Present
Marcus walked out from the rows of Fringe Cabins, shaking himself free of his memories. Aaron... where are you now? He glanced around at the rundown cabins he was leaving behind and the upkept ones he was walking towards. How would you feel about Camp as it is now...? The divide is growing more and more by the day... Marcus pushed that thought away as he saw passed the dining pavilion, heading towards the Big House, where the head of camp, Chiron the centaur, usually could be found. Maddie should be there by now. At least, if Chastity didn't kill her. As he got closer, Marcus could see Maddie standing with Chastity in front of Chiron. Marcus stood and took a moment, as he sometimes did, to compare his two friends. Maddie, short and adorable with her red hair shining in the sun, bundled up in her baggy sweatshirt and overalls even in the midst of summer. And then there's Chastity... About a head shorter than Marcus, Chastity was petite like Maddie, but that's where the similarities ended. Blonde hair that Marcus was almost positive she dyed, a crop top, and a skirt so short Marcus was pretty sure it was against the law in some modern countries, Chastity had taken her name to be a challenge. Even among the Aphrodite kids, she was known to hop from boy to boy throughout the Camp as she pleased. Well... with one notable exception.
"Marcus! Finally arrived I see." Chiron chuckled. "Maddie and Chastity have been here for the better part of an hour now."
"Not by choice." Chastity grumbled. "For some reason Maddie decided she needed to wake me up at DAWN this morning..."
Maddie smiled wide and pointed at Marcus. "Well, you know today is the day we're going to Olympus, and Marcus made me a bet but didn't tell me what it was that would happen if I lost, and-"
Marcus hurried over and covered Maddie's mouth with his hand, stifling whatever else she had to say. "Okay Maddie that's enough! I don't think Chastity really wants to know what we do at night!" Marcus flinched as soon as he saw Chastity raise an eyebrow. I really need to learn better phrasing...
"Oh really? And what exactly DO you two do at night?" Was that jealousy in Chastity's voice? Maybe. For some reason she seemed obsessed with the idea of getting Marcus. Maybe because he was the one guy who didn't fall for her charms so easily. Having a troubled love life has its perks, I guess.
" Oh, we were just talking to the moon!" Maddie said happily, having finally freed herself from Marcus' grasp. "Well I was talking to the moon. Marcus was just kinda there. Although there was this one moment where he got a scary face and I was all like 'Marcus are you okay?' and he was all like-"
"Maddison, I think we get the picture." Chiron said with a patient smile. Marcus sighed with relief. Last thing he needed was Chastity to think that he and Maddie were up to something under the moon.
"Well in that case... Maybe you'd like to go moon-gazing with me next time Marcus? I'm sure I can come up with something for you to do next time" Chastity practically purred, leaning into Marcus and looking up at him with eyes that could melt metal if given the chance. Marcus just rolled his eyes in response. Then again, may be Chastity thinking that wouldn't be such a bad thing... at least she'd leave me alone for a bit...
"Ooh! Maybe we could all sit and talk to the moon together!" Maddie cried happily, practically clapping with excitement.
"Maddie sweetheart, that's not really what Chastity was talking about." Marcus replied.
"Huh? Then what did she mean?"
Marcus stepped forward, letting Chastity practically fall off him, ignoring her pout, and messed up Maddie's hair. "I'll tell you when you're older."
"May I please have some of your attention demigods?" Chiron sighed in exasperation. "As you can see behind me, we have newcomers to the camp today." Chiron motioned behind him, causing the three to look past him and notice for the first time the new faces on the porch of the Big House. One was around Marcus' height, and was what could only be described as wiry. His brown hair was a shade or two lighter than Marcus' own, and he was dressed in a bright red shirt and white pants.
"Hi!" The young man exclaimed, practically bounding off the porch and taking Marcus' hand in his own, shaking it vigorously. "I'm Elliot! Elliot McCarther Von Bigsby! Gosh it's so great to meet all of you! And this horse guy! He says we're demigods! How cool is that?!"
Marcus pried his hand out of the young man's grasp. "Yeah it's great. I'd appreciate it if you didn't shake my hand off my arm first thing though."
