Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Impulse

[AssiduousG]

The water trickles down the stem and into the the soil making it appear darker before his eyes. He licks his lips as he watches the clear liquid make it's way from the green watering can. The flower bends a bit under the pressure, but eventually withstands it before he stops. Droplets hanging off the flower petals and making their way down in a noiseless drip. He swallows back down the satisfaction as he crouches down on his knees, the wet dirt seeping into his shorts and wetting his skin.


He inhales through his nose, taking in the bitter scent of plants that surrounds him and the rest of his companions as they too care for the plants. He glances to his left and smiles as he watches Diamond Reeves slowly patting the soil of the newly planted seeds within the dirt. He estimates that the seeds should fully develop within three to five days given that this is Demeter cabin he's in. Not some random flower shop in the middle of the city where it takes weeks to grow certain flowers.


She must have felt his gaze resting on her for she turns around, her hand now by her side as she stands up, and stares back at him. Leon grunts before he quickly turns away and he can feel the hotness of a blush on his cheeks. He hears a small, withdrawn giggle before he can hear her footsteps reach out towards him. They pause at the edge of his vision, the white sneakers have streaks of the black soil, before they slowly back away.


Probably remembering that I'm that weird Ares kid. Sighing he decides not to worry about it before it consumes his mind for the rest of the day and instead slowly raises his head. He can see the back of her T-shirt as she walks towards the rest of her brother's and sisters and starts a conversation. He swallows down irritation as they glance his way a few times before lowering their eyes as he catches theirs.


He nods to himself sullenly before he turns back to his flower. Davie, he calls it. It matches he thinks as his eyes trail the soft green steam and white petals that surround it gently. He raises his hand to touch it, but decides against it. Instead letting his hand falls back down to his side and smiling as the pit in his stomach grows larger and larger.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Pain... pain was all that was in her world right now. It was like a flame running through her entire body, striking every nerve that her legs could possibly have, and possibly some it couldn't have possibly had. Every muscle was contracting, becoming more and more foreign to her. It was extremly painful but... she felt more solid, and yet lighter. It was certainly an odd experience for her to be going through right now.


Celes finally opened her eyes, for she had been shutting thek due to the pain that had been wracking her legs. She was in the recreational and training areas of the camp, where mini track and field set up was located. It was mostly just a long runway and a section for high jumping to practice speed and work on your jumping ability. Normally she wasn't interested in this sort of thing, but today her cabin was working on a spell to increase the productivity of her legs, one that would hopefully increase one's running speed and jumping height. She, of course, had volunteered to be the test dummy for the occasion.


Before hand she had made a run on the track. She had a time of 15 seconds for the section. If she could cut that time by two to three seconds, the spell would have succeeded. Her jumping was pretty bad, so hopefully something astounding would happen on that. She stretched her legs, taking a short walk to experience how her powered up legs felt. “It's like someone took a few pounds off my legs, but at the same time my frame seems to be made out of steel.” She said. One of her cabin mate, John, nodded, writing down the observation. “No unusual activity in the rest of my body, however. Seems that limiting the flow of magic worked in that regard.


Finally, she took her starting stance, one of her cabins at the other end with a stopwatch in his hand. At his signal, Celes broke into a run. Kicking off felt a lot stronger than it had in the first place. She pushed her legs as if she was running from a monster, and made for the goal. AS she crossed it, she continued, heading for the high jump platform, and jumped... unfortunately, her stomach his the marking part. She panted as the air suddenly left her, flipped over the bar, and landed on the safety of the mat “Okay, that failed.” She said after a moment.


“No change in your high jumping.” John said, jotting down the result, then looke at the stopwatch . “Though your running was a success. You cute your time down by five seconds.”


“Hmmm... I guess the motions for running and jumping have more to do with jjust speed. We will have to think of something different for jumping. Mark the running a success, though.” Celes said, slowing getting up with a smile. “It's a good drain of magic, though, but that can be tweaked later.” She said. She close her eyes, chanting the spell she had used to power her legs up, and made a marking on both of her legs. There was an intense burning pain for a moment, then the areas that were marked gained a dim glow to them- she had engraved the spell on her body for use later. As she did, her stomach growled, so she made her excuses and left


As soon as she was out of sight, she hurried behind one of the cabins, and threw up. 'Magic poisoning.... Too many spells used on me at once...' She guessed. Too many spells, too many tests... it was affecting her faster than she had originally anticipated. No matter., she couldn't stop doing this, or else other people would be exposed to the same fate. With a deep breath, she recovered, finding her bearings. She was behind the Demeter Cabin right now, she she had to make a turn here and go forward tto get some decent food.


