A middle-aged woman, perhaps 45 years old, stands next to her husband. Despite her age, she is still elegant, with her golden hair that is tied into a bun, brilliant grey eyes that analysed everything in front of her, and a necklace that was decorated with all sorts of small odd ornaments, including a trident.
By her side, with a hand on her shoulder is her husband. A handsome man, whose looks have managed to withstand the tests of time. With wavy black hair that had wisps of grey, a thick beard, bronze mediterranean skin, and beautiful green eyes that looked as if they contained the sea itself. He wore an odd orange shirt, and were anyone to ask, he would say he got it from his childhood summer camp.
In the woman's arms was a baby, who was peacefully sleeping. The baby unconsciously held the woman's shirt tightly, with a strength unfound in children so young.
The man gave a warm smile, a smile he had retained despite decades of fighting. "I know we should be angry at Charles, but I can't help but be happy that we're actually grandparents. I didn't think I'd live to see the day!" Though the joke was morbid, it was the truth. After all, demigods don't tend to have a long life-expectancy.
His wife gives out a sigh, "I'm happy as well, but we should still pretend to be disappointed at him. Honestly, what was he thinking? Becoming a dad at 19! Even you weren't that bad." The man lets out a laugh, and his wife can't help but smile as well. "I have to admit, she is adorable". She looks down at the person in question, who is still holding her grandmother's shirt with an iron grip.
"You know… the sooner you forgive him, the more time we get to spend with our cute granddaughter" The husband looks down at his granddaughter, and remembers the day his son was born. He would've rather faced Kronos all over again than have to deal with his wife's fury that day. But despite that fury, it was one of the happiest days of his life.
She looks at her husband with curiosity, "When did you become so smart, Seaweed Brain?" She too took a trip down memory lane. When their daughter was born. The birthing process was just as horrible as the first time. But it was still worth it. She was glad that their daughter had inherited her intelligence, because their son clearly hadn't, which was evident by the bundle of joy in her arms.
Her husband gives a kiss on her forehead, "Well I guess a little bit of your wisdom rubbed off on me after all these years, Wise Girl". He also gives a kiss on his granddaughter's forehead, "Did Charles and his girlfriend decide on a name?"
She smiles at her husband, knowing the following information would bring him more joy, "Yes. Zoe. Zoe Jackson. He probably thought we'd be less mad at him if he chose that name." The husband laughs once more, wiping away a stray tear of happiness.
The two hug one another, taking in the moment.
And the scene disappears in a parade of flames.
Two men stare at one another, both wearing suits. The shorter of them has hair black as night, and sunken eyes just as dark too. They had pale skin that looked almost as white as quartz, though he didn't seem to be sickly, in fact he had a smile that didn't seem to suit his face.
Opposing him was his polar opposite. Hair as yellow as the sun, naturally tanned skin, and eyes as blue as the sky. Though his features were largely overshadowed by his smile that seemed to irradiate joy.
In between them was a centaur, with sturdy legs and a tall stature. Of course, he was wearing a suit, though it was clear that the tailor didn't have suit-pants that could fit a horse. He looks between the two, and glances at the book in his hand, before talking to everyone in the venue. It was about 40 people or so. Some family members, but mostly friends and demigods from the two groom's shared camp. But interestingly, there were gods sitting in the audience, though they pretended to be normal people. And off in the distance, stood the ghost of a mother who had a look of pride on her face.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Nico Di Angelo and William Andrew Solace in matrimony. Today, they will express their love and commitment through their vows. Nico and Will, please face each other and join hands."
The two grooms face each other, holding hands tightly, their gazes locked. A small cry could be heard from those seated, but anyone could tell it was joy and pride.
"Nico, please begin your vows." The centaur says. He had officiated many weddings in his life, and he would continue doing so, for the sheer pride and joy he felt was unrivalled.
