Sorry for the late chapter! I have exams all this week, so I've had to study.
Anyway, here is:
CHAPTER EIGHT: A NOT-SO-HAPPY CAMPER
Perseus would be the first to admit he wasn't exactly thrilled about stepping foot in Camp Half-Blood. Sure, he'd heard plenty about it from Athena - a haven for demigods, a training ground, a place of fun and training.
But the idea of being thrust into a camp full of other half-bloods, each with their own powers, personalities, and histories… it wasn't his idea of a relaxing holiday.
As he approached the camp's borders, his senses were immediately on high alert..
The boundary seemed to be strong, warning off any monsters brave or foolish enough to approach.
"Well, here goes nothing," he muttered, taking a deep breath before stepping across the invisible line.
It didn't take long for his arrival to attract attention. A couple of campers who had been sparring in a nearby field paused mid-swing, glancing over at him. Perseus kept his expression calm, casual, doing his best to seem unfazed.
"Hey! New camper, right?" A girl with kaleidoscope eyes and brown hair bounded over. "Welcome to Camp Half-Blood! Name's Piper. You must be…?"
"Perseus," he replied, managing a polite nod.
Piper's eyes widened slightly. "Oh… Perseus. As in, that Perseus."
"You know who I am?"
"Are you kidding me?" Piper said, "everyone in this camp knows who you are because of that quest!"
He couldn't help but chuckle. "I see."
Before she could respond, a familiar face appeared beside her - Chiron, the centaur trainer himself, with his calm, wise gaze.
"Welcome, Perseus," Chiron greeted him warmly. "I've heard that you were back." He gestured toward the heart of the camp. "Come. There are a few introductions I think you'll find… enlightening."
"Lead the way, old friend."
Perseus followed, his curiosity piqued as they made their way into the camp. He took in the sights around him: the cabins with their unique designs, the training fields filled with young demigods sparring, the towering climbing wall spewing fire and pouring lava down its sides.
He was already being sized up, he realised. Whispers followed him, each camper's gaze a mix of awe, suspicion, and… something else he couldn't quite place.
They finally stopped in front of a larger cabin that seemed a bit apart from the others.
Chiron turned to him, a glint of amusement in his eye. "This is your father's cabin, and for now, it will be yours."
Perseus nodded, feeling a small surge of gratitude. At least he wouldn't have to deal with privacy concerns.
Chiron clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Take some time to settle in. Thalia and a few others will show you around. I'll see you in the training grounds tomorrow morning. We'll start bright and early."
With that, Chiron departed, leaving Perseus alone with Piper and the curious, watchful stares of the other campers.
"So," Piper said, her smile friendly but slightly hesitant. "Let's get you oriented. You're, uh, pretty famous around here, you know. Some people are… interested in meeting you."
Perseus sighed, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Can't wait to meet my fan club."
Piper laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Oh, they're an enthusiastic bunch. The quest kinda made you famous." She motioned for him to follow as they began to walk through the camp.
Perseus took in the sights, his keen senses noting every detail. Campers darted between cabins, some wielding weapons, others carrying supplies. The atmosphere was lively.
"So, what's the story with that climbing wall?" he asked, nodding toward the lava-spewing monstrosity in the distance.
"Oh, that's just the lava wall," Piper said with a shrug. "You'll either love it or hate it. Personally, I stick to sparring. Less chance of getting roasted alive."
"Comforting," he replied dryly.
Piper led him past a row of cabins, each more elaborate than the last. "Every cabin represents a god," she explained. "You're in Poseidon's, of course. It's a bit… underpopulated."
"Let me guess," Perseus said. "I'm the only one?"
"Bingo." Piper smiled, though her tone was apologetic. "But hey, at least you get all the space to yourself."
Perseus glanced at the imposing structure of Poseidon's cabin.
"Could be worse," he muttered, more to himself than to Piper.
"Definitely," she agreed. "And look on the bright side. You're already a legend. You've got that going for you."
He gave her a sidelong glance. "Not sure if that's a good thing yet."
Piper laughed again, then waved to a nearby group of campers. An elfish guy walked over.
"Leo," Piper said, gesturing between them. "This is Perseus."
Leo sized Perseus up with a grin that practically split his face in two. His curly black hair was slightly singed at the ends, and there was a smudge of grease on his cheek. He had the look of someone who was always up to something.
"So you're the Perseus," Leo said, his tone teasing as he extended a hand. "Man, I've heard a lot about you. Gotta say, you're shorter than I imagined."
Perseus shook his hand, his grip firm but cautious. "I'll take that as a compliment?"
