Demigods: Fun-Sized Snack Packs

This was by far my worst idea of a fun time, and my most gullible moment. By a long, long margin my most idiotic, stupid decision. Well, lesson learned; if a voice says your full name from the other side of the door? It's either you are in big trouble with the authorities, or a monster. Want to take a guess which one it was for me?

I'll give you a moment to guess...just a little more of a moment...

If you didn't guess monsters, you're as gullible as I was...well, maybe less so. You still wouldn't have answered the door.

So, there I was, being handled in what I have to say was a very poor manner. I was barely conscious, going in and out from dark to somewhat dark. I could hear the bustling of cars down streets. So I must have been in the open, yet only for a time.

A smell that wrinkled my nose constantly assaulted me. Whatever carried me felt bumpy, I was sprawled over a large hump.

Another stench joined after I heard metal sliding...then I was out again.

When I woke up the stench was overpowering. I gagged, then heaved all over its back.

"Ugh! Ructus, disgusting half-blood" the one carrying me exclaimed, reaching back with a bumpy clawed hand to wipe it off. I grimaced, groaning while trying to hold off another. A burning pain raked up my side, with a warm trickle.

"Humans, so disgusting. Yet scrumptious...except for those from...what are they?" A second one asked.

"The bars?" The first one said. There was a grunt of displeasure.

"Yes, yes the bars. Aēdía, a pity. I remember the old days!"

"To the old days, a pity!"

I passed out, back to darkness again.

When I came to again, I was in a cave. It was dark, with a small white object glistening in a dim light. A cold breeze sweapt through. I heard a crackle of fire behind me.

I was strung up from the ceiling, hanging there. Groaning, I blinked, taking in my surroundings. My wrists felt cool against...metal? There was a warm trickle running down my left arm, and pain in my thigh.

My gaze ran down to the ground, observing all that was around...

And my eyes froze. I screamed.

"Quiet!" A jab to my thigh shut me up quick, but I still gaped at the sight.

The white object shining in the light; it was a human skull missing its lower jaw. Staring right back at me. Realisation dawned on me quickly. Whatever monster captured me was responsible for the disappearances. It killed them. And judging by what they said before?

They're going to eat me.

I thrashed in my suspension, chains rattling above. A shuffling was heard behind but I kept trying to get myself loose.

I only stopped when a truly ugly face came before me. And it gnawed in my mind that I knew it from somewhere.

These monsters appeared human in some ways. The one before me had a balding mop of red hair, and swirling grey eyes. That was all that was human about it.

A pair of fangs sprouted from its upper jaw, its body bloated and red with a hunched back. A growl emitted from deep in its throat, its eyes staring deep in my soul. The smell of blood was overpowering, I wanted to wretch again. But I was afraid to, afraid that if I threw up in its face it would make me regret it.

"Half-bloods" it muttered, staring me down as a warning before returning.

"No eating that one, Kerastis! That one is for the trade" the second one growled, as the first went back to the fire behind. A tearing sound made my stomach churn behind.

"I don't like these ones...they're from those drinking humans. They don't got any healthy ones in them-"

"But we must manage! If we are to stay alive and truly ally with the Titans, we can gorge on as much liver as we want!" the second one said with much excitement. I threw up again, less excited by the idea. They both groaned in disgust.

"Why...why can't I just take her liver?! Not like she needs it!" the first cried, huffing. There was an audible slap.

"You know why! You smelled her too! And with her, our plan can truly work! With he-"

A sniff was heard behind me. Then a quick shuffling as I watched shadows scurry off.

I used this opportunity to wriggle in my bonds again. The chain around my wrist held me tight. They ached, feeling as if they were stretching my hands to the ceiling. I had to get out, before these things got the chanc eat me.

"We should go. I don't like it down here" I froze. No...no no no. I tried to turn. This could not be happening. I knew I recognised that monster. I just wish I hadn't.

"Not yet. I...I saw them take her this way" said Èmile from behind me. I tried to move, only to find the chains restricted me from not moving much at all.

"Wait! I see her!" Rushing footsteps accompanied by panting was heard from behind. I tried to scream but my throat burned from too much bile.

They appeared in front of me. Both looking relieved, Tetsu more so. Èmile started hacking at the chains holding me up...but finally I screamed as I saw the monster coming forth.

It growled. Other shadows moved around, drawing my partners attention. Both demigods turned, ready for a fight. Even Tetsu put a brave face on.

"Three, for the price of one!" one said, holding up three clawed digits.

