the next generation - pjo, hoo, toa

Two - Zander

That night as I lay in my bed, I felt like someone was luring to sleep. I'd only felt that once before, so I knew I had to go to sleep. But even with the person luring, it felt like part of me was scared of it, keeping me from falling asleep. Until eventually I was able to fight against it and fall asleep.

My dream seemed normal, just a boat rowing on water, until I saw who was the person aboard it. It was my guardian, Aspen, who I hadn't seen in almost a year. We were supposed to meet up in the town center tomorrow morning but it seemed like something was off.

The scene dissolved and I was now standing on the beach, Aspen walking toward a small crack in the rock wall. I recognized the beach, it was the one here on the island. We rarely went as it was the easiest access for monsters.

He knocked on the rocks and they opened, revealing a redhead teen. before entering the cave after the boy, he looked back at me and said: "Meet me here tomorrow at noon." I nodded even if I knew he couldn't see me.

The dream faded and I slept soundly until the morning, when I woke with a start at about ten in the morning. Mom was in my room, packing up the last of my things for camp. She looked up at me. "Though night huh? Happens to the best of us." I nodded and stood, still in last night's clothes, Bermuda shorts and a sky blue shirt. I slipped on some Vans and took the backpack my mom was handing me.

"I'm gonna head to the shops before I meet up with Asp, I'll grab breakfast there. I love you mom, see you in August." I kissed he cheek before leaving.

The walk to the shops I knew by heart, waving in and out of the constant traffic of the island. I bought a muffin from a little food cart before searching for a empty bench to rest for a minute.

I finally found one in a silent street. I took my backpack off of my shoulders and rested it at my feet before taking my phone out and turning on my music. It was then that I noticed a child sitting on the bench opposite me. She was eleven years old max, her curly blonde hair messy over her face and some sweet brown eyes.

She looked almost dead, her whole body thinner than I thought possible, and her pleading eyes looked straight at my muffin, clearly longing for even just one bite.

But before I could approach her, a huge black cloud settled over our heads and poured rain all over me and the girl. A bolt of lightning hit the girl right on the head and I screamed, panic filling my brain. A knew a descendant of Ares shouldn't be scared of something as foolish as thunder but there was an innocent girl dying in front of me.

When the bolt disappeared, I rushed to the girl's side, only to realize that she was completely fine. Her hair was no longer all knotted up and her clothes looked as good as new. She had gotten back all of the muscle and fat she probably had a couple of weeks ago. She didn't look longingly at my muffin anymore, which made sense since it was completely soaked.

The rain still fell on us, confirming that it hadn't been a dream. "Um, hi! Do you speak english?" She smiled. "Yeah I do. My name is Leïa. If you're wondering what just happened, don't ask me. It's been happening every time I get too close to death, for years, well, three years. I think it's my dad. He died before I was born and mother used to say that he's in heaven and takes care of me."

"When you get too close to death?" I asked "Where is your mother then? Oh, sorry if I'm pushing it's just, never mind. I'm Zander." Her smile faded and she reluctantly answered. "My mom is a famous actress, or at least that's what she was. When we came here on holiday three years ago I ran away. She didn't even come after me. So yeah, when I come too close to death, there's a storm and it just kinda resuscitates me."

I couldn't be sure, but she sure as hell seemed like she was a demi-god. "Well, me and my friend are leaving for a summer camp in a few hours" I started, "and if you wanted you could come with. It's free and Chiron and Lester, the camp managers, would take great care of you." She hesitated. "Okay. But you have to promise to help me make friends when we get there. I haven't talked to girls my age in so long."

I nodded. "We might not be in the same cabin but sure, I promise." I knew promises made by half-bloods didn't usually end well but this one seemed so harmless I agreed. "Come, we have to be there in ten minutes.

We spent the five minute walk to the beach in silence until we could see Aspen. He waved at us, the teen boy from my dream standing behind him. "Does he have horns?" Leïa asked. If she wasn't a demigod than she at least could see through the mist and I didn't have any choice but to answer truthfully. "Yeah. His name is Aspen and he's a satyr. That means he is half goat and half human. But Asp also has some dryad in him. That means he can turn into a tree..."

I'd forgotten I hadn't explained anything to her but decided it was for the best. I could always tell her all about our world once she was stuck on the boat with us for three days. Then, there would be no escape if she was creeped out or thought we were crazy. Once we got to Aspen and the boy, I greeted the satyr with a hug and shook hands with the other boy, introducing myself. "... and this is Leïa. Leïa, this is Aspen. And that is..." I realized I didn't know his name.

"I'm Tristan", he said. Aspen looked at me quizzically but I shrugged it off. I figured telling him I thought the girl was a daughter of Zeus in front of her would be a good idea. Again, I figured the boat would be the place for the four of us to have a heart to heart.

Then, I remembered I had to tell my girlfriend when I was leaving so she wouldn't be scared. Me and EJ had been dating for two years and none of our parents knew. I was sure Lester would snitch and tell my mom, but I was grateful he didn't.

Elianna Faye Jackson was the most beautiful person in the whole universe. She had the cutest smile and the most beautiful hair ever. She had all her dad's good looks and so many great quirks and talents from both her parents. I missed her so much and couldn't wait to see her.

Luckily it was still lightly raining and a rainbow had formed. I walked away from the group a little and managed to contact her. When her image appeared I couldn't help but smile. "EJ! It's Zander." I could see her jump a little but she turned to face me. "Babe, are you leaving for camp soon? I cant wait to see you."

"Yeah, we were just getting ready to jump into the boat. But first, I have to tell you something..."

a.n

hi so i'm sorry for not posting yesterday, i was babysitting

the next chapter is exciting cause they're gonna be at chb

see you soon,

- émilie and charles