"Wow!" Xander muttered as he and his brother walked out of the medical building and into the main campus of Elysian Academy. "This is... wow."

Bryce nodded, eyes wide. "Agreed."

Elysian Academy was set in a valley, complete with a river that split the place in two. The grass was perfectly kept, rows of lush gardens ringed several buildings made of purple wood. Paths of stones linked the buildings together, making it clear where to go. Silver and gold werelights dances around various statues and fountains of the various gods worshipped in the facility. Mixed with the various sigils and runes etched into the walls ringing around the grounds radiating power and purpose into the world and you had the definition of perfection.

Dry mouthed, Xander felt a wave of fear. 'What if I really am unworthy to be here, what if I'm not good enough, too human and I-'

Bryce sighed. "You are actually muttering all that out, stop it." Xander went red. "Xander, you're more than worthy, you're awesome. You are really nice and super smart, I know you know were even able to start studying American Sign Language on your own."

"How'd you know that? I never told anyone?"

Bryce smiled. "I always wanted to talk to you, so I paid attention, even when I was too cowardly to say a word. I saw you pick out the ASL books from the library. I used to watch you practice, kind of hoping you'd teach me too. I know you wanted to be an interpreter, you told the Librarian about it."

Xander, touched, turned to beam at his brother. "I am a beginner, but I am sure I could help you."

They started walking down the path toward the biggest building, looking like a miniature of the Capital Building In D.C., domed roof included. It was purple though, made of a wood Xander realized was not normal the moment he brushed his fingers against it. Warmth zapped through his finger, settling into his blood, making him shudder. Bryce was wide eyed himself as Xander noticed.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"That was..."

"Magic." A woman said, startling them. They turned, seeing a black woman, short and petite with a long, thick locks of purple hair interspace with white sea shells. "You are both sensitive to it. Bryce from his blood, Xander from being touched even momentarily by Zeus' bolt." She smiled at them, stepping more fully into the light, showing off her lavender skirt that fell to her waist, and her white blouse. "I am LaVandra Marshall, daughter of Poseidon and Headmistress of Elysian Academy, it really is lovely to meet you both. Lord Zeus told of your coming to our Oracle."

As her smile deepened, Xander noted that she seemed... unsure. 'Something's wrong, she looks worried, or like she's masking something. I'd know, I look like that alot.'

Reaching out, their hands met. "It really is a pleasure, ma'am."

Bryce repeated his actions. "Same. So... what now, if you don't me asking?"

She clapped her hands. "We get you settled into the school. I have already set your classes up, as well as your room and Xander's work study at the library." She turned to him, staring at Xander with respect. "The library is key here, magic is all about knowledge. Use it to your advantage, for it may be all the advantage you have here. Now, with that said, come with me, both of you."

She led them away, out of the building to the right.

"The boy's dorm, you both will be roommates. Four to a room, we have so many students, you see. You will be roomed with a boy, Aubrey Raiths, Grandson of Hephaestus." She paused. "Oh, I should explain something, it just occurred to me. We are in what is called New Elysian, a realm between Earth and Olympus. It is a world where magic and science can meld, allowing you to work in both places, Earth and Olympus, whichever your heart is called toward. There is a physical location, where your parents brought you here, several actually, they all lead here. I tell you this, so you know you can still make connections on Earth, should you feel the need. You are not trapped."

Xander let out a sigh of sheer relief, as did Bryce. "That is good to hear."

"There are rules you need to know, before you leave. You will learn them as you stay here, but until then... well... you cannot leave, for your own safety. There are forces out there that will go after you, that hate the divine, and to that end you must be safe. It is why we teach self defense here. But before that, let's get you settled."

The brother's shared a look, neither sure of how to take her words...

But one thing was clear, things were not quite what they had expected.