II. Week Thirteen: Lesson One

  Watching the woman meditate was an easy task. Actually meditating?  Xeq thought that he was good an concentrating but when she said to concentrate on nothing, to clear his mind, to think of ‘nothing’ but when he thought of ‘nothing’ wasn’t he thinking of something? The absence of thought is still something, Xeq thought.

  “It’s simpler than you’re making it to be, do not speak. Think.” The woman said.

  Taking another deep breath, Xeq tried to clear his thoughts but the first one to breach was Zamer. He wasn’t supposed to think about anything and that included her. He wondered what special guest was going to visit, and then he wondered how his brother was doing. Snarling at him, the woman order.

  “Clear your thoughts. Of nothing. No worries. No stress. Nothing. Nothing at all. A blank slate. Say this in your head as you think to let go of the world that encases your abilities. Think that you are not of this world. Repeat after me, the word ‘release’.” She was aggravated with him. For being a peaceful dragon she claimed to be she sure was viscous.

  “Release.” Xeq said quietly to himself, his hands one on top of the other in an Indian style sit.

  “No!” She roared, making Xeq open his eyes to meet hers.

  “I told you not to open your eyes, to concentrate!” She growled.

  “How can I when you’re yelling at me?” Xeq questioned. “Look, I’m trying. You have to give me time.” Xeq sighed.

  “Don’t say the word as crisp.” She said calming her nerves. “It’s supposed to get you to ‘release’ so think of it as two parts not one.”

  Xeq sighed.

  The woman shook her head. “How many millennium are you?”

  Confused, Xeq looked up at her, still sitting in the position he was told to be in. ‘Millennium? Not to be of rudeness but I’m only nineteen…”

  “In human years?”! The woman looked at him dazed. “A new generation has risen?”

  Again, Xeq shrugged. “I’m not sure.” He said with a smirk. “The only dragons I’ve ever interacted with were my brother, the wyvern I mentioned, and Mioko.” Xeq paused. “And now there’s you, although I don’t think we had a proper introduction he said as he got up and she watched him in amusement.

  “Xeq.” He said as he bowed.

  That made her smile. Curtsying, she smirked. “My name is Xi. I inhabited the first temple built here, after it was destroyed I took refuge at the Xian river. But now that it is back, I am glad to serve my people.”

  “Xi.” Xeq smiled. “How long am I supposed to meditate for anyway?” He wondered.

  “You said you are nineteen. If you can go through this for forty minutes or twenty minutes twice I will let you eat and rest, depending on which one is more important to you.”

  Xeq looked at Xi with determination. “It might take me a bit with this whole 'don’t think about anything' idea but I’ll do my best.”

  Xi nodded. “Your rebirth, what were you before?” She asked.

  Xeq shrugged. “Silver dragon who could breath fire.” He smirked hearing how lame that sounded. I can reach an altitude that most dragons fear if that means anything.”

  Xi looked at Xeq from head to toe and then usher him to return to his meditating phase.

  Nodding, Xeq kept his eyes on hers. “When I came here the first time I was shooting beams of light. As if my soul were the source of power. The light was so pure I closed my eyes every time. The pain was unbearable. I was flying. I don’t know if you’ve ever reached your flying limit but I did at that time. Me and my brother used to fly out and back to see how far we could get. Of course, if it was by water he would win but as a flyer I could beat him any time.” Xeq sighed as he thought about his brother. “I went missing for three days before my brother went to go look for me and then he fell at sea. It turns out we both had our adventures to pursue.

  While Vile was learning that he was the reincarnation of the Lernean hydra, Mioko told me to about the hydra’s heart that I had consumed to consume my own. I would die but I would come back to life with the hydra’s heart instead of my own. I haven’t tried to breath fire since. But I was engrossed in wanting to learn more about this culture that I ‘winged it’ and came back.”

  This time, Xi didn’t get mad, she listened. “You also think of your Wyvern friend?”

  Xeq nodded. “He has a God’s daughter for a girlfriend now. I’ll be hearing more about that when I get back from here.” He smirked, looking down at his watch. “I’ll need to be back by Saturday night so is it okay if I train under you for these days and then I go? My girlfriend, the phoenix request/demands I be there for their special guest.”

  Xi nodded in understand. “If you wish to leave, since it is Wednesday you must complete two sittings of meditation of at least twenty minutes. I will not tell you when the twenty minutes is up and if you give in to check the time and it is not yet twenty minutes you will have to start over.”

  Letting out a sigh, Xeq nodded. “I understand. You must do that today, tomorrow, and the next. Then you may leave but, if you still cannot detect a single dragon on your flight back you are to come back as soon as she lets you.”

  Checking his watch, Xeq waited for the time to start evenly and closed his eyes. He would do this. Not for anyone else this time, but for himself, to make him a better dragon. By the time twenty minutes had passed Xeq figured the word release wasn’t going to help him so he listened to the wind and the night. Opening his eyes, he looked down at the time. Twenty five minutes had passed.

  Xi smiled, as she held out a tray to him. “I’ll be nice this once.” She said. “But that’s only because I know you have never had a rice ball in your life.”

  Xeq looked at the seaweed wrapped triangle. “What’s in it?”

  Xi rolled her eyes. “Don’t tell me you won’t eat it if I tell you what’s in it?”

  Shrugging, Xeq took a bite and nodded in approval. “That. Was actually really good.” Xeq grinned.

  “There is much to learn here,” Xi smirked. “I hope you come back with enough stamina but don’t forget. When you do go back you still have to meditate.”

  Xeq smirked. “I do? I actually have to?”

  “Do you think the training stops the moment you go back?” Xi was looking at Xeq in annoyance again.

  “No ma’am.” Xeq smirked. “I’ll do what you say.” He sighed. “But I have to tell you thinking about nothing is really complicated.”

