8 Trained to kill: enslaved

"Everyone up! that means you too, I don't want to see a single soul down here in the count of. 5, 4, 3"- we all ran as fast as we could with are chains clanking. A few fell but didn't stay down for long.

Our group moved into a corner all pressed together. I was cramped in between multiple tall and well physiqued strangers. you'd think with a big ship, space wouldn't be a concern right?  A short man with wide shoulders stepped on a box. I wouldnt say i laughed at his small height. Or that him useing a box to make up for his small height made me half luagh. (No pun intended). But I was fighting to keep a straight face.

"Hello! and welcome to camp, I'm glad you chose our camp out of all others." A few people were laughing but I didn't see this as a laughing matter. Its hard to remember but I have a feeling something was erased. Something really bad. Trying to remember only caused pain so it wasnt worth it. I don't like being in the dark, and I'm sure a few of them would also agree. The short man stepped off coming closer

"I want everyone and I mean everyone to get in a wide line facing me. I'll ask what you are, your power level, years of experience etc." We slowly got in line, and sure enough people were answering right away. A pale boy, medium height went first.

He took a step forward. "Names Stirr, come from Scotland. I'm a demigod. My father is Dionysus. I'm a level 3, zero experience. A short boy, a little chubby stepped forward next. People call me Bunny, real names James. I'm also a demigod, my mother is Athena. My power level is 2. I have 6 years of experience. I was next but as soon as those eyes looked at me words left me. Stuttering i sheepishly answered. Names Sam, I come from California, not sure if I'm a demigod. I suppose I'm level 1, I don't have experience also. Stepping back my heart relaxed its hold on me. Before i could  congratulate my horrible public speaking. I realized no one stepped up next. 

The boy next to me didn't go forward. Instead he spoke from his spot. now I could see he was shouldering an Injury. "I'm wounded sir, Is there any Ambrosia on board." The short man stepped closer not even looking at him. "NAME, RANK AND WHAT YOU ARE NOW!" I felt bad for the boy. He's in pain and from the looks of it. He needs attention quick. Now he has to deal with this guy.

"Rick, my power level is 7. My father is Zeus. I don't have Experience sir." The short man was growing red, so red to the point I felt heat radiating from him. "Are you a demigod?!"  Surprisingly he didn't yell this time but he wasn't soft spoken either. The boy realized his mistake and answered. "Oh sorry about that, I'm a demigod of course." The short man walked away without turning.

He tossed a small light brown sugar cube, it looked colored but not all the way brown like cinnamon. A thought jumped out to me but quickly went away, Yias. I could feel the start of a headache coming on. Maybe certain words triggred my memory. A few hours later everyone was accounted for. Surprisingly I wasn't the only no rank here. Not sure if that's a good thing or not. But its better then being the only one.

  A few people started moving into groups. So I was left standing there not sure were to go. James or Bunny whatever you want to call him walked towards me with Stirr and two others walking behind him. "Hey there Sam. wanna join our group?" wow that was blunt, i guess i didn't have a choice. Being in a group beats being alone I say. "Sure. sounds good to me. nice too meet you guys".

"Awesome! Okay let me introduce you to the group. This is Stirr." He leaned over so the others didnt hear. "Hes a bit of a dibshit, but dont tell him that." Stirr didnt even look surpised. "Whatever he said hes a lot worse."  "Gah! Enough talk. James seemed a little annoyed with Stirrs clever comback. I bet there good friends. "This here is Gavin. His father is Apollo. But get this....his mother is also a Goddess. One of the nine muses! Which begs too differ, is he a demigod or a small God?"

"That tall dude over there is Vin. His mother is Demeter. He can heal anything pretty much. But he loses conscious depending on what he heals. Basically hes useless." I looked at him expecting a comback. He didnt seem to mind the robuke. Shy fella I guess.  "So what about you, any skill?" I put my hands in my pockets. A nervous tic I've had ever since i was little. "Um. I cant say for sure. Im pretty fast, not very stronge I guess. I make up for my small size by thinking quickly. My best talent, if i have to be honest is being cool under pressure. Is that okay." Well that sounded pathetic. I guess I just kicked myself out of the group.

"No need to worry. In due time your father or mother will claim you. Hopefully they show there face and stay awhile. My mother gave me a scolding, a swat on the ass and sent me on my way. Didnt even say goodbye. Okay! Enough talk. Lets discuss leadership and where everyone stands."

Stirr spoke up for once taking the initiative. "Lets talk about that boy again before we move on." James stopped smiling. He didn't seem happy about whatever Stirr was mentioning so i spoke up to clear the silence. "What guy?" Stirr pointed at Rick, the guy who was previously injured. "Oh what about him?" He didnt keep his eyes off him as he explained. "He might be the most powerful demigod here. It would be wise to team up with him."

I was surprised James didn't think of that himself and why did he choose me instead of choosing Rick. Something didn't add up. "so why didn't you go to him first instead of coming to me first." James shuffled his feet. He grabbed his neck dodging my eyes. It didn't seem like he wanted to answer. "I don't know but I don't trust that guy. Something about him feels off. Stirr laughed, I guess it was safe to say he didnt agree with James. Which said a lot about Stirr. Seemed like a guy who didnt work well in groups.

"James here. Thinks that Rick over there is a demigod alright. But hes come up with a crazy far fetched delusion idea that Rick. May be half demon half God." "Its not far fetched you big buffoon. Said James. "It actually makes sense....I just dont have concrete evidence to back up my claim. For now that is."

Even to me that sounded weak, surely the son of Athena had more mind then that. But who im I to say, I barely learned gods and goddesses actually exists. You learn something everyday. "Well, if it means anything to you. Im glad you chose me, ill return the favor for sure. He gave me a smile and that was the end of discussion.

Even Stirr welcomed me in his own way. I went for the fist bump he went for the shake we switched back and forth. awkwardly. We shook hands and he gave me a Gruff "welcome to the group. Goodluck  Staying Alive." I smiled at him "Wine and dine right." Annnnnnnd thats when he stopped smiling. "Was that a joke about my father!" Oh boy.... "Nnno no I-I was just being silly sorry."

Was that dippointment in his eyes. He shook his head. "And here I thought I met a sarcastic fella who could hold his own. gah!" Wait....what. James grabbed my shoulders as Stirr walked away. "Dont worry, hes just mad he didnt come up with that pun himself."