The New Heroes of Olympus Chapter 12: I Hate Giant Squids…

Marius' POV

I was starting to get worried, Bella still hasn't returned and it has been five minutes. She said she wasn't going to fight the thing. I started to pace back and forth. I don't know what to do in this type of situation Just then, I saw my sword. Taking it in my hand, I ran to the water, hoping to find Bella. I swam down as fast as I could and I see Bella, thank the gods that she is okay. But, she is in the squid's grasp and using all of her strength to get out.

ARE YOU AN IDIOT!? WHAT HAPPENED YO YOU BEING RIGHT BEHIND ME?

I started talking to her.

HOW IS THIS MY FAULT?! THE SQUID GRABBED MY LEG AND PULLED ME BACK.

She said back. Bella was still struggling and I had to think of something. Just then, a light bulb turned on. I got it! Quickly and swiftly, I swam behind the squid. Knowing that there was a weak spot that would stun the squid for a short amount time, I tried to locate the weak spot. Ten meters away from the tip of the head and make a cut that was at least a foot deep. That's the way it worked. I only had one shot at this, its do or die. Concentrating on my target, I lunged at the giant creature with my sword and it let out a blood curdling shriek. Don't worry Bella; I am going to get you out! Suddenly, the squid stopped moving and Bella retreated from its grasp and we both swam to surface. Exhausted, we both laid there on the sand, staring at the sky.

"That didn't go as plan." Bella whispered. I looked over to her and saw that her eyes were closed. She seemed to be panting; she struggled a lot to get out of the strong grip of the squid. "We just need the saltwater and we are good to go."

Bella got up and filled up an empty water bottle with sea water and started to head to the camp. No thank you? I thought that's what people do when another person does something for them. I don't really socialize much but I know that. Something is wrong with her and I know it. I followed her to the shelter hoping to cure the new demigod.

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Venus took charge from here. Aaron instructed her on what to do and carefully Venus followed. She mixed the coconut water and seawater together and boiled it for 30 seconds EXACTLY and stirred it once more. Next, she drenched one piece of seaweed with the mixture and placed it on the demigod's head. She repeated the last step until his head and stomach were covered in seaweed.

"Now, give it about two hours and the wraps should work." Aaron added. "Make sure to flip the seaweed and apply a new coat of the mixture every hour."

"Thanks Aaron that helped us a lot. Good luck with the potion." Mike thanked and ended the Iris Message.

"So…what do we do know?" Andy asked. She was sitting on one of the rocks in the cave and looking down upon all of us. "We have two hours to kill before I start questioning this dude."

Suddenly, someone's stomach started to grumble. We all looked around to see Cyrus who was leaning against the cave wall, blushing a bit as he crossed his arms.

"Well, looks like Mr. Hot Stuff is human enough to be hungry." Adonis snickered. Usually annoyed by the guy but this time, he said something that didn't want me to strangle his neck. Bella and Rosalyn started to giggle but Andy started cracking up. The rest of us joined along with them. So this is what it feels like to be friends with more than one person. It…it feels nice.

"Okay, enough making fun of Cyrus. We should hunt for food. Andy, how about you go on this one. You have an excuse to kill." Mike teased.

"Watch your mouth or it will be you covered in blood." Andy warned. "Adonis and Cyrus; follow me boys. Momma is going to teach the youngsters on how it's done."

"Make sure you bring enough for this one as well." Rosalyn reminded as she pointed towards the sleeping demigod.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry about it, I got this." Andy said and fled into the jungle along with Adonis and Cyrus.

"Good luck to those two." I said referring to Cyrus and Adonis. "I hope they are able to handle Andy's intense hunting skills."

"Ya, I wouldn't be surprised if they are the ones that will be tied up and brought back." Rosalyn added.

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After an hour or so, the three came back from the little hunting trip. They brought some fruit and managed to catch some fish. As for Andy, she managed to fish out a normal sized squid. I never want to see another squid in my life…there is no way that I am eating that.

"Couldn't you find normal meat?" Rosalyn asked as she examined the slimy creature.

"Yeah…I pass on eating that." Mike said and Bella nodded in agreement. So did everyone else.

"Fine; suit yourself! This baby is all mine and none of you can have it!" Andy exclaimed.

"Not planning on it anyway." Adonis mumbled.