"No, full, two! Only two we may enjoy!" another said in annoyance.

All in all, I counted five. I thrashed in my chains, desperate for more than my own safety now.

"Vrykolakas" Èmile said under his breath, flashing his bronze dagger.

"The Aphrodite boy knows! Oh, he knows of us!" one applauded, and others soon followed. "So glad that he knows of us!"

"Yes, not many know of us liver-eating undead. They mistake us as werewolves, or vampires! Our name is forgotten on mortal tongues."

"I-I bet we won't remember you after we kill you!" shouted Tetsu. His bravery surprised me.

"Ah, little boy of luck, not so lucky. Yet so brave! But it begs the question," one began pacing back and forth while the others snarled. "Why protect her?"

The question made us all recoil. What kind of question was that even?

"She's a demigod. Like us. And you're going to let her go, so we can fight a fair fight" Èmile pointed his dagger, as if he were commanding them to do so...it only chuckled.

"Foolish, foolish boy! Charmspeak is not so effective on those who are dead" it snapped. Then it regained its composure, staring directly at me. "What god is she? What parent does she have?"

"Apollo" I announced. For once, I felt pride in saying so. It sneered, then gave a signal.

I felt a rattling before I was sent crashing to the ground. Tetsu hurried in getting the chains off my hands, then turned back.

The vrykolakas nodded to something behind me. I glanced a look, seeing a bow.

"We have been here long. Many have come...many have failed. Go on, child of Apollo. Take up that bow. If you can strike me with an arrow? You may leave" it promised. But it sounded more of a challenge...a trap. I knew it was. But it was stupid. I was a child of Apollo. I may not have been claimed, but it was apparent.

Why am I doubting this? Just pick up the bow, and shoot him in his smug ugly face. I knelt down to pick up the bow and arrow, frowning.

"Helene, you sure about this?" Èmile asked. I shook my head.

"It...it's a trick, isn't it?" I asked, feeling unsure with myself. He grimaced, then sighed.

"You got this...you're a child of Apollo. Best archers." So why was it still sneering like it had already won?

I took a deep breath, drawing the bow up. Constant doubt filled my head as I aimed. I exhaled. This was how they did it in the movies, and how I saw the other campers training.

I drew the arrow back, taking another deep breath. I lined up with the head vrykolakas' face. I could make the shot, I was of Apollo's kin. All of them could.

I held the bow steady, but it wavered and shook. The grin grew on its face. It annoyed me, I wanted to wipe that look off.

I let it loose.

And the arrow...it missed. Disbelief fell on our faces. It shot over, shattering when it hit a wall. It was an old arrow, worn down. Even if it hit, how would it have pierced the monsters hide? It shrugged.

"Some child of Apollo you are...keep her alive. Kill the others."

They howled in victory. Èmile was quick to hand me my sword which he had brought with him, and I took a stance between the two.

The vrykolakas charged, slashing out and clawing at us. Tetsu tried to parry and dodge, but parrying claws wasn't as useful as parrying a sword. I cut out at one which quickly leapt back, snarling in return. Èmile was having as much luck as we did.

They moved fast, striking quickly. Wearing us down, clawing at our legs to throw us off balance. I stumbled back, holding my thigh tight with one hand and swinging with the other. Before long we were separated.

Èmile held his own against two, stabbing at one while dodging the other.

Tetsu was not doing so well. His hits missed, yet the vrykolakas also missed him. It kept slipping on dripping sewer water, making it unbalanced. Yet still it proved a threat.

The one before me roared and charged. I held my sword up, blocking a blow that threw me back. I got myself to my feet in haste, having to quickly defend another blow. A claw clashed at my wrist, causing me to cry out.

This fight was already turning for the worst as the lead prowled further back, waiting for an opening. It eyed the toughest of us.

Èmile wouldn't stand a chance against three. I had to act. I had to help. I had to...an idea came to me.

It struck me quickly, just as another swipe made for my side. I dodged, then stabbed to throw the monster off balance.

"Eyes! Cover them!" I shouted over the fighting. I held a hand up, willing the power to me. It burned through me, surging through my chest. It did not hurt as it burned. I looked away, a burning sensation in my hand. Then several cries of pain, and a flash off the walls.

I dared to turn back to the fight. All the vrykolakas were holding their hands to their eyes, shrieking in pain. Tetsu had covered his eyes, kneeling in a corner. But Èmile...Èmile was among those crying in pain.

