At camp, most of the campers are present at the dining pavilion for breakfast. That included one Travis Stoll, co-councilor for Hermes Cabin, currently sitting at the Hermes table with his half siblings.
Travis smiled as he looked around his father's table, even after the gods were made to claim their children, even after the fact that cabins were made for the minor gods. The Hermes cabin was still one of the most populated ones at camp. Travis couldn't help but think about how being the god of messengers and travelers gave his father the opportunity to father so many children.
Looking around, Travis thought back to how the camp was 7 years ago, before the second Titan War. He couldn't help but compare the camp back then to how it is now; just the number of campers now is more than triple the number back then. Thinking of the state of things made him happy. So sporting a happy smile, Travis joked with his siblings as they planned pranks on the other campers.
After a while, his eyes drifted to the Demeter table, towards Katie Gardner, Councilor of the Demeter cabin, his girlfriend. As if sensing him, Katie looked back at him with narrowed eyes, no doubt thinking he was up to no good. Travis flashed her a wide grin, causing Katie to shake her head, smiling fondly. Seeing that, Travis made plans to get Katie alone later.
Travis eyes continued to look around the pavilion.
The Apollo table was filled with campers huddled close, probably discussing the latest medical breakthrough. He noticed Will, the councilor for cabin 7, missing. He looked around and found him sitting at the Hades table, shaking the lone Hades camper at camp, Nico Di'Angelo, Will's boyfriend, who at the moment had his head plastered on the table, asleep.
Travis's eyes traveled next to the Ares table, where Clarisse, a retired camper who was visiting for the week, was laughing loudly with her siblings.
Travis swings around his seat and looks at the Hephaestus table, missing almost half of its members. Which is pretty normal considering most of them are probably still asleep after staying up all night with their projects. Though he remembers Leo and Nyssa were actually out of camp at the moment, they were sent by Chiron to escort the visiting Romans to the city. They left at sunrise and should be back by dinner.
As he looked around, his eyes landed on the empty table. Tables one and two, Zeus and Hera's, Looking at those tables always bring back painful memories. memories of Jason Grace, the fallen son of Jupiter. Travis looked away, his eyes going to the table dedicated to Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt. The table was only in use when the Hunters of Artemis were in camp; granted, they hadn't visited in awhile.
Finally, Travis eyes landed on the last empty table, a table dedicated to the God of the Seas, Poseidon. And the one who used to occupy that table was the only demigod child of Poseidon in the last century. Percy Jackson.
Looking at that table brought back a lot of memories of the twice-hero Olympus.
Even now, years after he left, his stories are still being told to new campers: stories of his quest and the monsters he faced. The enemies he defeated. Stories of the sacrifices he made—sacrifices that led to the betterment of the lives of all demigods
Travis thought fondly of the pranks the two of them played on other campers. of the battles they fought in.
Unknowingly, the memories made Travis look over at another table. This one was filled with a group of blonde-haired, gray-eyed campers. All sat around the table, eating while reading books or discussing with a sibling. Table 6 is dedicated to the goddess Athena.
As he looked at them, Travis's sight focused on the oldest of the bunch. A woman sporting the same hair and eye color as the rest. Annabeth Chase, senior camper, architech, and hero of Olympus
Travis watched as she smiled at something one of her younger siblings said; a smile Travis noticed did not reach her eyes. Eyes that remained hollow, hiding within them a sadness that very few could understand.
Seeing that, Travis couldn't help but feel a bit of satisfaction, a feeling that conflicted with him also feeling bad for her. Despite all that she did to deserve that hurt, she was still one of Travis's oldest friends.
But Travis also knows the reason behind that hurt, as most senior campers know. Even some of the campers who came after the war know. Though now no one blames her, just the knowledge that people know the reason behind her sad smile brings more sadness to her.
Just knowing that she was the reason Percy is gone is enough to cause her hurt.
Shaking the depressing thoughts away. Travis looked at the table and noticed Malcolm was missing. He thought back to how Malcolm and a half brother of his were sent as reinforcements for a satyr who called camp for backup. Travis actually volunteered to go, but Chiron decided against sending him. He was told by Francis that his brother needed the experience and that he needed more at camp, training the new campers.
But they have been gone for four days now; Chiron estimated that at most they would go for three. It was time to worry. Travis decided to ask Chiron about them later; if there was no news, he'd take matters into his own hands.
Travis's thought was broken by the conch blowing, signaling that breakfast was over. After reminding his sibling what their schedule for the day was, he stood up and headed to the armory. He was scheduled to teach beginner sword fighting; he needed to get ready.
Being one of the oldest campers, Travis was one of the better swordsmen at camp. And his cheerful and upbeat personality makes him a great instructor to the younger campers, or at least that's what Chiron told him when he assigned him that post. Stepping into the arena, he found a gaggle of teenagers, all around the age of 13.
25 young, loud, and rowdy campers, all wielding wooden swords and wearing armor. He loved them instantly. And as he stood in front of them, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of how different they were from when they started training a month ago.
