Finding Light in the Shadow (Solangelo)

Chapter 24

August 1st

Nico

I have been dreading this day for a year. Today was the first anniversary of the Battle with Gaea. The camp has been preparing for the memorial for two weeks. An area had to be prepared to accommodate everyone that would be joining the camp for the day. Some of the Romans, Hunters, and Amazons would be coming in between last night and this morning. I had been part of the planning committee, so I already knew that I would have a lot more public exposure than I was used to. One thing I knew for sure, all I had to do was get through today. In two days' time I was getting married, and nothing was going to mess it up.

Will and I got up around 6am and got ready for the day. I decided on shorts and a button down gray shirt. Will got dressed almost the same only putting on a black dress shirt. I know my baby lost a lot of patients during the battle, so I didn't question his choice. We both chose boat shoes over our usual flip flops (another Christmas present from my lover.) We headed out for breakfast before our meeting at the big house. Today was a quick breakfast sandwich morning. It made it harder to sacrifice part of it to the Gods, but they were really good. By the time we made it to it the big house, most of the other guests of honor were assembled.

The seven, along with Coach Hedge, were already standing around talking. Hylla, Reyna, and Thalia seemed to be having their own conversation off to the side. As we made our way closer, both groups stopped talking and looked toward us. Piper and Jason started clapping first with the rest taking their lead. When we got to the big house everyone broke off and hugged us. I was really glad to see all of my friends doing well. The celebration lasted until Chiron came out of the big house.

"Champions, today we remember the Battle with Gaea. All of you know the program. Let us make this a day to remember, in both celebration and somberness. The ceremony will take place at the amphitheater at noon. Please be there by 11am so we can make the final preparations."

We all decided just to hang out for the rest of the morning and shoot the shit. All activities were canceled for the day anyway, so there wasn't much else to. I was hoping Will didn't feel like he was out of place, but he seemed to doing just fine with the group. Chiron had insisted that Will be recognized with the rest of the group for taking care of the wounded and fighting during the battle.

Reyna came over to the group and hugged Will and I. "Congratulations on completing your quest. How did your rings come out?"

"Well, we've never actually seen them. Hades wouldn't let us look at them and he's keeping them on Olympus until our wedding."

"Ah that's cute," Reyna replied, "you guys are lucky to have your dad's actually care that much about you. Most of us have never even met our Godly parents."

"I think my dad does because he doesn't have kids running around all over the place. There's only a few of us. But yea, it is kind of nice."

Reyna smiled, "Yea I could see that being the reason. I'm going to go catch up some more with my sister, I hardly ever get to see her. I'll see you guys later."

...

It was almost eleven as we all made our way over to the amphitheater. Chiron and Mr. D. were waiting for us when we got there. We did a really quick run through to make sure everyone knew what they were doing. After that we sat in our assigned seats on the stage until the ceremony started. At noon the procession of the campers started. We all got out of our seats and stood at the front of stage clapping and cheering as the different groups entered. The Romans were first to enter amphitheater. They didn't bring the entire legion, just a small group from each Cohort. They made their way around to side and took their seats. The Hunters of Artemis were next to make their way in, sitting beside the Romans. The Hunters were followed by the Amazonian. Hylla only brought the survivors of the fight with Orion to the anniversary, so there weren't many of them. The Greeks were last to enter. In special events like this, camp protocol was to enter by cabin in the order that the Gods were born, woman first. So, they started with Demeter, then Persephone, and so forth. Once all of the campers were seated and all the cheering calmed down, we took our seats on the stage.

Mr. D. was first to take the microphone. "Champions of Greece and Rome, on behalf of the Gods I thank you. During the battle with Gaea, you all experienced a great victory. However, you all also experienced great loss. We gather here today to celebrate the victory achieved over the Earth Mother. Also, we celebrate the lives of those who were lost in the battle. The past two years has brought all of you closer together. No longer are we separate groups. You are all connected now and no longer separated by ancient prejudices. We celebrate today as one, and not individuals."

Mr. D.'s speech received a standing ovation. After Mr.D, each of the seven took their turns thanking each group for their part of the quest. Chiron took the stage next, thanking the support staff. Coach Hedge for guarding the group on the journey. Will, for tending to the wounded from both camps after the battle. Will also received a standing ovation. Myself, for shadow traveling the Athena Parthenos half way around the world. He thanked Reyna for accompanying me, as well as having an open mind that there was a chance our two camps could become friends. After Chiron's part in the program, I was up next. Under the original script, I was to go up to the mic alone. My part was to read off the names of the fallen. I knew a lot of the names were those that Will had lost himself. I felt sad for my baby sitting by himself as I read down the list. I got up, then reached down and took Will's hand. I pulled him to the front of the stage with me.

"Today, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle, their lives. In remembrance... "I read through the long list of names with Will by my side, still holding his hand. I know at one point he was crying, though I didn't think there was a dry eye to be found. When I reached the end of the list I just stood there for a minute. Then I said, "Thank the Gods we had my loving fiancé Will here to tend to the wounded. I'm pretty sure that this list would have been longer if it hadn't been for him."

After that last sentence, everyone started clapping. My baby, who looked like a complete wreck, leaned down and kissed me. I was completely shocked that he kissed me in front of everyone, but it didn't stop me from kissing him back. We broke our embrace and made our way back to our seats.

Chiron took the stage again. "Well then, that concludes our formal ceremony. Let us make our way back to the dining pavilion where our celebration shall continue."

We all ate and drank pretty much whatever non-alcoholic beverage we wanted. There was a nice buffet set up with ham, turkey, and roast beef. Everyone had a good time talking with each other. Will didn't leave my side the entire time. In fact, I don't think his hand ever left mine. We all mingled throughout the afternoon, everyone telling their stories. The campfire that evening was more socializing than it was a sing along.

At the end of the night, we said our goodbyes. Some would be staying at camp for two more days for our wedding. The rest would be heading back to the adventures that were awaiting them. Will and I went back to the Hades cabin. When we got inside he shut the door and started crying on my shoulder.

"Thank you for letting me be with you while you were reading that list. I would have been a wreck sitting there by myself."

I hugged my baby tight. "I couldn't put you through that. I knew that it would be hard for you. That's why I took you with me."

Will leaned down and kissed me again. "You never stop amazing me, darkness."

We stripped down and made our way to bed. I curled up to him and laid my head on his chest. We both went to bed knowing that the past was now behind us and we had only our future to look forward to.