40+ advance chapters on [email protected]/Saintbarbido.
-Loth's P.O.V-
My instincts kicked in and I raised my hand, grasping the strange warmth in my chest.
A pinkish circular shield materialized, blocking the spear with a loud impact.
'Damn, she didn't hold back.' My surprise at the unprovoked attack was overtaken by shock at the strength behind the throw.
Small cracks spread out from the area of contact, the spear's tip poking through. I could feel everyone watching me. Stunned by the display of power.
I quickly dismissed the barrier, and the spear falling to my hand.
"Great timing."
Grover muttered in a shaky tone.
As for the girl, she approached us with a smirk, masking her surprise with annoyance.
Annabeth narrowed her angry eyes and stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Clarisse, that was uncalled for."
Clarisse shrugged, crossing her arms and staring at me in interest. "I heard one of the newbies fought a giant spider. I wanted to see if the rumors were true."
I narrowed my eyes, unammused. That stunt could have killed me. The fact it reminded me of the 'nice' Dryad's malicious intent, made me immediately hate her guts.
Grover grumbled from behind Percy, "You're a bully, Clarisse."
Yes. Yes she is, Grover. And I don't like bullies.
"Oh, and what are you going to do about it, goat-boy?" she taunted, fists clenched.
But Percy, to everyone's surprise but mine, took a bold step forward, his eyes meeting hers without a hint of fear.
"You want a fight? I'm not afraid of you," he said, his tone steady and challenging. A murmur rippled through the small crowd that had gathered around us.
"Is that so?"
Clarrise growled, cracking her knuckles. I prepared myself for a fight, ready to help Percy incase he needed it.
Just then, a laid-back voice cut through the tension.
"Alright, that's enough, Clarisse." The tall, blond guy from before, strolled over, exuding an effortless confidence.
"Luke," Annabeth greeted him with a slight smile.
He gave her a nod, then looked at Clarisse with a warning gleam in his eye. "Save it for Capture the Flag. You'll get your chance."
Clarisse shot us a glare before stalking off, muttering under her breath something about breaking our bones.
"Hey."
I called after her.
She turned around just in time to catch the spear's head, before the tip could run her through.
"Careful who you aim for, next time I'll return to sender with twice the speed."
I warned. We held eye contact for a second before she scoffed and stormed off.
"What?"
I asked the group, noticing the strange stares.
Luke shook his head, adopting a friendly smile. "Welcome to Camp Half-Blood," he smoothly said. "Ignore Clarisse; she's all bark unless she's got a reason."
His eyes lingered on me meaningfully.
We stayed a bit in the arena before leaving. Our next stop was the forge where Haephestus' kids worked metal with glowing hammers, shaping weapons from fire and steel. Then a few would inscribe the forged weapons with glowing tools.
Magical enchanting, Annabeth explained. I dared not activate Aura sense for fear of being overwhelmed. The area simmered with energy, so plenty it made my skin tingle.
The forge and the arena put everything into perspective.
Camp Half blood was not just a sanctuary, it was a place meant for training, for fighting— a place where Demigods prepared for battles against monsters in a bid for survival.
We broke for lunch in the mess hall. The food was delicious.
"The produce is fresh. The vegetables are homegrown by the Demeter house, guaranteeing quality. The camp even ships out the surplus for money."
Annabeth said, as I chewed on a particularly large carrot.
I don't even like carrots but this was good. Slightly crunchy but soft. The broth was heavenly, not to mention the large glass of fruit juice sitting on the table. It would magically refill everytime it bottomed.
"Not to pry, Loth, but what was that pink shield?"
Percy questioned, like him, Annabeth and Grover looked curious.
I looked around the noisy hall. Except for the occasional scathing glare from Clarrise, No one was paying us any attention.
"I don't know a lot. But I think its magic. Feels similar to the energy hanging around the Hecate table."
I said, creating a small shield above my hand.
Almost instantly, the Hecate kids turned my direction.
"There's a chance Hecate is your godly parent."
Annabeth said.
I thought about telling them the truth but decided against it. Sharing personal information would foster trust and trust would lead to friendship. Something I wanted to avoid.
"I guess."
I shrugged, dismissing the shield.
"We'll know for sure tonight. During the claiming ceremony."
Annabeth remarked.
