Chapter 19: I get filled in on the rest.

"Are you sure you all have enough snacks?" Grover asked us.

I looked in our hoodie bag filled with Doritos, Oreos and sugary drinks. You know, the good stuff to eat after a quest. "I think we're good Grover thanks," Grover himself was eating an empty candy wrapper with chocolate around his scruffy goatee. He has spend the trip to the airport making sure we were stocked up for our plane ride.

"Do you guys think we need anything else?" I asked Sabrina and Glen. Both were trying their best to stay awake. I couldn't lie, I was really tired myself. We had rested for a moment while Percy was driving us to the airport and I was able to take a nap. Glen and Sabrina weren't as lucky. To be fair they were arguing during the ride about who did more during the quest.

Sabrina let out a huge yawn. "Unless you have one of those neck pillows I'm good," she said as she yawned again. Glen didn't respond but he wasn't silent. His head was thrown back and the sound of snoring was coming from him. "I guess Glens good too," Sabrina added.

" I talked to Frank before he left," Percy began to say. "He was going to talk to the senate about buying you three plane tickets. You should be all set if you go to the service desk and give them your names. At least that's what Frank said," Percy finished saying before stepping back to his friends.

"Thanks for everything Percy, I owe you big time," I said.

"Don't sweat it, I'll always help a Demigod who needs it".

"We'll stop by camp in a few days to check up on everyone," Annabeth said leaning on Percy.

"Thanks for everything," Sabrina said as she hugged Annabeth.

We all shook hands and went our own ways. Our quest was over and we could finally have a moment of peace. No more monsters or gods, well at least for now. Sabrina eagerly started walking inside the airport before I stopped her.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" I asked

She turned around confused. "Forgetting what?"

I raised an eyebrow and cleared my throat."Ahem".

"Mhhh we have snacks and I have my bow and bag…"

I moved my eyes toward Glen who was still sleeping standing up.

Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Do we have to? He looks so peaceful and I wouldn't want to wake him up…"

"GLEN!" I shouted next to him which was a mistake. His reflexes were faster than mine. Which caused him to quickly smash my face with his fist. I fell down on the sidewalk with blurry vision looking at Glen.

"Huh? What? Who's… Oh my gods Adin I'm so sorry!" He started helping me up.

My face was stinging like crazy. I could start to feel my face start to swell. People all around were staring but ultimately didn't care since they were too busy trying to make their flight on time.

"Ugh its um alright…" My vision was still kinda blurry and I felt dizzy but luckily the two helped me to my feet. They helped me inside the airport, it was loud and crowded which wasn't really the same as the Detroit airport. The three of us shuffled through the crowd to the service desk.

We told the receptionist our names and she gave us odd looks. Glen puffed out his chest trying to be intimidated but the lady didn't seem to care. Then she focused on me. Her eyes widened and the pupils grew in size. I've seen that look from ladies and a few men on this quest and realized she had become infatuated with me. She had to be of college age and it creeped me out.

She stared at me for a couple seconds with her hand holding her head up. Sabrina decided to be the one to speak up. "Soooo, may we have our tickets?" Sabrina asked. The lady snapped out of her trance and focused back on her computer. After printing the stack of tickets she handed it to us. "Here you go! You three already have a few layovers but I was able to upgrade all your seats to first class"!

"Thanks!" I said looking through the three tickets. First to Colorado, then Florida and finally we would land in New York. "Anything for you handsome" The help desk lady said. She went back to leaning on the desk with her head in her hand. A creepy shiver went through me and I was more than happy to get out of there.

We made our way through the crowd and to our gate. Luckily we only had to wait an hour for our first flight. Going off of the times for the other tickets however it would take awhile. We won't be back to Camp Half-Blood until tomorrow. After that, I don't have to hear anymore of Sabrina and Glens sibling like bickering anymore.

Finally stepping onto the plane was nice. I was on edge the whole time waiting for a monster to show up. Glen was on edge too, however I calmed down once we stepped on the plane. Glen on the other hand, I was convinced would get us kicked off. He kept on looking at every inch and corner. Sabrina didn't say anything but was obviously still annoyed by him.

Sabrina and I took our first class seats which weren't actually as nice as I thought they'd be. It was really just extra leg room with our own tvs with movies to watch. Hey, its wayyy better than flying chariot airlines.

I went across the aisle to Glens seat to recommend a movie for him to calm down. It was like fighting with a fussy child, he was still on edge in case of a monster attack. I scrolled through the movie catalog, Luckily he seemed interested enough in 300 (Shocker I know right?). I took a double take at Glen. I just noticed he wasn't wearing his iconic leather jacket. I wonder what happened to it? I went and plopped down in my seat next to Sabrina.. There were only two seats in each row so it was just us. I took in a deep breath and tried to relax.