He called for their attention and partnered them with someone. As they went through the drills and moves, Travis commented on their mistakes, praising what they did right and reminding them of what to do in certain scenarios.
After 2 hours, he calls for the end of the session, again reminding everyone to reflect on what they learned today and dismissing them to their next lessons. After cleaning up, he heads to his own lesson, senior archery.
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Afternoon at Camp Half Blood, Travis lessons have just finished, and he is on his way to the Big House, where he plans to demand Chiron allow him to leave camp and look for his brother and Malcolm if they have still not reached out to them.
As he approached the Big House, he found Chiron and Mr. D on the porch, playing cards as always. Travis bowed in respect to the two immortals. "Ah! Travis, my boy! Would you like to join us?" asked Chiron in acknowledgement. Travis shook his head and replied, "No thanks, Chiron; I'm here to ask for an update on my brother." Chiron looked at him, and Travis followed with, "They were supposed to be back yesterday, Chiron! I'm worried! We're all worried!"
Chiron sighed and placed his card on the table. Travis noticed that he had the winning cards again. Mr. D also saw Chiron's cards based on his frown, but God just stood up and went inside the Big house, clearly leaving Chiron to deal with the issue. Chiron wheeled himself from the table toward Travis with a tired look in his eyes.
Chiron then waved him over, and he stepped closer to the centaur.
"I understand your worry, child; I was just about to call you, actually," said Chiron when he stood in front of him. "Is there news?" Travis asked nervously.
"I received an Iris message from Malcolm early this morning. He told me that they are heading back now and will be arriving here around dinner time," Chiron replied.
The news brought peace to Travis; his brother is coming home. But why were they late? Travis asked himself. "That's good! Thank the Gods! But why were they late, Chiron? Did something happen?"
Chiron looked out of the camp before answering, "Malcolm did not give me all the details; they were rushing to board the plane after all, but from what he managed to tell, they were ambushed by a large number of monsters and were surrounded at one point." Hearing this dispelled all the relief from hearing his brother was safe. He was about to explode at Chiron for not letting him be the one to go on this mission when the centaur held his hand up, signaling that he was not done talking.
"Yes, they were surrounded and injured, but they were rescued. Two demigods managed to arrive and help them in time," Chiron continued. "Two demigods?" Travis clarified.
Chiron nodded his head and went on. "After finishing off the monsters, they were taken to the residence of the rescuers, where they were healed and offered rest for the night; that happened yesterday," Chiron recounted. "When Malcolm contacted me this morning, they were at the airport; they were driven there by the two demigods, who also gave them the money for their travel."
As Chiron finished, Travis was left in deep thought. His brother and friends were safe and coming home. On the other hand, two unknown demigods manage to help them. that in itself was suspicious.
"Who were they, Chiron?"
"I do not yet know, child; Malcolm was mum about the identity of the two, though he promised to tell when they arrived." was the answer he got.
"Keep a calm mind; they will be home soon. I have sent a couple of Apollo and Ares campers as well as Lou Ellen to pick them up from the airport," Chiron assured him.
"Okay, Chiron, just let me know when they are here, please." Travis accepted but asked Chiron to keep him informed, still worried but somewhat mollified.
"I will be calling for a council meeting later when they arrive; I will call you then," Chiron promised.
Travis nodded at that and started to walk away when Chiron called out to him. "And if you could let Annabeth know about what happened, Travis, that would be helpful!"
"I will!" Travis replied with a wave of his hand.
Travis found Annabeth at the Lava Wall, overseeing some of the younger campers training. He approached her and relayed the news. Annabeth was visibly relieved to hear her brother was fine and on the way back to camp. She thanked Travis when one of the campers climbing the wall lost footing, diverting her attention.
"I will see you later at the meeting, Annabeth," Travis called to Annabeth as he walked away.
Travis then went to the strawberry fields, looking for Katie. He found her with a couple of her siblings tending to the berries. He smiled at her as he watched her direct her siblings. Katie noticed him, and Travis grinned at her, making Katie blush. He reached for her hand and began tugging at her, his intent obvious.
Katie rolled her eyes at his antics but allowed herself to be led away, but not without leaving a few instructions for the oldest of her sisters to take charge. He led Katie to the docks, where they just sat and dangled their feet in the water, watching the naiads weave baskets as they told each other how the day went until the conch sounded, letting them know that it was dinner time.
The two went back to their respective cabins to lead their siblings to the dining pavilion.
Dinner, unlike breakfast, was a noisy affair. All campers are present during dinner except those that are away from camp; all are expected to be present during dinner. And as Travis led his cabin to the central fire pit, he thought back to those who were currently not in attendance. And when it came his turn, he offered more than he usually would, praying for the safety of those who were currently away.
Travis was just finishing his meal when he was approached by a nymph with a message from Chiron. "You are expected in the Big house," the nymph said, quickly leaving. Travis nodded and called to the next oldest of his siblings. "Nick! You're in charge!" Getting a nod from Nick, Travis stood and went to the Big house.
