Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by Malcolm Tent, Priapus, Marethyu
The Celestial Demigod
Chapter 01: Mischief Managed (Poorly)
— Annabeth Chase —
"Silena, what's going on?" Annabeth asked, looking around at the gathering crowds, all whispers and staring as if they were expecting a divine sign to appear at any moment.
"New arrival," Silena replied quietly, a frown on her beautiful face. Annabeth's brows furrowed in confusion. New arrivals weren't that interesting, in truth, and certainly not worthy of such a show. "There's rumours that one of the major Gods is bringing the new kid in person."
Ah, that would do it. Instantly, her mind ran through the reasons why a God would play taxi for a new Demigod and she came up blank. She supposed they could be the child of the God who was delivering them, but that was unlikely. Maybe the Demigod was from one of the big three? It wasn't technically allowed but Thalia proved that the Gods didn't exactly stick to their own rules.
Her musing faded as their newest member arrived, teleported into the camp by their divine delivery woman. Her mind went blank as she laid eyes on the Goddess guiding the teenage boy, before it fired a thousand questions a minute as she saw her mother gesture for the blonde boy to move forward.
The stunning Goddess looked over the gathered crowds with a stern frown on her lips, grey eyes narrowing in displeasure as they paused on Mr. D who just looked uncomfortable as Chiron approached.
"My apologies for the crowds, Lady Athena," Chiron said calmly, bowing deeply. "You know how inquisitive they can be."
"I do," her mother responded, her eyes briefly glancing over the crowd of demigods. For the briefest moment, they landed on Annabeth and her heart froze, before her mother moved on. "Adon! Stop wandering off."
The boy she was escorting paused, and Annabeth realised that within the brief time Athena had been speaking, he'd almost slipped away entirely. Despite Athena's displeasure, Adon just grinned almost lazily and wandered back to her side.
"Sorry," Adon replied, sounding entirely unapologetic as Athena sighed in irritation.
"This is him, then?" Chiron asked, getting a nod. "Perhaps we should discuss this inside?"
The group headed for privacy, and she didn't miss the way that Athena placed a hand on Adon's shoulder to prevent him from wandering again.
"No bets on whose kid he is," Luke joked, making her jump as she hadn't realised he'd arrived. "Looks like one of yours, Silena."
"True," Silena laughed, getting one last look at Adon as he was spirited away. Annabeth did the same, finally focusing on him instead of her mother.
Long, nearly golden locks hung to his shoulders and a pair of piercing blue eyes met hers as he gave her a wink before Athena grabbed him by the ear and dragged the chiselled teen out of sight. He wasn't just handsome, he was unnaturally beautiful in a way she had only seen in children of Aphrodite.
"But why would Lady Athena be babysitting another child of Aphrodite? And why did Chiron and Mr. D look so grim?" Annabeth asked, getting a shrug from Luke.
"I've heard rumours that there's been some serious questions about who his father is, but keep that to yourself," Luke muttered, as she nodded. "Plus, Adon? No guesses where Lady Aphrodite got that name."
"Mother never really got over Adonis," Silena admitted. Annabeth's mind was elsewhere. Her mother was right there and yet she seemed more focused on the child of another Goddess.
"Another pretty little flower. Why would they make such a big deal about one of her kids? It's not like she doesn't have dozens of them," Clarisse said loudly, getting a glare from Silena. Clarisse and the Ares lot were always a pain in the butt. Instantly, the squabbling between the Aphrodite Cabin and the Ares Cabin began, even when they had no confirmation that Adon was even a son of Aphrodite yet (just ample evidence).
She just sighed, unwilling to get drawn into Clarisse' nonsense, but unwilling to leave and potentially miss a chance to see or even speak to her divine mother.
Her eyes narrowed as she noticed something. The ground was moving. Not much, but the grass and dirt was being disturbed by something unseen and-
Before she could decide what to do, Athena reappeared directly in front of the unseen figure, an extremely unamused look on her face.
"Adon."
The single word was almost a curse, and a sheepish looking Adon reappeared in the spot.
"Do you truly think your petty illusions would hide you from the Goddess of Wisdom?" Athena said sternly, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. "We have discussed this."
