“Goodbye Everyone”
The Sequoia State Junior High School’s End of the Real Rally was underway. The Principal of the school introduced the Top 5 ranking Middle Schoolers.
“That was a fine performance from the Marching Bands, now it’s time for the speeches from our Top 5 top scorers of the 7th Grade. We will begin with our 5th Top Scorer, Leanne Howard.” The Principal said moving out of the way to let Leanne take the stand.
“Thank you Principal.” Leanne said walking up with her paper.
“Whoa! You got this Leanne!” Maria yelled out from the stands.
Leanne stood up at the podium, looking out at her fellow schoolmates. She then cleared her throat.
“This has been an exciting year for us all. We made new friends, we are saying bye to old ones, but we must not forget the experiences we’ve gained from both…” Leanne was starting her speech.
Maria looked over at Aiden. “Wow, remember when we were up there giving our speeches. Felt like so long ago.” Maria said to Aiden, admiring how Leanne was keeping the mood high with her presentation.
“Yes, I do remember it. That was when I had to ruin the speeches of Joshua, Rebecca and Silvia.” Aiden reminded Maria.
“Oh yea, you did do that. And now look at you, trying to spend time with Silvia any chance you get.” Maria grimaced at Aiden.
“It’s definitely the other way around.” Aiden responded to Maria.
“So when we go to High School are you going to do the same thing?” Maria asked Aiden.
“I have no idea what events will happen during High School. So I can’t give you a clear answer on that.” Aiden responded to Maria.
“So to the 7th Graders, congratulations and I look forward to seeing you next year. And to the 8th Graders, congratulations on finding your High School. I will miss you, but I know we will see each other in the future. Have a great time!” Leanne said before stepping back and going to her seat.
The next student then began to speak.
“Aww, that was pretty sad.” Maria remarked.
“Well we have done a lot of things with Leanne since that ‘Beauty and the Beast’ play. Seeing us leave would definitely warrant a few emotions from her.” Aiden said, looking down at Leanne.
There were no crazy speeches like last year. And this year the Principal decided on just giving the 7th Graders the opportunity to speak. Likely because he remembered the speeches of the 7th Grade class last year.
“Those were all incredible.” The Principal said standing up onto the podium.
The bands then played music for the transition.
“Now I will read off the names of every one of the 8th Grade graduates and the high Schools they will be attending.” The Principal said, grabbing the list of Students. “Attending Sequoia State High School we have Jeremy Atkins, Micheal Butcher, Andrew Conway, Courtney Cummings…” The Principal said as the students in the bleachers clapped after each high school list.
“Oh, our names are going to be mentioned together!” Maria said looking up at Aiden waiting for their School to be named.
It was near the end because the Principal wanted to end it off strong.
“And last but definitely not least, for the first time ever we have not one, not two, but three students going to The International Innovators and Developers High School for Global Leaders this year. They are Angeal Heavens, Maria Li, and Silvia Reiners.” The Principal said.
The students clapped loudly that the list of schools were finally finished.
“The King and Queen will stay together!” A student yelled out of the stands. They were of course talking about the pairing of Aiden and Silvia, not Aiden and Maria.
“Now let’s give one more round of applause to everyone this year.” The principal said, and the students clapped. “And now, with that. Have a good Summer, new 8th Graders and Good Luck and Happy Travels to our New High Schoolers!” The Principal said as the students in the stands stood up and clapped having been released for Summer Vacation.
Students walked around having each other sign their year books and their shirts. Everyone had happy faces on today.
Maria walked around with Aiden, as they looked at the field of the Middle School.
“Hello Angeal.” A student walked up to Aiden. Aiden turned around. “Could you sign my yearbook?” The student asked.
“Sure Teresa.” Aiden responded. Aiden grabbed the yearbook and signed it. “Have a great Summer.” Signed Aiden. Aiden wrote in the yearbook.
“Thank you so much!” Teresa said to Aiden. She then turned around to leave. Maria then stopped her.
“Hey, I haven’t signed your yearbook yet.” Maria said to Teresa.
“Oh you didn’t, sorry. I must have thought you did.” Teresa said, trying to come up with an excuse. Teresa handed Maria the yearbook.
“Bet you hate to see me go.” Maria signed in the yearbook. “There you are.” Maria said, handing back the book to Teresa.
“Gee, thanks.” Teresa responded by leaving to go to another group of friends.