She began walking, putting one arm over her stomach to stabilize herself...she might have to go to the Apollo cabin, she realized, and continued her walk. She noticied...what was his name? Celes couldn't remember, but he was the one considered strange for being a pacifist son of Area... which sounded like a comedy, to be honest. She had nothing against him. IF he didn't want to fight, it was his choice. She gave a smile and a wave as she passed him, hoping to finally get some food...and maybe some Ambrosia.

 

[AssiduousG]

The thing about Camp Half Blood to him is that there's no real prospect of the future. Yeah, after the first months it's kinda of exciting when you find out that you're the child of one of the gods. Not just any gods, Greek gods. The ones who really are the big deal in the mythical community. The main ones who you first learn about in your World history class or if you take some random mythical class in college. The excitement stays there for the first few days until you realize that it's not going to get you anywhere. You would expect things to have changed since three thousand years ago, but nothing much has. Zeus is still the same as ever and still holds a tyrannical fist over everything the camp does. It may not be noticeable at first, but the signs are there.


From the offerings to the ever constant training to fight monsters you soon realize that the only reason they even have kids is too keep themselves from dying out. The offerings work into that also. Then the resentment builds when you find out that you have brothers and sisters. Not just one. Not two. Something eight. All from different mothers and fathers. That's when you realize that your so called godly 'parent' never really loved you're mortal parent unless it was just to get some. And the only way out of it is to either die or stay at camp for the rest of your life. Sounds fun doesn't it? Did he forget to mention the fact that about the Battle of Manhattan?


Leon swallows back the dry laugh that tries to escape his throat and glances away. His opinions are dangerous, he knows that. But he can't be the only one to think that way. That or the children who left Camp Half Blood to fight for Kronos would have never left. A thought comes into his mind as he wonders what happened to them. He's heard the rumors: the survivors were all killed by the gods. He gulps down the fear the rises in his throat and shrugs. Is it sad that was actually plausible?


The back of his shirt sticking to him he grimaces as he feels the trickle of sweat that slides down his spine. He shivers and tries to ignore the feelings until he can't. Sighing he nods a goodbye to Davie and shoots a quick glance towards Diamond and her lackies. He can hear their giggles from over there, but he decides not to let it get to him and instead walks off.


He wonders where can go after watering his lone flower. Not much to do when everything else bores you, he thinks to himself sullenly. The walk behind the cabins is nice for a change as he waves to the occasional satyr who smiles in his direction or blush at the nymphs who try to ctach his attention. He furrows his brow and wonders why a hippie son of Ares would garner attention from the nature spirits. Probably because of what I just said, he wonders.


He can see in the distance a girl. He can't really tell how tall she is, but the closer he gets he can see that he's shorter. He frowns as he thinks that maybe his claiming was a fluke. Aren't children of Ares supposed to be all tall and scary? He shakes his head and speeds up. He can tell she's hurt and can smell the faint scent of bile that comes from her. His stomach twists and he wonders if he should help her. Part of him says yes. But the other part says that this is Camp Half Blood. Not everyone is willing to show weakness.


By the time he's a few inches behind her he battles with himself on what to say.


"Ummm," he trails off awkwardly. "D-do you need help?" he settles on something short and sweet. He's seen her before. Clare? Clara? Celes. her name is Celes, he tells himself. He bites his lower lip and swallows down the anxiety that fills his throat.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Fate... when Celes had learned of her parentage, she knew that such a thing actually existed. FOr some reason, she, who was called a witch in school, was actually the daughter of one. She never forget the day she had been attacked by a monster in her old town. She had run away from her own, tired of being laughed at, tired of being called names, tired of being the butt of everyones jokes. Her family was just as bad. Given up for adoption, she was shipped from foster home to foster home. In the end, she couldnt take it, and ran off on her own.


Two days, thats all it took for something to take notice of her- a chimera. Three different heads, different animal parts... it was the scariest thing she had ever seen, and she had ran for her life. It had chased her...so far, so very far. She had even snuck on board a truck but...it still came after her. She hated the terror of being hunted like that. Thankfully she was saved by some questing Demigods, or she might have met her end sooner than she would have liked.


That was years ago. After the battle of Manhatten, she had a home now, her own cabin, at that. There were two other children in the cabin, so it wasn't overcrowed, but they were burneded with the discovery and creation of spells the others could use. It was daunting work at times, but Celes enjoyed the chance to help others out. But on hat day, she became different... less like herself, more willing to do what was needed, despite the risk.


