Warriors of Wisdom

Epilogue

Christmas was coming at Camp Half Blood, and everyone was excited. I heard that we usually don't celebrate mortal holidays, but Christmas was definitely an exception. My siblings told me that there was this big party in the arena on Christmas Eve, and it just made even more excited. I was afraid I wouldn't have anything to wear until Jordan told me something I never knew about camp: it will magically transport some of your clothes from home to your cabin at Camp Half Blood. I had no idea how it worked, but then again, I didn't know how a lot of things worked in the demigod world. I decided to go with a simple knee-length white dress and my white Converse sneakers. No makeup, but Jordan did curl my hair. Soon, we all headed out of Cabin 6.

"Do we have to go?" Zach complained.

Jordan rolled her eyes. "Zach, every year you complain that you don't want to go, yet you have a great time anyway. What is your problem?"

"I do not have a problem, Jordan. And stop talking to me like you're my mom." Zach answered grumpily.

"But I am your big sister, which is close."

"Shut up." We all laughed, and we finally reached the arena. Music was blasting from speakers down below, and the party was being DJ'd by Julian from the Dionysus cabin. Everyone was either dancing, talking, or eating. Even Chiron trotted around, holding a glass in his hand. He saw us walk into the arena, and trotted toward us.

"Welcome, children of Athena!" he greeted. "I hope you all have a wonderful night." And he galloped off again.

Jordan looked at me. "Well, I'm gonna go with my friends. You'll be alright?" I nodded, and she skipped away to where Ariana and her other friends were. Sean and Zach turned to me.

"We don't have any other friends at camp," Sean explained. "So we just hang out with Jordan and her friends. Bye, Callisto." They waved at me and followed Jordan. I was left standing in the middle of the arena by myself, until I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and found Hayden standing there. He was wearing a white dress shirt, black pants and sneakers. Nothing much, but I thought he was quite handsome.

"Hey," he said. "You look... great."

I smiled. "Not too bad yourself. Where's Alex?"

"He's helping his siblings with the party. They're the ones who are hosting, after all." I nodded nonchalantly. I looked at Hayden, and he seemed a bit nervous. I even noticed a trickle of sweat on his forehead.

"Is there something you want to tell me, Warren?" I asked sarcastically.

He cleared his throat. "Um, I, uh..." he hesitated. "Would you like to dance?"

I smiled widely. "I'd love to." His expression brightened, and he seemed less nervous now, too. Hayden smiled and held out his hand, and I took it. He led me to the center of the arena. I saw Alex talking to Julian, and when he saw us on the dancefloor, he whispered something in Julian's ear. Julian changed the current song to a slow dance. Hayden and I looked at Alex sarcastically, who just grinned mischievously.

I laid my other hand on his shoulder, and he laid his on my waist. We started to dance. If it weren't for my dad, I probably would have stepped on Hayden's feet. No one else was on the dancefloor, so everyone just watched us dance. I didn't care. "Where'd you learn to dance?" I whispered.

"My mom loved to dance. She taught me how to. I never thought it would be useful, until today apparently. Your dad taught you how to dance, I presume?"

I nodded. "He loved to dance too." I just wanted to stay in this moment in time, but there was something that has been bugging me. "Um, sorry if I ruin the moment, but this is something that has been bothering me since, you know, the Underworld."

Hayden's face became full of concern. "What is it?"

"Do you think Asher made it to Elysium?" This question seemed to sink in for Hayden, but he replied nonetheless.

"Definitely. He died a hero's death. He died protecting us."

I took a deep breath. "Thanks. I just wanted to make sure."

"Hey, no problem. And if you need more clarification, just ask Veronica. She should know."

"Yeah. Yeah, okay." We continued to dance, until Alex came walking toward us with something in his hands.

"Hey guys," he said. "How's the party?"

"Good," Hayden and I said in unison.

Alex cleared his throat. "Hayden, you told me to hold on to this for you until now." He handed Hayden the package. It was small, and was wrapped in red with a golden bow placed on top. Then Alex gave us a little wave and joined his siblings again.

"So, yeah," Hayden mumbled. "This is for you." He handed me the package.

I was speechless for a few moments. When I finally gathered my senses, I said, "Thanks."

"No problem," Hayden responded. "Open it." We sat down as I ripped the paper and opened the box. Inside was a framed picture of me and my dad in Central Park last year.

I was too surprised to speak. "How did you get this?"

"At your old house in Morro Bay," he explained. "I found it and asked your dad if I could take it to give to you, and he said yes. I wanted to make sure you had something to remember your dad."

"Thank you so much for this, Hayden,"

I kissed him on the cheek, which took him by surprise at first. He regathered consciousness and beamed back at me. "Merry Christmas, Callisto."

"Merry Christmas, Hayden." I was getting tired, so I rested my head on his shoulder, and I probably fell asleep too. I can't remember. I knew this wouldn't be the last adventure. There would be more battles to be fought, more fights to be won. The Laistrygonian had told me about his mistress, Nyx, and how I would be involved in the next Great Prophecy. She would be my greatest enemy. But while I waited, I would enjoy my life. I had siblings. I had friends. I had safety from the world of monsters. And when the threat came, I would be ready. Because what is a child of Athena without a plan?