The man with black hair takes a deep breath, his voice filled with the emotions he often kept hidden from the world. "Will, from the moment we first met, when you first held my hand, I knew that you were the one. You made me feel like I belonged, and showed my acceptance that I never expected. You gave me more than I ever deserved, and with you by my side, I feel stronger than any god. You are the light of my life, and the one I wish to spend my life with. In this life and the next. This I swear on the River Styx" Though some gasped at the oath uttered in the last sentence, the two grooms had long since decided to make the oath as a sign of their love.
Will's eyes glisten with tears of joy as he listened, resisting the urge to kiss his soon-to-be husband. And now it was his turn, "Nico, I swear to love you fiercely, to stand by your side through life's challenges, and to celebrate every moment of joy and laughter with you. In times of darkness, I will be your light, your refuge, and your unwavering support. Not even Tarturus could stop me. Together, I know we will create a lifetime of cherished memories and a love that knows no bounds. I will always love you, in this life and the next. This I swear on the River Styx."
The waterworks were in full swing in the audience, and tissues were being handed out.
Chiron smiles, holding back his own tears, "And now, the moment we have all been waiting for. Please repeat after me. Nico di Angelo, do you take William Andrew Solace to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?"
"I do"
"William Andrew Solace, do you take Nico di Angelo to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?"
"I do!"
"By the power vested in me, and blessings of Olympus, I now pronounce you husband and husband! You may now kiss!"
The guests cheer and clap as Nico and Will share a tender and loving kiss with another, forever sealing their promises to one another.
After their kiss, the newlyweds smile brightly, filled with joy and love as they embrace their new journey together.
And just like the previous scene, the sight of the marriage was engulfed, though by darkness instead of flames.
I stand in an empty void, though it is not cold like the one I met when I died. And more importantly, I was processing what I had seen, or dreamt. I think I was in a dream, at least. But still, in the first part of the dream, I'm pretty sure those two were Annabeth and Percy. And there was Nico and Will in the second dream. But what was it? Visions of the future? But fate was broken or something, right?
"You can come out… whoever you are!" I shout into the blank abyss. I had no clue if somebody was here, but I took an educated guess. Suddenly, an elderly woman wrapped in cloth appeared, her face obscured by a hood, but I instinctively knew who she was, or what she was. "The Fates! You promised to leave me be!" Unlike the first time I had met one of them, I was far less respectful. I've really had enough of godly shenanigans.
"Ah, but you are wrong. We merely promised that we would not harm you, but we can still try to convince you to not affect our strings." She chuckled. Then it made sense why I saw those visions.
"Those dreams… you were using those to convince me!" I responded in realisation, "Was that the future?"
"Nay, that was the future, before you disrupted it. That is the future you risk erasing with your actions. Are you willing to sacrifice their happiness for your own, little hero?" Damn, she's pretty good at manipulation. But I was too self-aware for it to work on me. I knew what she was doing.
"I am not sacrificing shit." I retort, "I may be risking their happiness, but I will make sure that everyone gets the life they deserve! Luke, Bianca, Zoe, Charles, Silena, and so many more. They all deserve happiness as well, and I have the ability to do so!"
There is a moment of silence, before a laugh could be heard, "My my, you may be more entertaining than our threads. Very well, Gilgamesh. You may awaken."
I shoot up from the bed, gasping for air. I look around me, at the familiar room that smells of chemicals. It was the camp's medical room. Lucky me, I survived my own attack. In retrospect, it was beyond dumb to create a miniature fucking sun. Who did I think I was? Goku? At least it got the job done.
I look down to my body, and see it wrapped in bandages. Noticing my HP is full, I rip off the bandages that covered my body. I frown, as I see burn marks all over my body, probably from my giant Heliosphere. There were also small shock scars from Thalia's lightning but that should go away soon hopefully. Plus I had large claw scars from Alecto, which were probably there to stay there. Ah well, it wasn't so bad. Scars are hot, right?
Unfortunately, my trousers and underwear were also gone, since my lower half had to be bandaged as well, but I always kept a spare set of clothes in my Inventory. Dressed with fresh clothes, and fully rested, I do some stretches, and feel the relief of a thousand massages. God damn it felt great.