"Yeah that's Elliot for you. Even I can tell that, and I haven't known him for more than a two-day bus ride." The other stranger replied. Marcus looked him up and down. This guy could be trouble... This newcomer was easily six foot four, two hundred pounds and pure muscle. In a plaid shirt and jeans, you could pretty much tell that this guy had come from a farm or a ranch somewhere. Even his accent spoke volumes. Midwestern. "Although if y'all believe this Gods crap, I got news for ya. They ain't real."
Thunder crashed in the distance; a lot closer than Marcus would care to think about. "I wouldn't recommend saying things like that here Joel." Chiron said sternly. "After all, up until about five minutes ago you were swearing that there was no such thing as a centaur, yet here I stand. Keep an open mind would be my advice."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say." Joel replied, obviously not convinced. Marcus couldn't help but admire how he seemed to just roll with his new surroundings, even things he didn't believe in. Might be a better world if Joel was right... bu t that's not the world we live in. Marcus looked at Chiron expectantly while Elliot chatted away at Maddie, who Marcus could tell was doing her best to try and be happy and make a new friend, and Chastity practically drooled at the sight of Joel. Oh man... that's only gonna end one way. Marcus smiled to himself. Poor guy. He'll learn soon enough.
"If I could have your attention, I have an announcement to make..." Chiron stated, looking around at the group assembled. "As you know, newcomers to Camp usually require a guide. Maddie, Chastity, you two are assigned to guide Elliot and Joel around Camp. Help them get acquainted with their new surroundings."
"But Chiron," Maddie said, "today's the day we're supposed to go to Olympus! How are we supposed to do that if we're giving these guys a tour?"
"Ah... About that..." Chiron stamped his forehoof, the equivalent of a human shuffling their feet. "The Gods have decided that their councils are to be... uninterrupted by Half-Bloods for the foreseeable future..."
"What's that mean?" Maddie said, starting to wilt. Marcus scowled, already seeing where this was going and hating the Gods in that moment for Maddie's disappointment.
"It means... It means that the Gods have decreed that no Half-Blood shall step foot on Olympus for the foreseeable future."
Maddie looked up at Chiron, and Marcus could tell she was waiting for him to alter his statement. When he didn't, Maddie's eyes fell, and she mumbled, "Oh... okay... If... If that's what the Gods want then I guess we gotta accept it..." Maddie perked herself up and put on her fake happiness that could fool most, but Marcus could see through it plainly. "Let's go guys! Camp tour leaving now! My name is Maddie, and welcome to Camp Half Blood!"
Marcus watched them go, Chastity already making subtle moves on Joel that he wouldn't even realize was a seduction until it was already too late. Marcus couldn't help but reach for his pocket watch, his anger at how Maddie was being made to feel coursing through him.
"You don't want to do that." Chiron said, putting his hand on Marcus' shoulder.
"Do what?" Marcus snapped.
"Rage against the Gods. You of all people should know what comes of making enemies of the Olympians. And even if you don't care enough for your own sake, think of Maddie. How do you think she would feel if she saw you angry at the Gods?"
Marcus sighed, gently pushing Chiron's hand off his shoulder. "I know Chiron... but look at her. Look what their selfish actions have caused. And not just her, the number of campers on the Fringe are growing daily. Even the children of the Olympians themselves are starting to turn against their parents."
"The Gods are aware of the problem Marcus. That's part of the reason for their decision. Something is coming. They can sense it. Something that could affect even the Gods themselves. They're preparing, although for what, even they don't know."
Marcus frowned and turned to reply, only to watch as Chiron left, galloping into camp towards the archery range. Well that inspires confidence... If even the Gods are scared, what the hell are we supposed to do?
Marcus sat at his usual table. Around him, the other demigods were all gathering their plates and getting their food. God s this is the worst time of day... Marcus always hated this. Too many people. Too much noise. It was tolerable back then but... No. Not going down that road today. Marcus glanced up and smiled at Maddie, who was leading the newcomers to their table.