"Come on, I just wanted to look around the place I'm being dumped. It's not like you let me in on your super secret meeting anyway," Adon waved off, unashamed at being caught. "It's better than me sitting on my hands outside the office while you all squabble about me."
Lady Athena stared him down for a long moment, before finally sighing.
"Very well. It is better than having to deal with you trying to sneak into the meeting, I suppose," Athena admitted. "Do not wander far, and do not get into trouble. We are taking a great chance with you, need I remind you of the consequences of you causing too much trouble?"
"When do I ever?" Adon replied innocently. The returning stare was anything but amused.
"Annabeth," Athena barked, making Annabeth freeze and straighten up, a strangled answer coming from her. "Please show Adon around his new home. Do not let him wander outside of the Camp."
"Yes, Mother," Annabeth agreed instantly, seeing Adon turn to her with that same lazy smile.
"So, you're Auntie Athena's kid? We're basically cousins," Adon said, throwing an arm around her shoulder with a casual ease and confidence.
Athena gave him a thunderous look, before she turned and headed back inside without a word. Why was she permitting him to be so casual with her? Who was Adon?
"So, about that tour?" Adon asked, a grin on his face as she slipped out of his grip. She gave him an unamused look, but he just held his hands out placatingly.
"First, what was that all about?" Luke asked, getting a laugh from Adon.
"If I knew, I'd be in their super secret meeting," Adon admitted with a lazy shrug. "All I know is that the big man tasked Lady Athena with babysitting me."
"Zeus? Zeus wanted Lady Athena to look after you?" Annabeth asked. Adon just nodded.
"Like I said, that's about as much as I know," Adon agreed. "I'd say ask your mom for more, but something tells me she won't be any more open with you than she is me."
"Well, welcome to Camp Halfblood, Adon. Have you been claimed yet?" Luke asked with a friendly smile.
"Nope, but I know who my mother is," Adon admitted with a shrug. "It wasn't exactly hard to work out."
"Well, I guess you'll be staying with me in the Hermes cabin until your divine parent feels like claiming you," Luke explained, throwing an arm around his shoulder.
Adon just smiled, as Annabeth gathered herself and began the tour of Camp Halfblood. Why was her mother so interested in Adon? What was she missing?
— Chiron —
"It's confirmed then?" Chiron asked hesitantly.
"He can read Old Norse just as easily as Ancient Greek, and his powers of shapeshifting and illusions did not come from his mother," Athena replied. "Zeus is furious, of course. If Loki truly managed to trick and seduce Aphrodite while posing as a mortal, it's an insult to his territory. That's not even mentioning the issues that come from having a child of both Norse and Greek divinity."
"Should he not be a full-blooded god, then?" Chiron wondered.
"We believe Loki was truly in the form of a mortal at the time as a punishment for his latest mischief. Perhaps his bound divinity is the reason that he was able to sneak into our territory and seduce Aphrodite," Athena explained. "The Fates claim he will come into his powers once he is claimed, and Aphrodite is unmoving in her desire to claim him. Zeus tried to forbid it, but there is every chance Loki would claim him instead."
"I'm surprised you got roped into this mess," Dionysus admitted, wine glass in hand.
"Zeus wanted to slay Adon to prevent him from coming into his powers and to prevent any entanglement between Mount Olympus and Asgard. Aphrodite threatened open rebellion against him if he harmed Adon. You know what she's like, and she has enough… admirers to gather a genuine force against our Father. I took Adon in to placate both sides," Athena admitted with a long-suffering sigh. "A task I admittedly underestimated. He takes after both parents, with Aphrodite's whimsy and Loki's mischief."
"I'm sure he took Dite threatening him very well," Dionysus laughed, downing his drink.
"If it wasn't for his missing Master Bolt, it may have ended far worse. He won't forget this, but Aphrodite and her son are not his main concern as it stands," Athena replied. "He's half convinced that Loki stole his Master Bolt."
"When he isn't accusing his brothers, of course," Dionysus snorted. "And he won't openly accuse Loki because he'd never let another Pantheon know he got his symbol stolen."
