put his hand in hers, and together they walked back into camp.

The feast Mikasa spoke about, was no understatement. Foods of all kinds scattered the tables in the mess hall. Meats, veggies, breads, salads, anything you want. Literally. You ask what you want, and the plate gives it to you, as well as the glass sitting to the plate's left.

Armin walked into the mess hall and couldn't help the excitement. Everyone seemed to be gathered at tables according to their godly parents.

He spotted Eren seated beside Mikasa at her grand table at the very end of the hall. When the Goddess saw Armin, she waved her hand over. Before he could move, Dynami and Omorfia stood at his side.

"Eek!" He embarrassingly covered his mouth when a few kids from the Hephaestus cabin snickered at his scared sound. The two animals led him towards Mikasa's table, and he sat.

Mikasa smiled at him and stood up with her glass.

"Warriors!" she shouted. Everyone dropped into silence and gave them her undivided attention. Which wasn't to hard, from what Armin observed. Most of the males in the crowd seemed to be drooling, and it wasn't from the food. "Today, this grand day, we have been blessed with the arrival of two demigods. They are currently still unknown in regard to godly parent, so until that is determined, you are all to treat them as your own. Capture the Flag is tomorrow night, and the cabin team leaders are Ares-" The Area cabin all hounded each other in excitement, punching each other, slapping each other. It made Armin and Eren wince and had Eren hoping that Ares wasn't his father. "And the Apollo cabin." A bunch of blondes and bright smiled campers on the far-right table cheered and high-fived. "As for tonight, we will have a fire half an hour after the feast, and we will hopefully come to see the true origin of these two warriors. Now eat up, comrades."

The whole mess hall clapped and started to continue their conversations.

When Mikasa took her seat again, Eren spoke. "You guys play Capture the Flag?"

Mikasa nodded, taking a grape and popping it into her mouth. "We do. But I'm sure it's nothing compared to the game you played in school and with friends. People get hurt here, they bleed, they cry, but it's all part of the game. And everyone is on the same side, so we haven't had any deaths if you're curious."

Since Eren and Armin were thinking just that, they both sighed in relief.

"What if we aren't claimed tonight?" Armin asked. Mikasa paused, her drink half-way to her mouth.

"Well, it is possible. But the gods are sworn to claim their children once they turn 12."

"We're 18."

"Yes, which means it's bound to be tonight. I hope you don't mind the whispers, because there are bound to be some. They all know protocol, rules, expectations of the gods, and for you two to show up, alive and undamaged and eighteen-years old, you will be the talk of the camp. But if anyone gives you grief…" She waved her hand and 2 silver whistles appeared in her hand. She handed one to each of them. "These are diasosi whistles, if you blow into them, Dynami and Omorfia will come running. They will help you in any situation you need. A monster attack, an aggressive camper, a mischievous nature spirit, anything, and they'll help."

The two boys looked at the whistles.

"Does everybody have one?" Eren asked.

"No, think of this as a welcome gift. And here is another tip, if you blow into both at the exact same time, you will summon me, and I will do anything in my power to help. Also, this button?" She pointed to a button in the middle of the whistle, that both boys hadn't even noticed. "Press it when you're ready."

The pocketed the whistles and couldn't help the anticipation rising in their throats.

Firelight washed over the entire area, and Eren and Armin were amazed.

When Historia said fire, she meant it, Armin thought. The fire rose about 10 feet tall and the flames changed colors.

Mikasa stood in front of everyone, wearing a Greek-style dress as silver as moonlight. Armin sat beside Historia, who grabbed his hand when she saw him nervous. Eren was seated on the bottom row with Annie beside him.

Mikasa briefed them on the rules of Capture the Flag, she discussed the rotation for forest guard duty, the training for the season, who was to run which station. And also warned them to leave the water nymphs alone.

As Mikasa talked about the Ares and Apollo cabin's feud, lightning struck.

The whole camp let out a yelp and jumped in their seats. Before anyone could speak, Mikasa zoned in on Eren, who sat, the diasosi whistle in his hand. But instead of a whistle, it transformed into a 2-foot-long sword, bronze and blazing.

"Eren, you…"

Everyone stared at him and he shifted uncomfortably.

"Sorry, I just-"

"Hail, Eren Jaeger!" Mikasa suddenly said. "Son of Zeus, god of the sky, king of Olympus!" All the campers bowed to Eren, and he locked eyes with Armin. Armin shrugged, and took out his own whistle.