  Xi shook her head. “You’ll figure out what appeals to you the most and you’ll find your way. For now, eat. I’ll get you new clothes at the market tomorrow.” 

Week Thirteen: The Descendant: Glimpsing Dreams

 Setting her down on one of the beds Anguished looked up at Will. He wanted to help, if that was possible. Will shook his head.

 “Train her tomorrow, she should be fine then but right now she needs rest and that’s all that you can give her.”

 Anguish nodded in understand and left the cabin with Nico at his heels. Looking down at Elli, Will called Nico back for confirmation. Reentering, Nico looked around at the Apollo kids trying not to make eye contract as they all stared at him with wondrous eyes.

 “Get your cabin buddies to do me a favor and stop looking at me.” Nico muttered.

 Will shook his head. “You and I have been talking more lately, no can do.”

 Nico rolled his eyes. “What’d you need?”

 Will pointed at Elli’s eye where the curse mark had disappeared. “Do you sense anything?”

 Nico nodded. “It’ll reappear again, let’s hope the Aria doesn’t do anything else while she’s in there.”

--

 Elli hadn’t dreamed in a long time. For the most part, she hadn’t slept well and when she did manage sleep there was always a case to get her to forget what she dreamt about but this time. Elli shuddered at the wicked laugh that echoed through the halls.

 “The curse shall not be lifted until she is found. Silly girl, she thinks she can run.” The wicked voice cachinnated.

 Vision flashing to inside the building, Elli shuddered at the sight. On the wall in chains was her father, Vas. He was unconscious and had bruises all over him. Elli wanted to jump up and fight but Elli’s voice laid silent as she hid in the shadows of her dream.

 “The poor girl doesn’t even know you’re gone.” She smiled. “Too bad Alethia always hid in the shadows anyway. She wasn’t much for a Goddess. Why do you think hardly anyone knew of her?” The slender woman with long black hair snickered. “But they knew about me, Apate and I’m glad that they know. Pandora’s box wasn’t always comfortable you know.” She whispered in Vas’s ear as if he could hear her. “Alethia knows nothing of you, she only know of her daughter and she doesn’t care.” The woman named Apate grinned. “Which is why I shouldn’t keep you, but to get to the girl you hold much value.” She smiled. “Thank you for keeping your word.” She grinned as Vas’s eyes lit up and a dark voice replied to Alethia.

 “Of course, my queen. We shall make her children perish one by one.” A grin stretched on Vas’ face from ear to ear, making Elli shudder. “There are not many and we have all the time in the world now that Gaea has fallen.”

--

 Elli woke to a cold sweat. One of the Apollo kids held her hand gingerly. Her eyes were blue like Will’s. Elli assumed that this was a trait for their father considering most of the Apollo kids had the same eye color.

 “Bad dream?” The girl said quietly.

 Elli looked into the girl’s eyes, she could tell that the girl was truly concerned for her. “How’d you know?” She wondered.

 “It’s not uncommon around her.” She said. “Will told me you might have one based on what happened a few hours ago.”

 Elli’s eyes widened. “Wait, a few hours ago?” The dream felt like it had lasted a good five minutes.

 The girl nodded. “Yes, we’re about to start our campfire sing along.” She smiled. “I’m glad you woke up for that at least.”

 Elli raised an eyebrow. “Campfire sing along?” She said in confusion.

 “Yea.” The girl smiled. “My cabin tends to lead the songs, I play the flute to help out with the music.” She said pointing to a small rectangle case at her feet.

 “You were going to miss it if I didn’t wake up…” Elli said more to herself than to the girl.

 The girl readjusted her sitting. “I would have played you a song when you woke up.” The girl smiled, Elli could feel the slight longing to go to the campfire, Nico had showed it to her on her tour.

 “Well…” Elli smirked, looking down at her stomach as it declared war. Both the girls laughed and then the girl got up to retrieve something. When she came back, she had a lettuce wrap and a couple of spring rolls.

 Elli looked at the food in amazement. “Aren’t you guys Greek?” She questioned.

 The girl laughed. “Well, you’re not exactly ‘not’ Greek” She smiled. “We have all different cultures here at Camp Half Blood.” She explained. “Yes, all of us are half Greek but all of us are half something else too.”

 Elli nodded, “Thank you…” she muttered.

 “Celeste Von.” The girl smiled.

 “Vietnamese?” Elli questioned in amazement.

 “Yes ma’am.” Celeste smiled.

 “Eli Triad.” Elli grinned. “I don’t’ know what I am but we’ll find out.” She smiled.

  Celeste nodded. “Can you play any instruments?”

 Elli shook her head. “All I know how to do is help with a criminal investigation.” Elli shrugged. “That’s all I’ve done to keep me safe until recently.”

 Celeste looked at Elli in concern. “No instruments?”

 Elli was surprised at Celeste’s answer. “No.” Elli smirked. “Never really tried.”

 Immediately, Celeste shot up and rummaged through the closet of instruments setting out some that were curved, had strings, or were made out of metal.

 “Pick one, I’ll teach you!” She exclaimed.

 Elli laughed. “I…I don’t know.” She nervously laughed. “What about that one, it looks simple enough.”

 “The bongos!” Celeste grinned. “Very easy.” She said as she set them on her lap and explained to Elli the different parts then demonstrated.

 Elli looked at the bongos in intimidation. “So, depending on how you hit it you can change the sound?”

 “Yes.” Celeste clapped demonstrating one more time then setting the bongos in front of Elli.

 “You try and I’ll wash that plate for you.”

 Elli looked down at the bongos. She should have picked one of the metal instruments because she was so attracted to metal but they seemed more confusing to use. Using her palm, she hit the edge of the bongos and Elli could hear Celeste cheer.