As time passed more students came asking Aiden to sign their yearbook, and were forced to let Maria sign it as well.
Eventually, after the shirt signing, students began to leave.
Maria and Aiden walked through the school.
Maria pointed at one of her old 7th Grade teacher’s rooms. “Ha, remember when we broke into the school to get the answers to the finals, but I ended up not being able to look at them anyways.” Maria laughed telling Aiden the story.
“Yes, and I had to go to the Teacher’s Lounge and change the answers for you. That placed you in the Top 5 of the school.” Aiden nodded his head.
“Oh, it’s Mr. Bowman’s room. Remember when his Kidney Stones flew all over the place, and that girl ran out of the classroom because some got stuck in her hair. That was pretty gross.” Maria laughed again thinking about the memory.
“Yes, Kayla was not having a good day.” Aiden also recalled the memory.
They both walked down the hallway and looked at the art pieces.
“I modeled for you in this image. I can’t believe they actually framed it.” Maria looked at the image that Aiden painted of Maria hanging in the Hallway.
“I didn’t do anything special. I just painted what I saw.” Aiden responded.
They heard footsteps following behind them.
It was Leanne trying to catch up with them in the empty school. She was trying to catch her breath.
“I saw Allison outside waiting, so I knew that you were still in the school.” Leanne said, pausing in between some words.
“Oh, did you need something?” Maria asked.
Leanne handed Maria her yearbook. “I don’t want you two to go and not sign my book. You guys were the first real friends I made in this school.” Leanne said.
“Then who am I to reject a plea from an underling of mine.” Maria laughed while signing Leanne’s book.
“Take over the school, and show them all your Power!” Maria signed.
“You are always so motivational, Maria.” Leanne said, handing the book up to Aiden.
“You would think it’s difficult but it’s almost second nature to me.” Maria laughed gloating about a talent she thought she had.
“Be who you are, because that’s the best person you can be.” Aiden wrote in Leanne’s Book.
“Ah, this is good. Because I’m an actress, but I have my own personality that I should show too. I get your meaning.” Leanne said to Aiden. “So what are you two going to do now that you graduated? Are you going to move soon?” Leanne asked Maria and Aiden.
“Well we will probably be here at least until my Birthday. Then we will be leaving in late July.” Maria said to Leanne.
“Aw, that’s not a lot of time at all. Can I come to your birthday?” Leanne asked Maria.
“Sure, I was going to invite you anyway, Angeal would have found you if I couldn’t.” Maria said to Leanne.
“Awesome! Then I look forward to that!” Leanne responded. She then walked with Maria and Aiden holding idle conversation, until they reached the theatre rooms.
“Okay, I will be splitting off from you guys here. I got some dresses I left in the lockers.” Leanne said before disappearing around the corner.
“She’s a nice girl.” Aiden said to Maria about Leanne. “If I never became your friend, I’m sure if you two had met, she would have.” Aiden said to Maria.
“I doubt we would have ever crossed paths if it weren’t for you. Before you became my best friend, school was just a place where I was just alone. I definitely would not have walked into the theatre rooms.” Maria responded to Aiden.
Aiden looked down at Maria. “I suppose you know better than I would what you would have done back then.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Last year, lunch time also sucked. I didn’t look forward to that at all. Now, not only do I get to eat whatever I want, other people look over at our table with envy. They even visit, a little more than I like, but still they visit and sit at our table.” Maria said, thinking about how lunch was this year.
Allison then came into the building. “What is taking so long? Mom is waiting outside for you!” Allison said to Maria.
Allison looked and saw Aiden. “Oh, you were trying to spend as much time as possible with your boyfriend before you left.” Allison said, looking upset that Maria made her wait.
“Angeal isn’t my boyfriend!” Maria said to Allison. “Okay, see you, you know where.” Maria said to Aiden, as she followed Allison outside.
Aiden was now in the school on his own. He spent a little more time looking at all the things Humans did for learning. After this he walked to the back of the school. Several Students were waiting there for him.
“Heard that you usually go home from here, so wanted to make sure I got to you before we don’t see each other again.” A student said to Aiden. He handed Aiden his yearbook and Aiden signed it.
Some members of the marching band and dance teams got Aiden to sign their yearbook as well.
Eventually the crowd dispersed and Aiden was practically alone. But he noticed one person still watching.
Aiden turned around. “I know it’s you Kayla.” Aiden said towards a bush.