"ATTENTION EVERYONE! PLEASE FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS AND PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF" Said the pilot over the PA system. Minutes passed and we were finally up in the air on our way to Colorado. The flight attendants passed by and would occasionally stare at me before offering me extra goods like candy, or soda. One of them even offered me alcohol, I had to inform her that I was underage and NOT allowed to drink. I don't even think I'll drink when I'm older, not after the Lotus Lemonade situation.

"Hey Adin?" Sabrina said and got my attention. She was looking out the window but turned to me when she called my name. "Thanks for choosing me to go on this quest. I learned a lot and even besides the deadly challenges, I had a good time". She made me smile which is something she's good at "And thanks for choosing Glen too. Him and I may not get along all the time and I find him annoying…" She went on with all the things wrong with Glen, I didn't say anything but I agreed on a few things. "... But it was nice to spend time with him again. He's grown a lot on this quest".

Her bright blue eyes stunned me for a second. Her blonde hair and bangs contrasted her red cheeks and big smile. For a moment it felt like I was the one hypnotized by beauty. "Ever since I arrived at camp you've been so nice to me. I'm glad that-" I was caught off guard by her laying her head on my shoulder. I listened briefly and could hear her snoring quietly. My smile grew and I let her sleep. I rested my eyes and drifted asleep too.

The cycle of getting off the plane, waiting for the next one and boarding the plane happened two more times. Not to mention Glen and Sabrinas occasional bickering. The three of us got a few odd looks every now and then. Especially when he was scouting for monsters. When we got on our final plane to New York, Glen was sure the pilot was a wind spirit. Why? Because he looked at us and said "You'll all be soaring in no time!" After we were told we had to wait for an extra hour.

I was awoken on the ride to New York by an announcement over the PA system. "ATTENTION PASSENGERS, WE ARE AN HOUR AWAY FROM LANDING!" The flight attendant said from the front of the plane using a microphone. She was staring at me from the front and quickly came to my side. "Is there anything I can get for you Mr. Peterson?" This flight attendant was very overbearing. "Um, no thanks but I need to use the bathroom," She stepped aside to let me go.

I shuffled inside the little bathroom. There were little hand soaps and extra toilet paper on the counter in front of the toilet. I sat down to do my business. I got up and washed my hands, then an idea struck.I grabbed anything I could while the water was running. I tried to jam a piece of soap in the faucet and water mist came out.

"Oh Iris goddess of the rainbow, please accept this offering!"I pulled out my last golden drachma and threw it in the little rainbow.

I jumped when someone started knocking on the door."Excuse me are you almost done! I have to use the bathroom!" The voice was masculine and sounded eager.

"One second finishing up!" I told the guy. I leaned in toward the rainbow and whispered. "Show me Argus, camp Half-Blood," after a moment of static Argus appeared. He was walking through the camp. Behind him, new campers were arriving with luggage in the background. Other campers were doing repairs on the various buildings that were destroyed in their 'Mr. D free chaos'.

"Argus!" I got his attention and he turned to the Iris message.

"Hey can you do us a solid and pick us up from the airport. If you're not too busy?" Argus nodded and then waved goodbye."EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEAT AND PREPARE FOR LANDING" the pilot announced as I walked out.

The car pulled up to the borders of camp. Throughout were still new and returning campers showing up. We drove past a few of them as Argus parked. "It's good to be back," Glen stated. That was something all of us could agree on.

From the Big House, Chiron came running the second he saw us. He seemed to have relaxed majorly since the last time we saw him. He didn't even really seem that eager or fast when coming toward us. "Adin, Sabrina and Glen. It is good to see your return. I am proud of you three and your accomplishments during the quest. I received Annabeth's Iris message explaining everything. It is good to see you three returned safely".

"Thanks Chiron it was definitely something to remember," Sabrina spoke up for us. I smirked and Glen chuckled too.

"Glen," Chiron said as he turned to him. Glen's eyes lit up as he stared at the centaur. "There is an Iris message in the Big House for you,"

"For me?" he asked. Chiron gave an affirmative nod. I patted Glen on the back. "Go get it dude," I told him as he headed for the house.

Chiron turned around and started walking. "So tell me about your quest," Sabrina and I each stood by Chiron's sides.

"Well first we went to Percy's home. After that Glen and Adin fought some hellhounds…" Sabrina started to explain.