"Take it however you want, big guy." Leo grinned, then glanced at Piper. "So, are we giving him the 'welcome to camp' speech, or just throwing him to the harpies and seeing what happens?"
Piper groaned. "Leo, we're not throwing anyone to the harpies."
"Fine, fine," Leo said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, welcome to Camp Half-Blood, Perseus. If you need anything fixed, blown up, or just generally messed with, I'm your guy."
"Good to know," Perseus replied dryly. "I'll keep that in mind."
Leo's grin widened. "Oh, you're gonna love it here. Or hate it. Either way, it's gonna be entertaining."
Piper rolled her eyes but smiled fondly. "Ignore him. He's harmless. Mostly."
"Hey!" Leo protested. "I am a delight."
Perseus chuckled despite himself. "Sure, you are."
Leo clapped him on the shoulder, his hand lingering just long enough for Perseus to feel the faint heat emanating from his palm. "Seriously, though, welcome aboard. And if you ever feel like setting something on fire, come find me."
"Noted," Perseus said, arching an eyebrow.
With that, Leo gave them a salute and wandered off, whistling a jaunty tune that sounded suspiciously like it involved explosions.
Piper shook her head. "You'll get used to him. Or not. Either way, he's... well, he's Leo."
Perseus glanced at Leo's retreating figure and smirked. "I've met weirder."
Piper laughed. "Oh, you'll fit in just fine."
As Piper guided him through the camp, Perseus found himself quietly observing everything.
"Okay," Piper said, snapping him out of his thoughts. "That over there is the Big House." She pointed to a large, sky-blue building with a wraparound porch and a weathered look that suggested it had seen its fair share of battles. "Chiron's main hangout. Also, the place we have most of our meetings and the occasional party."
"I see," Perseus said, glancing at the house. "So, where's the war room?"
Piper shot him a curious look. "War room?"
"You know. The place you make battle strategies, plan quests, stuff like that."
"We just use the Big House," she said with a laugh. "But yeah, I guess it's the same thing."
Perseus nodded.
"And over there," Piper continued, gesturing toward the lake, "is the canoeing lake. Not sure if you're into water sports, but I'd bet you're probably great at it. Son of Poseidon and all."
"I'll pass," he said, not bothering to explain that controlling water kind of took the fun out of rowing.
They walked past the arena, where a group of campers were practicing swordplay. Some were good. Others... well, Perseus had to hold back a wince.
"Looks like I'll have my work cut out for me," he muttered under his breath.
Piper glanced at him but didn't comment. Instead, she led him toward the center of camp, where a stone hearth burned with a steady flame. Campers milled around, chatting and laughing.
"This is the hearth," Piper said.
Perseus nodded, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over him as they passed. He wasn't sure if it was the fire or just the atmosphere, but it was... nice.
"And that," Piper said, pointing to a towering pine tree in the distance, "is Thalia's Pine. The tree marks the camp's boundary and keeps the bad stuff out. Long story, but it's kind of a big deal."
Perseus stared at the tree. "Thalia's Pine?" He asked.
"You'll probably see Thalia soon," Piper said. "She can tell you."
"Looking forward to it," Perseus replied.
Before Piper could say anything else, a loud horn echoed across the camp, drawing everyone's attention.
"Dinner," she said, grinning. "Come on. You're about to experience the Camp Half-Blood dining pavilion."
Perseus followed her.
The dining pavilion was perched on a hill with a breathtaking view of the camp below. It was an open-air structure supported by marble columns. Rows of tables stretched out in neat lines, each one bearing the emblem of an Olympian god.
Campers were already streaming in, finding their seats. Laughter and chatter filled the air as plates piled high with food appeared like magic before them.
"You'll sit at the Poseidon table," Piper explained as they walked in. "Camp tradition, kids sit at their parent's table."
Perseus nodded, though his eyes scanned the crowd. Whispers rippled through the pavilion, some hushed, others not so much.
"Is that him?"
"Perseus, right? The one who-"
"Didn't he-?"
Piper nudged him with her elbow, breaking his focus. "Ignore them. They'll get over it."
"Will they?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well... probably not. But they'll stop whispering eventually." She flashed him a half-sorry grin. "Mostly."
She led him toward a table at the far end of the pavilion, the one adorned with a trident. It was empty, of course. Perseus sighed and sat down, feeling every inch the outsider.
Piper hesitated for a moment before sitting across from him. "Technically, I'm supposed to sit at Aphrodite's table," she said, "but, you know, rules are more like guidelines."
"Thanks," he said, offering her a small smile. "You didn't have to."
"Hey, someone's gotta show you the ropes." She glanced around the pavilion. "Besides, Leo will probably swing by soon to give you a tour around the forge and Bunker Nine. It's... an experience."