Kayla came out of the bushes blushing. “He… hello… dear…” Kayla struggled to say. She was holding a yearbook in her hand.
“Do you also want me to sign that for you?” Aiden asked Kayla.
Kayla’s face turned red and she pointed the book directly at Aiden.
Aiden grabbed the book from Kayla. “Don’t drop this one, okay.” Aiden wrote in Kayla’s book as a reminder of when she first said hello to him.
Kayla read it and hugged her yearbook.
“Well, if that’s everything, then I am going to leave.” Aiden said to Kayla.
“Wha…wha… wait, Ang… Angeal.” Kayla said, asking for Aiden to wait.
“Yes?” Aiden asked.
Kayla then cleared her throat. She was feeling hot. “I… I… Lov…” Kayla was trying to form the words she wanted to say but she was too nervous.
Aiden just stood waiting for her.
“I… love…” Kayla continued to repeat herself.
“What do you love?” Aiden asked Kayla, not recognizing she was trying to confess to him.
“You…” Kayla said very quietly.
“I didn’t quite get that. I heard you said ‘you’ but that’s probably incorrect.” Aiden said to Kayla.
Kayla puckered her lips in embarrassment and turned a deep red colour. She then took a note from her pocket and wrote in it quickly.
Kayla then ran off with her yearbook covering her face.
Aiden opened the note. It said ‘I love, really really like you Angeal.’ but the word love was crossed out.
Aiden read it and then folded it back up. “Very well. I think she was an interesting person too.” Aiden thought to himself as he flew to Maria.
Maria was waiting impatiently in her room. Aiden then appeared.
“What took you so long, Aiden?!” Maria said, tapping her feet.
“I got stopped by a few students before I could leave the school.” Aiden said to Maria. He then handed Maria the note he got from Kayla.
Maria read the note. “Is this your way of confessing your love to me? It’s pretty lame you know.” Maria laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“No, I received this from Kayla as I was leaving.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria’s face changed back to aggravated. “Oh, she was trying to be sneaky. Attempting to bypass the General! Ha, that’s why your plan failed you idiot!” Maria said to the window.
“Were you trying to speak to her?” Aiden asked Maria.
“Nah, I was just gloating.” Maria responded. “Okay, how about it? Are you going to take me somewhere for our graduation lunch?” Maria asked Aiden.
“Graduation Lunch? And you want me to choose?” Aiden asked Maria, confused by her request.
“Yes Graduation Lunch. It’s a big accomplishment, so it should be celebrated with some food.” Maria pointed at Aiden.
“Well if I am choosing then it’s going to be without Meat or Fruit.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Oh, gross. I bet you are just going to take me to a grass field then.” Maria said, pretending to barf.
“Fine, I can have the Golems prepare a Lunch for us, so that it’s exactly what you want to eat, and I wouldn’t have to just watch you.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria shook her head. “Nope, I don’t want that either.” Maria said to Aiden.
“Well, then it seems like you already have a location in mind, how about you just tell me.” Aiden said to Maria, bending down to her.
Maria then smirked. “I think you know where I am thinking.” Maria nodded her head to Aiden.
“Hmm, I am drawing a blank on it.” Aiden responded.
“You know, the place you said you would take me over a year ago, but we still haven’t gone.” Maria said to Aiden, gesturing by pointing at the sky.
Aiden looked up at the sky. “An airplane meal?” Aiden asked Maria.
“For a smart guy, you sure are dumb sometimes.” Maria responded. Maria then got up on her bed so she would be eye level with Aiden. “I’m saying I want to go to the Heavenly Realm today for a Special Graduation Lunch!” Maria proclaimed to Aiden.
“The Heavenly Realm? But I was planning to take you there when you became a Human Adult.” Aiden said to Maria.
“An adult?! Good thing I asked, because that’s so many years away!” Maria said to Aiden. “Why do you have to take that long to prepare?” Maria asked.
“Because you are Human with living cells, those cells would have no idea what to do when they go into the Heavenly Realm. Which is why I would need to prepare a transport vessel for you. And I wanted one that would not need to be changed as you grew, so adulthood would have been the best time.” Aiden responded to Maria.
“Well that sucks! I got excited for no reason.” Maria said with disappointment.
Aiden then lifted Maria from the bed and placed her back on the floor.
“How about this. I get chefs from the heavenly realm to prepare us a meal, and gods to decorate the place so it’s worthy of this celebration?” Aiden asked Maria.