"Wow! Look at all these people! And that lake! And that fire! That's a BIG fire!" Elliot was rambling on and on as Maddie led him around, explaining to both him and Joel how to portion off a bit of their meal to dump in the fire for the Gods. A proper offering... Sustenance taken from their children. Marcus never liked that part of the offering. But then, lately he found he didn't like much of what the Gods were doing. Not my place to decide. Besides, Maddie would be all over me if I ever tried to talk bad about the Gods. And not in the fun way. Marcus shrugged. No. Never in that way. She wanted to be a Hunter of-
"Artemis! That's the goddess of the hunt and the moon! And her brother is Apollo! God of light, music, and healing! He's my patron!" Maddie showed Elliot and Joel her pendant of the sun.
"Patron?" Elliot asked, getting close to Maddie to see the pendant.
A bit too close... Marcus scowled and stood up, walking over to Elliot and half pushing him onto the bench at his table. "Yeah. These days, even if you're the child of one God or Goddess you can become the follower of another. Think of it like a priest. Or a cleric. Usually it's your godly parent that gives you your powers, spells, abilities, whatever you want to call them but sometimes, if you gain the favor of another God or Goddess, they grant you them instead."
"That's so cool!" Elliot said, not even noticing the tension behind Marcus' words. "Kinda like how I can turn into a goat?!"
Marcus looked at Maddie who was about to comment, when Chastity cut in with a simple "Don't ask."
Marcus shrugged and sat back down at his usual seat, forcing his heartbeat to stay steady as Maddie sat next to him like she usually did. Chastity sat across from him, and Elliot and Joel were on either side of her. Marcus raised an eyebrow at this and looked over at Maddie, who whispered, "Elliot decided to room with Chastity when we told him he could pick Cabins. He must really like her!"
Marcus half-smiled to himself. More like she was the first person who put up with him for more than two sentences at a time. Poor kid. He'll learn. Marcus had his usual meal of a sandwich and soup, watching those around him eat, picturing how his life had changed over the years. Alicia sat where Maddie is now... Chas tity is in Aaron's seat... Kelly and Hunter where Elliot and Joel are sitting. Marcus lost his appetite and stood up and went to the fire, pushing most of his meal into it. Taking a moment to calm himself, Marcus felt a soft breeze hit his face, one that was clear even though it should have pushed smoke towards him. Thanks Dad. Marcus sighed to himself and turned when he felt a tug on his sleeve.
"Marcus? You okay?" Maddie looked up at him, nothing but concern in her eyes. "You didn't even finish your sandwich tonight..."
Marcus smiled and put his hand on top of Maddie's head, messing her hair just a little. "I'm fine Mads. What do you think of the new guys?"
Maddie pouted and was about to reply when a sound like thunder split the air. Marcus scowled and started walking towards the sound, even as a massive crowd of demigods started to run the other away. I know that sound... a gunshot ? It came from the forest. Who in Camp Half Blood has a gun? Before he knew it, Marcus was at a dead sprint towards the forest. "Maddie, keep the new guys safe!"
"Hey! What about me?!" Marcus heard Chastity cry out before he lost sight of them in the crowd surging away from the forest. He kept running, even past the Fringe Cabins he'd usually be cautious around, the memory of that sound driving him forward. Demigods are vulnerable to all forms of weapons, divine and otherwise. Celestial B ronze... and mortal steel. That was a fact he would never forget...
Marcus slid to a stop, crouching down once he passed the first few trees. Even in a rush, it wouldn't pay to lose himself in this forest. "Monster Stocked" Chiron called it. More like we put Monsters here years ago and let them multiply... Marcus looked around himself, trying to get some sense of where the gunshot had come from. He nearly jumped out of his skin when another gunshot rang out, followed by voices from just ahead of him. So much for tracking. Marcus charged ahead, breaking through the trees to find two guys facing off with a creature with a lion's body and a scorpion tail, barbs sticking out along the curve of it's tail. A young Manticore. Shit... Wait. Marcus raised an eyebrow. Really? What is he wearing? Marcus couldn't believe his eyes as the one with a revolver seemed to be wearing the sort of clothes you'd find in a museum. A blue coat over a buttoned shirt and what could only be described as breeches, his longer hair tied back by a string and a bandana covering his mouth. The other was dressed more normal, with jeans and a dark hoodie, the hood half pulled over his head like he had been startled while wearing it.