Before he could ask what that meant, a boy with a mop of dark hair and a brooding expression approached the table. He carried himself with an air of authority, his eyes scanning Perseus like he was sizing up a potential threat.
"Nico," Piper greeted him warmly. "You've met Perseus, right?"
"I don't think I have," Nico said, his voice even. He didn't sit, just stood there, watching Perseus with a look that bordered on suspicion.
Perseus had no idea what this guy's problem was. He matched Nico's gaze without flinching.
Nico's expression didn't change. "Well. Welcome, I guess. Try not to die."
With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd as quickly as he'd appeared.
Piper shook her head. "Don't take it personally. That's just Nico di Angelo for you."
"He's... direct," Perseus said.
"Yeah, well, he's been through a lot," Piper said, her tone more serious. "He hasn't been the same since his sister died."
His stomach dropped. "His sister?"
"Yeah. A girl named Bianca. She died on a quest-" Piper covered her mouth with her hands. "That was the quest you went on, wasn't it?"
Perseus froze. His fork clattered against the plate as he looked at Piper.
Memories swirled through him. A girl's laughter, the flash of a silver arrow, the crushing weight of guilt.
"She was his sister," he said, more to himself than to Piper. "No wonder he looked at me like that."
Piper's face fell, her kaleidoscope eyes wide with regret. "I didn't mean to- gods, Perseus, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."
He shook his head, forcing a tight smile. "It's fine. You didn't know."
But it wasn't fine. Not really. He had tried to forget Bianca's death, but this wasn't helping.
Piper hesitated, as if debating whether to say more. Finally, she reached across the table and placed a hand on his arm. "For what it's worth, you've done a lot of good too. More than most of us ever could."
Her words were kind, but they didn't land the way she probably intended. Perseus gave her a short nod and picked up his fork again, poking at his food without much appetite.
As they sat in awkward silence, a familiar voice rang out.
"Well, well, if it isn't the man of the hour!"
Leo sauntered over, his grin as irrepressible as ever. He plopped down beside Piper and grabbed an apple off her plate, earning a half-hearted glare from her.
"Leo," she groaned, "boundaries."
"Boundaries are for people without charm," Leo said with a wink, taking a big bite of the apple. He turned his attention to Perseus, leaning forward with exaggerated enthusiasm. "So, Perseus, tell me: what's it like being the camp's resident legend? Do you feel taller? More heroic? Maybe a little nauseous?"
The corners of Perseus' mouth twitched upward despite himself. "Mostly just tired."
Leo laughed. "That's fair. This place has a way of running people ragged. But don't worry, I'll make sure you get the deluxe tour. Lava wall, celestial bronze arsenal, Bunker Nine. We'll hit all the highlights."
Piper rolled her eyes but didn't stop him. "Just don't blow anything up while you're at it."
"No promises," Leo said, tossing the apple core into the air and catching it with a flourish. "Anyway, Perseus, you survive the dining pavilion, and you can survive anything. Consider this your initiation."
"Good to know," Perseus said, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
As Leo launched into a story about an ill-fated attempt to install rocket boosters on Chiron's wheelchair, Perseus found himself almost, almost, forgetting what had happened. But the memory of Nico's gaze and the mention of Bianca lingered like a shadow in the back of his mind.
Before the conversation could go any deeper, a plate of food materialized in front of Perseus, steak, roasted potatoes, and a perfectly golden slice of garlic bread. He blinked at it, then glanced at Piper.
"Magic," Leo explained. "It knows what you like."
Perseus frowned. "That's... unsettling."
Piper laughed, like they hadn't just discussed someone's death. "You get used to it. Now, come on. Time to make your offerings."
She gestured toward the center of the pavilion, where a large bronze brazier burned with a steady flame. Perseus watched as campers approached it, each one tossing a piece of food into the fire. The flames flared and changed color with every offering.
"It's tradition," Piper said. "You're offering it to the gods."
Perseus hesitated.
Still, he stood, grabbed a piece of garlic bread, and walked to the brazier. For my father. The fire crackled as he approached, almost as if it were alive. He tossed the bread in, watching as the flames turned a deep sea green.
Afer another moment's hesistation, he put in another piece of bread. To Athena.
For a moment, he thought he felt something, like a distant wave crashing on a faraway shore, an owl hooting. Then it was gone.
He turned and walked back to the table, feeling every gaze in the pavilion.
"How was I?," Piper said when he sat down.
"Alright," he muttered, picking up his fork.
As he ate, he couldn't shake the feeling that his arrival had stirred something in the camp. It was like everyone was waiting for something.