As he was walking, he was joined by Mason, a son of Hephaestus, whom he asked if he heard any news about Leo and Nyssa. "Leo called, said they stopped at the city for early dinner, and should be back within the hour," Mason said after a nod.
Nodding at that, the two continued the trek to the Big house. When they arrived, they found that most of the other councilors and senior campers were already present. With a few absences, the most notable is Nico. Chiron, he saw, was at the head of the table quietly speaking with a satyr, whom Travis thought to be the one who called for help. Then he saw Malcolm sitting next to Annabeth, shaking his head, his eyes glued to the table. Probably discussing the mission with his sister, Travis thought.
He was about to step to Chiron to ask about Francis when he was tackled into a hug from the side. He recognized his brother a second later and returned the hug. After a few seconds, he let go and held Francis at arm's length. eyes, taking him in fully. He noted a few scratches, and his arm and head are bandaged but otherwise look fine. He was about to ask Francis what happened when Chiron banged his hoof on the floor, bringing the room to attention.
Everyone in the room sat down and looked to Chiron, who cleared his throat and started the meeting. "First, I would like to thank everyone for making the time to attend this meeting. Second, I would like to applaud Malcolm and Francis, as well as Protector Peter, for a job well done. Not only have they protected two young demigods from certain harm, but they have also brought them back to camp safely!" Chiron commended with a proud smile. He continued, "The two young ones are currently watching the orientation film and will be introduced to the temporary cabin by a senior camper," he informed all. "And lastly, I thank the gods for everyone's safe return!" Chiron finished with his fist at his chest, above his heart.
After a minute of silence, Chiron again addressed the room, "I know all of you would like to know the circumstances that led to these events, so I think it's only right that I leave the floor to those who are involved and would know more." With a nod towards Malcolm and Francis, he encouraged them to tell the story.
Malcolm looks around at all the faces in the room and starts. He tells how they got to the city and managed to find the satyr with the two kids almost immediately. As they were leaving, they started to encounter monsters. He told them how the number of monsters increased with every encounter. How they were ambushed when they tried to lose the monsters pursuit in the forest.
"Is this where you were helped, Malcolm?" Annabeth interrupted.
"Yes," Francis answered.
"I thought I was going to die," Malcolm followed, his hands being grabbed and squeezed by his sister. "I was the only one who could fight at that point; Francis was down and the kids were hiding behind Peter," he continued as Travis placed a hand on his brother. His worry just intensified at hearing how close it got. 'I should have gone instead,' Travis thought.
"I was praying to mom, you know, when those two appeared," Malcolm said as he looked at Annabeth. "I thought they were sent by her at first," he confessed.
"Were they that good?" Travis asked.
"There were close to 18 monsters surrounding us, Travis, including five cyclopses," Malcolm answered.
"And those two run through them in just a couple of minutes!" Francis exclaimed.
Travis was left in awe at the apparent skill of the two obviously veteran demigods. but he also felt a bit of apprehension. "Who could they be?" he wondered.
Malcolm continued his story of how, after the fight, they were led to the home of the two demigods. "So they were living in the forest?" asked Katie, earning a nod from Francis. Malcolm then told them how they were given ambrosia and nectar to heal. At this point, Will Solace finally spoke up. "They have supplies of ambrosia and nectar?" he asked Malcolm, who only shrugged.
Francis spoke up before Malcolm could continue, telling them how they were given rooms to rest and how they were driven to the airport the next day and given enough money for plane tickets for all of them.
"That was where I IM'ed Chiron, letting him know why we were late." Malcolm finished the tale.
Travis, as well as everyone else in the room, was silent, but he was sure everyone was wondering about the same thing. The identity of the two demigods. Finally, Katie, unable to bear it anymore, asked
"Who were they, Malcolm?"
Travis Inwardly smiled at Katie's question. 'So much like what I asked Chiron earlier,' he thought as he stared at Malcolm, waiting for him to answer. He saw him close his eyes and sighed deeply. When he opened them, he first looked at Chiron questioningly, who nodded back to him. Then Malcolm looked around the room, at every face. Then he sighed once again, opened his mouth, and said
"It's Percy and Hazel."
Travis would like to say that he took the reveal as well as he could, but then he would be lying. No, the truth was, as soon as he heard those names, his mind went blank. His ears started to buzz. and his eyes stared at the son of Athena, sitting at the table almost in front of him. waiting for him to jump up and declare everything to be a joke. But no, as one of the oldest sons of Hermes at camp, he can tell a good joke from a mile away. And this one was not a joke.
As Travis got his bearings back, he looked at the people around him, noting varying degrees of shock. The worst was from Annabeth, whose mouth was open as she was staring at her brother with eyes shining with unshed tears.
Travis was about to ask Malcolm where they were when the door slammed open. breaking the silence that ruled the room. bringing everyone back from their shock-induced coma.
All heads turn toward the doors, where they find one Leo Valdez, panting like he has just run a marathon. Travis saw Chiron about to ask Leo what happened from the corner of his eyes when Leo opened his mouth and shouted
"I found Piper!"