"Get back!" Marcus shouted, getting between the newcomers and the manticore. "That's a manticore. The spines on its tail are poisonous."
"He won't get past me. Don't worry." Said the one with the revolver, raising it to fire again.
"Don't bother. That won't so much as tickle it." Marcus replied, pulling out his pocket watch and flicking it to a whip. "Monsters are immune to mortal weapons. If you can see what it really is, I guess you're a half-blood like us."
"Half what?" The stranger with the Hoodie replied before yelping and rolling to the side as the manticore lunged, causing both Marcus and Revolver Guy to jump aside.
"No time for the orientation film. Let's just take care of this guy first, then Dionysus can explain." Marcus said, keeping his eyes on the manticore's tail. "One of you watch my back. One of us needs to focus on its head while the other focuses on the tail."
"I got the head." Said Revolver Guy, holstering his revolver and pulling his bow off his shoulder. Marcus saw the glow of a God's blessing on the bow, knowing that caused any arrow it fired to have the same properties as Celestial Bronze.
"Interesting bow. We'll have to talk about it later. Be careful, it can breathe fire."
"Of course it can." Hoodie whined. "What would a hell beast be if it couldn't breathe fire!"
Marcus ran to the left, causing the manticore to turn. The stranger fired a flurry of arrows in the blink of an eye, causing the manticore to re-evaluate its target. Huh. Guess he can be useful. My turn. Marcus smiled to himself and lashed out with his whip, wrapping it around the manticore's tail. The manticore screeched and started to turn, flames escaping from its mouth, but Revolver kept peppering it with arrows, allowing Marcus to pull its tail to the ground and drives its stinger into the dirt.
"Now! Finish it off!" Marcus cried as he trapped the tail. Revolver nodded and fired his next two arrows into the manticore's eyes, blinding it. Marcus used that moment to switch his weapon to its sword form and charged forward, swinging his blade in a murderous arc. In a flash, the manticore was dissolving to dust, as all monsters do when they're killed, and Marcus was pulling the tip of its stinger out the dirt.
"Monster trophy. Here." Marcus tossed it to the Revolver. "In return, tell me some things. Like, who the hell you two are, and how the hell you got into Camp Half Blood without any of us knowing."
Revolver caught stinger deftly and slipped it into the pouch he had on his belt. "My name is Phillip." Huh... Revolver was a cooler name. Marcus thought sarcastically. Shouldn't have even asked. Phillip continued "As for the second question, I can't really answer you. Last thing I knew, I was hunting a boar. Now I'm here with you and this guy, both of whom are wearing clothes I've never seen before. Now tell me something..." He raised his bow with an arrow knocked and pointed it at Marcus. "Whose side are you on? North? Or South?"
"North or South? What the heck kind of question is that?!" Said the other stranger, standing up and walking over to Phillip. "While I appreciate you saving my butt, I think we really owe the other guy over there the real thanks. He finished it off." The stranger grabbed the arrow from Phillip's bow. "I'm Jason, by the way. Jason Arkania."
"Jason and Phillip huh? Well Phil, I don't know what you meant, but you're obviously one of us. You too Jason." Marcus stretched, pocketing his watch as he did so. "I'm Marcus, you two are the sons of Greek Gods and this is Camp Half Blood. Welcome and all that. I'm sure Chiron will just LOVE to hear your stories. And I never pass up the chance to annoy Mr. D with that orientation film."
"What do you mean Dionysus is gone?!"
Marcus couldn't believe it. He had come back to the camp with Phillip and Jason only to find that the God who was supposed to be watching over them had up and vanished the second the newcomers had arrived. Marcus looked around the large table in the dining hall of the Big House, seeing Maddie almost in tears, Chastity not paying attention to anything but Joel, who Marcus was surprised to see at a discussion like this, and Elliot inspecting a painting on the wall curiously. "How could he leave? We've just had half-bloods appear in Camp without any warning!"
"Dionysus was well aware of that fact Marcus." Chiron replied patiently, placing his elbows on the arm rests of his wheelchair. "And he has left very specific instructions for what to do in his absence. Especially where our four newcomers are concerned."
