The Muse Search

Hi, my name is Joshua Haraku, and my story begins with the last day of my freshman year at Martin Luther King High. I was super excited to be almost out of school. I never liked school, because I have ADHD and Dyslexia. (Yah, not a fun combo) But, I was an alright student; I got A’s and B’s in all my classes. The only thing I would miss is the free lunches. I got those because I lived all on my own. My mom died when I was 4 years old, and my dad was never around. I don’t let that get me down though; I try to find the good in most situations. But anyway, everything was going normal until lunch.
For some reason, everyone decided to eat lunch outside, which is uncommon, but I thought nothing of it; it was a nice day out. Well, that wasn’t completely true. There were two other people in there with me; my only friend in the school, Sakura Migoto, and a random guy with black hair and greenish eyes. Sakura and I sat together while the guy was off by himself. It felt like he was watching us, which made me feel kind of weird. Half way through my lunch, which was just a cheese sandwich and a bottle of water, a big lion like creature with a human head and a spike tail jumped in through the window. Me and Sakura shouted, “What the hell?!” in unison, while the guy off in the corner sprang up and pulled out a pen from his pocket. I didn’t think much on that, seeing that the lion thing was coming straight for me and Sakura. We both were screaming (Yes, I know, manly, huh) when the monster wreathed in pain and the guy who was off in the corner, now with a sword, was right behind it. The monster was now focused on the guy; he and the monster were going at it. After about ten minutes of me and Sakura being awestruck while the guy was fighting the wired lion thing, the guy put one final slash in on the lion before it turned to gold dust. Then the guy turned to us and said, “Hi, I’m Percy Jackson, and I’m here to make sure you both get to camp safely.” Sakura and I, in unison, said, “What?” “Sorry, let me explain.” he said. “That thing that attacked you both was called a manticore-.” “Wait, you mean the thing from Greek mythology?” I interrupted. “Yep.” he said like it was no big deal. “And all those myths are true, even the gods and goddesses.” Sakura and I said, “Okay, we believe you, after seeing that thing, or manticore.” “But wait, why do most people believe the gods are myths?” I continued. Percy answered, “Well most mortals can’t see through something called the Mist. It’s a veil that shrouds this world from them.” Sakura then asked, “Wait then why can we see through this Mist thing?” “You guys are most likely demigods.” He answered. “Come on,” he said, “I’ll explain more on the way to Long Island.”
On the hour long drive we had to Long Island Percy explained everything about Camp Half-blood; everything from the cabins, to the activities, to the people there, and how we would be claimed by our godly parent soon. It sounded kind of fun to me. Sakura, on the other hand, was worried that she would die in five seconds, but Percy reassured her that she would be fine. We got to the entrance to Camp Half-blood where we saw a giant dragon wrapped around a tree with something gold hanging off one of the branches. Sakura shouted, “What is that!?” “Oh, that’s Peleus,” Percy said, “don’t worry; he won’t hurt you, as long you don’t try and take the Golden Fleece.” ”Cool.” I said. Then a girl with blond hair and grey eyes and a guy with furry legs, hooves for feet, and curly brown hair with goat horns poking out of it, obviously a satyr, came up to us. The girl tackled Percy with a hug and then a quick kiss, I immediately knew they were a couple. The girl said, “Hey Seaweed Brain, I missed you.” “Seaweed Brain?” I asked. “Long story, but let me introduce you to my friend Grover Underwood,” he said while pointing to the satyr, “and this is my girlfriend Annabeth Chase.” he finished. “I could have guessed that.” I said under my breath. Then, Percy said to Annabeth and Grover, “And guys, these two are Sakura Migoto and Joshua Haraku.” We all said hi to each other. “I’ll see you guys later I have to introduce these two to Chiron.” Percy said to his friends. “All right, see you later,” they both said. Percy then took us to a blue, four story house, which they called the Big House. Inside we saw a Ping-Pong table with a guy in a wheelchair next to it, I guessed he was Chiron. “Percy, you’re back, and I see that you brought two new people with you.” he said. His voice sound like he had a lot of experience. “Yep,” Percy said with a slight grin on his face, “just doing my job.” ”You can go now Percy, I would like to talk to them alone.” the guy said. “All right Chiron. See you guys later.” Percy said. After he left, I asked “Are you supposed to be the Chiron from Greek mythology, because if so, then why aren’t you a centaur?” “Yes I am, and I am a centaur. I’m just concealing my horse half with this wheelchair.” Then, Sakura asked “How does that work?” “That is a long and complicated answer, but, in short, it works via magic.” Chiron answered. Then, I asked, “So, do we live at this camp now?” “Normally, you would only stay here over the summer, unless you have nowhere else to live,” answered Chiron. “So we both will live here then, because both of us don’t have a living mortal mom or dad.” “I’m sorry for your loss.” Chiron said. “It’s no big deal, we’re used to it,” Sakura said. “I guess it’s time for you to settle into your cabin, you both will be in Hermes cabin until you are claimed, which should be tonight. So until then have a tour of the camp.” Then this random girl came out of the other room, and then Chiron said to her, “McKenzie, can you show these people around camp, they’re new.” She answered, “Alright, let’s go.” “Uh, okay.” we said.