I jumped back onto the bed, and opened my notifications, and boy did I have a shit ton. Before I had rushed into battle to save Thalia, I had received a quest that was similar to Luke's and Halcyon's.
Quest Complete!
Changing Fate: Thalia Grace
Thalia Grace, the daughter of Zeus, and future Lieutenant of Artemis. She lost years of her childhood due to her father's idiotic attempt at saving her. All because of Hades's forces. Perhaps there's a way to save her.
Objective: Save Thalia from becoming a tree
Rewards: EXP, 150 Stat Points, 50 Free Skill Levels, Earthbending, Allspeak, Mystery Box
You have levelled up (27 - 29)!
Calculating Total EXP gathered during Fight at Halfblood Hill…
…
You have levelled up (29 - 33)!
I grin at the sight of the hoard of stat points I had now. 180 stat points was nothing to scoff at. And at level 33, my HP and MP eclipsed Thalia's when we had first met, though through the month, her HP and MP had increased by the looks of it.
50 Free Skill Levels were also very good, and by the looks of it, I could allocate them separately. So, I put 11 Skill Levels to Sword-Fighting, finally raising it to 50. I put 14 into Archery raising it to Level 35. I tended to focus on swords more, so Archery was far behind, but it was still respectable. I put 10 skill levels into Photokinesis, and 15 into Photomancy, thus using up the rest of my Free Skill Levels.
My other rewards were just as good. Earthbending was one of the more versatile elements in Avatar, and had loads of applications, which was great. And Allspeak was a skill that originated from Marvel comics that allowed the Asgardian to speak and understand any language. Although the skill I received was slightly different from what I knew of Allspeak as it also allowed me to read and write the languages as well. Of course there were some limitations, but it was still extremely useful.
And there was also a Mystery Box, but I'll save it for later. Since I had 180 Stat Points, I decided to split them up between Luck, Willpower, and Intelligence. The first one was useful in general, and the last two were beneficial to my Magic attacks, which were necessary for my fighting style.
With most of that done, I decided it was time to stretch my legs, as I made my way out of the medical room. My eyes wince at sheer brightness outside. Thank the gods that Summer would soon be over. Anyway, it seemed mostly everyone was busy with their schedules, leaving me free to walk about.
Hmmm… Where the fuck is Halfblood Hill? I looked in all directions, even after climbing to the roof of the camp's medical building for a better view, I could not see the familiar sight of Halfblood Hill. Did I damage my eyes after that fight? Fuck, I hope not. I had glasses in my previous life, and I was thoroughly enjoying not having to wear them in this life.
Considering that Halfblood Hill should be South East from where I am, as long as I head that direction, I should theoretically end up where the Hill should be.
As I make my way towards Halfblood Hill, I realise why I didn't see it. The entire hill had been levelled, turned into a small mound with a curved top. It was about half the size than it had originally been. What had happened? It couldn't have been… Fucking hell. My giant Heliosphere. Could it have done it?
I walk up the Hill, and when I reach the new summit, I gasp. The top hadn't been curved exactly, no. The top half of what was once a brilliant hill that looked over the entire camp, had been replaced by a gaping crater. Within the crater, there was no grass, no sign of life or nature. It was a scorched earth.
My Heliosphere did this.
I sit at the edge of the crater, and stare at the utter destruction I had caused.
And I laughed.
It wasn't one of mania or evil. It was one of excitement. This crater was proof. Proof that I could be beyond powerful. If I could create a crater like this now, with just a bit of assistance, then a few years, I could probably throw giant Heliospheres without a problem. I was a force of nature now, or close to it. Maybe it was a little exaggeration, but it would be true within time.
"Hmm… Well that's not concerning," A suave voice sarcastically comments, as it comes closer towards me. Immediately I feel an amazing warmth touching my back, as if I were on a beach sunbathing. It was like I was in the height of summer where everything felt like nothing could go wrong.