A dim voice reached her ears, and she turned around. It was that kid she had waved at and passed, the one that was always being made fun of.... she felt bad for not rembering his name, even as he approached her. Lion? No, that wasn't it, but she felt as if it was close enough. She turned over and smiled as he asked if her could be of assistance. That was very nice of him... these days, most people just focused on staying alive, and the Ares kids had never been one to be nice... maybe that's why he was so secluded. She could understand how that would hurt a poor guy. She couldn't find an excuse for the pink hair, however.


"Ah um... I just need some Ambrosia and I'll be a little better, just weak in the stomach." She says. "That and some food...my stomach's a little empty at the moment." She said apologetically, continuing to make her way to the Big House

 

[AssiduousG]

"Oh," Leon gave her a quick smile, "Well that's good at least. If you don't mind I'll walk with you...I have a friend I wanted to meet who's at the Big House. There was some truth in that really. He swallowed nervously as he made his way to walk alongside her. The Sun beaming behind their backs and the clouds already drifting across the sky it was easy for him to take it all in. he wasn't the only one to say that Camp Half Blood was a beautiful place. With the rolling green hills and the multitude of nature it was daunting to most campers who had spent majority of their lives in the bigger cities to suddenly spend majority or half of their years at a camp. Especially since said camp was surrounded by supposedly mythical creatures such as: satyrs, harpies, and nymphs.


Sighing mostly to himself something inside of him settled as the Big House became closer and closer. The burnt edges of the house from some long ago monster who probably ran throughout the camp seemed familiar and homey to him. He wondered if his friend was still there. He paused internally and wondered if he even considered themselves friends. It was probably more of a one sided friendship though, but that didn't stop him from giving out advice whenever the young son of Ares needed it.


He glanced at Celes as they came to the stairs of the House. The porch was clear of any one and he was guessed that Chiron had already left to watch or train the younger demigods of the camp.


"Well, I'll see you later." he nodded to Celes as he climbed the steps and glanced back at her. "Did you want me to get the Ambrosia? I know here it is and I have some training from one of the Apollo cabin's courses...." he trailed off as he stared at her wondering if he had said to much.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

The walk towards the Big House was silent, for the most part, as Celes didn't want to worry about getting sick while talking. Magic sickness affected her entire body, especially when the magic being used was experimental. Throwing up was a moderate sign that something was going bad, somethi ng to affect eh ebody in a negative manner... she also knew that Ambrosia was only a temporary cure for this. It would work to heal her and return her to her normal state. However, just like ripping tape off of hair, it would have less and less effect if she kept this up.


She allowed the Lion person to accompany her, there was no harm in going to the same place. She wanted to focus on something, anything, but all she really wanted at this point was food, so she had tunnel vision on what she needed. She didn't hear the roar of mock combat from the pratice fields, or the twinge of a bow string coming from the Apollo cabin, or the mutterings of the Aphrodite girls. Suruvial was on top of the list currently.


When she arrived at the Big House, she walked over to start getting aplate. It wasn't dinner, so nothing fancy, just some crackers, two hand sandwitches. As she made her way over there, the boy stopped her, offering assistance. She almost waved him off, but stopped and smiled. “You know, that actually would help me a lot. “ She said with a smile. “That's very kind of you.”

 

[AssiduousG]

Nodding his head dutifully he turned his back and made his way inside, pushing the door softly and glancing from side to side as he checked the interior. It wasn't as if camper weren't allowed in here it was just, it was oddly creepy being in here alone with Mr. D. Heart lifting slightly at the thought of him he stepped in lightly and closed the door softly behind him.


Smiling softly he remembered the first time he was here. He still feel the pounding of his head and heart as he sat down shakily listening to the pounding in his head and the explanation for everything that went on in the world. It was hard not to believe since he had just barely escaped running away from two demons-hell hounds they called them- with a multiple scratches on his back and face.


It was dimly lit with just the right amount of light to see the empty tables and newly installed black board to plan...things. He paused and glanced at it, barely erased messages still lingered on it, but not legible due to the white streak that was through most of the words. Nor- the word barely made sense to him and he peered closer and closer until he shook his head and smacked himself.


Ambrosia


...right.





"I'm only going to assume that you need this...Larry was it?"


Rolling his eyes he turned around and smiled at the outstretched hand that held the golden bottle of Ambrosia. Mr. D watched him out of the corner of his eye as his other hand held the open magazine. His face was turned towards it, dark eyes following the words lazily, as he addressed Leon.