"No, no I...I'm sorry! I'm-"

"Get me up!" Èmile shouted, holding his dagger out while his other arm covered his eyes. I dashed over, taking the opportunity to slash through the two by him. They turned to dust quickly.

Taking his dagger arm I pulled him over towards Tetsu.

"How many are there?" Èmile asked, rubbing at his eyes with his arm.

"Three" Tetsu counted, readying himself again. He was already shaking. Èmile turned where he heard the shrieks coming from.

They died down as the last three recovered, regrouping in the center of the cave.

"A...dirty...trick! Dirty!" the lead one snarled, staring at me with hatred. "We shall trade you, in pieces! We will take your liver and feast like kings!"

My stomach tightened, threatening to release its contents again. My grip on my sword tightened.

"Your friends will be bled dry as we feast on them, hanging in chains. We will make you watch. No blinding powers! No-"

Tetsu did the unexpected. He cried out, and charged...only to trip. His sword went flying at the opposite side with tremendous force.

He cried, face first in dirty water...the vrykolakas laughed. And laughed. And laughed.

I was about to reprimand them when I saw the sword. A crack went up the wall. It kept going. I was in utter disbelief.

"Ha...that was a much needed laugh. But now...now it is meal time." I had to think fast.

"W-Wait!" They all paused.

"Uh...uh...this guy! He drinks!" I pointed to Èmile who blindly looked around.

All three vrykolakas looked to one another. One shook its head, muttering something about not smelling it.

"He drank a whole bottle in the hotel! A whole bottle! Wouldn't taste right, now would he?"

Behind them, the crack shot up. Tetsu had recovered, sitting up now but glaring at the monsters.

"And him! He took a sip!" He turned to look at me in confusion. "For such a small body, that would affect him quick!"

"She lies" one of them snarled, beginning to approach. I shook my head quickly.

"No I don't! He went to the hotel bar-"

"He's not old enough!" I rolled my eyes.

"Fake ID...duh!"

They paused...and began discussing it amongst themselves. The crack from the sword had nearly reached the ceiling now. Why was I basing all my hopes on that one crack? Because there was no other plan. I had to hold their attention a little longer. Really I was taking a big chance here, and I knew it.

They discussed for a few seconds before finally, sighing.

"We have not had demigod flesh in so long...so...a pity, but worth it."

"A pity" the other two agreed...then they readied to pounce. I held my sword out, being the only one armed and capable. And-

A resounding rumble coursed through the cave. It continued overhead...a train? The crack moved suddenly, circling above the monsters. They took notice too late as the ceiling fell. There was nothing but a scream and dust.

Those of us that could stared, while Èmile looked around in confusion.

"What was that? Guys, you okay? What did you do?" I gaped at what had happened in shock.

"I...I don't know."

We sat in the cave for what must have been an hour while Èmile's sight recovered. I still felt terrible for having temporarily blinding him, and when he could see again he said it was okay. Yet he averted looking in my direction.

"Okay Tetsu, again...tell me what happened. Without the excitement" Èmile asked. I had been smiling at the boys over-dramatic re-enactment, sitting on the very rock that crushed the vrykolakas.

"Okay...my sword, it hit the wall after I tripped. The wall cracked. A train or something passed overhead, made the cracks go longer then...then boom! The ceiling came down and crack! They were gone in a scream, like this!" And he proceeded to imitate the monsters. Èmile shook his head while I stifled a laugh.

"That...all right, all right." He stood up, wandering to a nearby pile of things.

While we waited, I had gotten looking. The monsters said they had been here a while. And apparently were avid collectors. I had felt drawn to a spear that could extend and repack itself into a small cylinder. It felt cool to the touch and was of the same bronze as all the other weapons.

Èmile picked up what was a handheld mirror, staring deeply into it. Whatever he saw captured his interest.

Tetsu, on the other hand was running around full of energy when he tripped. We both heard a crash, turning to the boy.

What he crashed on left a bunch of gold coins spill out onto the ground. Drachma. A whole pile of it, shining gold! How did so much of it end up down here, underneath a bustling city? Then again, how did such bulbous monsters hide here as well? Must have been the work of the Mist I had been told about before.

"...Lucky fall, kid" I said with a smile, helping him up. Èmile however appeared deep in thought. An idea had struck him, I could tell that expression. He approached.

"Tetsu. Your dice, you have it on you right?" he asked.

"Uh...yeah, I-"

"Roll me a two." I frowned, about to ask why. He shushed me. I frowned deeper. "A two, Tetsu."