How did he do that? Armin thought. He inspected the whistle more closely, until his finger brushed against the button. Maybe if he…

He pressed the button. A bright flash came, and then nothing. But he was holding a bronze 12-inch blade instead of the whistle.

No lightning strike, no change in the air, no nothing. And Armin frowned.

Maybe it's nothing to do with the whistle, he thought. Maybe-

He was cut off by a simultaneous gasp coming from the campers. He looked up, saw Mikasa staring at him bewildered, and the campers giving him faces of awe.

He glanced around but saw nothing.

"What is everybody looking at?" he asked, voice echoing through the silence.

Before anyone could answer, something moved on his head. He looked up, heard a flutter, and an owl came and landed on his leg. Historia, who was seated beside him, stared at the glorious creature, so close she could touch it.

Armin stared at it, it stared at Armin. And he knew…

"Athena…" he whispered.

"Hail, Armin Arlert!" the Goddess said. "Son of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy!" The campers bowed a second time, toward Armin, and he let out a laugh.

"What's so special about 'em!?" some camper yelled. An Ares camper stood up with a scowl. "Why do they get the cool lightning strikes, the real owls, and those blades instead of a hovering hologram of their parent's sacred symbols!?"

Mikasa sighed. "The blades are from me, as for the claiming ritual, I can't be sure."

Murmurs were heard throughout the crowd, some accusing, some envying, some of both. And Eren and Armin avoided everyone's eyes.

Mikasa, noticing this, clapped her hands and a massive crash came. Dynami and Omorfia were at her side, growling and baring their teeth, while Mikasa glowed with her unsurpassable power. "Silence!" she shouted.

Everyone froze.

"We do not accuse, and certainly don't think less of any half-blood no matter their origin! You all know this! I am very disappointed."

After a breath, her power eased, and Armin could breathe again.

"Hange, if you wouldn't mind, could you please show Armin Arlert the ropes of being an Athena descendent?"

"Right away, Goddess." A woman with glasses stood up from the second row back and smiled at Armin.

"The rest of you, proceed to your cabins!"

As the campers took their leave for the night, Mikasa started to put out the fire.

Eren walked up.

"Excuse me, Goddess."

Mikasa turned. "You may call me Mikasa."

"M-Mikasa…um, where are my cabinmates?" he asked.

She didn't talk for a while, she avoided his eyes as she proceeded to dim the firelight.

"Mikasa?"

She sighed. "Eren, you are the only living descendant of Zeus. No one else here is an offspring."

Eren gave a look of confusion. "Wait, why? I don't have any siblings?"

"I'm afraid not. You see, Eren, there are three major gods, called the Big Three. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades…"

"God of the sky, god of the sea, god of the Underworld, right?"

"Correct. Years and years ago they made a pact to never see humans or give them young because of the power that child would harness. Children of the Big Three are considered…"

"Bad omens? Chaos? Monsters?"

"All three."

Eren's eyes widened a bit. "What?"

"I knew there was something about you, Eren. Something amazing, powerful, abnormal. Seems I was right. But those three consequences are nothing to what is expected of you. Your father is the King of Olympus. You are now seen as a leader, man number one, everyone's safety net. I hope you are up for it."

Eren didn't say anything. He ran his hands through his hair, a sign of stress.

Mikasa grabbed his hand. "I understand this is overwhelming, but I will be here to help you along the way." Eren stared at her. Her eyes swirling mist, her face glowing in the moonlight, and her power still radiating in the air.

"Where do I sleep?"

"There is a Zeus cabin, it was more for honor then housing, but it is livable. Come with me."

They stood in front of a massive white stone temple, with pillars shooting to the sky and power and respect floated off it.

"This is the Zeus cabin? Looks more like a death temple to me."

Mikasa laughed, handed him a change of clothes. "These are the camps training outfit. Should fit you just fine." She handed them to him, and they both stood there.

"Thank you, Mikasa."

She smiled. They both sat in silence for a minute, two, an eternity. Before Mikasa stepped forward, laid a kiss on his cheek, and stepped back.

"Good night, son of Zeus."

And with that, she sashayed away with Dynami and Omorfia at her side.

Eren laid a hand on his cheek, his skin sizzling where her pretty lips had touched.

He thinks he might like his new home.

Couldn't resist. Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, the whole bit enchanted me when I was coming into my preteen years. Never going to forget the adventures they went on, and the love they inspired. Hope you all got a chance to read those series. I highly recommend.