Whatever it was, Perseus had the sinking feeling it wouldn't be long before he found out.
ETERNITY
Whatever Perseus was planning on doing, a game of capture the flag with demigods millennia younger than him wasn't it.
"So," Piper said, her grin betraying no sympathy as they approached the staging area, "are you ready to defend your honor, oh mighty Perseus?"
He shot her a deadpan look. "You realize I'm older than everyone here, right?"
"Age doesn't matter here," she said with a wink. "Only skill. And, you know, not getting disemboweled."
"Comforting," he muttered.
The woods were already a chaotic scene. Two groups of campers huddled together, planning strategies and gesturing animatedly. The forest loomed in the background, dark and full of shadows. Banners bearing the colors of each team fluttered in the breeze, one blue, the other red.
Thalia stood in the middle of it all, her electric blue eyes sharp as she barked instructions. She wore her armor like it was part of her skin, a black leather jacket over bronze plates that gleamed under the setting sun. Her celestial bronze spear glinted as she spun it absently.
When she spotted Perseus, her expression shifted into one of amusement. "Look who finally decided to join the fun," she called.
"Don't sound too excited," Perseus replied dryly.
Thalia's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm excited. We'll see if the legend lives up to the hype."
Perseus muttered something about demigods these days and hit her playfully
"Try not to embarrass yourself," Thalia said teasingly, elbowing him.
He gave her a flat look. "I was fighting wars before your ancestors figured out fire."
"Perfect," she replied with a grin. "You can put all that prehistoric wisdom to use."
"I am not prehistoric," spluttered Perseus.
"Alright, whatever," she said, resting her spear casually on her shoulder. "What team are you on?"
He scanned the crowd. It didn't matter, red, blue, whatever. He'd end up doing most of the work regardless. "Whichever one is going to win."
"That's confident," Thalia said, raising an eyebrow. "But I don't think you've seen what these demigods are capable of."
"Let me guess," he replied, arms crossed. "They have a talent for syabbing their elders?"
"Just go on blue," she said, twirling her spear. "And start praying to your girlfriend Athena. We're going to destroy you."
Perseus shook his head, trying not to laugh.
Before he could respond, a camper with curly blond hair stepped forward, carrying a helmet and a set of celestial bronze bracers. A son of Apollo, probably.
"Gear up," he said, offering them to Perseus.
Perseus took the equipment, noting the dents and scratches. It wasn't exactly pristine, but it would do. He strapped on the bracers and adjusted the helmet.
"Alright," Thalia said, stepping into the circle of campers. "Listen up! Standard rules: two teams, one flag each. Your goal is to capture the enemy's flag and bring it back to your side without losing your own. Anything goes except lethal force. Got it?"
A chorus of agreements rose from the crowd.
Thalia pointed her spear at Perseus. "You're with the blue team. Nico's your captain."
Nico? Great. Perseus glanced toward the dark-haired boy, who was standing off to the side with his arms crossed. Nico met his gaze with a cool, unreadable expression before turning away.
Fantastic.
Thalia continued, assigning the rest of the teams before stepping back. "Flags are hidden. You've got fifteen minutes to strategize. Move!"
The blue team gathered near the edge of the forest, Nico taking the lead. He didn't waste time on pleasantries.
"Alright," Nico said, his voice low but firm. "We're splitting into three groups. Defensive, offensive, and scouting. Defensive stays near the flag, our cabin's group can handle that. Offensive pushes into their territory. Scouts report enemy movements. Got it?"
Nods all around.
"You," Nico said, pointing at Perseus, "are with the offense."
Perseus raised an eyebrow. "No vote?"
Nico's dark eyes narrowed. "I don't need one. Just try not to lose."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Perseus replied.
The team dispersed, leaving Perseus with a handful of campers he barely knew. Piper stuck close, offering him a reassuring smile.
"Don't mind Nico," she said. "He's like that with everyone."
"Good to know," Perseus muttered.
The horn sounded, and the game began.
Perseus found himself sprinting through the forest, dodging low-hanging branches and leaping over roots. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, the distant shouts of campers echoing through the trees.
Their target was a clearing where the red team's flag was supposedly hidden. Piper led the way, her daggers glinting as she slashed through underbrush. A boy named Jake followed, his axe ready.
"Almost there," Piper whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.
Perseus kept his senses sharp, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Sure enough, as they approached the clearing, movement caught his eye. A trio of red team defenders was stationed near the flag.
"Three guards," Piper murmured, crouching behind a bush.
Perseus studied the scene. The flag was tied to a tall pole in the center of the clearing, its gold fabric shimmering. The guards were armed and alert, but they weren't paying much attention to their surroundings.