"Actually Sabrina, I have a question for Chiron," I said. Both of them turned to me.

"Well go on?" Chiron said.

"We met a demigod along the way and had to fight him. Erichthonius," Chirons took a deep breath in as I continued."He kept on going on about a patron god. He told us theres other ancient demigods roaming the earth.."

"Unfortunately Adin I don't know who his patron is. I have heard more rumors of returning demigods and heroes, but this is the first confirmed encounter," Chiron said. The way he talked about it made it seem like Eric was a cryptid or something. Which I guess cryptids could fall under "Mythological creature". I could still here Erics words in my head. "the other gods are upset with the Olympians. Twice they've been promised to be respected more, twice the Olympians have forgotten them".

"You and your friends have done an excellent job on your quest to rescue Bellona's daughter. Take today to celebrate the victory and meet the other campers," Chiron told me. To me, this didn't feel like a victory.

"He's right Adin. Come on, let's head to our cabins. Camp during the summer is way better than during the school year," Sabrina assured me. I couldn't tell how or why. But hearing her saying those words did make me feel better. We left Chiron at the house while heading to the cabin area. Along the way more and more demi-god campers showed up and we seemed to blend in the crowd. There were at least a hundred campers.

"Hey Adin!" I heard Glen yell back from behind. No one from around seemed to have noticed since almost everyones talking to someone. He caught back up to us.

"Sabrina, is it okay if I talk to Adin in private for a second?" I was caught off guard. Sabrina raised an eyebrow but didn't protest.

"I'll catch up with you later alright? I'm going to find Will and Nico and thank them for helping us out," She told me as she headed to the golden Apollo cabin.

"So what's up"?

"I, I talked to my dad".

"That's awesome dude! What did he say? Was he like what you imagined"?

"He was… intimidating and had a strong aura," Glen saying that someone or some god other than himself was surprising. "He asked me to do him a favor. He wants me to protect you".

"Protect me? Why"?

"I said the same thing. He didn't answer but I think it's because Ares and Aphrodite are close and she probably requested it".

"I mean, I appreciate the thought Glen. But I've learned how to fight. You've even taught me. I can protect myself".

"Hey I vouched for you. I said the same thing. I don't want to watch you all the time. But he said "He's Aphrodite's kid, love her, but he doesn't know how to fight," Wow that makes me feel great.

"So what are you going to do"?

"I know you can take care of yourself. But. You. Are. My… friend?" He said it like he's asking a question. I nodded to affirm, despite all our differences, I think we can call each other friends. "So you're my friend, Ill always look out for you".

"Thanks dude, likewise" We dapped each other up before going to our cabins. I walked in Cabin 10. I haven't seen anyone else from my cabin around camp. Now I know why. When I walked in, twenty of my half-siblings were surrounding something or someone.

"So how was your Junior year?" someone said.

"How is Oklahoma?" I heard Michael say.

"What about your dad? Is he doing better?" A new voice said.

The voice from the center spoke up. "Everythings been good! The trip here was great! Also, my dad actually is getting back on his feet. He just landed a new role for a Netflix tv show," The voice from the center said. Everyone started to talk and gossip.

I closed the cabin door and dropped my backpack to the ground. The only one who seemed to hear my noise was Jess. She turned around and her jaw dropped. "ADIN!" She shouted. Everyone else turned toward me and ran over. They started to bombard me with questions.

"How was the quest"!

"Did you get any ugly scars"?

"How did Sabrina act around you"?

I was thrown off guard by all the questions. I wanted to tell them everything that happened. I don't know how they'll react when I tell them about Sydney. Everyone will probably go wild. I stuttered over my words. Everyone was still throwing questions at me.

"QUIET DOWN EVERYONE," The voice from earlier announced. Instantly everyone shut up. My stuttering stopped as well. The crowd in front of me split apart. The voice from earlier revealed herself. In front of me stood a Native American girl probably about a year or two older than me. She had a feather in her short hair and nose piercings.

"You must be the 'fletchling dove' who went on a quest that I heard about? I'm Piper, nice to meet you," She reached her hand out.

"Adin, nice to meet you too"!

Sabrina was right. Camp is way better during the summer. Immediately everything seemed just more fun and cheerful. Except for Mr. D. He showed up in the evening of the first day and was not happy. None of the campers were happy to see him either. "Fix the roof of Cabin 9. The Auditorium is missing a pillar. While you're at it, build a statue of me," He barked orders at the campers who caused a mess while he was away. It was the first time I've ever seen him have a hint of anger. Not that he was a nice guy, he just didn't really care.