“I guess I can settle for that.” Maria responded to Aiden.
“Then when we graduate High School, we can go to the Heavenly Realm.” Aiden added.
“Fine, guess I can wait another 4 years for it. This year flew by anyway.” Maria responded.
Aiden opened a path to the Heavenly Realm. “I will bring us both to the Headquarters when they are finished.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria gave Aiden the ‘OK’ sign.
He then walked forward, Maria attempted to walk behind him. But while he vanished she just walked through it without interacting at all with the path.
“Boo! I thought it was like a portal.” Maria complained now standing in her room alone.
Aiden walked through the Heavenly Realm and decided to Enter the Hellanistic District.
“So I want a meal that is going to make Maria truly happy. So I am going to need someone who knows about ingredients, someone who can prepare them, and someone who can arrange the festivities to go along with it.” Aiden thought to himself.
Aiden decided to go over to Hera.
Hera sat sitting on a throne as Hephaestus sculpted a representation of the scene from Marble. Aiden walked up to her.
“Hera.” Aiden said to get her attention.
She quickly looked over to Aiden. “Aiden! It has been a while, or has it. I’m not quite sure, time in the Heavenly Realm moves in a cycle doesn’t it?” Hera asked Aiden.
“It does, but you should still have memories of events you hold as significant.” Aiden responded to Hera.
“Ah, yes. I guess that is why despite the many eternities I experience, each event feels like yesterday as long as I remember them.” Hera reminisces. Hera then brought her focus to Aiden. “So what is it I can do for you this time Aiden?” Hera asked him.
“I just graduated Middle School and my Best Friend, the girl you met before, wants me to provide her with a lunch that is worthy of such an event. Especially since I declined her request to come to the Heavenly Realm.” Aiden explained to Hera.
“You declined her request to come to the Heavenly Realm, now why would you do that. Mortals can come here.” Hera responded to Aiden fanning her arm out wide.
“They become Demigods when they do that, and no longer have the bodies they had on Earth rendering them mortally dead. That is not an event I desire.” Aiden responded.
“You are so strict with your sensibilities, that’s why I like you Aiden. And for the Lunch I recommend you go to my Daughter Hebe, she used to serve us, High Lords, in the past. She also makes an incredible dish, truly one that would at least be worthy of your Lunch. For preparation and environment the Goddess Hestia should be a good fit. And for Entertainment the God Dionysus should do well enough.” Hera informed Aiden.
“Very well, Hebe, Hestia, and Dionysus. I will seek them out. And what about the other districts, do they offer unique dishes or chefs?” Aiden asked Hera.
“Hmm, there is a God in the Norse District that is called Andhrímnir, he prepares an immortal boar creature, one similar to the Phoenix, in that after it dies it arises once more. And another, but I don’t know much about him, his name is Joshua, he is said to be able to multiply dishes several fold, and transform water into Wine, he is in the Near East District. But if you ask me, I think Dionysus would be more than enough to fulfill that.” Hera recommended Aiden.
“Then I’ll be sure to count them out as well. Thank you Hera.” Aiden said to her. Aiden then nodded his head to Hephaestus, acknowledging his presence.
Aiden found the two chefs that Hera recommended, and gathered them together. He found Hebe and Andhrímnir. Hebe wanted to prepare the dish Ambrosia for the Lunch and Andhrímnir wanted to serve Sæhrímnir and show off his abilities with Eldhrímnir.
“Those two dishes are fine, but we will also need more than that for my Best Friend. So you can span out more with your specialties.” Aiden said to the two.
“I shall prepare the finest alcohol that any mortal could ever hope to drink, it will raise your spirits and-.” Andhrímnir was saying before Aiden interrupted him.
“I don’t want alcohol to be served during this meal. We are too young to partake.” Aiden informed both of them.
“Too young? How old is this she Human?” Andhrímnir asked Aiden.
“She is 13 years old.” Aiden responded.
“13! She is well old enough to drink! A life without Alcohol is no life at all.” Andhrímnir responded to Aiden.
“There will be no compromise on this point.” Aiden said to Andhrímnir.
“Well then, can I help myself to the range of monsters that exists not only in the Norse District, but as well as the others?” Andhrímnir asked.
“If the creatures are not regarded as Benevolent or Poisonous, then you may prepare them. Creatures that are adiaphorous or malevolent may be served, since she is a fan of meat.” Aiden told them.
“Understood.” Hebe responded to Aiden.