II. Week Twelve: Culture Diversity

  Awakening to the sound of tourist and the different versions of Chinese languages shook Xeq up. Amazed, the tourist didn’t seem to notice he was asleep. Watching one walk through him, Xeq’s eyes widened. Sitting in the corner of the room in a meditation state, Xeq saw a woman. She was young and had her hair in a bun with two green chopsticks making an ‘X’ to keep her hair up along with a green tie on her head. She wore a shimmering green robe with the design of natural foliage.  Her skin tone was darker than Xeq’s and her breath was shallow, almost rhythmic like.

  Staring, Xeq watched her as her inhales and exhales were steady. She remained a statue and Xeq smirked. He wish he could do that. He didn’t understand what meditating did to anyone but seeing people in the state was fascinating. Breaking out of her concentration, an aura swept over him. Slowly opening her eyes and letting out a relaxed exhale she eyes him.

  Her luminous emerald eyes pierced through him, making his heart stopped.

  At your age you should already know how to detect other dragons, western or eastern. She lectured. What have you been doing all your life to not notice? Especially if the slayers are making their moves?

  The slayers? Xeq’s eyes widened. I thought we had a treaty? Some time this century in September? What are they mad at now?

  You do not even know of your own history? She shook her head. Should I even consider you a student?

  Xeq nodded in admiration. Of course you should. Because I have the will to learn and do what you say is necessarily to ‘enlighten’ myself.

  The stare that Xeq gave the woman was true. He wanted to learn. How many Western dragons knew about Eastern dragons? How many exchanged their knowledge? Did the Eastern dragons have to deal with dragon slayers as well?

  Shaking her head, the woman snorted. Us? Deal with Slayers? We are praised. We are worshiped. We give gifts to the people because we know they will give in return. We cure, we seek knowledge, we fight, we command. We are Gods. The woman said finally.

  Unlike your culture that you were born into, we are in no need of extinction. Our kind are loved among the people, and other mythical creatures that we protect. This is our duty. As a western dragon your stories are full of hate and greed and selfishness. Of power hungry dragons that want to rule. But what is the point in ruling if the rule is of fear? Your people must fear you and know your power but you must not deliver it with evil intention as the West so desires.

  Xeq shrugged. It’s not my fault that they labeled us.

  Not your fault?! The woman bellowed in laughter which offended Xeq. Don’t make me laugh!

  For a moment she was left to laugh, watching the tourist pass through them, Xeq finally asked. How exactly are you doing this?

  It’s a simple work of magic. Of course, you wouldn’t know. She snickered. We cannot approach until nightfall when they leave.

  But aren’t we welcomed here as much as them? Xeq wondered.

  Yes. I live here. The woman nodded. Although, interacting with mortals at this chaotic time will only make the hours longer for more visitors to come and even though I love the people and their gifts I do not wish to answer any more questions from anyone else. You have actually brought to a surprise on my answers. I do not like being questioned or repeating my story to everyone who crosses my path but you have a different aura to you. A rebirth. And I must know how you were capable of such power yet you know none of how to control it.

  Xeq shrugged. I do know that I’m immortal. There was a rumor, a speculation, that I had gone through for my brother.

  The woman’s eye shot up. Your brother. I feel no presence of a blood brother within you.

  He’s adopted. Xeq sighed. I haven’t told him yet but he’s been my brother for so long I can’t bring myself to. It’s like it doesn’t even matter if he’s adopted anymore.

  You have great sorrows young one. What else did you hide from him?

 Xeq met her eyes after realizing that he was dressed down. A pair of shorts was the only clothing that he had on. Vile had a dream about his brothers. He told me about it when he was younger. But then he got injured really badly, I had to ask a Phoenix to come heal him, she said the damage was too great and so she had to take something of value. I told her to do it because otherwise he would did. She told me it would be significant and she warned me the troubles it might bring.

 Luckily, Vile wasn’t mad. We haven’t talked about it too much but he seems to be okay with me being part hydra now. And I’m even immortal.

  The woman smiled and then laugh to herself. Now you’re immortal. There are only a few ways to kill a dragon and old age is not one of them.

  Shrugging, Xeq looked down at the woman’s hands that were set in front of her. I don’t understand though, Vile and I found out we were dragons around the preteen stage and now we’re having to help a Londoner with his Wyvern self. How do we know we’re who we are at the beginning instead of having to go on rampages to find out?

  An eastern dragon has a peaceful approach with becoming a dragon. Of course we hardly use this form that your generation uses. We tend to do best in our natural state but seeing as this is easier for you to perceive than what I actually look like, I choice to stay like this.

  It would be easier on us if we could locate the other dragons in the west. He sighed.

 
  Which is why at nightfall you and I are going to do some training when it comes to finding another dragon’s aura. You recently have adjusted to this new power which means you will not be used to your own aura. I’m surprised you didn’t get attacked by other creatures that decided you were an easy target.

  Xeq smirked. Does that mean I’m releasing aura as we speak?

  The woman nodded. Indeed. But nothing will come to the temple with these people around. I also released enough of mine to cancel out your outburst. But I won’t keep that shield up for long, as a young dragon you must learn to control it yourself. 

Week Twelve: The Descendant: Located

 Anguished told Elli she was observant. If she could use that instead of letting herself go, she’d be in better shape when dodging. Elli watched as the wooden poles darted at her. Instead of barely missing her, she was able to calculate the aim and dodge it long before it got to her. A smile appeared on Elli’s face, who knew the small details counted?

 “Have you tried climbing the rock wall yet?” Anguish called to Elli.

 Elli shook her head. “No!” She exclaimed, now dodging in a comfortable rhythm using less energy than before.

 “Tomorrow.” Anguish called back. “Meet me there, we need to build up your strength!”