Later that night during the campfire was a show. Fireworks lit up the sky which showed our adventure. The three of us escaping Eros. Me dressed up as a girl killing a hydra. Our trio on top of the truck and trailer fighting the traveling spirit. It ended with a huge explosion of everyone fighting the monsters and mecha hydra below the golden gate.

Percy, Annabeth and Grover arrived a couple days later. Everyone was thrilled to see them. They were all like celebrities. I didn't talk to them. They had enough paparazzi. Percy did give me a thumbs up from across the camp grounds once he spotted me. I returned the gesture. The three stayed for a couple days before they left. Everything seemed to be going back to normal. Actually, better than normal.

The fun eventually came to an end however as the summer flew by. The last day of camp came quickly. During the summer Glen, Sabrina and I would hang out during free time. Both of their fighting eventually died down. Although it would occasionally be resparked. On the last day of camp we all got together to discuss our plans during the school year on Half-Blood hill.

"So are you two going to stay at camp?" I asked them.

Both of them shook their heads with Glen speaking up first. "I finally met my dad," He said. "You better not tell the other Ares campers this, but I've missed my mom more than it seems. Even before I talked to my dad I made up my mind to go see her. She wanted me to meet him. Even if I didn't meet him, I know she would have welcomed me home," Sabrina patted him on the back, which I think was the first time I've seen her make physical contact with him. My eyes started to fill with tears. I miss my mom too, only I can't go see her.

"What about you Sabrina?" I asked.

She shrugged and looked onward over the camp."My mom and I have never seen eye to eye. I think I might give her another chance," She didn't seem that thrilled and her eyes sunk when she spoke.

"What about your acting? Are you going to give that another try?" I asked.

"Oh definitely, its one of my favorite things. My moms the problem when it comes to it. She can just be so controlling!" Sabrina raised her voice but quickly calmed down."I just have to put my foot down. But what about you Adin"?

The thought of staying at camp was tempting. The day before I left I gained my massive glow up. Everyone at school actually paid attention to me and treated me like a human being. The thought of my dad filled my mind too. "This is the longest I've been away from my Dad and home. I feel bad, I should have sent him an Iris message. He doesn't really have anyone else around," Not to mention the questions I have for him about him and Aphrodite.

"So we'll all come back next summer and complete another quest right?" Glen asked jokingly. Sabrina and I smirked. I looked down at the necklace I made at arts and crafts. During camp I learned that it was a tradition to make a bead of the biggest event over the summer. Even though my quest was before the start of summer camp, everyone chose my quest. We had all made our own miniature Golden Gate bridge. Although mine looked more like a golden bent toothpick or fingernail.

"I'm not so sure about the quest, but I'll definitely see you guys next summer," We all got up and had a group hug. It was good to have two new best friends.

My trip home was boring. I hoped Timber would be back from his satyr mission to escort me back. But, I got the next best satyr to escort me. "Before you go, are there any good Mexican restaurants nearby? Any that sell good enchiladas?" Grover asked me as he pulled into my driveway. Grover stayed at camp while Percy and Annabeth went back home to prepare for college.

"Uhhhh, there's La Salsa Casa! It's right before you get back on the freeway," I told him as I grabbed my bag and opened my door.

"Thanks Adin! I'll see you next summer!" He said as he drove away.

I walked in my house, a part of me felt nervous. It was also very quiet which made my nervous become worry. "Dad?" I announced as I walked in the door. No response. I walked into his office. His computer was on. Code and numbers filled the screen but no dad. I went upstairs into his room, no dad there either. The living room had the TV. Some weight loss drug commercial was playing yet my house felt abandoned. My worry grew.

VROOM VROOM! I heard from the garage. My heart jumped from that noise. The thought of a traveling spirit popped in my mind. I took a deep breath and headed for the garage. I slowly opened the door, peeking in. "Dad?" I asked.

"Oh wow Manny! It runs just as I remember." A soft female voice came from inside the garage.

"Yup, I've kept up with her all these years to make sure she's in tiptop shape!" my dad said. I can tell you one thing, no one has ever called my dad Manny. His legal first name is Mason. Not even my mom called him Manny. She would always call him babe or honey or something like that.

I opened the door fully to make my presence known. My dad was sitting on his old motorcycle. He wore his old biker outfit with helmet and sunglasses. His leather jacket reminded me of Glens, although this one had flames on it. He spotted me and quickly looked embarrassed. "Adin! I wasn't expecting you home this early"!