I turn around and resist the urge to drool. After all, all Observe made it clear that this dude is my biological father. Chiselled chin that looked as if it were carved from marble, golden hair which was tied up in a man bun, that shined greater than any treasure, his blue eyes that weren't merely the colour of the sky, but felt like the sky itself, and tanned skin that glistened in the sun. He wore deep azure jeans, complimented by his white zip hoodie that wasn't closed up, revealing his toned abs. And of course, the guy was wearing fucking Jordans.
"Sup kid." Apollo, God of the Sun, grinned, with his pure white teeth, "I've been waiting a long time to meet ya'." Shit. This guy was kinda cool. "I think we've got a lot to talk about."
5 Minutes Later…
I took another bite of my burrito, trying my best to not look at the Sun God next to me who was also eating a burrito. I just didn't really know what to make of him. On one hand, he was always one of the more amicable gods that Percy interacted with. But on the other hand, he's a god. He's committed enough atrocities to make the Geneva Convention look like playground rules. Before the Trials of Apollo books started, Apollo's only interaction with his children was when he sentenced Halcyon to his punishment. Hell, he only found out his son died long after his death. But he was still one of the 'good guys', or as I said to Luke, a lesser evil.
"You've caused one hell of commotion up in Olympus, Gill" Apollo says to me in between bites, his legs dangling off the edge of the crater we were sitting on. "Though it wasn't as big of a commotion like when I beat Python. You ever heard of that brilliant tale? I've got a haiku about it!" Before I could stop the god, he began to recite his haiku.
"Golden bow drawn taut,
Apollo's fiery gaze falls,
Python breathes no more."
When he finishes he looks at me with a proud expression. It hurt to tell him, but some deep part of me had the integrity of an artisan, who felt the need to correct him. "Apollo…" I start, hesitant. I knew he wouldn't mind me using his name. It simply wasn't in his nature to be mad at such a minor thing. "Your second line has an extra syllable…" I immediately flinched as the God of Poetry wilted. But I had solution, "If you change fiery to blazing, then that'd fix it"
Apollo recited the haiku with my suggestion, and a smile that shone brighter than any sun appeared on his face, causing him to grab me in a side hug which felt very… uncomfortable. "Not bad kid! I was testing you of course!" Yup, there was Apollo's well known arrogance. "Anyway, where were we?"
"You were talking about Olympus"
"Oh yeah," He takes another swift bite out of his burrito, "Dad was beyond mad at Hades, that he summoned him to Olympus. It was kind of funny since he was wearing his helm, and a lot of the people that were on Olympus began fainting. You were asleep, but when Dad and Hades were arguing, the very earth shook. Actually I think a couple of earthquakes struck Florida. I haven't seen Dad so angry since the 2339th argument with Uncle Poseidon about who was Granny Rhea's favourite."
I felt a bit of whiplash when Apollo referred to some of the most powerful gods with such familial terms, but I guess they were still family, no matter how much they messed with each other. But as for Zeus and Hades's arguments, I suppose it made sense for them to meet, though the books never mentioned that.
"Anyway, after that, Hades and Zeus swore that they wouldn't attack each other's children anymore, meaning your friend Thalia is safe." I let out a small breath of relief. That meant Thalia's life wouldn't be at risk every time we left the camp, and Nico and Bianca would also have an easier time when they left the Lotus Hotel. I wonder if Hades and Zeus made the same agreement in the canon timeline. "Between you and me, I think Hades has a kid of his own. I mean it was he who made the proposal. So why specify his children, then?" Was… Apollo gossiping with me? Either way, it wouldn't do if people knew of Nico's existence.
"Maybe he plans on having some?" I suggest. I knew Apollo could tell whether a person was lying, but I wasn't lying. Simply proposing a possibility, and giving no personal opinion or fact.
Apollo ponders the idea, "Maybe the old man found a mortal he likes. Yikes, Persephone's gonna be a pain to deal with for the next decade." It's a little weird that Apollo was more concerned that Persephone would be angry, rather than the possible birth of a hypothetical child of prophecy. "But anyway, then the topic of the council came to you. A lot of gods were watching you fight. And let me tell ya' kiddo, that was a pretty sweet fight. It's been a couple centuries since one of my kids could use light like you did. Seriously, punching down Alecto was hilarious. You have no clue how much I wanted to smite her."