 Elli nodded in understanding and advanced through the obstacle course. She had picked up one of the wooden poles that had been shot at her and was now using it to protect her from the second set of steel poles. To her amazement, she managed to catch one and was now block with both simultaneously thinking about the video game that she played with some of the guy cops while they were on break. Her heart ached to a sense, reminding her that she wasn’t going to go back to that life. Letting out an excruciating howl, Elli fell to one knee and sucked in a breath to calm herself.

 Anguish called out to his brothers to stop the course and ran to Elli’s side. Putting his hand on her back, Anguish tapped her hand to tell her to uncover the wound. Doing so, Anguish called over one of his brothers in concern.

 “Search the poles, check if any of them leave any stand out from normal.” Anguish called, his brother nodded.

 Returning, the brother shook his head. “They’re all normal, why what has happened?”

 Anguish placed his hand gently on Elli’s cheekbone where the pain burned the back of her skull.

 “What?” Elli asked in horror. “What happened?”

 Nico sprinted from his cabin. Of course, leave it to a son of Aries to hurt the person they protected. Nico shook his head. He didn’t want to blame Anguish. If it had been any other Aries kid like Clarisse La Rue then he wouldn’t have left Elli in the first place but Anguish wasn’t like the other Aries kids. He was nicer and if anything strict but not as aggressive on impulse.

 By the time Nico got there, Tucker had already entered the Arena and held Elli in his arms. Nico cursed in Greek under his breath as he saw the look of betrayal in Tucker’s eyes. Anguish sat close twirling one of the steel rods that was used in the arena, Nico wondered what had happened. Looking at Elli, Nico could sense an evil spirit and hissed. He knew of these spirits. How one had escaped Tartarus was beyond Nico’s understanding.

 “I left her in your hands, Nico.” Tucker growled.

 Anguish shook his head. “It’s my fault. Don’t blame, Nico.”

 “Don’t stand up for the son of Hades.” Tucker hissed.

 Elli shook herself free from Tucker’s hold. “Nico,” She said looking up at him. “Don’t believe him, Tucker’s lying.”

 Tucker shook his head. “I’ll call Will.”

 Nico frowned. “No.” He finally managed and Tucker looked at him with even more anger than before.

 “You abandon my sister and then refuse to let me call for help?” He shook his head. “That won’t swing with me.”

 Nico sighed. “Even if you call Will he won’t be able to heal her, Elli’s been cursed, can’t you tell?”

 Tucker looked over at Elli with a shake of his head. “So, her eyes a bit swollen, that’s an easy fix.”

 Nico opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a familiar voice from not too far behind him.

 “He’s right Tucker, I can only help with the swelling but your sister has something else, something not even I can heal.”

 Nico turn to face Will. “I told him he didn’t have to call you.” Nico frowned.

 “Yea, well, I’m here.” Will said making Nico turn to face Elli. “Now, I’ll do what I can with the swelling but you’ll have to explain to her what I can’t fix.” He said with a looked that read: got it?

 Nico grunted. “That’s what I was going to do anyway.”

 “Then I don’t see what the problem is.” Will smiled as he and Nico approached Elli.

 First, Will turned to Anguish. “Don’t worry, Elli’s right, it isn’t your fault. You were helping her, this is someone else’s doing.”

 Anguish smirked in understand but Elli could feel that he didn’t believe Will. Looking up at Will and Nico through her one good eye, Elli smirked. “So what kind of birthday gift did the inanimate object leave for me?”

 Will lightly removed Elli’s hand from the side of her face and brushed her cheek. “Birthday?” He asked.

 Elli nodded as she blinked her bad eye opened in surprise. “Yea, it’s my fourteenth birthday.” She smiled a small smile. “And what a birthday it has been.”

 Will frowned as he looked at Elli’s eye. He had taken the swelling away but now Elli looked back at them with one brown eye and another a solid black. Around her eye were jagged black markings looking like electric sparks north and south of her eye and on her eye lid.

 Elli frowned. “What is it?” Her eyes widened. “What are you not telling me?”

 Nico raised an eyebrow. “Can you not hear it?” He tilted his head.

 Elli shook her head, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Hear what?”

 Nico look at Elli in concern. “Elli, your eye.” He said. “I don’t know how one managed to surface here but they’re call Arai, female spirits that are literally curses. One bounded herself to you, she only took one of your eyes so it’s not bad but…” Nico smirked. “I don’t know any safe ways to get your sight back, but I do know that you’ve been cursed. Do you feel anything else?”

 Elli looked at Nico in confusion. “See? What do you mean? I can see out of both eyes perfectly fine.”

 Nico shook his head. “Then what have you cursed her with?” Nico said directly to the spirit rather than to Elli.

 “The curse shall not be lifted until she is found.” Elli said with a grotesque hiss that made the hair on the back of Nico’s neck stand.

 Collapsing, Will caught Elli in his arms and sighed. Anguish looked up with a smirk holding out his arms. “Let me carry her.”

 Will nodded and Nico followed as they headed to the Apollo cabin.

II. Week Eleven: Deprivation and Exhaustion

  Finding the mountain that Xeq had fallen unconscious to the first time was amazingly more of  a journey than Xeq could muster. Xeq had made it to China in the twenty four hour strain but was now hardly able to keep focus in the night. His vision blurred as his wings became heavy. He couldn’t fall again but where would he land?

  Then again, China appreciated dragons. They didn’t fear his kind. However, his silver complexion might not do as well with the locals. Glancing down to see the Great Wall, Xeq frantically woke himself up in mid fall. He couldn’t crash down. He didn’t know how far up he had been the first time Mioko caught him but he knew falling at any height, if he changed forms, would leave him breathless.

  There had to be a way. Xeq hadn’t been around any Eastern dragons except Mioko. If he would have asked Mioko the name of the mountain he might have been able to plan ahead but Xeq knew he probably would have passed the information in his head. Being this far from Mioko wouldn’t grant him any luxury. Fighting his dropping eye lids, Xeq concentrated.