"You should take this more seriously, brother. We are on the cusp of a war, civil or otherwise," Athena scolded. "Aphrodite intends to claim Adon tonight. If he truly is to awaken the immense power the Fates foretold, it is best that it happens here."
"Great, another potentially world-ending brat to babysit," Dionysus grunted, refilling his wine.
"Camp Halfblood was created to help teach the mortal children of the gods to control their powers," Chiron reminded Dionysus, getting a grunt in response. "I'm sure Adon will fit right in."
— Adon —
Athena isn't wrong often, but this time she is mistaken. She thinks I don't know who my father is. To be fair, she's done well to muddy the waters but there's something she could never truly account for.
Celestial Powers granted due to [Mother: Aphrodite]
[Part-Veela] - 200cp
Beauty is a magic all of its own and there are few quite as beautiful as the Veela. Perhaps that is how they entranced your own ancestor given that you are now half-Veela. And as befitting of one with Veela heritage, whether male or female, you are astonishingly beautiful, moving with perfectly flawless grace regardless of the circumstances. And with your supernatural allure, permeating every inch of your body and even your voice, your beauty shall only be made more apparent to those around you, distracting and attracting those who do not have the will to resist such a beauty.
But beauty is not the only magic the Veela possess. While full-blooded Veela are capable of transforming into devilish harpy-like forms and tossing about fireballs, you possess only a magical affinity for fire, making it a bit easier for you to learn such spells and abilities.
[Mystic Eyes of Charm] - 100cp
You've gained the fairly uncommon ability called Mystic Eyes. With this, you have access to an innate magical power that is used through the medium of your eyes. While uncommon, a fair number of Magi do have some weak form of Mystic Eyes. You'll find your new eyes aren't like that at all. Rather, they're much stronger than the average Mystic Eye.
Your eyes possess the power of love. By looking into the eyes of another being, you can create a growing affection for you in their mind. A mere glance will give the equivalent of a crush on you for most non-magical beings whilst several minutes of uninterrupted eye contact with those same could create feelings of deep love that last for days at a time. Longer than this would create longer lasting feelings of course. Whilst incredible willpower might allow a mundane mortal to temporarily resist, they're rather out of luck as this magical trait quickly batters down the defences of mundane beings. Any supernatural being however, can quite easily shrug off the effects so it is unlikely you will be able to ensnare any but the weakest supernatural beings.
Celestial Powers granted due to [Father: Loki]
[Even The Mad Titan Believed It] - 200cp
You can cast projections of yourself that are utterly indistinguishable from the real thing, even to the most observant of beings or those who would know you can use such capabilities. You can create illusionary disguises that are just as convincing. The only way to tell them apart from the real thing is their lack of solid form, but nobody will figure out this property unless they deliberately try to interact with your illusion or observe it interacting with something that has physical form.
[Light Elf] - 100cp
Like the Asgardian God of Mischief, you can copy the form and voice of anyone you have seen. This magical illusion looks and feels like the genuine article, but does not grant you any of your target's abilities. This can give you an impressive way to mimic other individuals, but it still only works as well as your performance does. Break character and someone is going to notice.
These showed up a while back, and the Celestial power insists that it is still 'initialising'. Shortly after I gained these, Lady Athena showed up at my orphanage and whisked me away.
That was about three months ago, and I haven't missed the endless 'meetings' Athena has had in private while I was kept in a gilded cage. Happy, but unable to leave without Athena, or a monster, showing up in seconds.
From what little I know, Aphrodite thought I died when I was very young after she left me with one of her descendants to raise. I'm guessing my infamous trickster father had something to do with that, but I can't begin to guess what he wants.
"So, you'll be eating with us Hermes kids. Same as with the Cabin, the Hermes cabin has always taken care of the Unclaimed kids," Luke explains as we sit down for dinner.
Athena is still in the Big House, and I've attracted a hell of a lot of attention from how I arrived.
"We're not supposed to eat with other tables, camp tradition," Luke continues explaining with an easy grin. "So, where were you before Lady Athena came for you? Did you grow up with your father?"