Andhrímnir was excited, he wanted to hunt a Kraken.
Aiden left the two to gather their ingredients. Aiden went and picked up Dionysus and Hestia. Aiden asked Hestia to assist Hebe in the acquisition of ingredients, seeing that she had deep knowledge over domestic livelihood, and would be able to guide Hebe in the pallets of Humans.
“I will give you several Golems, with which you are to prepare entertainment for this lunch. No alcohol will be present at this event. And think of an early teenager party, not a middle aged man party.” Aiden said to Dionysus.
“No alcohol? Is wine okay then?” Dionysus asked Aiden.
“Wine is alcohol.” Aiden responded.
“Then what are you drinking at this event?” Dionysus asked, seemingly disappointed.
“Fruit Juices, Water, and Sodas probably.” Aiden responded.
“Fruit Juices, so wine is going to be served.” Dionysus responded, gaining a smile.
“Grape Juice maybe, but not fermented or distilled.” Aiden said, reiterating the point of no alcohol.
“This seems rather boring, but I suppose that’s why you sought me out. I shall make this event one to remember.” Dionysus said to Aiden.
“That’s good to hear.” Aiden responded.
Aiden opened a path to Earth for the Gods and Goddess to make their way to the mansion. He only allowed access to it by the beings whom he selected to make the trip.
Aiden returned to Maria.
“Wow, that took a while. So how’s it going to be?” Maria asked Aiden.
“Well it seems like they are excited to serve this lunch for you, so I think you will enjoy it.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria got excited. “Can’t wait to see what a Heavenly Realm meal is going to taste like!” Maria said to Aiden with an enormous smile.
The Gods were preparing the mansion for the event. The Golems assisted with moving items around the house. The kitchen was filled with food, and the heat within it could cook the sun.
Aiden sat in the living room with Maria giving the Gods time to prepare the event before he brought Maria.
Aiden then stood up. Maria looked up at Aiden.
“Oh, is it time!” Maria excitedly asked.
“This should have been enough time. Let’s go to the Headquarters.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria then ran out of the door and waited for Aiden to create her clear bubble.
“Okay Corporal! To the Headquarters!” Maria commanded Aiden.
Aiden then took off towards the Mansion.
As they approached they were able to hear music coming from the place. Dionysus had gotten the Golems instruments to play for the festivities.
The two entered the place and the Golems were performing stunts and tricks. Maria looked up at them in amazement.
“Oh, that’s so cool!” Maria said watching one of the Golems flip and land on a post that was only a few centimeters wide.
“Hello, Best Friend of Aiden. Are you feeling well today?” The Goddess Hestia asked Maria.
“Oh, yeah, I’m doing great. Thanks.” Maria responded to the Goddess. “You look so pretty.” Maria complimented Hestia.
“Thank you for the compliment. And for that I will give you this.” Hestia gave Maria a necklace that held a flame inside of it. “As long as you wear this you will not feel weariness. This is an eternal flame. Consider it your graduation gift.” Hestia told Maria.
“Now this is one of the coolest gifts I’ve ever received. Thank you!” Maria said to Hestia. “Now why haven’t you given me a gift this awesome before?” Maria asked Aiden.
“Because you have enough energy as it is.” Aiden joked with Maria.
Hestia then showed them where the seats were.
Aiden and Maria sat down at the table that was prepared.
Maria looked around at everything that was happening in the Headquarters.
“Wow, who knew that Heavenly Beings could be so fun. I thought everyone was like you.” Maria said to Aiden, as she looked up at Dionysus as he breathed fire.
Hebe brought out Nectar for the two’s drink.
Maria looked at it confused by the nearly clear thick liquid. It looked like she just served them corn syrup.
Maria drank a bit of it and she felt lighter, as if all the chemicals and wear within her body had vanished. “Oh wow! This stuff doesn’t taste all that good, but it’s definitely refreshing.” Maria said to Aiden.
“I can request something sweeter for you if that’s what you are looking for.” Aiden said to Maria. “Soda should be available back there.”
“I’m here to try what the Heavenly Realm has to offer, so I can hold off for now.” Maria responded waiting for the food to come out.
Dionysus got on the microphone and began telling stories about his exploits. Maria listened to the adventures.
In the meantime Hebe brought out the first Dish they were to eat. It was the Steak from one of Hera’s Cows, with a side of Scallops from the personal Lakes of Poseidon. Also Maria was brought nugget created from the meat of the Phoenix, and cutler formed from the scales of Great Leviathans.
