The Son of Mischief and Moonlight

Harry Lokison—a kid with a destiny so twisted even his dad Loki would need a flowchart to keep up. Here he was, drifting through another dream, already wondering if he'd have to add "Getting Advice from Random Deities" to his growing resume of weird life experiences.

He found himself in the middle of a starry, shadowy landscape, like he'd landed in some cosmic Instagram filter. And, sure enough, Nyx, the Greek goddess of night, stepped out of the shadows, looking all regal and ethereal, like she'd just walked off a Greek vase.

"Harry," she greeted with that classic, mysterious goddess smile. "I see you've been making... friends."

Harry snorted. "If by 'friends' you mean the Phoenix Force's newest Avatar, then, yeah, I guess that counts." He paused, glancing around. "Also, please tell me you're here just to chat and not to throw me into some 'saving the universe' drama?"

Nyx chuckled, the sound somehow as smooth and dark as a midnight sea. "Well, I wouldn't call it a chat if I didn't have at least one cryptic warning to share."

Harry sighed. Of course.

She leaned closer, all dramatic, like she'd been practicing her "ominous goddess pose." "There's another who's noticed the Phoenix—Chthon."

Harry felt a chill run down his spine. Chthon was a big deal—Elder God, chaos personified, with an attitude problem to match. Basically, the ancient version of that annoying kid who burns ants with a magnifying glass, but, you know, with chaos magic and a plan that probably involved making everyone's lives miserable.

"So, you're saying Chthon's interested in Jean, too?" he asked, forcing himself to sound calm. "And this is, uh, not exactly a good thing, right?"

Nyx nodded, her smile fading. "Not good at all. If he decides to make his move, you'll need more than your clever tricks and your usual bravado." She leaned back, studying him. "It's time for you to take things up a notch. And there's only one place that'll give you what you need—K'un Lun."

"Wait, K'un Lun?" Harry's eyes went wide. "You mean the secret city with the dragon, Shou-Lao? The one that might or might not exist?" His grin stretched across his face, part excitement, part sheer disbelief. "You're saying I get to train with an actual dragon?"

Nyx smirked, crossing her arms. "Yes, but don't let your enthusiasm fool you. Shou-Lao isn't just a cuddly pet. The training will test every ounce of your strength—and maybe teach you a bit of humility."

Harry put a hand to his chest, feigning shock. "Me? Humility? Perish the thought."

Nyx raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his theatrics. "Yes, because that would be a tragedy." She softened, resting a hand on his shoulder, her expression almost motherly. "Listen to me, Harry. You're powerful, but you're still young. You'll need every skill and ounce of wisdom you can gather. Remember that. And remember, Chthon won't play fair."

He nodded, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and nerves. "Got it. I'll be smart, I'll be careful, and I'll make sure to avoid any terrifying ancient gods with chaos magic who want to possess my friends."

Nyx's smile returned, a little gentler this time. "Good. Now go, Haris Lokison. Go, meet Shou-Lao—and give him a challenge."

And just like that, she melted back into the shadows, leaving Harry alone in his starry dreamscape, the faint roar of a dragon echoing somewhere in the distance. He grinned to himself, already itching for the next adventure. After all, what was one more ancient, legendary dragon to a kid who was basically on a first-name basis with most of the universe's supernatural beings?

—

The next day, Harry sat cross-legged on the porch of the Big House, the morning sun casting warm rays over the camp. The familiar sounds of campers training and laughter floated through the air. He was supposed to be enjoying the summer vibes, but instead, he was recounting the latest developments in his chaotic life to Chiron and Brunhilde.

"Okay, so you won't believe the dream I had last night," he started, eyes wide with a mix of excitement and urgency. Chiron leaned back against the railing, his centaur form imposing yet relaxed, while Brunhilde stood beside him, arms crossed and her expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

"Go on, Harry. We're listening," Chiron said, nodding encouragingly.