"Hey Mr. D...did you talk to Chiron about the strawberries?" A sighed met his words, loud and annoyed, but Leon smiled. It had been too log since he had seen his 'friend'. Or as Mr. D called their relationship 'the annoying acquaintance I can't get rid off.' Leon wondered slightly why he put up with him. Especially since the night he had came here, broken down by the harsh words and cold stares from his siblings.


"Yes, Link, I did. He said he would fix it immediately. Now are you going to take the bottle or is my hand going to stay there forever...or at least 50 years for you." Leon could see the twitch of a smile before it vanished as quickly as it had come. He wondered if it had been there all along.


"Thanks...I had a good day." Leon took the risk and smiled sadly at him. He hadn't forgotten about the girls at the Demeter camp. Mr. D looked at him, eyebrow raised and blinked. Leon smiled and took the bottle before passing by him quickly. It was easy for them to get along since Dionysus had felt the resentment towards his own siblings. They weren't close not by a long shot, but it made Leon feel better that at least the older man looked out for him in some weird way. He could still remember the night he had wanted to find Chiron only to find Mr. D who's blunt and uncaring advice had helped him.


By the time he was out the door he didn't hear the quiet and barely heard, Good, before he vanished into the sunlight of the outside.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

The food was beginning to help her stomach settle, which was a good thing, as Celes had been on the cusp of throwing up again. However, now that something was in her stomach, she was sated, at least for the time being. She remembered her first trip up here with a smile- she had been starving then as well. Running away from that Chimera for days, then coming to Long Island, the trip had taken a while, so she had never gotten anything to eat. The people took pity on Celes, then only a girl of twelve years, and had made her a number of sandwiches to fill her up. She couldn't help but remember how nice everyone had been to her. Perhaps such kind acts was why she decided to help out so readily, a thank you gift.


But wow, suddenly having two siblings was not expected. She had never had real family before, growing up in this system, but all of a sudden to people appeared that were flesh and blood? It was simply unbelievable. For the first few months she was as distant as possible from the...or anyone really. Life , to her, had suddenly taken a turn for the strange. Monsters existed, and she was a target for them. Now, all of a sudden, she was supposed to buddy up with her new family and make things better... she sulked at that. How could someone she never met love her as family.


'Reality and Illusions are all about what one desires most.' Her mother had said to her, the first time they had ever spoken, in fact. 'It's all about what one desires. If someone is shown an illusion that beats the reality they exist in, then humans will fight tooth and nail to defend that illusion, and believe it to be reality.. Even if the reality is that you know none of my other children... don't you want to feel the warmth of a family that loves you?'


'Thanks, Mom... what you said that day helped, if only a little.' Celes said. Hecate had been right, she could pretend to be family, and the pain would go away, if only for a while. But how long would it be until it fades... until Celes remembers that, once again, she is alone in this world... when she dies, no one would be around to help her.


She closed her eyes as she ate, finishing her meal up, and just in time too, it seems. “And the most important part arrives.” She says, the godly medicine, once she accepts and takes it, would make her feel right as rain.. andd ready to go repeat the same stupid mistake all over again.


“But if that helps me protect my iillusion, so be it.'

 

[AssiduousG]

Leon grins quickly before it vanishes as soon as it came and nods mostly to himself. He doesn't really know much about her, except that she's a child of Hecate and nothing else. He's heard the rumors around camp about what the Hecate children are doing, but he doesn't listen to them. Choosing to instead leave them be and do whatever they wish. Besides it's not like it's any of his business after all.


He glances towards the woods catching the eyes of a stray camper that just exited it and turns away before they can register and sighs. He knows this looks awkward, standing here in front of Celes the only noise that can be heard are the occasional shouts of campers and the faint sound of flapping wings from the Pegasus up above.


"So, I'm guessing you're alright now? I-I just hate seeing someone in pain, you know? Guess that's kind of weird for a child of Ares, but-" he stops his rambling before it becomes worse and scratches the back of his head nervously. Swallowing down his anxiety he begins to leave before he can hear the rushed clop of hooves against the dirt. He doesn't think much of it at first thinking that it's just Chiron teaching the younger centaurs how to run at a steady pace again. He smiles at Celes and starts his way down the steps moving around her and that;s when he hears the yelling.


Stopping just below the final step he turns towards the pavilions where he can hear the shouting. Narrowing his eyes he sucks in a breathe and furrows his brows. The voice is deep even from the distance that they're in and sounds pained. It's clear that whoever is yelling is in distress because he can see every camper stop whatever mindless activity they were doing and listen.


Leon doesn't need to turn around to hear the whispers that are coming from around him. For a moment he thikns it's about him, but soon scolds himself for his selfishness. He glances at Celes before he starts to move in that direction slowly.