Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 15: My First Capture The Flag

"Organized? And The Furies?" Chiron pondered as we explained what has happened. "That is very uncommon. I will discuss it further with lord Dionysus. You may like to know that the heroics of Thalia has been preserved in the form of a pine tree. A symbol of her bravery and courage. It seems even Lord Zeus was impressed."

"What does that mean? Her spirit now lives within a tree?" I ask. "I am not certain, Aileen. It could very well be the case. If you like to visit the tree, the hill now falls within the border of the camp. Apparently the tree has strengthened the border significantly," Chiron explained.

I softly nod in response. "Well, take the day off and get settled in your cabins. Annabeth, as Athena claimed you will move into the Athena cabin. Please talk to the counselor for more information. Luke, I hope you find your cabin to your liking. I heard you have already settled in quite well," he says.

Luke smiles a little. It seems he has already been part of some jokes and schemes organized by his siblings. It wouldn't surprise me that he will be very liked at camp and among his siblings. He has charisma and is a good friend to have.

"I'm sorry that you have not yet been claimed, Aileen. It could be that your Godly parent has yet to know of your existence, or is waiting for you to prove yourself first. I can't say, unfortunately," he says. Chiron's voice has sympathy and a tinge of sadness. Probably because a lot of Demigods never get claimed. I already saw a few, and they looked rather gloomy.

"I have faith, Chiron. My parent will claim me in due time. I have no doubts about it," I answer with a smile. Chiron looks a bit surprised by my reaction. "That's not a very common reaction. Probably won't last," Dionysus says as he drinks from his soda.

"I guess we'll find out, lord Dionysus. But I am very patient." Dionysus eyes me a bit. "Perhaps. I have seen many of you Demigods. Several said similar things, and most have lost faith or died without ever knowing. My guess is you will be the same," he says.

"In any case, camp activities will start tomorrow. Make sure you get settled in," Chiron says to interrupt the conversation. "Will do, Chiron. Thanks."

As we walk back to the Cabins, both Luke and Annabeth look with sympathy at me. They were almost claimed immediately when we arrived at the camp. A symbol appeared above their head, symbolizing that their parents have claimed them. I hadn't received one. It was definitely not an uncommon thing, and most saw it as a sad thing.

"I hoped you would be claimed, Aileen. It will happen. Don't let others convince you otherwise," Annabeth says. "Your parent would be a fool to not claim you. A good and talented Demigod. Any of the Gods would be wishing to have you," Luke says kindly.

"Thanks guys, but I meant what I said. It is just not the right time for me yet. I will be claimed. There is no doubt within me," I say reassuringly to them. "Good. I've never seen you waver from your convictions. Shall we meet at the tree later? I think we should at least pay respect to Thalia," Annabeth says.

"I will bring my violin. Thalia would appreciate it, I think, if I played in front of her tree. Even if it isn't her choice of music," I say with a chuckle. "She can at least appreciate the effort," Luke says as he smiles.

Life in Camp began that day. We gave our appreciation to Thalia in our own way. I played the violin while Annabeth and Luke were there in spirit. We spoke of our favorite moments with her. Luke and Annabeth said goodbyes, while I said that I will wait for her return. They looked a bit strangely at me, but I didn't really explain it. Annabeth and Luke were not really convinced about her being in between life and death. But I am. I just know it.

Life at Camp was filled with training with weapons, sport activities like canoeing and wall climbing, lessons about the various monsters, and the Gods. Chiron is very good at being there for the campers. He acts like a father figure to those with family issues, like Annabeth has with her father. Or some of the campers that were not claimed.