Harry took a deep breath. "So, Nyx showed up, and I was like, 'Hey, Nyx! I was just about to tackle a cloud!'" He paused for dramatic effect, which earned him an eye-roll from Brunhilde. "But she told me I've been hanging out with Jean Grey—the new Avatar of the Phoenix Force."

Brunhilde raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a title. What did Nyx say about her?"

"Just that the Phoenix has noticed me and is intrigued, which sounds all cosmic and cool," Harry replied, running a hand through his hair, "but then she dropped the bomb: Chthon's taken an interest in Jean too. And you know that guy is no picnic."

Chiron's expression shifted to one of concern. "Chthon? The Elder God of Chaos? That could complicate things."

"Yeah, like adding hot sauce to a five-alarm fire," Harry replied, throwing his hands up. "So, Nyx suggested I need to train more—like, real training. And she said I should go to K'un L'un."

Brunhilde straightened, her interest piqued. "K'un L'un? The mystical city where warriors train with dragons?"

"Exactly! Can you imagine?" Harry's eyes sparkled. "I get to meet Shou-Lao and learn real martial arts. I mean, how cool is that? I could get dragon training!"

"Or dragon-whipped," Brunhilde countered, arms still crossed, but now with a hint of a smile. "Training there isn't for the faint of heart. You'll face intense challenges, Harry."

"Do you think I'm faint of heart?" he shot back, a grin creeping onto his face. "I've battled monsters, gods, and my own family drama. A dragon seems like a piece of cake by comparison."

Chiron chuckled, his laughter deep and soothing. "Just remember, even heroes must prepare for the unexpected. Training with Shou-Lao will demand discipline and focus. Are you ready for that?"

"Of course!" Harry declared, puffing out his chest. "I mean, what's the worst that could happen? It's just a giant mystical dragon, right?"

Brunhilde smirked, clearly enjoying this. "Well, they do say the path to mastery is paved with both victory and failure."

"Yeah, but think of the stories I could tell! 'So there I was, wrestling a dragon, when—'" Harry began, but Chiron raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Remember, Harry, this isn't just about collecting tales for your future memoir. You're stepping into something potentially dangerous, and it's crucial to take it seriously."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. But can't I at least have a little fun along the way?" he pleaded, glancing between them with a hopeful smile.

"Fun is allowed," Chiron replied, "but it must be balanced with caution."

"Right, caution. Got it. I'll remember that when I'm trying not to get eaten by a dragon," Harry said, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, when can I leave for K'un L'un?"

Brunhilde uncrossed her arms, glancing at Chiron, who nodded. "We'll need to arrange for travel and prepare you properly. But it's not an impossible task."

"Awesome!" Harry bounced on his heels, barely able to contain his excitement. "I'll get my gear ready. I'll be like a dragon-taming superhero or something!"

As he ran off to gather his things, Chiron turned to Brunhilde, a look of shared amusement crossing his face. "This is going to be quite the adventure."

"Just make sure he survives it," Brunhilde replied, smirking. "Or else I'll have to explain it to Loki and Artemis, and you know how they get."

Chiron chuckled softly. "I'd rather not find out, to be honest."

And as Harry dashed off, the promise of adventure ahead, both Chiron and Brunhilde exchanged a knowing glance, ready for whatever chaos Harry's next quest would unleash.

—

Harry Potter, or as some might say, Haris Lokison, was having one of those days. You know, the kind where your father, the Norse god Loki, tells you to embrace your "inner chaos," and your mother, Artemis, the Greek goddess of the Hunt, reminds you that discipline and honor aren't just "fancy words for boring." It was like being caught between a thunderstorm and a full moon, neither side letting him rest.

So here he was, rallying his friends and explaining his next grand adventure: K'un L'un. "It's not just a place," he told them. "It's the mystical hidden city of warriors. And according to Nyx—the literal goddess of night—there's a dragon there who's supposed to teach me... well, dragon stuff."

His friends gawked at him, each one a mix of awe and "wait, I have questions."