 If anyone can hear me, please. Help me. I will repay you in someway, however, I am looking for a specific mountain. I’ve been flying for twenty two hours straight. I am not of the Eastern culture but I am open to all ears. Please, I can’t hold on much longer.

  Minutes had passed swiftly making Xeq descend carefully towards the earth. He’d collapse if he landed, probably changing forms and disrupting peace. Xeq knew nothing of the Chinese except for them being Communist and that wasn’t one ordeal that he wanted to deal with.

  Land. Xeq thought as he felt the strain in his wings. I have to land. Somewhere. Anywhere.

  As if by miracle, Xeq snapped to attention in hearing a voice. What is a Greek doing here in China? The voice was a female.

  Long story but I’m not actually Greek… Xeq laughed nervously and out of tiredness. Have you ever heard of a Hydra who could fly and have silver scales?

 You fly and breath under water? The voice was curious.

 Xeq didn’t give the breathing underwater a thought until she mentioned it. Of course! Vile could do it. Why couldn’t he? But Vile could fly too. Xeq wondered. Now how did Vile manage that?

  I haven’t tried but I’ll presume yes.

  Then if you can breath underwater you can find yourself your own home. Although, I’d be careful where you try to make your mark. Not all of us are friendly despite the gifts and worship.

  Xeq groaned. Please, whoever you are. I’ll work for you. I need to be back in America by Saturday night but I’ll make it up to you.

  America? The female voice was louder but this time, Xeq’s senses directed him to the clouds.

  Not only are you not eastern… The voice said in amazement. You’re immortal and have an aura to you, one that resembles a rebirth. Have you reached enlightenment?

  Xeq shrugged, he didn’t know how he could. He wanted to if it meant something here. I haven’t. He said starting to doze off again. But as I said please, I’ll work for you. I’ll even come back. That’s what I was planning on doing in the first place anyway.

  When you land, you are to bow in respects of staying at my temple. Do you comprehend my rules? The female voice was stern.

  Of course. Are there any other rules that I must be aware of?

  No shoes. She hissed.

  Too tired to question it, Xeq nodded. What do I do with them then?

  Leave them at the door of the temple. You are to wash up in the morning.

  Xeq smirked. Thank you, I’ll need help with the directions…

  The voice sighed. You are incapable as a dragon of the east, Westerner, if you cannot feel my presence from the Great Wall.  

  Looking around, Xeq shrugged. At least I know you’re close. Xeq sighed. But no, I haven’t been able to sense you since you’ve spoken to me.

  The voice sighed. You said you have ventured here before?

  Xeq nodded and then realize she couldn’t hear the gesture. Yes. I was caught by another dragon, his name’s Mioko-

  Mioko?! The female dragon hissed. You dare step forth in his presence and no nothing of us? Your ignorance!

  Xeq was now at a landing airplane height. I can’t stay up much longer. Please. He sighed. I need a teacher, someone who can guide me.

  Dragons are the ones who guide. I cannot believe you are asking for guidance but since I have pity for you I will direct you to me. I am in Xian. An hours flight from the Great Wall. Follow my voice.

  But you’re in my head. Xeq protested.

  South west. She replied in aggravation.

  Hearing a low hum, Xeq looked up. Wide eyed, he tried to dodge the nose of the plane but failed. Slamming into the airplane, Xeq’s vision blackened. Feeling the consciousness of the young dragon disappear, the woman hissed. The boy couldn’t even stay awake for a full twenty four hour flight? She shook her head. There was much for him to learn. Mioko. She shook her head. How could he have allowed this poor excuse for a dragon to enter his premises? Growling, she spread her wings and darted to the sky. She’d make it to him in time, but for her own amusement she wondered if he changed forms. Dragons who stayed dragons in their sleep had an unconscious skill that could be enforced on someone who naturally doesn’t have the ability.

  Laughing, she shook the thought off. There was a difference in this boy. A rebirth. She had to know what he had done to deserve such a right. Plummeting towards the earth, head first, was a young adult, his hair black, his body warn. He hadn’t been in the rebirth state for long and now he was working himself to the limit. Still, being able to make it to China from the states amused her enough. Scooping him up in her claws, she reverted to her reflectioned form at the entrance of the temple. Taking off his shoes, her eyes glowed an emerald, revealing a room in which she laid him down. Tucking him in, she ran the back of her fingers against his cheek. If Mioko gave this boy some time then she had no choice but to do the same.   

Week Eleven: The Descendant: Finding Skill

The truth was one challenge Elli was able to take. Hearing, seeing, feeling and tasting lies and truths were daily stressors to Elli. In the Arena, Elli didn’t know what to think. She couldn’t judge the obstacle courses based on truths and lies, these were actions and if there was anything Elli hadn’t done in her life it had been taking action. All she had was run away. Analyzing each situation that came across her path and giving her intel was what she was made for, not combat. Annabeth said her mother was the Goddess of war, that would be a nice skill right now. To have war hotwired into her instead of the truth would be an interesting gain.

 Nico watched as Elli fanatically dodged and ran through the obstacle course. He knew not to ask the Aries kids to bring out too much trouble since she had never been a true battle. Besides, the Goddess of truth didn’t seem to show herself in any of Nico’s travels. He was beginning to wonder if the Goddess was real. But, Elli wouldn’t have been able to see Nico the way she had if the Goddess wasn’t. Unless, Elli was that observant and if she would use that observant talent of hers, she might last in a capture the flag game. Shaking his head, Nico disagreed with himself. Elli wasn’t a warrior. She seemed to like the life she had being a criminal investigator. Maybe that was her call.