“Oh, this looks good!” Maria said as she began to cut into the steak.
Aiden sat watching Maria. He made sure that the Gods were staying on track with what they were asked to do.
While Maria was busy eating, Aiden noticed that Dionysus started to get into explicit territories with his storytelling. Aiden looked back at him.
“Ah, what I mean to say is that we had a pillow fight that night, with several of her friends. Yeah, that’s what happened.” Dionysus cleaned up his story.
Maria popped a few of the Phoenix Nuggets into her mouth. “Oh wow, these taste like it’s been smoked and have a deep spiciness to them. What animal is this from?” Maria asked Aiden.
Aiden looked at it. “Oh that’s from the Mythological Phoenix.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria then paused. “Wait, like the firebird from Ancient Mythology class?” Maria asked Aiden.
“Yes, exactly that one.” Aiden said to Maria.
“That’s real? I thought all that stuff was just made up.” Maria said to Aiden.
Aiden looked at Maria confused. “I am literally from the Heavenly Realm, and you found it difficult to believe that an Immortal Bird existed?” Aiden asked Maria.
“Well, I can see you. I’ve never seen a fire chicken before. So wait, how about everyone else here, I thought they were just generic Heavenly Beings like you. DId I read about them too?” Maria asked Aiden.
“You probably read about everyone here.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Wait, so who is that?” Maria pointed at Dionysus.
“He’s Dionysus.” Aiden responded.
“Cool! I read about him. And how about the woman who gave me this?” Maria asked, lifting up her necklace.
“She is the Goddess Hestia.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Oh wow, that’s two A list Gods so far. And how about the one who served us just now?” Maria asked pointed at the kitchen.
“She is the Goddess Hebe.” Aiden informed Maria.
“I don’t know much about her, except that she is the daughter of Hera and married to Hercules. Oh, and that she served that one special dish. Ah! I forgot the name.” Maria said, trying to remember.
“Wow, I’m actually surprised you know even that much about them.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Well, they do show up in video games all the time. So how could I not. So do you know Gods like Zeus, Poseidon and Hera?” Maria asked Aiden.
“Your mom actually spoke to Hera before. She was the one who acted like my mom when I enrolled in school.” Aiden said to Maria.
“That is so cool! And you never thought to tell me about that!” Maria pointed at Aiden.
“It never came up.” Aiden responded.
Hebe brought out the Ambrosia for Maria.
“I can take that away from you. Here is your second course. This is my specialty, Ambrosia.” Hebe said to Maria.
“Ah! That’s the name I was trying to think of, Ambrosia! So is this going to make me immortal?” Maria asked Hebe.
“It should, since you are a mortal and all.” Hebe said to Maria.
Maria clamped her hands together. “Thank you for the meal Goddess Hebe.” Maria said to her.
Hebe was surprised, and felt flattered. “It’s my pleasure, Best Friend of Aiden” Hebe responded, going back to the kitchen.
“Wow, that was rather formal for you.” Aiden remarked to Maria.
“Well now that I know that they are Gods, I have to be a bit more presentable.” Maria said, brushing off her clothes.
“You do know in the Heavenly Realm, I rank higher than they do, but I never get that kind of formality.” Aiden laughed.
“One because I never read about you, and two, you are my Best Friend, so of course I wouldn’t be formal to you.” Maria said, taking a bite out of Ambrosia.
As it touched her tongue she felt her body heat up and euphoria spread through her nerves. Though the dish wasn’t the best tasting thing she ever tried, it was definitely the most pleasurable experience that could be had with a meal.
“You’re actually going to let me become immortal?” Maria asked Aiden.
“This is immortality in the sense that you won’t die from old age, but you are young, so its effects are pointless now. And within 7 years all the cells that have the effect of Ambrosia would have split apart and died from mitosis. So it’s closer to a medicine than a relic.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Ah poop! Well at least I can say that I ate it before. Though I don’t think anyone would believe me.” Maria responded to Aiden as she ate more of the dish.
As the lunch was drawing to a close Maria was able to eat meat from the Kraken, Peryton, wings of a Griffin, legs of a hippalectryon, meat of a Unicorn, and a Gyro from the Goat part of a Chimera.
As Maria picked her teeth of the different meals using the horn shards of a Dragon she looked over at Aiden. “So were any of those animals part Human?” Maria asked with a devilish smile.