Marcus sighed. I'll never get used to that magic wheelchair of Chiron's... yeah it makes him appear human, but I'll be damned if it ever seems natural to me. "So, what were these instructions exactly?"
"Well, first things first. Phillip was it? And Jason? Please have a seat." Phillip sat at the table without much hesitation, but Jason perched on the very edge of the chair, looking as if one small thing could set him running. Marcus smiled to himself. Usually he would be more than willing to scare the hell out of this nervous new guy, but now wasn't the times for games. Chiron wheeled himself closer to the table. "Dionysus did make a few things clear before he left, but others he said I would have to speak with you all to find out. So, let's start with the simple questions first. Phillip, before arriving in our forest, what was the last thing you remember?"
"That's easy. I was hunting a boar on my way to check on some damn Confederate encampments in Virginia for the Union when this girl who couldn't have been more than fifteen, dressed all in buckskins and carrying a bow, somehow snuck up on me. Me! A god danged scout! I'm the one who's supposed to be doing the sneaking! Anyway, she told me she'd have a use for me in the future and touched my forehead. Next thing I know I'm facing down that beast with this guy" Phillip gestured to Jason, "cowering behind me."
"Hm... Interesting. And Jason. How did you come to be here?"
"Well... I don't really know" Jason replied, pulling an envelope out of the pocket of his hoodie and putting it on the table. "I was given this letter and this address from the head of the orphanage I was in and sent on my way without any more explanation. Honestly, I want answers as much as you do! What is this place? What's a half-blood? And why does THIS GUY talk like he's from... I don't know the 1800s?!"
Marcus couldn't help but agree with at least part of Jason's tirade. He too wanted answers. Half-bloods don't just appear without good reason... and a girl in buckskins? Carrying a bow.. .? Marcus met Maddie's eyes across the table. He could see the light shining as she came to the same conclusion he did, even if he wasn't as excited about the possibility as she was. A girl of around fifteen, able to sneak up a scout? Carrying a bow? Sounds like Artemis to me... but what use could she have for this guy?
"Phillip, it would seem that you have been recognized and chosen by the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis. She brought you to us, but for what purpose I don't know." Chiron looked thoughtful, and sympathetic. "But one thing is for sure. You are not where you were... Or truly, even WHEN you were supposed to be."
"What are you talking about?" Phillip slowly stood up. "When? What? Make some sense!"
"I am trying." Chiron replied. "But there is no easy way to break this news... The times you lived in... they are far in our past. The War you fought... were fighting... Has long since passed."
Phillip collapsed back into the chair he had been sitting in, his face blank as he tried to comprehend what he had just been told. Marcus felt for the guy. Not only does he find out he's a Half-blood, he has to be told that everything he knew is gone... That's rough. Phillip looked at Chiron, a sudden fear evident in his eyes. "Who... Who won...?"
"The Civil War?" Chiron smiled. "No worries my friend. The Union won. You have nothing to fear. For now, rest easy with that information. Chastity, if you could lead Phillip and Jason to the Hermes Cabin, I think they would be more than willing to help these two settle in and come to grips with the changes that have happened in their lives. Joel and Elliot, you are also dismissed. I need to speak with Marcus and Maddie. Privately."
Chastity stood, although Marcus could tell she was upset at being excluded. She shot Marcus a look to try to get him to appeal to Chiron to change his mind, but Marcus just shrugged in response. He didn't know what Chiron wanted, and the last thing he needed was to get chewed out in front of the main source of camp gossip. As the others filed out, Marcus sat next to Maddie, carefully hiding how his heart skipped a beat when Maddie leaned against his shoulder and yawned. She looked up at him. "Marcus, don't ever run off like that on your own again okay? We're a team remember?"
Marcus smiled down at her. "Using my own words against me is hardly fair Maddie."
"Wasn't it you who said, 'I never said I was gonna be fair'?"