 Not much happened at Camp Half Blood, some items were stolen, some relationships wavered, tricks were played but nothing as serious as murder came across Camp without serious measures being taken. Either way, if a death was to take place, Nico would know. He had a second nature about situations like that.

 Anguish approached Nico with a smirk. Nico looked at him with a shrug and they both looked at Elli who was desperately dodging and rolling.

 “You said she’s never been a fight?” Anguish asked.

 Nico shook his head. “Always running, never fighting.”

 Anguish shrugged. “She’s going to be killed in this weeks in Capture the flag if no one helps her.”

 Nico looked at Anguish in interest. “Why don’t you?”

 Anguish smirked. “I didn’t know if you’d be okay with my type of training.” He admitted. “I’m more of a hands on guy.”

 Nico knew Anguish had many deaths in his life. He respected him for being able to handle those deaths as smooth as he had. But, he didn’t know if Anguish could handle the truth. Nico shrugged, could anyone possibly handle ‘the truth’?

 Anguish wanted for a response and as he did he observed the new recruit. Her long brown hair followed her movement. She wasn’t quick but she was able to dodge in time. The girl didn’t look powerful, she didn’t seem aggressive either. If a real fight, he would want her to be a scout or maybe even someone to help keep everyone together but she had no place on the front line.

 “I’m supposed to be guiding her.” Nico shrugged. “I haven’t taken her to the armory, the forge, the stables or the fields.”

 Anguish shook his head. “Those can wait. If she can’t even pass a simple obstacle course, how do you think she’d do with an actual weapon in her hand?”

 Nico nodded. “Tucker told me watch over her, I trust that you won’t leave too many bruises?”

 Anguished laughed. “Compared to what she’s already done to herself with that dodge and roll perfection?” Nico and Anguish both grinned. “No, I won’t leave one bruise that’s not already there.”

 Calling her to the side, Nico couldn’t help but laugh at the heavy breathing Elli was going through as she approached them. She looked angry but happy at the same time. She shook and she was covered in scrapes and bruises.

 She frowned. “I don’t know about this, Nico.” She shook her head. “I don’t think I’m meant to fight. I think I’m meant to stay a detective.” She argued.

 Anguished nodded. “Indeed. You seem like the type.”

 “And you are?” Elli asked surprised at the lack of secrets this guy held.

 “Anguish.” He smirked and held out his hand. “Son of Aries, I’m more of a quick tempered person than one with a short fuse.” He smiled. “I have more patience for those who are willing to learn the art of war than most of my siblings.”

 Elli nodded. “That’s true.” She smiled.

 Nico rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. “Detective.”

 Anguish made a gesture to stop Nico. “Of course it’s true. I don’t have much to hide. Dad likes to keep things simple, why lie about your own personality?”

 Elli smiled. “I like you.” She grinned.

 “And you’re quite interesting yourself.” Anguish grinned. “Now, if you’re going to keep fighting like that I can’t say that you have much of a chance out there on the battle field. Let me show you some tricks that you can use based on what I saw.”

 Elli looked at Anguish in alarm. “Usually I’m the one unraveling people.” She admitted.

 Anguish nodded in agreement. “Probably, but you won’t find much about it. I don’t hold onto my past, I cross over it, and if there’s something on my mind I tend to say it. My father gave me strength but my mother gave me patience. I think it took of them to incorporate a teacher but I believe everyone had their different skills, now, a small introduction and then we get started?”

 Elli nodded. “Elli Triad. Former criminal investigator. Daughter of Aletheia or Veritas depending on how you look at it.”

 “We have siblings of Mars but we consider them roman.” Anguish commented. “Do you not know which your mother is even though the Gods and Goddess have come together as one?”

 Elli shook her head. “I haven’t been ‘claimed’ but I know that I’m her daughter because a pseudologoi told me.”

 Anguish looked at Nico in confusion.

 “A spirit of lies.” Nico explained.

 “Wouldn’t that make it less believable?” Anguish questioned.

 Elli shook her head. “I can sense the truth. Besides, the pseudologoi used people to murder to get my attention. That’s how I know they’re not lying.”

 Anguish looked at Elli with dark eyes. “Oh.” He smirked. “Then we better get you up to date on the way you fight because if you keep going like that…” he gestured toward the obstacle course. “You won’t get very far.”

II. Week Ten: The Bright Side

  Coughing up the last bit of water in his lungs, Mikey’s breathes were shallow. Holding onto his arm was Dröfn. Looking out at the ocean, Mikey collapsed into her grasp and she laughed.

  “Tired already?” Dröfn smiled giving him a warm kiss that lit up Mikey’s insides. If only the kisses didn’t come with blackouts and practically drowning, Mikey would be okay with them.

  “Am I going to have to pass out every time I go fight one of your ex’s?” Mikey groaned.

  “It means you’ll get stronger!” She said cuddling up with him. “Now let’s get back to your room before your parents get mad about missing dinner.” She said with a smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll hide.”

  Hobbling into the shower, Mikey’s mother knocked on his door. “Mikey, Dinner’s ready! Please come down here and eat with us. If you want I’ll bring the food to you.”

  Too tired to yell back, Mikey suddenly awoke to an icy cold on his back. Crossing her arms, was Dröfn.

  “You’re dinner’s going to get cold. You’re clean get going!” She exclaimed.

  “Fin…?” Mikey replied groggily. Flushing a red he cleared his throat. “Could you at least?”

  Rolling her eyes, Dröfn disappeared and Mikey stepped out of the shower. Drying his hair he quickly grabbed the first pair of clothes he saw and headed downstairs with his hair still damp.

  Toying with her food, his mother looked up from the table. With a small smile she got up to fix him a plate.

  “Long day, son?” Mikey’s father gestured to him, seeing the clear tiresome look.

  “Yea.” Mikey said. “School might get the best of me.” He sighed.

