ALL NOVEL Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Reunion at Camp Green Lake
The journey to Camp Green Lake was unlike any Alex had taken before. He felt the pulse of magic in the air, a tell-tale sign of divine energy mingled with the heat and arid terrain of the desert. The camp itself was a far cry from what he'd expected. The sprawling expanse of cracked earth and sparse vegetation seemed more like a punishment than a sanctuary.
Yet, the whispers of his father, Hades, had been insistent. His half-siblings, Nico and Bianca di Angelo, were here, and it was time they met.
Arrival at Camp
Alex approached the camp under the guise of a wandering traveller, his enchanted cloak billowing in the dry wind. The demigods at Camp Green Lake were wary of strangers, their gazes sharp as they paused in their tasks. The camp had no traditional demigod luxuries—no cabins, no dining pavilion. Instead, the campers worked tirelessly, their labours a reflection of the camp's harsh environment.
A tall, broad-shouldered demigod stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Who are you, and what do you want here?"
Alex smiled politely but exuded an aura of quiet authority. "I'm here to meet Nico and Bianca di Angelo. Tell them Alex is waiting."
The demigod narrowed his eyes but eventually nodded, gesturing for another camper to relay the message. Alex waited patiently, his piercing gaze scanning the camp and noting its unique blend of resilience and despair.
Meeting His Siblings
It wasn't long before Nico and Bianca appeared. Bianca, older and poised, carried an air of responsibility, while Nico's youthful energy was tempered by an edge of darkness, a reflection of their father's influence.
"Who are you?" Bianca asked cautiously, her brown eyes assessing Alex.
Alex stepped forward, removing his cloak to reveal his full stature and features. "I'm Alex. Your brother—well, half-brother, technically. Hades sent me."
The siblings exchanged a look of surprise. Nico's expression shifted from scepticism to curiosity. "Prove it," he challenged, his dark eyes narrowing.
Alex smirked. "I thought you'd say that." With a flourish, he conjured a shadowy mist in his hand, the tendrils twisting and forming into a small, glowing skull. The aura of death and darkness was unmistakable, a signature of their father's power.
Bianca's eyes widened slightly, but she maintained her composure. Nico, however, was more animated. "Okay, that's cool," he admitted grudgingly.
Getting to Know Each Other
The trio found a quiet spot away from the rest of the camp. Alex recounted his journey, his connection to Hades, and his life beyond the Underworld. In turn, Bianca and Nico shared their own experiences, from their time at Camp Half-Blood to their struggles as children of one of the most feared gods in the pantheon.
Bianca was guarded but curious. "Why are you here, Alex? Hades isn't exactly known for family reunions."
Alex shrugged, his tone light but sincere. "I've learned that family is complicated, but it's also important. I wanted to meet you, to understand the people who share my blood. And maybe," he added with a small smile, "to see if we can help each other navigate this crazy life."
Nico grinned slightly, his demeanor softening. "You're not what I expected. I thought you'd be… I don't know, more like Dad."
Alex chuckled. "Trust me, I've been told I take after him in some ways. But I like to think I've carved out my own path."
The Bond of Siblings
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the camp, the three siblings found themselves laughing and sharing stories. Alex showed Nico a few tricks with shadow magic, while Bianca quizzed him about his travels and encounters with other mythical beings.
There was a sense of kinship forming, fragile but genuine. Alex saw in Nico and Bianca the potential for greatness and the burden of their shared heritage. He resolved to be there for them, not just as a brother but as an ally.
Before he left, Alex presented each of them with a small gift. To Nico, a polished obsidian dagger enchanted to amplify his control over shadows. To Bianca, a silver bracelet adorned with protective runes.
"These are for you," Alex said. "Something to remind you that you're not alone. If you ever need me, you know where to find me."
Bianca smiled, her eyes warm. "Thank you, Alex. I'm glad you came."
Nico nodded, his usual guardedness replaced by a rare sincerity. "Yeah. Me too."
As Alex departed Camp Green Lake, he felt a newfound sense of purpose. Meeting Nico and Bianca had strengthened his resolve. Together, they could face whatever challenges the gods or the world threw at them. Family, after all, was worth fighting for.