Whilst Apollo talked on about beating up Alecto and the other Furies, my mind was thinking about the Olympians, or rather, Zeus. He was a paranoid motherfucker. He's repeatedly threatened to kill Percy simply because the kid was powerful. Hell, even in the myths the guy was a freak. He ate the wife he had before Hera, simply because of a prophecy that said the son birthed from the wife would usurp Zeus. Frankly, the guy was only slightly better than Kronos. Anyway, I should go back to listening to Apollo. I think he's back on topic.
"So Zeus wanted to chain you up, Prometheus-Style, but I told the big guy that if he wanted to get to you, he'd have to get through me!" He grinned, putting a hand around my shoulder. Well, at least I know that Zeus wanted me out of the equation. And that Apollo doesn't know my arsenal of powers.
"Apollo," I address, snapping him out of his boasting. He has a small frown on his face. I wonder if it's because I'm not calling him 'Dad', "I also have the ability to tell lies. Can you tell me what actually happened?"
The Sun God immediately becomes mildly depressed, before telling the truth, "A majority of the gods wanted to lock you up, or banish you to an island like Calypso. Poseidon, Hephaestus, Diyonysus, and Artie, abstained, however Hades, Zeus, Demeter and Hera wanted you banished. Only me, Ares, and Aphrodite, voted against such a thing."
"...Why on Olympus would Ares and Aphrodite be in favour of my freedom" I asked, completely confused. I don't think I've ever given a thought about their existence since I've started my new life.
Apollo gave a lazy shrug, finishing his burrito, "Ares loved your little show. He loves any one-sided battle. The Battle of Thermopylae was one of his favourite battles throughout history. Of course he's gonna wanna see more from you. And Aphrodite… I honestly have no clue. Half the time, she does things for shits and giggles."
"...So are you here to throw me onto a secluded island?" Whilst it'd probably be annoying, maybe I could use that time to train and develop skills, and then escape. Heh, maybe I'd become bitter towards the gods, and go full-Kratos on them.
"No." Apollo shook his head, as the burrito wrapper in his hand exploded into light, "Before a sentence could be passed, the… Fates showed up. They told Zeus that he would regret for eternity if he were to exile you. And let me tell you, if there is one thing that Father fears, it's those hags."
The Fates? They had saved me? Why? I remember speaking to one whilst I was asleep. She said I was… entertaining. Is that it? Is that seriously why I'm free right now? I'd rather not be indebted to them. But still, I guess those hags did actually have their uses. Although, there was still one question in my mind. "Ok, that explains a lot, though, I have to ask… Why did you vote in favour of my freedom?"
Apollo looks taken aback for a minute, a shocked expression, "Why wouldn't I? You're my son, Gill!" I too was a little surprised by his fatherly attitude, but I wasn't sure that I bought it.
"Halcyon"
Apollo's expression changes to one solemn and guilty. "I… I saw him earlier. He's so old now. I didn't want to do it to him, Gill. You've got to understand." He was telling the truth. He was actually telling the truth. Oh shit.
"Then… why? Why was he imprisoned for so long?"
An uncharacteristically grim smile rests upon his face, "The same reason why you're free right now. The Fates. We were at an impasse on what to do to Halcyon, on whether he should be punished or not. Frankly, there wasn't even a discussion for imprisoning him. But then the Fates came, enraged. They demanded Halcyon be imprisoned for messing with their threads, and we had no choice but to do it. Zeus did not care about Halcyon enough to dare tempt the Fates. But, I decided it was my responsibility to take Halcyon to his prison, as my own punishment for not standing up for."
I had no words for such a reveal. Never could I have imagined that this was the story behind Hal's tragic tale. Was this truly canon? Or was this a side-effect of an alternate universe? Either way, it made sense. Apollo was always depicted as a good-natured guy, even if he was arrogant, narcissistic, and prone to fits of rage. It makes sense that Apollo was forced to imprison his kid.
