The Journey
Author Note: Hello! Aloha! Hola! And all the in between! This is what I think it was like with Luke, Thalia, and Annabeth when they were runaways together. Enjoy!
"Luke my son! No, must protect...Luke!" May Castellon hissed as she had her 'episodes.'
Nine year old Luke was hiding in a closet. Once she had finished, he crept out and shuddered.
"No more," he muttered, rushing to his room.
He packed a yellow neon backpack and slung it on. Giving his room one last look, he went to May, who is making a mess of lunch.
"Mom, I'm going out," he said.
"Come back soon, Luke. Lunch will be ready in a little while," May called, patting his cheek.
"Oh...okay," Luke said, trying not to run out of the door.
He took one last look at his house before setting off, muttering, "Don't look back, Luke. Don't. Look. Back."
As he made his way through the woods, a huge dog with talons and poison on his fangs jumped on him. He drew the kitchen knife he brought and struck it in the mouth. The poison made the blade turn into celestial bronze, so the monster retreated.
"So cool," Luke grinned.
Things were pretty quiet that night. Luke laid on his blanket and pillow and tried to sleep. What if he didn't make it?
No, he told himself, I'll be fine. I can do this.
When the sun shone on him, he rose and packed up again. He snacked on a bag of chips before heading out. He then noticed a junkyard.
"Maybe I can find a weapon," he muttered, going inside.
Trash, metal, and useless items was everywhere. Luke climbed up a metal hill and found a little pile of sword metal, assorted. He pulled out his hammer and started to work on getting the good blades' remains smooth. He lite a match and welded them with some old gloves.
Soon he had a sword about three feet long. He used an old belt and gun holder to hold his knife and sword. He then found a really banged up sheild, which he fixed pretty well. He used an old piece of cloth to strap it to his back where he could easily draw it.
Now fully armed, Luke headed back to the woods.
"And they call this stuff useless," he muttered.
That stuff came in handy. About two hours later, a manticore attacked. He deflected the thorns with his shield and stuck him in the gut with his knife. The beast, now weakened, fell. Luke sliced it's chest for good measure before trotting off in victory.
When he was ten, he was nearly killed. He hadn't eaten in two days and was starving. He came to a field of cows, all unclaimed. He spotted a big one and licked his lips. When he stabbed it, though, it roared and turned into a Minotaur.
Luke stabbed at it and dodged. Then, the beast grabbed him and began to squeeze. He was about to go out when a arrow sprouted from the beast's head. It roared and vanished, leaving Luke in mid air. He was about to crash when a pair of strong, meaty arms caught him.
A big girl wearing a white t-shirt, camo pants, and compact boots stood before him. She had her hair in a braid and had a quiver and bows with her.
"Um...hello...thank you," Luke said, surprised.
"I think thee mean thank thee all," a voice said behind him.
A group of adolescent girls dressed and armed like the other girl all stood together near him. In the center front was a girl dressed like them with a silver band braided into her hair.
"We are The Hunters of Artemis," she said, "I am Zoe Nightshade. Be grateful we helped you, boy."
"I...I am. I'm honored to be in your presense," Luke nodded, bowing deeply.
Snorting, Zoe said, "We will meet again. Beware, Luke Castellon. We are watching."
When Luke blinked, they were gone. He went on with his battle for survival. When he turned twelve he stole a small birthday cake and settled down in the woods beside a small fire.
"I wish to have a friend to travel with," he muttered, eating the sweet.
And luckily, his wish soon came true.