The Beginning of Aiden's Quest
Chapter 1
Aiden yawned as he lay in his bed in Cabin 17, just waking up.
"Urh, what time is it?" he mumbled sleepily.
He turned his head toward the nightstand next to his bed, and when he saw the time on the small device, he let out a soft groan of annoyance.
"Looks like I missed breakfast," he muttered in frustration.
Grumbling to himself, he got out of bed and headed to his private bathroom to get ready for the day and change into clothes for whatever activities lay ahead.
After brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and tidying up, he left his cabin and made his way toward the dining area.
"Maybe I can still get some food from the nymphs," he muttered to himself as he walked toward the place where he knew he would find them.
As he walked, he observed the ongoing activities around the camp—some boys and girls playing basketball, probably Apollo's kids, judging by their incredible shots, he added mentally.
He then turned his head and saw several campers of various ages trying to climb the lava wall. Amused, he watched a few try to impress the others with flashy moves, only to fail clumsily, making him chuckle.
Some of the campers may have heard him, as he wasn't far off. They turned and, upon seeing him, greeted him with smiles and waves, which he casually returned.
He continued walking calmly toward his destination. As he passed by the lake, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the water. He saw a young man who looked to be between 18 and 20 years old, with slightly tanned skin that hinted at hours spent training or having fun in the sun, jet-black hair, sky-blue eyes, and a small scar on his chin.
He wore a short-sleeved black shirt with red lines around the collar, bearing the Camp Half-Blood logo over the heart, tight ripped black jeans, a black utility belt holding various tools (something like Batman's, but more practical), and small boots with metal reinforcements on the soles. Around his neck hung two chains—one with beads marking his years at camp, and the other holding a small laurel with golden decorations, a gift from his father.
While mentally reviewing his outfit, he arrived at his destination: a small spot near the lake where several naiads were playing in the water. He approached them without hiding the sound of his footsteps. The naiads turned to see who was coming, and upon seeing him, they giggled and greeted him. He returned the greeting with a smile.
As he greeted them, one naiad came to the shore.
"Look who we have here," the naiad said with a smile.
"Good morning, Eliane," Aiden replied with a grin.
"I've told you a thousand times—it's Eli for you," corrected the now-known Eli.
"Whatever you say, Elaine," Aiden replied with a smirk.
At that, Eli puffed her cheeks, knowing it was a lost cause trying to argue with this airhead.
"What brings you here?" Eli asked. "You usually come by earlier to say hi," she added after a beat.
At that, Aiden blushed a little and turned his head away.
Eli sighed.
"Missed breakfast again?" she asked, amused yet a little worried.
The black-haired boy only nodded in response. Eli then motioned to one of her friends to bring some food. The other naiad went to fulfill her request.
"All right, now talk. What's going on with you? This isn't like you," Eliane said abruptly.
"Nothing's wrong," Aiden lied automatically.
Eliane's gaze sharpened.
"Aiden, don't lie to me. What's going on?" she insisted quickly.
Aiden sighed, knowing he couldn't lie to her—maybe to anyone else, but not to her.
"I've been having dreams," he confessed hesitantly.
Eliane's eyes softened and filled with concern.
"What are you dreaming about, Ai?" she asked in a low voice.
"A quest," Aiden answered, his eyes firm.