Marcus laughed as Chiron coughed to get their attention. Both Marcus and Maddie sat up straighter attentively. "I know you both had a long night, but I'm afraid there's one more issue that has arisen that you both must be made aware of. Now, I won't lie to you, I'm not sure if you should be the ones I should be bringing this information to. However, you both have proven yourself time and again, not only individually, but as a team. Besides..." Chiron made direct eye contact with Marcus, making him shift uncomfortably in his seat. "I know at least one of you has had plenty of experience sneaking past our borders without being caught by our security." Chiron knocked twice on the table, and Marcus could hear a scrambling from outside the room. Before he could react, a smaller boy with a shock of yellow hair sticking up at all angles ran into the room and stood next to Chiron, twitching nervously.
"Y-y-you knocked Mr. Chiron Sir?!" The boy squeaked. Marcus smiled. Joey Coleman. Head of the Half-Blood Scouts. The closest thing we have to a standing army right now. Too bad he's a nervous wreck and can't do much fieldwork anymore. And only fifteen too. What a waste.
" Yes. Joey, I'd like you to give Marcus and Maddie the newest report that came in."
"AH! Y-y-yes sir! Ahem!" Joey slapped some papers down on the table in front of him, almost scattering them in the process. "Where was it? Where was it? Scout routes? No... Food budget? Nuh uh... Camp Rankings; Nice job you two, by the way, winning the pair tournament last year. Spectacular teamwork. Simply spectacular. OH!" Marcus jumped at the sudden outburst. Joey ran around the table and slapped the paper down in between Marcus and Maddie. "Here it is! Latest report. Group of Half-bloods goes missing near New York City! Last Satyr report was two weeks ago, stating they'd run into a conclave of Half-bloods that lived in an older abandoned warehouse outside the city that offered them aid. Any of this seem odd to you?"
Maddie frowned. "Wait... are you saying that these others hurt them? But why would they do that? Didn't the report say that they were being friendly?"
"Th-th-that's just it Maddie! That was the last report we got! For all we know it was a t-t-trick to lure them in and hurt them! Maybe they were Monsters in disguise that the satyr couldn't smell! We need you two to go check it out!"
Marcus shook his head. "Joey, this sounds all too familiar to me." Marcus stood up and looked at Chiron. "I know what you're doing. You think it's that group again, don't you?"
"Marcus..." Chiron started, concern on his face.
"No. Chiron I told you the last time you asked me to do this and I'll tell you again. There's nothing wrong with those demigods. They just want to be left alone, to not have to live under the thumb of the Gods. Frankly I can't blame them."
Marcus felt a tug on his elbow, and he turned to see Maddie standing next to him, looking up at him with those deep brown eyes full of concern. "Marcus, why are you so mad? If they didn't do anything wrong, what's the problem going to ask them if they know anything? It sounds like you know them, and if you know them, they can't be all bad. Wouldn't it be better to go out and make sure they're okay?"
But Marcus was already shaking his head. "I understand that Maddie, but what if they did get wiped out by Monsters and replaced? That could be really dangerous and while I guess what you're saying makes sense I really don't want to you to-"
Marcus' heartrate doubled as Maddie innocently put a finger on his lips to quiet him. "What were we just talking about?" Maddie crossed her arms, trying to hide the fact that she was hugging herself, but seeking the comfort of it anyway. "We're... We're a team right...? You're not trying to leave me behind...?"
Marcus put his hand on Maddie's head, comforting her. "Of course not. But-"
"Then what's the problem with us going to check this out? Besides, you always used to leave Camp without me! Now even Chiron says you should bring me along!"
Marcus sighed. "Fine, fine! We'll go together okay?" Maddie cheered and hugged Marcus in a rush, nearly knocking him backwards over his chair. Catching his balance, Marcus looked across the table at Chiron, seeing him nod to Joey and then leave the room. Marcus scowled but quickly hid it as Maddie looked up at him with a giant smile on her face. Great... Going back to that place... Marcus sighed as Maddie rushed out of the room to go tell the moon wha t had happened during the day. Marcus follow ed her, as was his nightly habit and sat next to her with a sigh and half smiled as he heard she was already excitedly explaining how they'd met a half-blood who'd actually MET Artemis! As he sat, the smile slipped from Marcus' face. Guess I just can't escape it huh Aaron...? Here I am trying to live every day in the present and the past just keeps pulling at me...