Alexis Solstice Escapes To The Sea Of Monsters

Chapter 10: A Surprise Camper?

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover arrived just in time for the party. They didn't get much attention because everyone was focused on Clarisse and me. The camp had been through a hard two weeks. A cabin for arts and crafts was burned down. The big house was overflowing with wounded. Everyone was battered but no one turned down a party. 

We all had continued the idea of the chariot races. I teamed up with Clarisse. I heard the last time didn't end too well but now with a bit more structure, I think we'll be fine. Tyson was helping our team and Percy's team with maintenance. 

The night before our races. There was a knock on my cabin door. Annabeth had her siblings put a peephole in my door for my height so I could check before answering. I saw someone that I didn't recognize before. "Who is it?" I asked through the door. 

"Hermes," The man answered. I froze for a second. Luke's dad? I cautiously opened the door. "Y-Yes?" 

He looked at me. I noticed a sadness in his eyes. "I have a few things for you," He told me. "I'm a messenger, remember?" 

I opened the door and looked at him. "What did you bring?"

"3 letters and this package is from me," He handed me the box and two letters on it. 

"Before you open mine," He spoke cautiously. I looked at him as I took the things from him. "I want to apologize on behalf of Luke. I noticed how he was treating you too late... I got Percy and your friends there to make up for it."

"You did more than my father did," I answered. "Thank you... For bringing them."

He nodded his head slowly. "Now open the package."

I opened the box. It wasn't taped so it was easy. Inside was a coin that had his symbol on it. 

"After everything- my son has put you through. I think you deserve a blessing." I picked up the coin and felt a weird feeling surge through my body. "An honorary kid of Hermes you are." 

I looked at him unsure of what to say. "We are cunning, versatile, and nimble on our feet. Very good for athletic events for tomorrow," He winked at me. The chariot races. Daughter of Hades. Blessed by two other Olympians. 

"Thank you," I kept my voice soft. I couldn't remove the blessing. I had it the second I picked up the coin. It would insult him if I said remove it. I wasn't sure if I was going to be thankful for this yet. 

"I asked Percy this but have you ever felt like your father abandoned you?" 

"He did," I answered. "He knew I wasn't home. He knew I wasn't at camp. If you knew Luke took me then my father knew..." I trailed off. 

"The hardest part about being a god is that you must often act indirectly, especially when it comes to your own children. If we were to intervene every time our children had a problem... Well, that would only create more problems and more resentment. But I believe if you give it some thought, you will see that Hades has been paying attention and watching over you. He has answered your prayers. I can only hope that some day, Luke may realize the same about me. Whether you feel like you succeeded or not." 

"Even with all the cruel and evil things he personally did to me?"

"We do crazy things for love..." He trailed off thoughtfully. "Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related, for better or worse... and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum."

I wasn't sure what to think. Forgiveness didn't come easily to me. Even when Percy took my last piece of gum at the academy. I was mad and didn't talk to him all day. Now I have to forgive my dad and Luke?