Right. There was that. I wonder what they'll think of me when I'm not claimed by any God.
After lunch, we continued the tour. She took us to the Stables, the Amphitheater, the Climbing rock, arts and crafts building, and finally ended the day at Thalia's pine tree.
Annabeth briefly mentioned that Thalia's tree was the core of the camp's boundary field, which protected us by keeping Monsters out.
The field was invisible but I could sense it thrumming with steady power. Thalia's tree was like it's heart.
Annabeth seemed disturbed and urged us to leave soon after. And with that, the tour was over.
Dusk had settled over the camp, by the time Annabeth led us to a fire pit, where the campers gathered, their faces bathed in the flickering light of the flames.
Chiron stepped forward, raising his hands for silence, his voice powerful as he addressed the crowd.
"Tonight, we welcome our newest campers: Percy and Loth."
A low murmur spread through the group, and I felt the weight of everyone's gaze on us. Percy shifted uncomfortably beside me.
Chiron raised his hands again, and a hush fell. "Tonight, the gods will claim their children."
Symbols began to appear above the campers' heads, glowing and flickering in the firelight, marking each camper with their divine parent's sign.
I watched in awe as each symbol announced a connection to the gods.
Above Percy, a trident blazed bright and unmistakable, casting a blue glow over the crowd.
"Poseidon?" someone whispered in astonishment, and the tension thickened as eyes locked onto Percy.
Even Annabeth seemed stunned, her eyes wide.
"Poseidon hasn't claimed a child in decades…" she murmured, her gaze filled with a mix of wonder and unease.
As Percy's trident faded, I noticed a faint glow above my own head, growing stronger until it solidified into two crossed torches surrounded by a swirl of pink and purple light.
"Hecate's symbol," Annabeth breathed in surprise, looking at me with new respect. "Goddess of magic. Looks like I was right."
'This makes no sense. I know Hecate's not my mom.'
I thought to myself.
Chiron's expression softened as he addressed me. "Loth, welcome to the Hecate cabin."
A new round of murmurs spread through the campers, their tones shifting from curiosity to reverence, maybe even a touch of fear.
I sensed that Hecate's children were rare and regarded differently. Her children, my 'siblings' gazed at me with happiness and acceptance.
Despite knowing the truth, my chest swelled with pride and anxiety, and seeing Percy's equally bewildered face gave me a small sense of comfort.
We were both out of place here— me more than him- but maybe that was okay.
After the ceremony, I was led to the Hecate cabin.
Unlike the others, it subtly called to me, humming with an unseen power, the walls covered in mystical symbols that seemed to shift as I moved.
For the first time since getting here, I felt a sense of belonging, a place where I might truly fit in. Just until I found a way back home.
---
-That Night-
Sleep was elusive.
When I finally drifted off, my dreams were restless.
I found myself in a vast, misty forest under a crescent moon. Shadows flickered around me, strange and unearthly.
A figure emerged from the mist—a woman in dark purple robes that shimmered with starlight, her hair flowing like the night sky.
Her eyes glowed, piercing and knowing. Immense magic and mist swirled around her like a storm. I knew immediately who she was.
My 'mother'.
"Hecate," I whispered, voice wavering between awe and fear.
She smiled, her tone soft yet commanding. "Maurice Lothal. You carry powerful strange magic within you—a gift and a burden. Learn to it wisely, for it demands respect."
I swallowed, my voice barely a whisper. "Why did you claim me even though I'm not your son?"
"Because magic chose you." she replied, stepping closer until I felt the chill of her power. "You have the potential to shape it, to wield it as few can. That alone makes us family."
She raised her hand, and a small orb of pink light floated toward me, embedding itself in my chest, warm and vibrant. "This brand of magic is different. If you truly wish to master it, you must learn patience, resilience, and control. Prove to me deserving of my Patronage, Loth and I shall reward you."
Her words resonated as the vision faded, leaving a warm, pulsing glow in my chest.
When I awoke, the faint light of dawn filtered through the cabin.
Pink sparks danced at my fingertips, a reminder of Hecate's gift.
I lay back, feeling a newfound sense of purpose.
"Master magic huh?"
"I- I can help with that."
A shy voice said.
Turning around, I found one of Hecate's children standing before my bed. A girl.
"I- It won't be easy. But if you succeed, Mother will reward you."