After setting up the fire, Bella said she was going to wash the fruit. I had some instinct of following her but I don't know if I should. Ah, what the heck. After she left, I got up as well.

"Where are you going?" Adonis questioned. No need to lie I guess.

"I am going to help Bella wash the fruit; you, Cyrus and Andy sure did bring a lot." I told him and started walking again.

"Hm, are you sure you want to help or do something else?" Adonis asked. I swear, this guy is getting on my nerves.

"Adonis; don't tease him. He is just helping." Mike said but got a low mumble in return.

Instead of trying to explain, I headed off into Bella's main direction. Cyrus did mention that there was a freshwater lake nearby so that is probably where she went. After a good ten minutes I found the lake and a quiet Bella kneeling on the ground, slowly washing a pineapple.

"Do they wash pineapples where you come from?" I asked her. She must have not heard my footsteps because she dropped the pineapple in the lake and cursed something in Latin very quietly.

"Sorry, I was just lost in thought." Bella said as she retrieved the tropical fruit from the lake.

"What were you thinking about?" She has been zoned out all day. There is something wrong with her.

"Isn't someone asking a lot of questions today?" she pointed out. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

Bella started to wash the fruits again but this time she grabbed a banana instead of something you are supposed to wash. I let out a sigh and grabbed her arm.

"Huh? Marius, what are you doing?" She asked me.

"I should be asking you the same thing! Bella, what is wrong? You have been spacing out all day." I told her. I don't know if she has not noticed that but I definitely did.

She didn't say anything for a minute. "Nothing is wrong." Bella finally spoke.

"We both know that if a girl says she is fine, she is not. Bella, I have known you for a month and a half now. You can tell me anything." I reminded her. Finally, Bella gave in.

"I feel like I am not being a good leader of this quest. I am not like Cyrus who has been leader of many quests or like Adonis. I am not able to be like my brother at all. They were all born leaders and here I am just waiting for a miracle. We only have two more weeks till this epidemic is at full charge and until they rest of us on this quest die. I don't want to be the one responsible for it and I knew from the start that I am not able to change my decision but I regret it so much." Bella quietly explained. She had fear and worry written all over her face and you could hear it from her voice as well.

"But why did you volunteer to be leader if you knew you'd just regret it?" I asked her. Not the most sensitive thing to say but what else could I possibly have said?

"I…I don't even know! I thought I would be capable of it. Make Percy proud and show that I am a true daughter of Poseidon but all I am is letting them down!" She exclaimed as she forcefully placed an apple in the water.

"No need to get violent with the fruit. But you are letting anyone down. You are doing fine as a first time leader. And you know what they say; those who learn from their mistakes are born to success." I encouraged.

So she has been feeling discouraged this entire time. I guess first time leaders always get like that.

"Thanks Marius; thanks for the advice." Bella thanked. "And for saving me from the giant squid."

I guess she did remember to say thank you after all. Suddenly, I felt a small pair of lips on my cheek. Bella just gave me a peck on my cheeks. I felt my face turn a bit red…thank the gods that it was dark out.

"That was for saving me, hope you don't mind." Bella softly spoke as she placed her dark brown hair behind her ears. I bet she was blushing as well.

"N-No! It was no problem. I mean anyone would have done that. You know what, let's get the fruit back to the cave." I quickly said as I flustered to get the fruit in the bag.

"Y-You're right, everyone must be wondering where we are." Bella added.

After a few minutes we both headed back to the cave and met up with everyone else.

"Bella! Marius! The demigod, he is awake!" Mike exclaimed and ran back inside the cave.

Well…I feel like a bad person. I am sorry, but I did send out a hiatus message so…ya. So, that little moment between Bella and Marius, TOTALLY by vote. Only one person actually took my question into consideration (and I so thank you for that) but I needed more votes so I actually asked my friends and some family members of mine that actually like PJO and they voted Marius and Bella as a possible couple. I am NOT going to spoil anything else though, (I seriously think I did though…DEAR HADES WHY DID I DO THAT?! I AM SORRY). I hope you guys liked my chapter and I just wanted to know something…is there any readers out there? It has been awfully quiet…PLEASE DON'T BE MAD AT ME! I just want to know if you all like the story enough for me to continue it. I would like some feedback. It would be much appreciated. That's about it so…SEE YOU SOON!