A new beginning (completed)

Help?

A.N. Hey guys, in this chapter I talk about the background of both demigod camps and I just wanted to say that the book doesn't talk about it so I am taking artistic license with this and am writing how I imagine it happened. A quick thanks to booklover4646 for her constant help and encouragement. Now without further ado...

CHAPTER 18: HELP?

        "For many years we, demigods, did not have trouble living in towns or cities with mortals, in the olden days people were much more open minded and mortals believed in gods and monsters. As the centre of western civilization moved we, demigods also moved. The gods slowly became less 'realistic' in mortals' eyes, they believe that with their 'science' and 'technology' they can fix everyting in the world; however we know better. So to protect the mortals and remain hidden we stayed with the centre of western civilization but we went into hiding. We had to be close enough to help but removed from society because we were and are different. This is why camp Jupiter was founded, this is also probably why camp Half-blood was founded. Romans have always wanted things to be practical. Roman religion was and is tightly woven into everyday life, so that normal activities are connected with the gods. This made it necessary to have our own laws and government/chain of comand when we founded the camp. It was imperative to keep the Roman views alive. You ask for our help in making a city in Camp Half-blood and we will tell you what we know but there is one thing you have to always remember, one thing that our whole world is based on. You must remember that this world IS controlled by gods, everything from the harvest to the hearth and war to wisdom. We do not control this world. If you remember this and make sure others remember this then we will help."

Reyna took a deep breath, wow, I never new the Romans were so sentimental. I am still not certain but I think this means they will help us, our quest might be almost over, I can't wait to get back to camp. "I believe this senate meeting is over, are there any reasonable," Reyna glared at Octavian, "objections to our stand?" I think we were all holding our breath as she waited to see if anyone would dare to speak. No one did. "We," Reyna motions between herself and Zach, "will meet our guests in the principia in half an hour. everyone is dismissed." I could breath again.

        I wasn't really paying attention as I got up and started heading towards the door so was very confused when, instead of walking through the door I walked straight into someone! My head snapped up and I quickly started muttering appologies when I noticed who I had bumped into, it was Zach. My cheeks turned a bright red as I recognised him but he didn't seem to notice my discomfort, he just offered me a hand up (I had fallen when I bumped into him) and asked, "Are you ok?" I wasn't sure I could give a proper answer so I just nodded and started turning to go out the door trying to say thank you without making eye contact. I don't know why I am so shy all of a sudden, maybe it was because he is a praetor and older than me or maybe it was because I had felt the muscles thrugh his shirt when I bumped into him. I don't know. Before I got to the door a strong hand stopped me, "We're going the same way, why don't you walk with me?" Walk with him? I wasn't sure what was going on here but I quickly reminded myself that this is Alek's brother, I shouldn't be nervous around him.

        We walked all the way up to the Principia talking about Camp Jupiter. Whenever there was a break in the conversation Zach would start asking questions about Camp Half-blood, I answered them while trying to make camp sound amazing because I wanted him to help us. I got a few raised eyebrows when I entered the building next to Zach and gave a non-commital shrug. I could tell Alek was annoyed though, he kept watching but as soon as I looked at him he would turn away. It made me wonder about his relationship with his brother, maybe Alek was looking out for Zach or something. I don't know, before we got here Alek didn't want to say anything so I can't imagine why he is being protective or whatever. 

        When Reyna starts talking and Annabeth takes out her otes book to hastily write notes, I know we are too far into this for me. I don't pay attention to everything. Reyna talks about keeping the army in line by having Praetors and keeping the whole city prepared by doing drills. She explained about the clean water sources, the small businesses that were started by demigods and the demigods school system. Apparently the kids here start learning obedience and battle skills in kindergarten. At some point she gets into how they have a 'point system' of sorts, everyone contributes to the community and getss back respectively. There is no large descreptancy between the lifestyle of those living here because everything is fairly controlled. The technology in the city is extremely minimal and the gods are all honored, all the time. Reyna explains the celebrations and festivals, the magical borders and the hardships of New Rome. By the time she is finished it has grown dark outside and we are all exhausted. I can tell Annabeth is already thinking of new improvements for their methods but I can't bother to ask. I just need food and sleep and we can deal with this tomorrow. 

        Even though I am about ready to drop, a thought comes to me just as we finish dinner, we were supposed to help them to. How are we supposed to repay the wealth of knowledge that was bestowed upon us? I am about to ask everyone this when a satyr comes up to our table, "Do you have any spare change? Oh, hi Frank, it's nice to see you back at camp. Are you staying this time?" Frank looks up and answers with uncomfort written all over his face, "Hi Don. No I am not here for long, just visiting." Don? Maybe he knows the faun. I am not gonna question it. "Thats too bad. I was hoping Hazel would come back, you know if you came she would too. She always was a good luck charm around here." And that's when it hits me, I know what we can tell them.

A.N. Thanks for reading, hoped you liked it. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Please vote and follow.