"That makes sense" I sigh, "But you should apologise to Hal, at least." I carefully look at Apollo's face. How would he react? Well, his face twisted into one full of reluctance, shame, and guilt. I guess the godly side of him hated the idea of apologising.
"...Fine," He sighs, "You're a good kid, y'know. I won't ask how you're already so strong, but… be careful. Ok, Gilgamesh?" Before I could respond, the God of Light disappeared in front of my eyes, leaving only a trail of golden dust, me, and my half eaten burrito.
Man, it's a really good burrito.
A few minutes pass by, and I look at the crater, alone and in silence, and a thought comes to mind. I slide down to the centre of the crater, where lay a small flat circle of land. Something felt odd about the dirt here. I grab a handful of the dirt, and in my hand I use Observe on it.
Name: Mana-Enriched Dirt
Type: Soil
Rank: A
Item Effects: +50% Plant Growth, Injects Mana into Biological Matter
Item Description: This is Mana-Enriched Dirt taken from Mana-Enriched Soil. If a seed is planted into Mana-Enriched Soil, then the plant sprouted will not need any sunlight or water as Mana will supply its needs instead.
Perfect. The soil here was probably enhanced like this because of the Heliosphere. What hadn't been eviscerated had instead been filled with my MP. Works for me.
I take out one of the rewards I got for arriving in Camp Halfblood. A Seed of Yggdrasil, which one grown would allow me to teleport around the continent. It'll be very useful if the war against Kronos breaks out.
But it will take a long time, and I had no idea when it'll be ready for usage, but the soil here should help at the least. I plant the seed beneath the soil, and walk back up to the edge of the crater. The view was nice from here. Maybe the tree that'll soon grow here will make it look better
1 Hour Later…
Near the Cabins…
I had spent an hour by the crater, simply relaxing, but when the sun was beginning to set, I decided it was best to go back to Camp.
As soon as I stepped near the Cabin area, I was immediately tackled to the ground, caught off guard. "I FOUND HIM!" The person who had tackled me shouted aloud. Whoever had knocked me down, was clearly a young girl. And now she was sitting on my back, probably in an attempt to stop me from moving. What the fuck happened at camp whilst I was gone?
Despite the child on my back, I easily got up, throwing her off me. She lets out a yelp in shock, and I take a look at her. Ah, Annabeth Chase, in the flesh. What a weird way to meet. I wonder if it's a way to say hello in San Francisco.
"Hello?" I awkwardly greet, as the 7-year-old gets up from the grass. Her grey eyes looked like a storm was inside them. Was she angry? Her blonde hair was cut to the bottom of her chin, and she was a little shorter than me. I remember that dream I had, of her and Percy with their granddaughter. How odd it is, for her to look like that in less than 40 years.
"What's the big idea!" She angrily says to me, wiping some grass off her orange shirt, "Why did you knock onto the ground!" She had an odd look of fury which really didn't suit her childish face. It took all the Willpower in me to not laugh.
"You knocked me down first" I retorted, a little annoyed, but ultimately struggling to not laugh.
Although, it did make Annabeth angrier, "Yeah, but that's because you're the one who ran away from Camp!" Ah that makes sense. I did kinda disappear from my medical bed without telling anyone. But still, she knocked me down first.
"But that doesn't mean you can tackle me, Goldilocks" I sneer at her. Was it low of me to sink down to name-calling a seven-year-old? Fuck yeah. But I'd be damned if I let her talk down to me like this.
"That doesn't make sense" Annabeth's anger seems to subside, as confusion takes its place, "You're also blonde."
…
…
Fuck, I was, wasn't I? I absolutely forgot that my hair colour was different from my previous life.
Goddammit! How the fuck do I make myself look like a fool to a fucking 7-year-old?! Did I burn my brain cells when I used Heliosphere? What was the point of having over 100 stat points in Intelligence?