She showed us everything Percy talked about on the ride here. She showed us the lake, the climbing wall (which has lava), the unicorn and pegasus stables, the open air dining pavilion, the woods, the arena, the camp store, the theater, and the cabins. “Well that’s pretty much the camp. You guys probably should get some weapons and armor from Athena cabin, to get ready for the capture the flag game later today.” “Thanks for the tour and advice,” I said and then McKenzie left. We went to the Athena cabin to get some weaponry. When we got there we ran into Annabeth. She asked, “So you guys here to get a weapon?” We shook are heads. “Well then follow me.” she said. We followed her to a small shack, and once inside we saw a metric butt ton of different weapons, even a sawed off shotgun. Sakura picked a dagger while I picked a full length sword. “So how does capture the flag work here, because I highly doubt it exactly like normal capture the flag?” I asked Annabeth. She answered, “It actually very similar, just everyone is decked out with weapons and there’s no killing or maiming.” “Okay, this sounds like a lot of fun,” I said. “Let’s go to the arena to learn how to actually fight,” I said to Sakura. “Alright,” she said. Once there I actually found out that I’m kind of gifted with a sword. I beat most people there. Then Percy came up to me and said, “Wow, you’re pretty good, let’s spar.” Without hesitation I said, “Okay.” Everyone around let out a slight gasp. I looked around and asked, “What?” One guy said, “Percy is way too good, he even beat Ares in a one on one fight.” “Damn, that’s pretty cool.” I said. “Thank you.” Percy said. “But, you’re dead wrong if you think that I’m backing down.” I exclaimed. “Well good, but don’t say you weren’t warned.” he retorted. We both struck a fighting stance. I was the first to make a move. I thrust my sword straight for his gut but he was very fast. He parried my sword and almost knocked it out of my hand, but I kept my grip and balance. Then he tried to land a hit, but I dodged and landed a quick hit on his left arm. Everyone was surprised that I had gotten the first strike, but before anyone could do anything else he hit me dead in the chest with the hilt of his blade, making me tumble backwards. Then, we matched each other blow for blow, until we both got tired and jumped back. Both of us were breathing heavy. “You’re what I expect from someone who beat Ares.” I said. “You’re nothing like I expected.” Percy said. Then I got my second wind and went for another strike, but he was too fast and blocked me. Then we clashed blades until he disarmed me. I wasn’t done yet though. I rushed him, grabbed his waist, and suplexed him. He wasn’t expecting that based on the face he made. He was down long enough for me to grab my sword and get ready. Percy recovered and was ready to fight. The crowed was cheering in the back, but I wasn’t paying attention; I was focused on Percy. We ran at each other and exchanged another set of blows. When we jumped back we bother were sweating waterfalls and I was about to attack, when I passed out face first into the dirt.