"I'll draw their attention," Perseus said, his voice low. "You two grab the flag."
Piper frowned. "Are you sure?"
He smirked. "I've dealt with worse."
Without waiting for a response, Perseus stepped into the clearing, his spear flashing as he drew it.
"Hey!" he called, his voice cutting through the quiet.
The guards snapped to attention, their eyes widening as they recognized him.
"Is that-"
"Yeah," Perseus said, grinning. "It's me. Come and get me."
The guards hesitated for a split second before charging.
Behind him, Piper and Jake slipped into the clearing.
Perseus kept the guards occupied, his spear a blur as he deflected their attacks. One of them overreached, leaving an opening that Perseus exploited with a stab. The guard stumbled, his sword clattering to the ground.
Piper reached the flag and untied it, holding it up triumphantly.
"Got it!" she stepped back, his grin widening. "Guess that's my cue."
The three of them bolted, the remaining guards shouting in frustration as they gave chase.
Well, they would have gave chase, if not for the lake rising up and drenching them. Percy laughed.
Back at the blue team's base, cheers erupted as Piper planted the red flag in the ground. Perseus leaned against a tree, catching his breath as the team celebrated.
Nico approached, his expression unreadable.
"You didn't screw it up," Nico said.
"Thanks," Perseus replied dryly. "High praise."
Nico's lips twitched.
As the excitement died down, Perseus felt the eyes on him. Whispers spread through the camp.
Thalia came up to him. "That's not fair! You used your weird water magic."
Perseus raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me you didn't electrocute anyone?"
"Guilty as charged."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
This was going to be a long summer.
ETERNITY
Perseus was sitting by himself on a ledge overlooking the sea.
The waves crashed against the rocks below, a rhythmic sound that had always brought him some sense of peace. He'd always felt a connection to the water, something that ran deeper than just his parentage. It was like the ocean itself understood him in ways that people couldn't.
He stared out at the horizon, lost in thought, when a soft voice broke through the quiet.
"Mind if I join you?"
He didn't even turn around. "Of course, Athena."
The goddess sat next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I see my spear has done you some good."
"I suppose." Perseus let out a chuckle, though the sound held no warmth. "Yet it seems like all it's done is remind me how little I've changed, despite everything that's happened."
Athena shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against his arm in an almost comforting way. "You've changed more than you think. You've been through battles that would break anyone, and yet, here you are. Alive. Still standing."
Perseus finally turned his head to look at her. "Alive, yes. But I don't feel like I've ever really lived. Not like I should have. Not like I wanted to."
Athena's gaze softened. "You've always fought, Perseus. For others, for honor, for duty. But you've never fought for yourself. Not fully. You've spent so long carrying the weight of others' expectations that you've forgotten what it means to choose."
His eyes narrowed, frustration building again. "So, what? I just stop? I walk away from it all?"
"Not at all," Athena said softly. "You've fought with your heart for so long that you've forgotten to think with your mind. You've never taken a moment to ask yourself what you truly want. You're not just the weapon everyone expects you to be, Perseus. You're also a person. A person who has every right to decide his own path."
He looked out at the sea again, the waves crashing relentlessly against the rocks. "Goddess of wisdom, right?"
Athena laughed quietly. "You are different, Perseus."
Before he could ask what she meant, she placed a chaste kiss to his lips and got up.
As she turned to leave, Perseus stayed seated, staring out at the horizon. The sea was as vast as ever, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he could see beyond it.
I'm actually pretty happy with how this chapter turned out! I had a few hours before my maths exam, so I decided to release this.
Guys, I'm sorry for all the angst, it'll ease up, I promise.
Anyway, review responses:
Vallier2417: Lmao glad you like it! Ah, Artemis and Percy will confront each other eventually.
Guest: Thank you!
Guestx2: Thanks so much!
sameteplu: Pronto descubrirás lo que hizo Percy. Pronto saldrán a la luz muchos secretos. ¡Me alegro de que te haya gustado!
nasapeeplover16: Thanks. but what's the big 'L word'?
Robotdocter: The kiss was long in the works lmao. Bruh, your wild guess is completely accurate, but I can't spoil it yet.
Guestx3: Thanks, and it won't be full of angst in later chaps.
Guestx4: Thank you!
Guestx5: Appreciate it!
magocrat777: Maybe I will. Thanks for the suggestion.
PhantomFuryJP: Glad you liked it!
donfuungames: You're completely right! Yeah, Orion is a bad guy, he's a literal giant in Rick's works.
That's it! Should update after my exams, so about in a week.
Can't wait for how Percy affects BoTL.
See you all soon!