"Ha! You're super dumb!" She laughs, practically rubbing it in. Maybe I could make another giant Heliosphere? It didn't have to be too big, just big enough to scare her… Urgh, that's way too asshole-ish, unfortunately. "I guess you've been in the sun too long… Sunshine!"
…
…
Ain't no way, this shitty seven-year-old not only had the gall to call me, the guy who can make miniature suns, Sunshine, but made up a better name for me than I did for her. What was her dumbass Intelligence anyway?!
Intelligence: 560
No. No. NOOOOO!
Why do you hate me? System! Why do brats like her have awesome stats, whilst I have to scrape by like a peasant from the Middle Ages!
Hmm… Maybe I should use my Heliosphere…
Fuck. My shitty morals say I can't physically attack her… But what about mentally?
"I may not be some sort of prodigy, but at least I'm stronger than you'll ever be" I sneered, though deep inside I was cringing at every word I said.
"Oh yeah? Well, the pen is mightier than the sword!" It didn't help that the child in front of me was saying equally cringey lines. I also noticed that her hands were balled up into fists. Ah, she was probably gonna have a tantrum.
"Uh huh, and how much help was that pen when you were being chased by hellhounds." Her face immediately darkened, and her body began shaking. Shit, I think I went too far. She probably had a bit of trauma from that experience, as well. What the fuck was I doing, bullying child? How can I call myself a good person? I made my way to the girl, to calm her down, "Crap, sorry. I shouldn't have-"
However, I was instead met with a swift kick to my nether regions.
"AARGH! FUCK! You goddamn demon! FUCK!" I shout, as I fall to the ground, tears at the corner of my eye. This pain was far worse than any I had ever felt before. Any man knows such terrible pain.
Utter rage flows through my veins, as Annabeth looks at me with concern.
Nuh uh, kid. Too little, too late.
Fuck gender norms, by the end of the day, she's gonna get judo-flipped. I don't know how to judo flip someone, but I'll figure it out.
10 minutes later…
The Big House…
Chiron looks down at Annabeth at I with a disappointment clear as day on his face, and for some reason, that stung worse than my bruised chin. Annabeth also winced, though I wasn't sure whether it was from Chiron, or the ice on her forehead, "I really, really expected better of you two. Especially you Gill." He says to us, as he rubs his temple. "What on earth possessed you to disappear from Camp. Surely you realise that everyone was worried about you."
I look away, a little embarrassed that I was being told off like a child, "I wanted to clear my head and stretch. I didn't even leave the camp, I just went to Halfblood Hill!" Or what was left of it, "And then… Apollo showed up."
"I suppose that explains it. He does have a disposition of long speeches" Chiron sighs. It seems fortune was favouring me, as the Trainer of Heroes was attributing the reason why I was gone for so long to Apollo. "But that does not explain why you and Annabeth ended up fighting one another, and why you both have several bruises."
"She started it!" "He started it!"
Annabeth and I shout in unison, and the glare at each. It was childish of me, but I was very peeved at the daughter of Athena. Stuck-up, arrogant, and worst of all, childish. I can't believe I ever thought she was cool. The books were clearly biassed.
"You're the one who tackled me to the ground!"
"But you're the one that knocked me down!"
"That's cuz you were sitting on me!"
"Because you escaped!"
"I'm not some prisoner, Goldilocks!"
"That insult is still stupid, Sunshine!"
"ENOUGH!" Chiron bellows, making our argument cease. And then I realised what I had been doing for the past 10 seconds. Why the fuck was I arguing like a child, with a child. Did Annabeth have a secret ability to make others dumber so she could seem smarter? "It is clear that I will have to speak to the two of you separately. Annabeth, why don't you go to your cabin. I'm sure Samuel will need to have words with you."
Ah yes. Apparently I had been unconscious for 2 entire weeks. Whilst my body had healed within a day (which the campers attributed to Apollo being the God of Healing), my mind had been severely exhausted, meaning it had to rest for a bit. It was annoying that I had lost out on stat points, but it wasn't too much of a problem. Apparently, the only reason I survived the impact of the blast was because Apollo had used some of his power to shield me from completely burning up. At least, that's what he had told Chiron and Zeus.