First up, Luke. He was the oldest and had the "raised eyebrow" look down to an art form. "A dragon? Are you serious? Aren't you, like, part thunderstorm already?"

Harry shrugged. "Hey, a guy can always use more upgrades. Besides, I get bored easily, and a dragon mentor sounds like it'd keep things... interesting."

Then there was Annabeth, her seven-year-old eyes sparkling with curiosity. "K'un L'un… ancient city of warriors, full of mysteries, maybe even hidden libraries?" She looked ready to grab her dagger and head out right then and there. "That sounds like heaven!"

Harry chuckled. "Right? But don't get too excited; it's not exactly a summer camp."

"Doesn't matter!" Thalia piped up, ever the thrill-seeker. "I say we all go. Who's in?"

The group nearly stampeded to volunteer, some of them actually hatching plans on the spot to convince Chiron they needed just a tiny break from Camp Half-Blood's regular training. Sure, it might have seemed like Harry was trying to leave them behind, but as any trickster worth their salt knew, friends were your best asset—and your biggest responsibility.

Except for Jean Grey, who stood off to the side, arms crossed, clearly unimpressed by all the excitement. "You're really going to leave right when we're finally friends? I mean, what if you don't come back?"

Harry sighed, feeling a pang of guilt, but also knowing he had no choice. "Jean, I promise I'll be back. I wouldn't miss your birthday for anything. Not even a dragon."

She narrowed her eyes, and for a second, he swore he felt a flicker of Phoenix energy behind them. "You better mean that, Haris Lokison, or I'll make sure you regret it."

The others stifled their laughter, but Harry just grinned, unfazed. "With a name like mine, I have a knack for bouncing back from trouble. And hey, I'll bring back some dragon stories, maybe even a scale or two, just for you."

And with that, his friends ran off to the Big House, probably with plans to break a dozen rules to join him. But as Harry watched them go, he realized how lucky he was to have them. Because no matter how much his heritage set him apart, he'd always have a place—and a purpose—among them.

The path to K'un L'un was calling. And if there was anything Harry Potter was good at, it was answering a call, even if it was wrapped in riddles, dragons, and a smattering of godly intrigue.

—

As the sun peeked over the trees at Camp Half-Blood, a sense of excitement buzzed through the air. Clarisse, Luke, Annabeth, Hermione, Travis, Connor, Silena, Thalia, and Charles marched toward the Big House like a band of warriors heading to battle—armed with determination and probably a few snacks, just in case.

"Okay, so let me get this straight," Luke said, shooting a sideways glance at Clarisse, who was practically vibrating with energy. "We're all going to K'un Lun, a mystical city where kung fu masters roam, and we're going to convince Chiron to let us go?"

"Exactly!" Clarisse said, cracking her knuckles like she was gearing up for a fight. "I'm ready to learn some serious martial arts moves. Plus, Harry's been through enough without us. He needs backup."

"Yeah, because nothing screams 'backup' like a bunch of demigods who can barely handle sword practice," Thalia quipped, trying to hide a smile. "But hey, if there's a chance to get stronger, I'm in."

Hermione adjusted her glasses and chimed in, "We can't just ask Chiron to let us go. We need a solid plan—something to show that we'll actually be useful."

"Useful? Please, have you seen my combat skills?" Travis said, smirking. "I can totally distract the enemy while you all take them out. It's like a team strategy. Plus, what's the worst that could happen? We accidentally challenge a dragon to a dance-off?"

"Travis, let's not jinx it," Annabeth replied with a knowing look. "But we should definitely emphasize how this training could help us all. We could learn new techniques and then apply them back here at camp!"

As they approached the Big House, the group's resolve solidified. They weren't just going to support Harry; they were going to bolster their own skills in the process. After all, when had any of them ever backed down from an adventure?

Brunhilde, Harry's Valkyrie bodyguard, was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, an amused grin on her face. "You lot look like you've just formed a secret society. What's the plan?"