“No, none of them were part Human in any way. So no Mermaids, Sirens, Pan or any creature like that.” Aiden responded.
“Aww dang it.” Maria said, crossing her arms.
“You wanted to eat a person?” Aiden asked.
“Well I was a little curious to see what a Human would taste like since I was eating Mythological Creatures anyways. I thought they would serve something with a part Human body.” Maria said to Aiden.
“That’s strange. But maybe next time I could request it.” Aiden said to Maria.
Then Andhrímnir came out with the main course. “I hope you have made room for the feast of a lifetime!” Andhrímnir called out, holding a fully prepared dish with Sæhrímnir’s entire body presented. “This is the meal served everyday in the Norse District, or as we call it Valhalla!” Andhrímnir placed it on the table.
Maria was excited because of Andhrímnir’s high energy.
“Awesome! Look at it’s head!” Maria said, looking over the meal.
“Now how do you fit so much food in that tiny body of yours!?” Andhrímnir asked Maria laughing.
“With drive and determination! That’s how!” Maria responded with the same amount of volume as Andhrímnir.
He laughed and handed Maria two giant knives. “Wait until you can try this with a good drink, too bad Aiden rejected the request for alcohol, so you won’t get the full experience. Maybe when you get older I can serve it to ya again. Or maybe you could die and be served it in Valhalla!” Andhrímnir laughed.
Maria laughed with him. Aiden looked at the both of them annoyed.
Andhrímnir returned to the kitchen. Maria was sitting in front of this giant serving of pork. She then began eating.
Hebe came out of the kitchen and wanted to speak with Aiden.
“I’m going to go into the kitchen really quickly.” Aiden said to Maria.
Maria nodded her head with a mouthful of pork.
“So what is it?” Aiden asked.
Hebe showed the amount of food that her and Andhrímnir prepared.
“Why’d you two make so much?” Aiden asked.
“We are so used to feeding dozens of people.” Hebe started saying before being interrupted by Andhrímnir.
“In my case hundreds.” Andhrímnir said.
“That we sort of didn’t control the portions.” Hebe said to Aiden.
Aiden looked around at all of it. “Very well, I can make it all disappear.” Aiden said to the two.
“Please don’t do that. It would truly be a waste to allow these creatures to die without being consumed.” The Goddess Hestia said to Aiden.
Hebe nodded her head in agreement. Andhrímnir also seemed to share the same sentiments.
“Fine, I will come up with something for it.” Aiden said to the three.
Aiden walked out and say Maria slowing down on her meal.
“Getting full?” Aiden asked Maria.
“Nah, I can keep going.” Maria responded.
“You know, there is still a full kitchen’s worth of food. What should we do about that?” Aiden asked Maria.
“How much is that?” Maria asked.
“Hmm, probably several times what you just got done eating.” Aiden responded to Maria, looking at Maria’s face.
Maria tried to imagine herself eating all of that.
“Okay… I guess we can host a party?” Maria suggested to Aiden.
“A party? Really?” Aiden wanted to clarify.
“Yes, it can be like a graduation party.” Maria said to Aiden.
Dionysus came up behind them. “I like this idea, are we going to be increasing the size of the audience?” Dionysus asked.
“Yes, but still no alcohol.” Aiden said to him.
“Sure, I heard it the third time.” Dionysus responded. “I can rework the performances for a larger audience.” Dionysus said, clearing his throat.
“Yeah, we can invite nearly everyone from the graduating class.” Maria suggested to Aiden.
“That’s very unlike you.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Well, I want to leave them with one last regret before we don’t see them anymore. Make them wish they were friends with me earlier haha!” Maria said to Aiden, as she laughed with confidence.
“Very well. I will begin to go to each of their houses, and invite them over.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Sounds like a good plan! I am going to stand at the front door so I can surprise everyone as they come in.” Maria said to Aiden.
“It’ll probably take at least 20 minutes before the first students arrive.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Eh, whatever. You do your part and I’ll do mine.” Maria said. The Golems then came up behind Maria and picked her up. She did not want to walk with so much food in her stomach.
Aiden walked into the kitchen. “Okay, a significant number of students will be coming here, so you all can begin the preparations for them all.” Aiden said to Andhrímnir and Hebe.
“The Battle is on!” Andhrímnir responded.
Aiden then flew out of the Headquarters and to the homes of his former classmates.