  Mikey’s father nodded. “Ah, it’s all those pretty ladies out there isn’t it? You’ve finally reached that stage.”

  Mikey looked at his father confused for a moment and then aggravated. “Dad! What? No.” He replied in annoyance.

  Mikey’s father smiled. “Oh don’t worry son, it happens to all of us.”

  Sighing, Mikey took the plate from his mother and picked up a fork, dropping iy clumsily.

  “I’ll get you a new one.” Mikey’s mother smiled and got up to do so.

  Mikey rolled his eyes at this father. “Thanks, mom.” He said as she handed him another fork, this time he held it tighter in his grasp.

  “It’s not girls dad.” Mikey sighed. “In fact, I don’t want another girlfriend ever if I can help it.”

  “Another?” Mikey’s father asked in amazement. Mikey’s mom looked at Mikey anxiously.

  “No.!” Mikey sighed. “I meant I don’t want one. I don’t have one.” Mikey groaned. “Attracted to any of the girls at my school? As if!” He replied.

  “There’s that girl you walked home today.” His father pointed out.

  Mikey rolled his eyes. “She’d be the last ‘girlfriend’ choice on my list.

  Mikey’s father laughed. ”Oh! Don’t say that, lad. Or else she’ll be your first!”

  Mikey stared at his father in amusement. “Is that how it works?”

  Mikey’s father smiled. “The first isn’t always the best son! Know that much at least.” He smiled again, nudging his wife.

  Mikey’s mother paid no attention to the gesture. “You know you can tell us if you’re having trouble with your grades or anything as such, Mikey. Tutoring isn’t always bad but if you need it you need it.”

  A sigh left Mikey’s lips. At least his mother took the school work approach to this. Whereas his father was completely right but Mikey didn’t want to admit it. At least his mother tried to think of the other possibility.

  “Okay so if I say it is her.” Mikey sighed. “Then what do you say? How do I get rid of her dad? She thinks we’re together and we’re not. I’m only nice to her because…” Mikey shrugged. “She can help me with some of my classes.”

  “Ah, is that it?”! Mikey’s father laughed louder than he intended. “You’ll have to tell the girl your true feelings at some point, son.” He warned. “Never use a woman. Men don’t like it either.” He points out. “It only makes the relationship crash and those are the worst I hear.”

  Understanding, Mikey gave a nod. “What about you, mom?” He said turning to her, she was playing with her food again. Even though he was the son sometimes he wondered if his mother really knew what she was doing at times like this.

  Looking up, started, Mikey’s mother blinked in confusion and then plastered a smile on her face. “What is it ,son?”

  “How do I get rid of a girl that I don’t want to be around but have to be around…” Mikey shrugged. “If that makes sense.”

  “Well, you can play your part.” Mikey’s mother shrugged. “And then next year when you don’t have classes with her you can ignore her.”

  Mikey frowned. ‘Next year when he didn’t have any classes with her’ he’d end up with another one of her sisters. Mikey groaned. “I don’t think it works that way mom…” He sighed taking a bite of his food for the first time. Amazed, looked down to check what it was. On the plate was a small proportion of mother’s homemade English Cuisine. It already tasted amazing to Mikey’s taste buds without him having to me in such a mess.

  Grinning, Mikey ate all that was on his plate and scooted the plate towards his mother. “If it’s not too much to ask. Could I have more, I’m sort of beat up from today’s adventure.” He smiled. “And you’re English Cuisine is always the best, mom” He smiled. “Why would I eat any less of that?”!

  Thanking his mom for the second helping and feeling better about the smile on her face, Mikey gobbled down the second helping and grinned. “You haven’t made this for Xeq and Vile yet!” Mikey said excited. “We can try to plan a day for them to come!” Mikey exclaimed in excitement. “Could we?”!

  Mikey’s mom smiled, seeing the light in her eyes, Mikey smiled back too. “Of course we can honey, but first you have to pull though that trouble you’re going through, okay?” She said with a half-smile.

  Mikey nodded. “If that’s what it takes.” He grinned and asked to be excused from the table. His father nodded and Mikey headed up to his room. Laying on his bed trying to figure out how to work his phone was Dröfn.

  Closing the door behind him, he turned off the light and made sure the window was close before he cuddled up next to her. Engrossed in trying to access the phone Mikey gawked. “Stop!” He exclaimed as he took the phone away from her.

  “What?” She asked innocently, looking at the phone in his hand. “You’ll make it lock forever if you keep getting the password wrong.” He sighed.

  “You don’t trust me?” Dröfn questioned getting closer to him.

  “In all honestly?” Mikey said looking into her eyes. “I don’t see why you’d need access to my cell phone is all. I’m right here.” He smirked and leaned in to kiss her.

  Dröfn pulled away after a moment in surprise. “D-do...” She paused in amusement. “Actually like kissing me?”

  Mikey put his head on her shoulder. “It’s the only thing we do that I don’t mind.” Mikey smirked.

  Kissing him again, sending butterflies to his stomach Mikey held Dröfn in his arms. She would make him fight again tomorrow. And the next day. And probably until the last day but the least he could do was try to have feelings for her and he had to admit. She was a good kisser.  

Week Ten: The Descendant: Learning Who To Trust

 After the long, slow explanation of ‘The Big Three’ Elli finally managed to turn off Nico’s life story. Part of her wanted to hear more but other part didn’t know if she could handle more. When it came to mortals she didn’t spend much time in crowds. She reminded herself of Sherlock Holmes in a way, every person she saw had a story and every part of her wanted to know the truth that they tried to hide. She’d see everything lay out before her and she had yet to learn how to turn it off. That’s why she stayed within the department. At least at the station if she didn’t want to see anyone she could go to a cot and start knitting only seeing the officers, detectives, and agents on occasions.