"We're going to convince Chiron that we should all go to K'un Lun with Harry!" Luke declared, his voice booming with exaggerated bravado. "Because who wouldn't want to train with a bunch of kung fu experts?"

Brunhilde chuckled and pushed the door open wider. "Good luck with that. Chiron's in a 'let's talk about responsibility' mood today. You might need more than enthusiasm."

With a nod, the group entered the Big House, where Chiron was waiting, an aura of wisdom surrounding him like a mystical fog. He looked up from his papers, eyebrows raised. "What brings you all here this morning? Planning a surprise birthday party for me?"

Annabeth stepped forward, trying to channel all her courage. "Chiron, we need to discuss Harry's training in K'un Lun. We think it's essential that we all go with him."

The group held their breath as they launched into their carefully rehearsed pitch. They threw in everything: their eagerness, their readiness to learn, and, of course, how this training would make them stronger as a team. They even threw in a couple of heroic anecdotes for good measure.

Chiron listened, tapping his chin thoughtfully. As the argument built, the room was thick with anticipation. Would Chiron approve this adventure? Would they all get to experience the wonder of K'un Lun? Only time would tell, and as Harry's friends stood united, the promise of new challenges—and hopefully a few epic kung fu battles—loomed on the horizon.

—

Chiron held up a hand, signaling for everyone to settle down. "All right, all right, I hear you. Your arguments have...merit. But this is a big decision, and I need some time to consider it."

The group exchanged eager glances, with Clarisse practically vibrating with excitement.

"How much time, exactly?" asked Annabeth, eyes sharp and calculating. You could practically see her mentally arranging the pros and cons into neat little columns.

Chiron cleared his throat. "Harry and Brunhilde won't be leaving immediately. They'll first be escorting Jean to the Xavier Institute, which gives me a couple of days to weigh this decision." His gaze swept over each of them, serious and thoughtful. "I'll let you know what I decide before they set off."

Thalia groaned. "So you're telling us to sit tight and be patient?"

"Yes, precisely," Chiron replied, looking amused. "Trust me, it's a skill you'll want to develop."

"Patience isn't exactly our strong suit," Luke muttered, crossing his arms.

"You don't say," Chiron replied, giving him a pointed look. "Now, run along. I'll let you know in two days if you're to join Harry and Brunhilde on this journey."

The demigods filed out, buzzing with energy and planning their next moves. Sure, they had to wait—but that didn't mean they had to sit idly by. If anything, they had a couple of days to make an even stronger case. And, knowing this lot, they'd make the most of every single minute.

—

Out on the archery range, Harry watched as Jean held her bow awkwardly, her grip so tense it looked like she was trying to throttle it.

"Jean, I think that bow's about to file for self-defense," he joked, stepping forward to adjust her stance. "Loosen up, relax. Think less 'I'm holding a deadly weapon' and more 'this is an extension of my arm.'"

Jean shot him a look. "You're a little too comfortable with deadly weapons, you know that?"

Harry shrugged, pulling out his own bow—a blend of Uru and Celestial Bronze, all polished metal and power, with just the right amount of attitude. It glimmered as he drew an arrow back with perfect form, hitting the bullseye dead center without a second thought.

"Show off," Jean muttered, though there was a glint of awe in her eyes.

"Hey, gotta have some perks to being the son of a huntress and a god of mischief," he replied with a wink. Then he grinned and—without warning—took the bow out of her hands.

Her eyes widened. "Uh… you kind of need a bow to, you know… shoot an arrow?"

"Not today," Harry said, tapping his temple. "Today, you're going to do it without the bow. We're getting creative."

Jean blinked. "So… you want me to make an imaginary bow?"

"Not imaginary—pyrokinesis," he clarified, emphasizing the word like it was obvious. "Come on, Phoenix Avatar! Use your cosmic fire to create a bow. Aim, shoot, and let's see you hit that bullseye."

