This chapter is dedicated to xxNicoIsMyHalfBrotherxx for reviewing multiple times. I appreciate feedback. And here we go! It's Tratie. Maybe I should just change this to "Tratie 100 Themes Challenge."

Danger Ahead

Travis sat alone by the beach. It wasn't his usual hang-out. That's why he chose it. He felt someone sit next to him. It was silent for a moment.

"Are you ready for this?" Katie asked. Travis sighed. Memories of Luke had been flashing through his mind endlessly for the past few days. The end was near. Everyone could feel it.

"Depends what you mean by ready." Travis mumbled. The memories were almost taunting him.

He'd lost so many things on his way to camp. Luke was just another thing lost. Memories lined up inside his brain, playing the most painful slideshow of his life.

Meeting Luke at the Big House when they arrive: Painful.

Luke introducing them to everyone in the cabin and helping them set up and steal some supplie: Distressing.

Luke beating their butts at sword practice: Excruciating.

Luke's face after being told his quest: Agonizing.

Luke coming back from his failed quest with his wound, now his scar: Crushing.

Hearing the news of Luke's treachery: Unbearable.

As the realization of it all tumbled down onto his shoulders, the pain of knowing he was about to go to war against his half-brother constricted itself around Travis's heart. It was becoming hard to breathe.

"You okay?" That was the softest Travis ever heard Katie speak (to him at least). Katie was a tad worried that he wasn't very responsive.

"No. We're fighting a war with my half-brother. It's not a comforting feeling." Travis said heavily. He was straining to breathe under all the disappointment, rage, confusion, and betrayal that had been coating layers over his heart for five years.

"I know it's hard. And I know it's tough for you, Connor, and all the Hermes kids. I can't say I know how it feels, and I won't claim I do in a lame attempt to make you feel better. This is reality and we have to face it, whether we want to, or not. There's danger ahead. I want you to be prepared for the worst." Katie's unnaturally soft voice continued. Travis wriggled uncomfortably at Katie's kindness. It was nice of course, but it gave him an odd sensation. He liked it.

Travis spotted a water nymph that had been watching the whole display. It smiled sadly before disappearing.

"What'd you come here for?" Travis asked. Katie stared at him for a moment.

"There's a war council. They sent Will Solace and me to find you and Connor. For once you're not together. It's weird." Katie noted.

"Sulking together equals twice the sadness. We try not to. Let's go. You found me. Time to prepare for the danger ahead." Travis said, standing up and brushing his pants off. He gave Katie his hand to pull herself up, and for once she accepted it. As they walked to the Big House, Travis glanced back at the water once more.

There's Danger Ahead.

To bad the Danger is in the form of my brother.

Another chapter done. We are officially ΒΌ done! It's a good milestone because I have a fair portion of work done, but I still have so much left for you guys. Hope you enjoyed it.

Have a good morning/afternoon/evening, whichever you're reading this at.

10/11/11

5:45

Mystery Morgan