 Being antisocial wasn’t one quality Elli thought she was but after hearing Nico’s story based off of a few people and tasting the truths and half-truths that he spoke, she began to think that being antisocial might not be so bad. After all, Nico wasn’t social himself, but he still had a story to tell. Maybe that’s what she had to do, be around less people who went on these ‘quest’. But turns out, Tucker was the closest one and he had so much build up inside him as well.

 Elli didn’t know that being a farmhand could be so dark. She shrugged, well if you’re a demigod she guessed any of the stories could be dark. Looking at hers alone and the few people she met, Annabeth and that horrible place she went to, Elli couldn’t figure out where but she didn’t want to know, all she knew was that Annabeth went somewhere that tore her apart but built her to be who she was.

 “Maybe a dark story makes a person stronger.” Elli said to herself. Nico leaned his back against the arena and waited for Elli to get out of her analyzing face. He didn’t like seeing her in ‘Truth or Lie’ mode but anything he said, or didn’t say affected her. He couldn’t imagine having that kind of ability.

 “That’s how people work.” Nico commented, catching Elli’s attention.

 Elli shook her head, realizing that Nico had been waiting for her so they could enter the Arena.

 “S-sorry.” She said with a sigh.

 Nico shook his head. “You hack into people’s lives with every word they tell you.” He shrugged. “I can’t say I’d handle it any better.”

 Elli smirked. “You meant that.”

 Nico nodded. “I would have told you that one.”

 Elli smiled. “Let me run it one more time through my head and then you can help me out at this Arena.” Gestured at the entrance. “Deal?”

 Nico smirked. “I won’t go easy on you.”

 Elli shook her head. “I’ve been slipping into your life story. I don’t think I deserve anything easier than that.”

 Nico grinned. “You’ll regret saying that.”

 “And you honestly believe that.” She said sticking her tongue out and sitting next to him. Nico shrugged and sat down too. Apparently, Elli meant what she said.

 The Big Three consisted of Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. Nico being the only son of Hades, Percy Jackson being the only son of Poseidon, and Jason Grace being the only son of Zeus. Jason Grace was out making shrines from the last prophecy quest that these three were on. Percy Jackson was somewhere in the camp and Nico was her tour guide for the day. Nico had a sister, and has a half-sister who is Roman. According to Nico, until recently the Greeks and the Romans didn’t get along which made Elli curious about her own mother. Nico talked about how the battle against Gaea, mother nature herself, caused ‘hell’ to rise but in this case ‘Tartarus’ which was the place where monsters went when they died. The truth picks no side, the truth is the truth, and lies are lies. Elli looked at Nico like her head was about to explode.

 “What is it detective?” Nico smirked.

 Elli looked at him with a surprised expression. “Detective, seriously?”

 “It’s better than lie detector.” Nico shrugged. “But anyway, you’re looking at me with fear in your eyes. What are you thinking?”

 Elli sighed. “You said Romans and Greeks didn’t get along until recently.”

 Nico nodded. “Yes, that’s why we have the field now.”

 “But my mother shouldn’t have been split like Zeus and Poseidon, you said your own father had a problem.”

 “What makes you think that your mother wouldn’t try to lie detect herself to death?” Nico raised an eyebrow.

 Elli couldn’t believe she was seriously talking to Nico about this.

 “The truth has no side.” Elli shrugged. “What is a lie is a lie and what is true is true. The only difference is how people perceive the truth and my mother was the Goddess of Truth meaning she could only see Truth. Truth isn’t Roman or Greek. Truth is simply truth.”

 Nico nodded in understanding. “That. Took more effort for you to think about and say than it should have.” Nico smirked.

 “Well…” Elli shrugged. “Not everyone believes in the same truth. For example, a color blind person can look at the color red and say that it’s blue and they honestly believe it’s blue because that’s what they see but someone who sees normally looks at red as red which is also true. To the color blind person the object is blue but to everyone else the object is red and no one can change that.”

 Nico looked at the Elli in amusement. “Now… if you put it that way.”

 “See?” She groaned. “So I don’t know if I’m Greek or Roman.”

 “If you end up with a SPQR burned into your skin you’re Roman. If not, your mom will do something to show you that you’re Greek. It’s only a matter of time.”

 “Matter of time for a late birthday present.” Elli rolled her eyes and groaned again.

 “Birthday present?” Nico faced Elli. “It’s your birthday?.”

 “Elli smirked. “Yep, Libra.” She sighed. “Go figure, I’m the one smybol in the zodiac that’s not an animal but a scale.”

 Nico shrugged. “That’s not too bad. I mean, that means balance, all the more to represent your mother.”

 “Like I want to.” Elli winced. “Whoa, I lied to myself. Who knew I could do that she said making a face at the acquired taste.

 “I thought you said you could tell lies?” Nico questioned.

 “I can!” Elli nodded. “But honestly thought I didn’t care about my mom, I guess I do deep down inside despite the horrible parenting skills.”

 Nico shrugged. “Only recently have the Gods and Goddesses spoken to their children. It’s a surprise there are some missions even. There aren’t any huge quest going out since Gaea but I think we can all take a break from quest like saving the world for another year or two.”

 Elli shook her head. “You don’t think that’s going to happen.”

 Nico nodded. “As always, you’re right detective.”

 Elli laughed. “Stop calling me that.”

 Nico shook his head. “No,I think I like that name for you.” He smiled.

 “Now, how about we try seeing how well you do in the Arena so we can show Tucker that you’ve used your time wisely.”

 Elli nodded, even though Nico’s character opened up faster than she had intended, Elli was glad that she had found another friend here at Camp Half Blood. After all, she didn’t know how many truths she could take from these dark storied demigods. All of them had something to say whether they said it to her or not and she didn’t plan on hearing them all out.