I woke up in the infirmary, where Sakura and McKenzie were standing over me. “Uh, what happened?” I said as I sat up, still groggy. “You passed out during your fight with Percy.” McKenzie said. “So, I lost.” I said a little disappointed in myself. “Yah, but you put up one hell of a fight.” Percy said coming in with a piece of cloth on his upper left arm. “Sorry about that.” I said when I noticed his make-shift Band-Aid. “Oh, it’s no big deal. I’ve been through much worse.” He said with a little pride in his voice. He continued, “Maybe Ares is your father, you did very well for someone with very little practice before hand.” “Maybe, but I doubt it. I’ve seen the Ares kids here; I don’t act like then at all.” I said. “That’s true, but you might be an outlier.” He said. “Maybe.” I said reluctantly. “Well, you guys better head down to dinner, it starts in 15 minutes.” Percy said. “Alright, we’ll be there.” Sakura said. “And we’ll be ready for capture the flag. It’s Hermes versus Demeter right?” I asked. “Yep, good luck.” Percy said, and then he left. “I’ve been wondering, why are you here McKenzie?” I asked. “Well, one; I was worried for you, and two; It’s my job to look after people in the infirmary. I’m a daughter of Apollo, god of music, the sun, and medicine” she answered. “Thanks, but we should probably be heading out now.” I said. Once we got there, McKenzie went to a table with all the Apollo kids, while we went to the Hermes table. You are supposed to sit with your cabin. When we sat down, everyone was looking at me. I asked “What, do I have something on my face?” Connor Stoll, co-counselor with his brother Travis, said, “No, it’s we’re in awe that you could give Percy a run for his money.” “I barely did anything to him, while I passed out and ate the dirt.” I said. “You still did well; Percy even was complimenting you while Sakura and McKenzie were taking you to the Infirmary.” he said. “I just gave it my all. Now, enough talking let’s eat.” I said. Then, we sat down and I just thought of what I wanted and it just appeared. “That’s pretty cool.” I said not believing that it wouldn’t work. “Really, you only want a cheese sandwich and some water?” one of the kids sitting next to me asked. “I have simple tastes, what can I say.” I answered. Then, I saw everyone get up and head to a fire, where people were throwing a part of their meals into it. Most people would think we’re crazy, but here we give a part of our meals to the gods as a tribute. When I went up, I prayed to Hermes that he would send my offerings to my father, if he knew who he was. After that, we all went back to our seats and ate our meals. After we finished Chiron stomped his hoof, he was in full centaur mode, to get everyone’s attention. Standing next to him was the other camp counselor Dionysus, or as we called him Mr. D. “Everyone you all know that we have a capture that flag competition tonight.” Chiron said, “I wish Hermes and Demeter cabin luck in this and may the best cabin win. Mr. D., would you like to add anything else.” “Yah, good luck, whatever.” Mr. D. said. Then, before anyone could move I noticed a green light appeared above Sakura’s head. It was a green winged serpent, a drakon, symbol. “Sakura Migoto, you are a daughter of Demeter.” Chiron said. Then, everyone started cheering for her. Then she was lead over to the Demeter table. It made me a little sad that she left. I knew that she wouldn’t be completely gone but it still wasn’t fun. I guess I looked a little upset, because Travis patted me on the back and said “It’s okay; we won’t hurt her in the game.” Then it dawned on me that we would be on opposite sides during capture the flag, which made me feel worse. Then I felt a hand in my pocket. I grabbed it to notice Travis was trying to steal my wallet. I gave him a look. He was surprised I noticed him and let go of my wallet. Then we all left the dining pavilion. When I got back to the cabin, I saw Sakura packing. “It’s cool that you got claimed, even though that means that we’ll be against each other in capture the flag.” I said. Sakura said, “Yah, but I thought we would be claimed at the same time.” “I guess dad doesn’t want people to know yet.” I guessed. “You’ll be claimed soon.” She reassured me. “Do you need me to help with that?” I asked. “No I got this, besides I don’t want help from my enemy.” she said jokingly. ”Heh, well, I guess I’ll see you around.” I said. I spent the rest of my time coming up with a strategy to win this game. My friend might be on the other team, but that didn’t deter me from wanting to win.
