fandomhigh | The Fifteen Labors of Fandom, Session 3, Period 1

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labors of fandom

The Fifteen Labors of Fandom, Session 3, Period 1

Hercules cracked his knuckles as the class once again gathered outside of the Danger Shop. As was tradition for class time, he was wearing his 'battle-toga' number, just because he really liked the outfit. Once the class had all come together, he clapped his hands together and explained the day's activity.

"Today, you have a different sort of task ahead of you. While many of my own labors were solved through well placed strikes of my club, this one I solved entirely by being clever. However, as I doubt any of you could hold up the firmament of the heavens upon your back, I think you will have to come up with a new method to complete this task. Beyond these doors are the gardens of the Hesperides, a beautifully lush and green area populated with three nymphs."

He pointed at one of the boys in the class at random. "Do not get too excited, modern etymology is a bit exaggerated on the term."

Yes, Hercules just used the word 'etymology'.

"There is a tree of apples in the center of this garden, which the nymphs do not wish human hands to touch. I want each of you to take one of these apples and meet me back at the place we all enter into the simulation. I warn you, there might be a complication or two you may encounter."

He grinned, and then opened the door. "Your labor awaits!"

[ooc: ~~Please wait for OCD!~~ Class is up and ready to go!]

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Like it's time to get some fruit!

Percy Jackson

Warren Worthington III

Bobby Drake

Karla

Lex Luthor

Luke Castellan

Jack McCallister

Once inside the Danger Shop, the class was at the base of a hill on the edge of the garden. The area was amazingly lush, green, and fertile. This was an Orchard of Hera, though Hercules had failed to share that fact. Flowers, fruit bearing trees and vines, it was quite the gorgeous sight.

Students would find a few swords, shields, axes, and spears at the base of the hill, as well. Certainly you wouldn't need a weapon to grab an apple, would you?

Percy wasn't distracted by his surroundings. He was already trying to think of a way to get an apple and get out without expending too much energy. He was already tired and ready for a weekend that wasn't full of craziness.

Karla was half-tempted to just wander off through the gardens and ignore the apple bit. It was a gorgeous place and she was a lot more inclined towards just soaking up the calm than getting into fights.

Enjoy the lovely simulated greenery! Eat a fake fruit! Proceed stealthily or loudly!

There are three nymphs of the Hesperides, and they each looked like young, beautiful ladies clad in loose dresses of fine white linen that still managed to maintain enough modesty appropriate for a school setting. One was pale of skin with fiery crimson hair, another olive skinned with golden locks, and the third who had deep brown skin and raven hair. They seemed quite playful, each engaged in song. Would you dare approach them?

{spoiler alert: if you tell them you're after an apple, they'll try to kill you}

UNF.

Hell yes Karla would approach them. She was in love, not blind.

And also, not stupid enough to tell them she was after an apple.

Instead, she sat down in the grass and listened to the sing, clearly enjoying the song and applauding politely when they were done.

One of the nymphs, who was not in any way programmed to resemble a certain new goddess, turned to Karla and gave her a little smile.

"It's not often that we have an audience," she greeted, pleasant and sing-song in tone.

"That's a real pity," Karla said cheerfully. "Your voices are wonderful! It's a shame they don't get heard by people more often. You don't mind me listening, do you?"

"If that's all you do, that will be perfectly fine," the nymph said. "But you should tread carefully, as mortals can find Hera's grove to be quite dangerous."

"Why?" Karla asked, wide-eyed and projecting innocence as best she could. "It's hard to believe a place this beautiful could harbor anything unpleasant!"

"In this garden is the tree of the golden apples," the nymph said. "And the temptation of immortality brings many with poor intentions."

The other two nymphs began to sing a duet while their third talked with Karla.

Karla wrinkled her nose. "Who wants immortality?" she asked. "Getting to watch all your friends and loved ones die around you doesn't sound like much fun to me."

All three nymphs laughed at that.

"Oh, how silly mortals be," they all said.

"Oh?" Karla asked. "Please, Fair Ones. Enlighten me. If you would, I mean." She tilted her head slightly and dimpled at them. "I would enjoy your wisdom, if I could. And your singing."

Someone had a plaaaaan.

Two of the nymphs continued to sing while the other continued to speak with Karla.

"Immortality means leaving that sort of foolish attachment behind," she said. "Here there is nature and the guardians. To us, you are but an amusing, fleeting moment."

Karla shook her head. "I think I'd prefer to keep my attachments. I don't think I'm cut out for that kind of lifestyle. I have a mortal lover and mortal friends and mortal people I am responsible for. They make me happier than I think long life ever could."

Another round of laughs from the nymphs.

"We don't expect you to understand," the nymph said. "Your precious clinging to the ephemeral is so... cute, in its way."

Normally, this would be where Karla started explaining to the nymphs exactly what they could go do with that superior attitude they had going on, but Karla was being diplomatic.

SEE, WARREN? SHE TOLD YOU SHE WAS GOOD AT IT.

"I was wondering...since this is probably the last time I will ever see this place, can I maybe have a tour? It's so beautiful, I know the sight will stay with me until the end of my days, and, with a guide, I can't possibly stumble into any of the danger you've warned me of." She tried to look a little shamefaced. "I'd hate to cause you any trouble."

The other two nymphs resumed their singing while the third shook her head.

"Sorry, but no. You're amusing, but not that amusing, little mortal."

"I think you might be surprised about how amusing I can be--" and no, that wasn't a come on "--may I explore then? You haven't said this garden is off-limits."

"It's not," the nymph said. "But you've been warned. Avoid the tree of golden apples if you value your tiny, insignificant life."

Karla laughed at her right then. "The tree of immortality? Please. I'm far too interested in clinging to my ephemerals. I like having a boyfriend and friends to talk to--though I'm sure your singing forever in a lonely garden is fun, too."

Well, she was diplomatic for a few minutes.

Right in your path is an eight-foot tall man in nothing but a fur loin cloth. His skin is coated in grimy patched of dirt and mud, his face a mess of dirty brown facial hair. He stares at you with a menacing scowl.

"You trespass into the realm of Hera, where no mortals should tread. I am Antaeus, son of Poseidon and Gaia, and I'm afraid you will have to turn back. Else, I will snap your necks and let you become fertilizer to the flowers."

Luckily, if anyone knew Antaeus' particular myth, there was a large pond nearby...

[As long as Antaeus' feet touch the ground, he's indefatigably strong. Otherwise, he's a dumb brute.]

Once you've reached the center of the garden, you see the tree with beautiful golden apples. You could easily walk up and grab one...

...if there wasn't a hundred-headed serpent wrapped around the base of the tree, watching in every direction.

So yes, steal an apple from a tree in a beautiful garden where there's a snake. This doesn't sound like anything else at all...

[ooc: Ladon the dragon can be tricked, beaten, or even bargained with.]

There Hercules awaits with a basket for placing your apple. Next to Hercules is a table where there are real orange slices and juice boxes for the class to enjoy.

Apparently he bought snacks this week as if the class was a fifth grade soccer team.

Hercules would be happy to tell you how he did this. The answer wouldn't be helpful, though.

As always, either mod-your-own-adventure or hit me up for NPCing in this thread!

Also, I already miss the summer. Guh, cold.

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The Fifteen Labors of Fandom, Session 3, Period 1

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It's the Tree!

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