She raised an eyebrow, dubious. "You mean think a bow into existence?"

"Exactly!" Harry pointed at her, grinning. "You've got the Phoenix Force, right? So use it! Cosmic pyrokinesis can do way more than just set things on fire. Think fire bow—and then fire arrow."

Taking a deep breath, Jean closed her eyes and focused. For a second, nothing happened, and Harry was about to make a quip when a faint, shimmering outline of a bow began to glow in her hands, made entirely of flame. Slowly, she drew back an arrow made of the same fiery energy, aiming carefully at the target.

Harry watched with pride. "Now that's what I'm talking about."

With a look of fierce concentration, Jean let the fiery arrow fly. It streaked across the range, hitting the bullseye with a small whoosh and a burst of cosmic flames.

"Boom!" Harry cheered, clapping his hands. "See? All you needed was to think outside the quiver."

Jean rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "One cosmic fire bow, coming right up. But I'm still keeping the regular one."

"Deal. But remember, Jean—you're not just any archer." He grinned, proud of her progress. "You're wielding cosmic flames. And that? That's something the whole universe should be worried about."

—

Jean's progress with the flame constructs was impressive—she could now create arrows, shoot them with some serious accuracy, and even add a little Phoenix flair on impact, which Harry had to admit was pretty cool. But he knew the Phoenix Force wasn't just about flashy fire tricks. It was raw power, and it was time to help her start tapping into it, one cosmic pebble at a time.

"Alright, Phoenix-girl, we're leveling up," he said, clapping his hands together as they walked over to a pile of boulders stacked up like some ancient puzzle challenge. He pointed to the rocks, which looked way too heavy to lift without some serious divine help. "Today, we're working on telekinesis."

Jean's eyes widened. "You mean I have to, what, lift those things with my mind?"

Harry grinned. "Yep! Just a few harmless tons of rock and dirt—nothing you can't handle. Think of it as… weight training for your brain."

She crossed her arms, giving him a suspicious look. "You make it sound like this is easy."

"Oh, I wouldn't say easy. I'm sure it'll be mildly exhausting, maybe even frustrating. But you've got the Phoenix Force, remember? It's practically begging you to test it out on some heavy lifting."

Jean sighed, looking at the rocks. "Alright, where do I even start?"

"Glad you asked!" Harry stepped behind her and tapped the side of his head. "Close your eyes. First, you're going to picture the rock in your mind—see every detail, every crack and groove. Then, you're going to tell it to rise."

"Tell it to rise?" She cracked an eye open, looking doubtful.

"Hey, it's how I got started," he said with a shrug. "Magic, telekinesis, cosmic powers—it's all about intention and a little bossy attitude. Trust me."

Jean closed her eyes again, took a deep breath, and reached out with her mind. The rock trembled, just a little, barely a shiver.

"Whoa, hey! You're doing it!" Harry cheered, clapping once. "Come on, give it a little more oomph."

Jean's brow furrowed as she focused harder, the rock wobbling as it rose off the ground. It was a struggle, but there it was—floating, maybe two inches up, but still floating.

She exhaled, opening her eyes to see the rock hovering, just barely.

"Not bad for your first go," Harry said, patting her on the shoulder. "But let's try lifting it a little higher this time. Think float like a feather, not rock that's resisting all laws of gravity."

Jean narrowed her eyes, concentration intensifying. Slowly, the rock rose higher, higher, until it was almost eye level. Harry could see the strain on her face, but she was doing it.

"See? You got this! Next, we'll work on moving it around. And then—" He threw her a grin. "Someday, you'll be ready to take on whole buildings."

Jean let the rock drop with a soft thud, panting but smiling. "Baby steps, okay? Right now, I'm happy with not giving myself a headache."

"Fair," Harry laughed. "But trust me, Phoenix-girl, you're going to be incredible. Just wait."