The Hermes cabin was all geared up in our base, while the Demeter cabin was off in there base on the other side of the forest. I was told to do help capture the other team’s flag, because of how well I did in my fight with Percy. So in my group it was, the Stoll brothers, two other guys, and me, while everyone else stayed behind to protect the flag with traps. Hermes’ kids were crafty little guys. They had sulfur bombs, arrow traps, and a lot of other stuff. They gave me a few bombs to, which was cool. We headed out for the Demeter base in one group. When Chiron blew the conch, we snuck all the way to the back of their base. But when we were about to step inside and rush their flag, I heard something and rolled. When I got up I noticed that the other guys were hanging upside down from vines. “You’re surrounded; you might as well give up.” one of the flag guards said to me. There were two of them, and one was Sakura. “Damn it.” I exclaimed. I was out numbered, but I was so close to getting the flag. I had to get it. Then, I thought of a plan. “All right, you win.” I said as I raised my hand and threw my sword to the ground. “That’s not like you Joshua,” Sakura said “you never back down.” “I know when I’m beat.” I said. Then, before anyone could say anything I quickly reached for my back pocket for a sulfur bomb and threw it at the two guards. They both went down crying, which made me feel bad, but I had a game to win. I grabbed the flag and my sword and went to cut my teammates down. I did it quickly so they hit the ground hard, but they were okay. We ran for the creek when a minotaur came out of nowhere. It was blocking our path. Connor told me, “Let’s just try to find a way around it.” Before I could give a response, the minotaur saw us and charged strait at us. Everyone but me jumped out of the way. When they noticed I was standing my ground, they thought I was crazy. When it got close, I jumped over it and on to its back. I rode it like it was a raging bull, (Which it kind of was) until it slammed me into a tree. I fell to my feet hurt, bleeding a little from my mouth. The minotaur turned and was about to charge me. At the last second I rolled and it got its horns stuck in the tree. Then I noticed people coming to help me. “Stay back, I got this!” I shouted, because I wanted to have the kill. After that, the minotaur ripped free from the tree. Then, I rushed it with my sword. When it swung its arm at me I slid under its arm and stabbed it in the gut. It roared in pain and side swiped me away. I felt a few ribs crack when it made contact. Then, even more when I hit the tree about fifteen feet away. It came rushing at me. I slid under it and slashed its back. It roared again more annoyed than in pain and swung its arm again to swipe at me. Thankfully I dodged it and got a stab right into its heart. It roared one final time as it turned to gold dust leaving behind a pelt where it stood. Everyone watching cheered when I lifted the pelt above my head. Then, I took the flag from my belt and walked across the creek with it and the pelt risen above my head. “Can I go back to the infirmary now?” I said as a dropped to my knees. Then Chiron gave me little yellow square and a small flask. “Eat and drink these,” he said, “They’ll make you feel better.” I ate the lemon square looking thing, but it tasted like the cookies my mom used to make for me. Then I drank the stuff from the flask. I tasted like my mom’s special warm chocolate milk she would make when she made her cookies. After I ate it, I felt my bones fix themselves and my wound close. I still felt sore, but I felt a lot better. “What was that stuff?” I asked. “It was nectar and ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods,” Chiron answered, “but you shouldn’t eat or drink too much of it, because if you do, you could burn to ash.” “That would suck.” I said. Then, out of nowhere, the kids from Hermes cabin lifted me up on their shoulders and carried me out of the forest and all the way to the bon fire were Apollo cabin was starting a sing-along. After we got through ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’ Chiron told everyone about what happened with the minotaur and me winning capture the flag. Then everyone was looking at me with awe. I just shrugged, because I couldn’t really think of anything to say. “That’s weird, normally when an unclaimed demigod dose something majorly good, they’re normally claimed.” one guy behind me from Hephaestus cabin said. “I guess my godly parent isn’t ready to tell me who they are.” I said a little bummed out. Then I heard Percy mutter something about a promise. Then, Chiron stamped his hoof to tell everyone to head back to your cabins, and that lights out will be in an hour. So, we all left for our cabins and when I got there I just slammed into my sleeping bag and went to sleep. I had to use one of those because there were too many people in the cabin. And that was my first day at Camp Half Blood.

Notes

I really hope you like it :)