He quickly got off his bike and ran over to give me a hug. I returned it. My eyes however didn't leave the other figure in the room. The voice from earlier came from a blonde woman in a long white flowing dress. The dress was long and flowing. She looked at me with eyes wide open and with excitement. I couldn't deny it,she was pretty.

"I missed you bud!" My dad said.

"I missed you too dad".

He released his hug and motioned toward the woman. "Son, this is uh, well this is-" I cut him off.

"Your Aphrodite," I stated.

She came over to my dad and I. It was like she floated over. She had a soft smile on her face. I could feel my hand start to shake as she stood in front of me. "It's so nice to finally meet you Adin!" She took my left hand and cupped it with hers.

"I have questions," I said coldly.

"Adin! Be polite!" My dad scolded me.

"Oh its alright Manny," She cleared her throat. "I knew you would have some questions. Manny, do you still have some of that herb tea I left here last time?" She asked my dad.

"Last time?" I turned to my dad and raised an eyebrow.

"It was before you were born," He told me before exiting. Aphrodite and I followed him into the kitchen. We took seats across from each other while my dad brewed the tea he kept secret for over fifteen years.

"So Adin, let's start!" Aphrodite said eagerly "I wanted to name you Adonis. After one of the most handsome men in ancient Greece but your father and other mother decided to name you Adin. Which I accepted after a while. Oh you and Adonis would have gotten along so well-"
"I have some other questions besides my name origin," I interrupted her.

She tilted her head. Her eyes changed color to emerald green. Some of my other half-siblings' eyes changed color too. "Oh of course, you ask away!" She let me take the lead.

" Ok. Well how about how you and my dad met. Or why no one told me about you, my birth mom?" I asked while giving my dad a glance who was in the kitchen. He glanced over while pouring cups of tea.

"Is it okay if I answer this?" My dad asked. Aphrodite nodded at him as my dad walked over with two cups of tea and sat down.

"Like you've heard from your mother and I, we had a hard time conceiving. Both of us wanted nothing more than to start a family. No matter what we tried it just didn't work. Mary," his voice crackled at my moms name. " Had a gift which allowed her to see the godly world. A few people thought she was crazy. But she started to pray to Aphrodite, since she was a fertility goddess," My dad drank some of his tea. Aphrodite kept on nodding to confirm this story.

"It helped that I kept tabs on your father. I knew him from back when he was a young and handsome biker. I saw that Manny and Marys love was so pure for each other that I had to help," She gave an elegant smile toward him.

"Okay, that's one question down. What about my "Love story" I keep on hearing about? Is there anything I should know about it?" My dad looked down toward his tea and stayed silent.

"That's something I've been working on for a while," Aphrodite said. "It will be my magnum opus! I don't want you to worry Adin, no great prophecy will be issued," Aphrodite confirmed to me. She didn't really answer my question

"Okay well after my quest Sydney told me that a goddess tasked her to protect me, was that you"?

My dad almost choked on his tea. Cough "You went on a quest AND saw Sydney again? She's a demi-god too?" It seemed this was news to dad.

Aphrodite shifted in her seat. "Oh that child of Bellona, curse that goddess," For a moment it seemed she lost her elegance before she readjusted herself. "Manny, could Adin and I discuss this in private please?" Without hesitation my dad got up and left the room to go into his office.

"See Adin, there's one more thing about your birth that you need to know," Aphrodite grabbed my hand from across the table. "Your parents were in a great relationship. Like I said before it was so pure of love and joy. But since they were husband and wife I couldn't interfere with them. I had to get help from another god to conceive with your dad. I owed her so she sent that Roman child of Bellona to watch over you".

It sounded like I would be collateral in case this god needed me."So which god or goddess was it?" I asked.

She shook her head and spoke softly. "I am sorry Adin. I swore on the Styx that I wouldn't reveal them to any being".

I sighed. "Of course you did," I threw my head up and stared at the ceiling. Wondering what my future would hold for me.

—

Thank you for reading my first fanfiction! More importantly thank you for bearing with my grammar mistakes and bad pacing at times. I'm in no way a writer. I'm currently in college and my major is IT so the only writing I know is writing code. This has been a fun side activity for me. I plan on continuing Adin's adventure so please stick around to see how his love story will evolve in The Love of Olympians: Champions of the Gods.

The classes I'm taking this semester are my first priority so it may be a couple months before I start the Champions of the Gods. I will however go back through this one to fix any errors I made. Champions of the Gods won't be as long as Road of Athens. If you stay around I promise the third fanfiction in this series will be spectacular. I have big plans for it.

Lastly, one last time, thank you.

-Solert