Pulsing Flames • A Half-Blood Fan Fiction

A Bright Begining - Chapter 1

As I stalked down the street it became clear to me that the search has yet to reach this far north. My guess is they think I'm still in Florida somewhere. Finally I reached Aunt Dawn's house, she lives in one of those town house things ya know where they are all connected but separate houses all together?

I walked up the drowned steps, almost slipping in the process, and knocked on the door. I waited a few moments, getting more and more soaked by the second. Finally, the door opened and I saw Aunt Dawn's face.

We exchanged no words at first-just looked at each other for a few seconds before hugging like we haven't seen the other in forever, which was kinda true. After hugging for at least 3 minutes, she pulled me inside and got me a towel and some hot chocolate.

"I assume you know why I'm here." Was the first thing I said to her when we both finally settled down. "I'm guessing it has something to do with the fire and the police?" She said to me, "Don't worry Sweety, I'm not going to call anyone or turn you in. It's not in my right to do anything like that." Aunt Dawn always knew what to say, she is the kindest person I've ever known, though when I needed support all I could do was call her and talk-somehow it always seemed to help me get better.

"Thank you Aunt Dawn," I said to her with teary eyes, "I'm sorry I had to bring you into this, I just couldn't think of anywhere else to go. I've been on my own for months, jumping on trains and trying to get to you the safest way I could." She watched me intently and listened, she always was the best person for support.

"It's okay Sweety, but you can't stay here." She said so bluntly, it stunned me how she was able to say it like that when I am clearly in such emotional distress. "Wha-what? Why?" I said frantically, tears beginning to stream down my face. "If you stay here, you're not only putting yourself in danger, but me too. Don't worry, I know the perfect place for Demi-gods to go." She said with a cheery smile, "I'll take you to camp Half-Blood tomorrow afternoon okay?"

I sat there. Stunned at what just conspired. I haven't even been here 15 minutes and she's already planning on taking me to some camp?! And what the heck are "Demi-gods"? She began to get up and head to the kitchen, "Aunt Dawn!" I called to her. "Hm? Yes, Ash?" She turned and looked at me concerned. "What is this, Camp Half-Blood anyway?" I asked needing to know answers. "Ashley, Sweety, that's where other kids just like you go to be protected from the monsters and such." She was talking like this was common knowledge, then she noticed my confused look, "Do you not know? Well, that just makes it a bigger adventure!" She giggled.

Causal Aunt Dawn, turning every little thing into something that seems it should be celebrated in one way or another.

It was already getting late so me and Aunt Dawn ate some dinner and she showed me to my room, I was surprised to see a golden bird cage in the room, it was covered up by a silk red cloth. It must have been new as even Aunt Dawn looked surprised. "Well, would you look at that. They are already giving you a gift, and a odd one at that." I heard Aunt Dawn say under her surprised breath.

When I pulled off the red cloth, a fiery red bird with feathers that seemed to glow like flames slept in the cage. The Phoenix, Aunt Dawn told me that's what it was, a ancient bird that's said to have fire-like abilities and every 500 years will burn up and resurrect itself from the ashes.

I covered the bird cage back up in hope I didn't wake the creature and sat on the bed for a bit, staring off into space just thinking about what a day it has been. If the Phoenix is a real bird, I wonder, what else might be real? The thought was scary, but if this was my destiny, then I was going to burn it up!

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Hi! Thanks for reading chapter 1! I told you it would be longer (Even if it still isn't very long at all). I had fun writing this chapter and I hope you had fun reading it. I'm excited to continue writing but as of now it's 1:00 am and I have school tomorrow so...