Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 63: Zoe Nightshade

"Aileen, I don't know what to say... This must have cost a fortune!" Marie says as she held two new phones in her hands. One was the first apple phone, while the other was some Nokia. On the table were a few laptops, more phones, music devices, a mountain of clothes, a whole plethora of jewels, perfumes, and other accessories.

"I am more surprised that Alex was able to carry everything," I say as I look at everything. "The suitcases helped a lot. And I am glad I work out, it was becoming very heavy. To be honest, I was very motivated to get as much as I could," Alex says as she tried on several earrings.

"There is barely anything I can wear..." Vincent mumbles. "Geez, just take an iPod or a CD player, Vincent. There are various gift cards if you need to buy songs... somewhere," Alex says and motions to the devices. "Have fun sorting this mess out," I say with a smile, "Are you staying or will you go back with me?" I ask Vincent.

"I think I want to stay for the night. I can manage to go back on my own, don't worry. We'll crush the Hunters of Artemis tomorrow in capture the flag!" Vincent says and walks towards me. "Thank you for coming, Aileen. You've broken my life in a million pieces, but managed to put it back together. I am grateful," he says and hugs me tightly.

"I still don't get how you're my aunt while being so young. You're only... eighteen?" Alex says as she puts the jewels down. "Well, I don't know every detail myself, but this aunt is going home. Oh, and Marie?"

Marie looks up as she was sifting through the clothes. "Yes?"

"I paid your mortgage too. This house is completely yours," I say. "My goodness, you're like an ATM, Aileen. This is way too much. I feel like I am taking advantage of you," she says. I wave her concern away. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it, Marie."

"Could you pay my mortgage too?" Alex asks sheepishly. It made me laugh. "Sure, if I remember. Have a goodnight everyone," I say through my laugh and went back to camp, more specifically my cabin.

Just as I emerged in the sleeping quarters, I heard two loud snoring persons. As I peaked in the room, I saw both Nico and Bianca knocked out on two beds. It seems they just plopped down on two bed and went straight to dreamland. Their two trips must have made them exhausted. I knocked very loudly on the wooden nightstand that was placed in between the occupied beds.

"Ah! What?!" Bianca yells as she jolts awake. Nico was equally surprised as he looks around with wide eyes. "Dinner is almost being served! We should get going."

"Gods, Aileen, just let me sleep! I am too tired to eat..." Nico says with a yawn. "I have to agree... I am exhausted."

"I am sure you are, but you need to eat. And you can ask some of the nymphs to get you a piece of ambrosia. It will take away most of your exhaustion," I say and help them up. Both mumbled complaints during the whole walk to the pavilion. There weren't many people present at camp. I think only around fourteen Demigods were present along with twelve Hunters.

"Well, the Hunters seem to be enjoying their stay," I point out to them. "To tired to care," Nico says annoyed. "What he said," Bianca added. It made me chuckle. "Where are the Hecate children? Have you seen them?"

"Aileen, first get some of that energy food and then ask the questions," Bianca says annoyed. "Geez, just making conversation..."

We soon said down at the table. The mood was not great among the campers. I am still worried about Annabeth, but it seems someone else is also missing. And judging from the looks on the Ares kids, it must be Clarisse. Chiron probably send her on a mission. You must get his permission to leave camp after all. At least she is not dead. I would know.

The nymphs placed food on all the occupied tables. It is your usual delicious food. These nymphs are excellent cooks. Even Bianca and Nico were drooling as they saw it. For Bianca and Nico, there were also two small pieces of Ambrosia on the side. The siblings were about to eat, but I stopped them.