"Nah, orphanage," I admit easily with a shrug. "Then, one day I woke up with a few new tricks and the next day, Lady Athena showed up and spirited me away. That was three months ago."
"You've spent three months with Lady Athena?" Luke asks, his eyes flickering back to Annabeth. I did get the feeling that Annabeth was a little jealous of the attention I got from her mommy dearest.
"Kinda? I stayed in a mansion she apparently owns, but she wasn't around that much. I get the feeling she was real busy," I reply. "Not too busy to appear and stop me anytime I tried to take a single step off the grounds, though. I got good at tricking her servants but you can't fool the Goddess of Wisdom apparently. I did convince her servants that I was her at one point, I was sure she was too busy with her 'meeting' to notice."
"Why were you trying to run away?" someone asks. The Hermes table is crowded, but not in an unpleasant way.
"…I don't know. She told me not to wander, and it made me want to wander," I admit after a moment. "It's not like I was trying to get anywhere in particular, and I would have come back later."
Luke just laughs at my answer, nudging me with his shoulder.
"Don't worry, most demigods don't like being told what to do. Of course, most of us wouldn't be brave enough to try and defy Lady Athena herself," Luke replies with a laugh. "Wait, what do you mean you tricked her servants that you were Athena?"
I just grin, shifting as I take on his form.
"Neat trick, huh?" I ask, in his voice. "Fun fact. The Gods don't love being impersonated. I'm still half convinced she cursed me for that one. Nothing went right for a full month afterwards."
Dropping my shapeshift, I just shrug sheepishly. As far as plans go, that wasn't my best. On the bright side, I think she takes my mischief as further proof of who my father is.
Lots of bread and cheese, along with barbecue. I could get used to this. Suppose I'm going to have to. Athena has repeatedly explained that there was a spell or charm on me that was hiding me, and it wore off the day I got my powers so if I wander too much, monsters eat my face.
Well, she didn't say it like that.
But the short of it? Stay in Camp Halfblood or get murdered. And I'm not sure it's just monsters I have to fear. I've been nearly struck by lighting on three separate occasions. At some point, I've gotta take it personally.
The first time, a gust of wind knocked me on my ass an instant before lightning struck where I was standing. The second, I was suddenly in my bedroom in Athena's mansion and the spot where I was before I got teleported was struck. The third did hit me, but I woke up in bed. I vaguely remember a little girl with fire-red eyes looking after me, but she was gone when I woke up and I was unharmed. After that, the lightning stopped.
When you learn that the Olympian Gods are very real, and suddenly lightning seems to have it out for you, it doesn't take a genius to put two and two together.
Zeus is an asshole. Which to be fair, is the moral of half of all Greek Legends.
"After dinner, we all gather at the campfire," Luke explains. He's been useful in explaining a lot of the little details and traditions of this place. Annabeth might be cuter, but she made it sound like a lecture and I zoned out. Then she noticed I was zoning out and looked like she wanted to stab me. She has the same 'I'll hurt you' face as her mom.
Oddly enough, telling her that both helped and didn't help my case.
It's honestly kind of hot when she glares like that.
Telling her that really didn't help my case.
"So, what? We all hold hands and sing Kumbaya?" I ask.
"Sure, something like that. Feel free to ask Clarisse and her minions to join in," Luke agrees as I look over to the Ares table. Man, that chick really doesn't like me. I've not even had a chance to earn such a fierce glare yet. I give them a wave, wiggling my fingers. She responds by throwing a fork at my head.
She's a really good shot.
"Popular with the ladies, huh? That's the second girl today I've seen attack you. Annabeth is normally more composed than that," Luke snorts.
"It's all sexual tension. Look, Clarisse can't take her eyes off me," I say in a stage whisper. I'm sure it's a coincidence that she made a loud sound of disgust and stormed off seconds later. Luke just chuckles, running a hand through his hair.
"You're going to be a pain, aren't you?" Luke laughs. I give him an innocent smile, creating the illusion of a halo above my head as we make our way to the campfire.