Dionysus was busy preparing the next set of performances. Hestia cleared the area. And the two chefs were preparing the second round, but reformed it for a party rather than a private lunch.
The students were surprised to see Aiden at their front door inviting them to a party. Some of them were only allowed to join if their parents could supervise watch over them. And for the others Hera was able to provide cover as Aiden’s mom.
Pretty soon the students started to enter the Headquarters and were shocked by its size.
“Hey hey!” Maria surprised the glamour trio as she waited at the door for guests.
“I’m surprised that you and Angeal are throwing a going away party. What brought this on?” Ashley asked Maria.
“You know, I didn’t want you all to miss me too much. So I have to go out with a bang.” Maria responded to Ashley.
“So who’s all going to be here?” Ashley asked.
“Anyone from the 8th Grade who could make it. Angeal is inviting everyone. We prepared a ton of exotic foods.” Maria said with a cockiness in her voice.
“How exotic could it possibly be?” Sarah asked.
“This is Maria we are talking about, she brought different foods everyday with her to lunch.” Vanessa responded.
“You all can see for yourself. Just enjoy today because you won’t get to experience this again!” Maria said to them as a Golem came and greeted the girls.
They were startled and amazed to see it.
Alvin came to the door. “So this is art where thy dwell. Mine gratitude for employing mine presence.” Alvin said to Maria.
“Yeah, sure. Eat and do whatever I guess.” Maria responded to Alvin. Alvin immediately went to Dionysus’ performance with an admiration in his eyes.
Katherine and her parents came and greeted Maria.
“Because I graduated today, my parents decided that I should have fun with kids my own age. So no volunteering today.” Katherine said to Maria.
“Glad you could make it! We have to make sure it’s really fun for you then!” Maria said to Katherine.
They all walked in and were greeted by the Golems.
Andhrímnir came up behind Maria. “What would Aiden say about serving these adult mortals alcohol?” He asked, lowering his voice.
“I think Aiden would be okay with that.” Maria responded.
Andhrímnir celebrated. “Ha, now this is a gathering!” He proclaimed and went back into the kitchen.
Alayna came into the house. She looked around and noticed its grand size. “No wonder Angeal is so strong, his hallway is bigger than most gyms.” Alayna said towards Maria.
“Well I guess I’m even happy to see that you came.” Maria said to Alayna with a bit of an attitude.
“Come on, the past is the past.” Alayna said to Maria, patting her head and walking past her.
Kayla then was hiding behind the column of the front. She saw Maria and continued to hide. “Come on, Angeal invited you. You can come in anytime.” Maria said to Kayla, but Kayla remained hidden. “Ah, that’s a bit annoying.”
Joshua, Issac, Rebecca and Silvia all came together.
“Wow, do you guys ever separate?” Maria asked them.
“Joshua was throwing his own party, but we thought we’d come here instead.” Rebecca said to Maria.
“Not that my party was boring, we just wanted to see everyone again, one last time.” Joshua responded.
“Well, you guys already know the layout, so just go in.” Maria said as the prep students entered. Charles followed behind them, nodding to Maria.
Leanne came and was excited to see Maria again. “I got to see you much sooner than I expected! I am so glad!” Leanne said to Maria.
“I’m glad that we could hang out outside of school! I got some interesting food in there you need to try!” Maria excitedly said to Leanne.
“I’m going to eat everything there.” Leanne laughed. She then entered.
Aiden then returned.
Sarah and Mei came out from behind Aiden.
“Wow, Maria, you sure have gotten taller!” Sarah said, looking at Maria.
“You two look healthier too, last time I saw you guys you were looking rough.” Maria said, looking at Mei and Sarah.
“Yeah, I guess not being trapped in a prison does that to you.” Mei laughed.
“So you are a freshman now, good luck in highschool.” Sarah said to Maria.
“I’ll have Aiden with me, so I’ll be fine.” Maria joked with the two.
“That is right. You are going to be just fine in High School then. I graduated not too long ago, so it’s not going to be so different. You can ask me for advice.” Mei said to Maria as the two of them entered the home and were greeted warmingly by the golems.
Aiden then walked up to the door.
“I invited everyone that we met over the year.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Yeah, I could tell. Seems that you even got the Teachers to come to.” Maria looked in the House.
“Wanted to make sure we got everything eaten.” Aiden said to Maria.
“Well, I guess this is also a good place to make sure we say Goodbye to everyone, haha.” Maria smiled at Aiden.
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