Run. Don't look back. As the footsteps from the monster seem to grow louder and closer, my speed increased along with it. Thump, thump, thump. Oh gods, it's getting closer... The thought of the Manticore could almost feel my flesh startled me. In a split second, I followed my first instincts and jumped up, towards the branch of the tree that was above me. I made sure my grip was tight, because in case the Manticore came, I wouldn't fall off and accidentally expose myself by landing on top of it. I think if that were to happen, there's a high chance I would end up dead. I was close to being dead by his hands before.

Here's how I got here in the first place: Whenever I get a hold of new spells, I would take a walk and find inspirations (it helps me get an idea of what it could be used for). Believe it or not, I got distracted by a silvery pointy thing within the first minute or so of scouting. I know I was doing this with total ignorance but I still went after it. As I peeked around, a glint from the silverware-like object caught my attention. The silvery pointy thingy looked as if it was swinging; so in a way, it's sort of acting like a rope, however it's not as...flexible than a real one. It looks much scarier than a regular tail; I guess it's because it's armed, like it was ready for a fight at any moment .

A voice in my head told me to not go closer but my legs moved by itself, ignoring the voice in my head. As I approached closer to the object, the shape and structure of the creature appeared to be longer and bigger than I thought it would be; and before I knew it, a bull-headed furry lion-like creature was standing in front of me. (I think the name for this monster is a Manticore.) Oh great, just my luck. For some reason, my brain didn't register what was happening at that exact moment, and without any warning, the Manticore threw something at me. I lifted one of my hands and immediately knocked it away. When I took a look at my hand, it was burned. My eyes glanced to the sides and I spotted a wooden stick with an on-going fire. I realized that the thing I am facing wasn't a creation (well, it could be); it was a monster. Most monsters are pugnacious towards demigods- or things that are unknown to them; for the most part, their targets end up dead. As you can see, I am a smart and safe kid. You can always trust me. Not.

Anyways, the Manticore seemed to not notice me at first, so, as usual, without thinking much of what I was doing, I climbed down as quietly as possible. I don't know how and I don't know why but before I could figure out what was going on, the monster came charging at me. It left me with no time to react. To add to the confusion, I heard a tree branch snapping. Who can that be? I quickly looked toward the direction as to where the noise came from. Strands of blonde hair, just a tad bit taller than me, the smell of pillows... "Wyatt! What are you doing?!"

Judging from his smelly odor (it might be the Manticore) and how he is breathing, you might think this guy is having an asthma attack. "What does it look like I am doing to you?"

"Oh, right. How did you- ahh, whatever."

"Now that we've got that cleared up, help me defeat it. Don't just stand there like a lump!"

At the mention of that, I flinched and jerked back a little. "Right... Hey! I'm not a lump!"

"Then stop standing there!"

"I will!"

Ok...ok...so what can I used to defend myself? Quick! Approximately 2.5 seconds later my head clicked. The watch! It was as if my hands acted on its own; they immediately clicked the red button located on the watch; the watch popped out and slowly unfolds until it transformed into a crossbow.

Now, let me do my routine... Should I warn Wyatt? Hmm...he'd probably just shout at me. After adjusting my bow, I raised it up and aimed at the Manticore's head; I released the arrow and it landed on the target I had in mind. However, judging by the angry growl, I think that only made it angrier...

"Great job, Evelyn. You just provoked it!"

"Uh...hold on...wait!"

My eyes darts to the left and right, I was hoping to see if there is any weapon I could use. I scanned through the whole area and a glint caught my eye. I made a run for it and grabbed whatever item it is. A sword, it's a sword... Based on the celestial bronze material that the sword seem to be made of, it might be capable of doing something more than provoking the Manticore. Since I didn't exactly have all the time in the world, I had to think fast. What might increase the chances for causing damage to the enemy? Well, the only power I really have is magic. So why not use it? Then, I looked at the sword. I knew what I could do! I lifted my hands and placed it close to the sword. Then, I inserted some of my magic into the weapon. I wasn't 100% if it'll work because it's always unpredictable when it comes to magic. You never know what might happen next. Or what might go wrong.

"Wyatt. Try to not stand in the way when I am about to do this!"

"Do what?"

"You'll see."

Before letting him answer, I charged toward the Manticore and jumped onto its back. My hands firmly grabbed ahold of the monster's fur and I tried to not lose my grip without being swung around too much. The Manticore roared tried to make me fall on my face - exactly what I didn't want. "Stulti Carcer!" The bull headed monster struggled to change his position. Ok, this is going well so far...wouldn't want it to go on a crazy spree now. The spell I casted would make it so that the legs will feel like lead: in other words, it could not move. I guess being trapped in place might possibly freak an individual out. (I did, in fact the whole Hecate cabin did, when Melee accidently casted the spell on us...)

With the bronze sword in my hands, there's one left thing for me to do. I raised the sword that I have been holding onto with one of my hands and inserted it into the Manticore. It went through, right into the center of its back. From what I could figure out, the pain made it harder to move, but it got a better balance (it might be because it was no longer glued to the spot he was standing in, I might have accidentally lifted the spell because I was really focused on trying to enchant the monster with the weapon). Even though the Manticore didn't exactly noticed my existence right after it gained control of its balance, I could tell it was questioning the extra weight on top of it. With the tables flipped around, it was my turn to cry out. "Wyatt! Help!"

He sighed and shook his head. "I knew it. Gods help us."

"Why would we need help for this?"

"Should I remind you...even though the monster might had given us the impression of wanting to kill us, squash us, or whatever it does to make us suffer, you still never know if there's something else it had to do. It could be working with Gaea for all we know."

I sighed and said, "True..."

"Anyways, demigods and people could all die from a variety of situations. They could even die from a small bite from a dog!" Later on he added, "You know, you might not stop bleeding."

"Right, yes. Thanks for the thrilling reminder."

"No problem. Just making up for your loss time during class. The notebook is there for a reason, right?"

Is it that obvious?

Since my defensive weapon is gone, I can only try to cast spells again. Ok so let me see what I can- My thoughts were distracted by the position Wyatt got into. He raised his spear and hurled it violently toward what seemed to be where Mr. Bull-Head's face is located. The spear gashed the flesh near the creature's left armpit.

"Wyatt. Just to let you know, I am currently sitting on it. Don't accidentally throw harmful weapons at me. Just saying."

"Right! I know that. I just thought you'd be fast enough to dodge it," he told me as he laughed.

"Oh good, for a minute there, I thought you forgot I was here."