The flames seem erratic, but Luke explains that it is tied to the camp's mood and it just means that the campers are excited and interested. I'm the most interesting thing that's happened lately. As I stand by the fire, I can't help but feel a familiar warmth, my mind going back to the 'little girl' who tended to me after I got struck.
Luke gives me a questioning look, but I shake off the reminiscence with an easy grin.
"Okay, everyone!" Luke starts, getting the attention of the campers. "As you've all seen, we have a newcomer joining us today. Everyone, this is Adon, be nice to him, he's sensitive," Luke jokes, slapping me on the back and pushing me forward.
I go to speak, trailing off as I begin to glow… and it's not my illusions this time. I'd never choose pink, I prefer a manly purple. My hair blows in an invisible wind, making me look like I've stepped into a L'Oreal commercial… and I'm worth it. The aura fades as two illusionary doves fly around me, leaving a trail of rose petals behind as they mirror their flights to form the symbol of a love heart above my head.
Hi, Mom.
Luke gives out a cheer, clapping for me as the Aphrodite kids join in instantly. I can see some jealousy on their faces, and I already know why. Luke explained what claiming usually looks like, and most of my half-siblings just got a pink glow, not the whole light show.
I go to speak again before the air goes cold, the flames turning from a warm red to a menacing green, and the applause goes silent. From the ground, two long, green illusionary snakes 'burst' forth and intertwine around me before they join the heart and combine, forming an S symbol that is lined with ancient Norse runes.
Instantly, Athena, Chiron and Mr D show up, unsurprised but clearly displeased as a mocking laughter fills the air before the campfire goes out from a burst of ice, plunging the clearing into near darkness beyond green and pink lights from my claiming.
Then, the campfire flickers back to life and both symbols fade entirely.
"The Bloodline is determined. Aphrodite, Lady of Love. Hail Adon, Son of the Goddess of Beauty and Passion," Chiron says, his voice firm but clearly shaken.
"And the God of Mischief and Magic, Chiron."
The snakelike voice whispers drift through the air, the shadows seeming to grow and shift around beyond the light of the campfire. I swear they take the form of figures, and different campers seem to be hearing and seeing different things before Athena steps forward, spear in hand.
"Enough, Loki!"
With her single word, a burst of golden light pushes away the shadows and the laughter fades into the distance.
"Adon, with me," Athena commands, and for once I don't feel like being difficult. That said, clearly the fates think they're funny as I take a single step before my head begins to burn, causing me to clutch it as lights explode from me a second time, six orbs circling around me before they begin to enter me, one after another. One has the imprint of a tome, and it strikes me first.
Celestial Grimoire Online, watch out for Hecate!
[Devil Arm Subjugation] - 200cp
There are three ways to create Devil Arms, and you have mastered one of them, namely the way of subjugation. You see, a demon will be forcibly turned into a Devil Arm if its very soul acknowledges defeat. That is, if the demon gets stomped so badly that the loss is etched into every part of its being, the poor thing is transformed into a weapon to be used by its superior. You are now able to do this to anyone you kill, allowing you to force their very being into becoming a weapon that serves at your will. The weapon itself will be based on the being that is killed. And you only have to kill them, not having to truly break them or subjugate their souls. Kill Darth Sidious with poison, and he could turn into a lightsaber Devil Arm with some form of lightning power.
Athena shouts something but my mind is focused elsewhere as the second orb, shaped like an anvil, enters me.
Celestial Forge Online, don't tell Hephaestus!
[Lunatic Trickster] - 100cp
You will have peasantry frequently knocking at your door with their torches and pitchforks, adventurers dashing through your laboratories, and your creations frequently trying to escape. Now you can prevent all of this from happening with your knowledge of creating fiendish, murderous traps of all damage ranges & variants! Those not entirely dependent on the environment, such as pitfall traps, can be stored in small silver discs to be used as weapons.
Oh, I'm sure that his dozen or so kids standing over there won't mention it. My snark is answered by one orb holding what looks like some animal's paw entering me.
Celestial Menagerie Online, Surely Artemis won't mind sharing!
