Chapter Text
Slender hands brushed the edge of a row of books, nimble fingers tapping against the various spines. Grey eyes narrowed, concertration practically seeping out of the ireses as they started looking for something. Eyes flickering back and forth across the shelves. Searching. Searching. Searching. Until… stop.
Athena paused, her focus broken as she stared, practically gaping at what she saw. It was a very unbecoming facial expression that she was making but appropriate as her mind reeled with confusion in way it should never. Not for her, the goddess of wisdom.
Athena moved her fingers, intently and with care to pick up the book from its place on the shelf, nestled tightly between two history books. What she saw made her freeze, there, printed in large, blocky font were the words ‘Brain development in children and teens’. Immediately her mind started reeling with questions, the silvery blue walls of cabin 6 around her felt as if they had vanished entirely, like she was standing amidst a bright void of her own thoughts.
‘Why the hell would her children need a book on mortal brain development ?’
It was common knowledge amongst her fellow gods that demigods, were much more god than human. Their brains aged faster, development was increased compared to the average mortal ! …right ? It had to be, whilst their bodies may still look young there is no way she or any other self-respecting deity would send a bunch of actual children on dangerous quests. Demigods minds progressed faster, they were far more intelligent and mentally experienced than their human peers. They were quite literally designed to be the most functional solution to quests, bodies young and able enough to exceed expectations, minds sharp and hardwired for battle, their bodies craved adventure and glory, thats what heroes lived for, they wanted it !
Bewildered, she turned the book over in her hands, soft vinyl cover brushing against her cold palms. Whilst she had been staring at this book, a young camper had entered the room and was now gawlking at her. It wasn’t every day a goddess, let alone an olympian, showed up at camp.
The small girl had been on her way from the Apollo cabin to look for a certain book in cabin six’s library at request of her older brother. She had not expected to stumble across the goddess of wisdom. Slowly, as she had decided best not to disturb the goddess, she climbed up and onto a tall chair that sat near the doorway and swung her legs over the side.
By this point, Athena had started flipping through the pages, hoping it might help provide some intel. Perhaps this was simply a book cover that had been digused by the mist ? Her silver eyes had started skimming the text inside, searching and scanning for answers in every line. Unfortunatley her attempts resulted fruitless.
She slammed the book shut and turned her attention to the young girl who had entered a few minutes ago. Yes, of course she had noticed, she may have been distracted but she was not stupid enough to forget to look out for any sort of threat. Though what could be a threat to a war goddess was very limited.
The girl, Zia Athena recalled her name was, was openly staring at Athena with wide, chesnut brown eyes. Dark hair fell down her back in pretty waves and wispy bangs framed her coacoa skin beautifully. Zia was Apollo’s youngest daughter if Athena recalled correctly, being no older than four.
Gently, attempting not to startle her too much, Athena changed her form to something closer to eye level with the girl. It was a laughable thought, someone such as her lowering themsleves in attemps not to scare a demigod, but if what that book suggested was right…no, no it could not be. Surley this all must be a misunderstanding and there was a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of it.
Well, she supposed there was a way to find out, a test of developmental speed, something that would solve this entire deilema neatly with no need for further discussion, that way she could go back to her day without worry. Decidedly she opened her mouth to ask Zia a simple question “Child, do you know how to read ?”
She must know how to read, she must, sure many demigods struggle with dyslexia but-like gods- their brains are fully developed the moment they are born. Meaning picking up the basic concept of reading should have most definetly happened by this age. But to Athenas horror the child only shook her head.
Through her mind Athena spoke, sending an urgent message to all her family ‘Emergeny council meeting, now.’
Ignoring the many grumbles and mental complaints from her siblings, Athena took off. Teleporting herself to the throne room, book in hand.