Get off your High Hor...Nevermind

In all honesty, I was pretty curious when we were told to go train under Chiron.

I mean, not to be arrogant or anything, but we had enough training under the Dioscuri and Peleus. And they were absolutely a slave driver with a Spartan fetish deeper than the Mariana trench.

Chiron, the son of the Titan Kronos and the Oceanid Philyra, and who was fostered by Apollo. The immortal sage of Mount Pelion who said to be the 'wisest and justest of all centaurs'.

Well...since Chiron was also known for his knowledge and skill with medicine, and thus was credited with the discovery of botany and pharmacy (the science of herbs and medicine), it may have something to do with that?

"Are you mulling over why we were sent to Chiron...again?", Atlanta asked in a slightly exasperated tone.

I chuckled, shaking my head at her innocence.

"Everything happens for a reason, especially when my patron is Lady Hera. Can't be too careful, even if our stay is only for a year."

My sister grunted in agreement.

"Yes. Especially when it almost always ends up with you bleeding out at Thanatos's door."

I tried to refute, only to grimace when I realized that my sister was right. I was always the one who ended up nearly dying.

...I wonder if the pomegranates of uncle Hades are as juicy as they say. They say it is something to die for...Hehehe.

My sister and Skye pinched my gut at the same time.

"Ow! What's that for!?"

""You were obviously thinking of something stupid or tempting Fate."", they answered at the same time.

I groaned. Atlanta gave me one of her 'Are u ok my guy?' looks.

"Let's just climb Mount Pelion", I muttered in defeat.

...

...

.....

The trip to Mount Pelion was surprisingly anti-climactic.

A few hikes through mountain paths, a small boat ride, and we were there in a matter of a few days.

Scratching my chin, I peered through the shrubbery at the cave entrance in the distance. It looked habitable enough, with furs and wooden furniture. I could see the herbs that were dry-baking in the sun on straw mats near the entrance. It gave off a very unique scent that reminded me of a blend of peppermint and cinnamon.

All in all, it was a lot better in hygiene than some rich houses I know.

"Hmm...nothing out of the usual. Better introduce ourselves to Master Chiron."

"My, my. You indeed are vigilant. Though still slightly inexperienced if I may say so."

A voice rang out from right behind our backs, making us jump. We whirled around with our weapons in hand.

There he was, a young man with gentle features and light brown hair, perched atop a tree branch. His appearances matched those testimonies from people who met Chiron.

I blinked. Something was not right. On a tree branch?

...Why does he have human legs...!?

The man smiled mischievously at my bewildered expression.

"I am Chiron, the centaur you were looking for. As for why I have human legs...allow me to demonstrate."

With those words, he slid off the tree branch and landed on the grass beneath him. And as his feet hit the earth, a cracking sound was heard as they started to morph.

In a matter of seconds, the human legs multiplied into four, then grew darker until they became brown and covered with short fur, as his feet hardened and became black hooves.

"Always assume that rumors, especially those based on visual information, are not all that it seems.", he said softly.

I couldn't help but gape at what had transpired. I glanced sideways, only to see identical expressions of shock and awe on my companions' faces.

Licking my dry lips, I forced myself to calm down. I mean, C'mon, he is born immortal, his father is the freaking King of the Titans. A little transformation must be like taking a shit for those greek immortals. Nothing special.

"Thank you for your valuable insight, master Chiron. We, Herasterus and Heracles, along with Skye and Atlanta, are eager to study under your guidance. I hope we did not make you wait too long."

Chiron raised an eyebrow as he studied me in newfound interest, possibly impressed by how quickly I regained my bearings. After a short while, he nodded with a warm smile.

"It's an honor to teach you talented young men and women. While most of my students usually start under my tutelage from a fairly young age of 11, I believe you are all exceptions. And no, you arrived faster than I anticipated. I did not wait at all. Now, come inside. You must be tired from your travels."

With those words, Chiron turned around and beckoned us to follow him inside his cave. We followed him into a large room with a round table in the middle and wooden chairs surrounding it. A cauldron sat above a small fireplace as the sound of liquid bubbling filled the quiet room.

He motioned for us to sit down and offered each one of us what seemed like a cup of honeyed tea. After we settled down, Chiron started talking once more.

"I am sure you have questions about what I am going to teach you. After all, you are all accomplished warriors or hunters in your own right. Therefore, it is my personal belief that learning about how to mentor someone about the same age as you, would be most beneficial for your personal growth."

I blinked. That was certainly not what I was expecting. Though, coming to think of it, it did make sense considering we were only staying for a year at most.

Teaching somebody near his age...well, that certainly did not sound like a breeding ground for some hormonal teen trouble or anything. Ha.

"So...mental/psychological training related to emotional management?", I asked. Chiron's smile widened as he nodded.

"That...among others. I am sure that you would all find out along the way."

Chiron clapped his hands together.

"Now, time to introduce you to your 'students'. One of the youngest might be someone related to a man you know well.", he said mysteriously.

I and my sister cocked our heads to the side.

We were led outside once more, to an open grass plain near the cave. Several young boys varying from 5~14 sat on a large slab of rock that jutted out of the grass.

Chiron lead us towards them as both sides curiously observed the other. Chiron gestured at the boys with a sweep of his arm.

"Let me introduce these future heroes of Greece: from right to left, I give you Asclepius and Orpheus, sons of Apollo, Jason, Rightful future King of Thessaly, Theseus, son of Poseidon, Abderus, son of Hermes...and Achilles, son of hero Peleus and sea goddess Thetis."

Our eyes were drawn to the youngest among the boys at the name Peleus.

"That bastard said nothing about his son...", Skye muttered under her breath.

"Probably didn't spend much time with him considering he was training you guys. He must be lonely...", Atlanta whispered back.

I glanced at Heracles, and we shared a subtle nod. Better confirm the relationship between son and father first.

Achilles, while he looked no older than 5, must have noticed our peculiar reaction. Jumping down from the rock, he stomped towards us...and stopped before Atlanta, who was the nearest one among us.

Ah, shit. He must have heard something.

Before I could do anything to relieve whatever friction there was, Achilles lifted one chubby finger and pointed it at Atlanta's face.

"I CHALLENGE YOU TO A RACE YOU GREEN FATTY!!!"

Silence. Then...

"...Come again you little pipsqueak?", Atlanta said calmly.

A vein bulging out of her forehead betrayed her inner fury.

Heracles sighed and rubbed my back.

...I hate my life.

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Totally UNaccurate Greek Lore

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Chiron:

A trainer with four hooves that takes 'How to train your Greek hero' to a whole new level. An extreme 'prepare to die' sort of new level.

Famous heroes such as Perseus, Theseus, and Jason were taught how to master various weapons, brew medicine, and hunt by a sadistic four-hooved horse sage who was also a giant dick. Both metaphorically and literally.

At least it wasn't Scathach.

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PS. BTW, a one-shot idea fic 'Fate/Glory for Persephone' is out there, check it out!

Also, does anyone want a Chaldea-style stat sheet for our twins as Lily servants?

Let me know!