[Monster Hunter: Pukei-Pukei] - 200cp
A bird wyvern known to store toxins within its body. It uses its tongue like a whip and can stretch or shrink it at will, allowing it to grab up food. As a defence against threats, Pukei-Pukei have numerous toxic attacks. Keep an eye on both its mouth and tail!
Oh yes, that's what the gods are known for. How generous and reasonable they are. I'm sure she'll share a few dozen arrows right up my ass. The screams fill the campfire air as… a giant fucking chameleon appears next to me, a massive tongue licking its own eye. It's only Athena's aura that stops anyone (Ares' brats) from attacking the monster. The fourth orb is shaped like a treasure chest, open and filled with weapons, jewels and treasures.
Celestial Reliquary Online, again, don't tell Hephaestus that we have cooler shit than him!
[Extended Mokeskin Pouch] - 100cp
A pouch that can only be opened by the owner. There is as much space on the inside as there needs to be. The opening is around 25 square inches.
Won't he already hate me since, you know, he's married to my mom and is definitely not my dad? Are you just going out of your way to piss him off? My answer is, predictably, another orb with the image of an asian style building inside it, hitting me in the face.
Celestial Dojo Online, let's challenge Ares to a honourable duel!
[Beast Tamer] - 200cp
Some people are great with animals. You are even better. Forget Horse Whisperer, you can carry on conversations with any kind of animal and they might just sit there and listen. Your skill with animals is great enough to tame nearly every animal in the Human World and with some effort even those in the Gourmet World. You gain the skills needed to properly care for, train and ride most any kind of animal.
Err, let's fucking not. Finally, an orb that glows with a soft pink light and has the image of a heart inside it enters me.
Celestial Bordello Online, Remember to thank Mommy!
[Pillow Princess] - 200cp
In any sexual encounters you have, people tend to, for whatever reason, seem focused on maximizing your pleasure rather than their own. This is entirely subconscious, but definitely noticeable. You can toggle this if you'd like.
I am not a fucking Pillow Princess!
As the lights fade, I stumble and fall, being caught by Athena before I can eat dirt.
"This was totally… not my fault," I gasp out as I pass out, my head resting against Athena's bosom. The laughter of my dear dickhead father lulls me into the arms of Morpheus, leaving me with the lovely realisation that my time at camp is going to be… complicated as I hear the sound of thunder above.
Meh, at least it won't be boring.
— Bonus Scene — Luke Castellan
As he watched Athena carry away the unconscious Adon, his mind raced. He wasn't nearly as familiar with the Norse Gods, but it didn't take an expert to recognise Loki's symbol, and Athena confirmed it herself.
But why would Loki try to claim Aphrodite's child? Unless they were both his parents, in which case wouldn't he be a full-blooded God, not a Demigod?
But then, had the Pantheons ever… intermingled like this before? If they had, Luke couldn't recall any offspring which either meant it had never happened or someone, perhaps someone who was currently causing a thunder storm above their heads, had put an end to the resulting children.
But even still, it didn't explain the second light show with the orbs that just radiated power. Or the… giant green chameleon that Chiron was reluctantly guiding as it attempted to follow after Adon.
"So, definitely one of yours then?" Luke asked Silena, getting a quiet, disbelieving laugh from her.
"Well, we don't have a Loki cabin, so I suppose so," Silena agreed softly. He could see the way she was tensing up, her eyes flicking from him to Adon. She hid her emotions well, but the hint of guilt that crossed her face made Luke mentally frown. It would be hard to get her to spy on her own sibling, despite the chaos and confusion around Adon.
He didn't want to resort to threats, yet. It would work for a while but Silena wasn't nearly as weak as some people believed Aphrodite's kids to be.
"Everybody, the show's over. Go to your cabins," Mr D shouted, causing a wave of moans and complaints which Mr D ignored with his usual attitude. "I better not see a single one of you outside tonight. Head Counselors, round up your siblings and get them inside, now."
Knowing not to test him and draw unwanted attention, he gave Silena and Annabeth a smile as he began to round up the Hermes cabin kids, the biggest group by far.
As he began to make his way to their cabin, he paused one last time to look toward the Big House where Adon was being kept. Deep inside him, he felt Kronos stir in curiosity.