And during those two weeks I was out, Annabeth, Thalia, and Luke had gotten claimed by their parents, whilst Hal was temporarily staying in the Big House. All the campers that had gone out to retrieve the kids and Hal, had been healed, and got to watch their burial shroud burn, whilst Grover wasn't able to receive his Searcher's Licence as his task was deemed 'Beyond unreasonable for someone with his lack of experience'. It looks like he'll be meeting up with Percy in a few years then.
Annabeth stood and made to leave, eyes glaring at me. This was going to be a thing, wasn't it? Did I have a camp rival now? Should I be embarrassed that my rival was a seven-year-old girl? Gosh, my life is insane and annoying.
The girl leaves, shutting the door with a strong swing, clearly showing her childishness, and Chiron's attention turns to me. "Gilgamesh. I thought you were more mature than this? You should be helping young Annabeth, not fighting her"
I rub the back of my head, feeling embarrassed, "I've honestly got zero idea, Chiron. She's just such a brat. She was way better in my visions" Or rather the books.
Chiron lets out a light chuckle. "It's called growing up. People change. Or maybe she simply has another reason for disliking you. Regardless, I'm glad that you held back."
"Of course, Chiron." I say, slightly insulted, "I'm not going to whip out my sword on a 7-year-old." Even though I'd love to do it on that brat.
"Very well. I hope you do become friends with young Annabeth. I'd hate to see more strife in this camp" Damn Chiron, when you say it like that, I have no choice but to try to be her friend. Damn you and your Charisma stat.
I get up and make my way out, "Yeah sure. I'll try Chiron." I left the Big House, and was met with an even bigger annoyance. Thalia Grace, lightning spear in hand, glaring at me. And Jamie, the councillor for the Apollo cabin, with a first aid kit in hand. "Uh hello?"
"Hey Gill…" Thalia greets with a malicious smile, "I heard you tried to escape camp. Jamie and I have the perfect punishment for you. Two hours of one on one sparring. How does that sound?" Ah, fuck.
"Come on, guys! Let's be reason." I plead, taking a step back. "I didn't even try to escape camp!"
"That's not one Annabeth said." My shitty councillor Jamie chirps in. Oh that fucking owl brat. Screw Chiron, I am going to show that kid the power of the Sun!
But right now, I had bigger problems.
"She lied!" I shout, before casting a Windblast at them, knocking them back, with Jamie falling onto the ground. Taking the chance, I begin running, and I see Thalia chasing after me, her spear pointed right at me.
"GET BACK HERE, GILL!" She shouts, as I use a Windblast to push me ahead.
Call it a gut feeling, but this was going to be a long few years.
Author's Notes: Et Voila! Done with this chapter. Took a little longer than expected because I wasn't too sure how to start it, but I'm happy with the result. I especially like those visions of the future. The Nico and Will Wedding was very cute.
As Always, thanks for the support everyone! We've had an astronomical increase in everything, like followers, reviews, and favourites, and the little asian boy in me is loving that validation.
Oh and sorry about the Thalia Quest having only been mentioned in this chapter. I thought I had written it in Chapter 14, but no dice. Ah, it doesn't make much of a difference.
On a side note, Our next chapter will have the biggest Timeskip yet, which will be approximately 11 Months (More like 10 months and 3 Weeks) into the future! Exactly a year when Gill first arrives into this new world. For those wondering, the day will be May 14th. Idk why that day and number, but it works for me. So yeah, Gill arrived in the Percy Jackson Universe on May 14th 2001.
Unless I mixed up the Timeline somehow… Bah, who cares. It doesn't affect the story much anyway.
Anyway here is Gil's Player Profile:
Name: Gilgamesh Ashford
Age: 8
Level: 33
Title: Halfblood Resident
HP: 4870/4870
MP: 5230/5230
Stats
Strength: 106
Agility: 72
Endurance: 76
Charisma: 65
Intelligence: 126
Willpower: 113
Luck: 105
Stat Points: 0