—

As soon as they got back from the Big House, the group practically exploded into action. Even though Chiron hadn't given the go-ahead yet, no one wanted to wait around for the verdict. Better to be prepared, they figured, and if they didn't get to go, well… at least they'd be ready for their next big adventure, wherever that might be.

Clarisse was the first to dive in. She strode over to the armory, loading up on every weapon she could fit into her bag—swords, daggers, and a few very intimidating javelins. "Never hurts to be overprepared," she muttered, inspecting a particularly pointy spear with a gleam in her eye.

Luke, who had tagged along, rolled his eyes. "It's K'un Lun, not a war zone," he said, tossing a couple of smoke bombs into his own bag. "Though… I'm taking these just in case." He gave a mischievous grin, already thinking of all the creative ways he could use them.

Annabeth, meanwhile, had a strategy map unrolled across a table in the pavilion, her mind buzzing with logistics. She'd marked out potential travel routes, possible resting spots, and a list of supplies they'd need for a journey to a hidden city in another dimension. The girl wasn't taking any chances. "If we're going," she muttered to herself, "we're going to do this right."

Hermione, equally determined but slightly more frantic, was zipping between the pavilion and the library, grabbing every scrap of information she could find on K'un Lun, mystical martial arts, and ancient training techniques. "Did you know K'un Lun has connections to the Immortal Weapons?" she squeaked, her eyes wide with excitement as she thrust a book under Annabeth's nose.

"Would you stop waving that around?!" Annabeth huffed, half-amused. But she took the book anyway, flipping through the pages as Hermione rattled off a list of must-bring items for interdimensional travel.

Connor and Travis, predictably, were up to something a bit different. They were packing, sure—if by "packing," you meant "stashing a bunch of prank supplies and maybe a few essentials." The two of them were giggling like maniacs as they hid fake spiders, trick cards, and a couple of whoopee cushions in their packs.

"Hey, K'un Lun probably hasn't had a good laugh in, what, a couple thousand years?" Connor snickered.

"Just doing our part to, uh, brighten the place up," Travis agreed, giving his twin a high five.

Silena, on the other hand, was carefully folding an array of sensible-yet-stylish travel clothes. She was muttering to herself, something about "making a good impression on the mystical monks." After all, she figured, they were representing Camp Half-Blood. She wasn't about to let them all look like a pack of wildlings.

Thalia, meanwhile, had joined Charles over by the forge, watching as he worked on fine-tuning a few last-minute weapon modifications. "Think you could add a lightning enhancement to my spear?" she asked, smirking as a spark of electricity crackled in her palm.

Charles looked up, grinning. "Oh, I think I can do that."

By the time they were done, every one of them had an assortment of gear and essentials packed up, ready to go. Backpacks, weapons, maps, books, clothes, and an alarming amount of prank supplies—it was all there. The excitement was buzzing in the air, and though none of them would admit it, each one was silently crossing their fingers, hoping Chiron would give them the green light.

Now, all that was left was to wait… and hope.

—

Chiron's hooves echoed softly in the empty Big House, a rhythmic sound that helped him focus as he mulled over the request. Across from him sat Brunhilde, her gaze unwavering, a warrior's intensity radiating from her every movement. She didn't bother with niceties or small talk; this was a serious matter, and she expected to be taken seriously. As for Mr. D, he stood off to the side, fingers drumming idly against his glass of Diet Coke, though his expression betrayed both boredom and exasperation. Despite appearances, he was listening closely.

Chiron spoke first, his voice a steady anchor amid the uncertainty. "Brunhilde, I understand your perspective. But we're talking about demigods barely out of basic training. K'un Lun isn't Camp Half-Blood; it's a realm of ancient magic and martial discipline, a place where the weak aren't coddled. They're honed or they're discarded. Do you really believe they're ready for that level of… intensity?"

Brunhilde didn't flinch. "If they aren't ready now, when will they be? Demigods don't have the luxury of waiting around, Chiron. Their lives are dangerous by default. And if they're meant to protect the world—well, it's about time they learn what that really entails."

