Celestial - a Percy Jackson fanfic [BOOK ONE]

Chapter three

I really couldn't believe it. Mythical creatures that I had learned about in like sixth grade turned out to be real. My mind couldn't wrap around it. I sat on the edge of the wooden porch, elbows resting on my knees and my hands cupping my face. Kids bustled around the camp, holding swords or shields. Several cabins dotted the area, made with beautiful Greek architecture. The camp was surrounded by steep hills with lots of trees just over the edge. A winding stream swept through the middle and acres of strawberries decorated some of the space. It was gorgeous.

"You doing okay?"

I looked over at my shoulder. My brows furrowed and my mouth dropped open when I saw Grover, only he was different this time. Where his legs should have been were furry legs with hooves at the bottom. I leaned back, getting a better look at him. What the..?

"I'm a satyr," he explained and sat down next to me. "Half goat, half man. I'm a keeper."

"A... keeper?"

"Yeah, like when we think we found a half-blood they send me to go out and protect them and bring them home," Grover explained, but he looked upset. "Well, I used to be. I haven't been doing a very good job recently."

"What do you mean?" My brows furrowed curiously.

"Mrs. Dodds is a Kindly One, a monster who tries to kill half-bloods. I had zero suspicion of her and she tried to kill you," Grover said. Swords clanged in the distance. "You're a half-blood."

"I still don't know what that is."

Grover sighed. "Do you know who your parents are?"

I nodded. "Yes, I have a mom and dad and two siblings."

Grover looked a bit surprised. "They're not your real parents."

"What?" My mouth dropped.

"You're a half-blood, which means you're half human, half God."

I couldn't say anything, I honestly didn't understand. If my parents weren't really my parents, then who were?

"That means either your mother or father canoodled with a God or Goddess however many years ago and made you. Now, I don't know which God or Goddess is your parent. Have you noticed any special abilities that you've been able to do?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm normal."

Grover chuckled. "You wouldn't have been able to enter the camp if you were normal, Cleo."

I frowned. "I mean, I'm tall for my age."

"Look, I know this is a lot to take in, and take your time, but once we find out who your parent is, then we can get you settled into one of the camp houses. We separate them by which God you're related to so you won't be alone. Until then, you're going to stay in the counselor building with Chiron and Percy."

"Speaking of Percy, is he awake now?" I ask, glancing back to the cabin door behind us.

"I think he's just waking up right now, actually," Grover said and we rose to our feet. "Before we go in, I just wanted to say thank you. Mr. Brunner told me that you and Percy saved me."

I gave him a half-hearted smile. "I like to protect my friends."

With that, he pushed the door into the cabin open, and there was Percy, sitting on the couch and staring confused at an empty glass. I called out to him and his face lit up when he saw me. A familiar face.

"Are you okay?" He asked, setting down the drink on the coffee table next to him. "I thought it was all a nightmare at first."

"Me too, but I just found out my parents aren't my real parents, so I'm living the nightmare already," I sighed.