Mr. D took a slow, theatrical sip of his soda. "Right, because nothing says 'bonding experience' like sending them to a mystical martial arts sanctuary that's as likely to eat them alive as it is to teach them. Really, it sounds like a brilliant plan." His tone was layered in sarcasm, though he cast a glance at Brunhilde. He was listening, even if he wouldn't admit it.

Brunhilde's eyes narrowed as she responded to the god of wine, her voice a measured calm laced with conviction. "These demigods have power and potential, but without the right discipline, it'll destroy them—and probably everything around them, too. They need this. K'un Lun isn't just a training ground; it's a forge, and only those who can withstand the heat emerge stronger."

Chiron nodded thoughtfully, but Mr. D scoffed, rolling his eyes. "And what if they don't emerge? What if they get themselves vaporized by a trigger-happy monk or end up trapped in some dimension where they have to meditate for eternity?" He lifted his drink, swirling it lazily. "Do you know how much paperwork it would take to explain that to the Olympian council? I'd be drowning in scrolls."

Brunhilde crossed her arms, unfazed. "Then maybe it's time to let them take responsibility for themselves. They aren't children, Mr. D. They're warriors—or they will be, if we let them."

"Some of them still act like children," Mr. D muttered. "Tell me, Brunhilde, have you ever tried to convince Travis and Connor Stoll not to stick a mousetrap in someone's sleeping bag? Or stop Clarisse from challenging everyone in a five-mile radius to a wrestling match? It's like herding cats—particularly angry, overpowered cats with a penchant for pranks and poor decision-making."

Chiron cleared his throat, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Dionysus, I think we both know that your complaints stem more from affection than frustration."

"Affection?" Mr. D exclaimed, holding a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Please. The only affection I have is for peace and quiet—two things those demigods seem bent on destroying."

Brunhilde smirked, leaning forward. "Maybe they act out because they're bored. They're ready for something greater than capture-the-flag. They need a challenge worthy of their abilities, and K'un Lun is the place to give them that."

Mr. D shot her a glare. "Or it's the place to turn them into spiritual smoothies."

Brunhilde didn't back down. "Then they'll learn to think on their feet. And isn't that part of what they need to be great? To face their fears and come out stronger on the other side?"

Chiron raised a hand, gently silencing them both. "What you're both saying has merit. The demigods need discipline and growth, but they are still young, and K'un Lun… it's an unforgiving place. Still, I believe they have the potential to rise to the challenge. This journey, if we choose to let them take it, could give them the courage and skills to face the battles they'll inevitably encounter."

Mr. D sighed dramatically, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine, if we're sending them off to a distant land full of wise, ancient people ready to lecture them on how little they know, can we at least impose some rules? Something that'll keep me from having to, oh, I don't know, wade into K'un Lun myself to save them."

Brunhilde's smirk widened. "Don't worry, Dionysus. I think they'll surprise you."

"Oh, I love surprises," Mr. D deadpanned. "Especially the ones that end with three hours of explaining to my father why half of K'un Lun is on fire. Yes, delightful."

Ignoring Mr. D's complaints, Chiron stepped forward, looking each of them in the eye. "Then we agree. If they're going to do this, it will be with guidance—and with full understanding of the dangers they'll face."

Mr. D raised his glass in a halfhearted toast. "To the next great catastrophe. May they at least survive to learn something from it."

Brunhilde leaned back, contentment flickering in her gaze. She trusted the campers, trusted that the journey ahead would bring out the best in them. Chiron's expression softened, full of hope and the kind of quiet wisdom that came from centuries of guiding heroes.

With a final, exasperated sigh, Mr. D tossed his empty glass on the table, grumbling as he turned away. "I'm going to need a much bigger drink before this is over."

And with that, the decision was made. The demigods would face K'un Lun, the challenges waiting for them in a world of mystics and warriors. Whether they succeeded or not was yet to be seen—but for now, their journey was set.

---

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