Tetsu stared at the Aphrodite kid, then shrugged. He fished the dice from his pocket and rolled. A perfect two.

"Roll me a five."

"Èmile-" He shushed me again. "Èmile, is this the-"

I stared. A perfect five.

"Roll me a six. While you do, I'm thinking of a number between one and one hundred. Guess." Tetsu was just as confused as I was now...but he did so.

"Fifty seven" and he rolled a six. Èmile paused, the hamster wheel going in his mind...Then he clapped while yelling in French.

"Bien sûr! Il est évident!" He continued speaking French.

"Èmile! What is it?!" I finally shouted. It brought him out of his cheer. He turned to Tetsu, gripping his shoulders.

"Tetsu...you, of course, are a child of Tyche. Goddess of Luck." Now I understood why he cheered. It was so obvious a blind man could take notice. Except, Èmile had just been blind before so perhaps not...

With the small side job done, our pockets richer and new weapons at our sides, we returned to the museum.

By the time we had left the sewers, first daylight was rising over the horizon. How long had I been underground for? And how far did those monsters take me? It was an unfamiliar area and a few times we had to ask directions. By the time we had arrived, it was early morning with a low sun and a chill breeze.

Terpsichore was waiting out front in her tour guide get up, dancing and singing away. Èmile quickened his pace, till he was right in front of her. Uh oh.

"Terpsichore! We have completed your little task. Now give us what you owe" he got straight to the point. She almost looked hurt, no room for chit chat it seemed. Her rhythmic movements slowed immediately.

"Uh, wh- what he means is that we got the monsters. They're dead. Gone."

"Crushed!"

"Yes, thank you Tet." He beamed up at me.

Terp let a quiet sigh, clearly lacking in her previous energetic self. I shot Èmile a glare, he should know better than to upset a being such as Terpsichore. She was offering assistance. I was already planning ways to get rid of that little mustache. Maybe I could shave it off in the night...

"A promise...is a promise" Terp said. She reached a hand to the air, plucking an object out of nowhere. A tape player appeared out of thin air. One of those old Walkmans, red and yellow. Èmile, he almost looked offended by being offered such a little thing.

Terpsichore beckoned me forth, instead. I admit, I was taken by surprise. No one had given me such a gift...especially not someone so powerful. Not that I knew anyone that powerful.

"Helene Miller, a gift to you" she began. It felt off with how not so energetic the Muse was now.

"In a time of great haste and long travel, may this bring forth a mighty steed. Swift as light and bright as dawn."

"I...thank you" I said back.

I took the walk-man gently, as if it were the most fragile gift ever given. It had no headphones, its red and yellow coloring giving off a burning shine to it. It only had a single button, with a play/pause symbol on it. I was tempted to listen now, yet held off from doing it in the moment. If I used it now, we might have...well, I wasn't sure what it would call but I doubted that Terpsichore wanted it here. After leaving the city sounded like a much better idea.

"You have other gifts with you. Èmile, you found a mirror of Narcissus. Named so after him, by the way that one can be lost in its reflections. What the reflections show are told to be windows through other reflections. But those that used it were quickly lost...be careful. Many have gone mad and lost their way.

To you Tetsu, the revelation of your parentage. Even now I can sense the power of your mother, now with the knowledge of who she is. Luck is a powerful gift, but chance can also be a great danger. Use your gift wisely, and think before taking a leap of faith.

And...And you, Helene...I see you have Antiliakó. It was made around the time of the...Renaissance, I believe. It is also the bane of your father. It will be both a trusty tool, yet also a dangerous weapon to yourself. Use with caution."

I held the collapsed spear in both hands. It suddenly felt heavier in its compact cylinder, so I put it back to holding it at my side.

"Terpsichore, thank you. You have shown us much kindness, put so much aside for us" I thanked the Muse, nodding my head to the lady of song. I elbowed Èmile while Tetsu was eagerly bowing his head.

"Yeah...thanks."

I glared again at the Aphrodite son. Waxing sounded great right now. Terpsichore managed a smile.

"Thank you, all three of you, for clearing my problem for me" she said, starting to get back into the rhythm of background music playing from the museum.

"If we hadn't, we wouldn't have gotten these sick gifts...or the loads of drachma!"

Right, the drachma. Couldn't even take it all. I recalled the pile that Tetsu had luckily tripped on, a mass of golden coins. Yet we couldn't take it all. We didn't have our backpacks with us.

"Loads of drachma?" Terpsichore asked.

"In the vrykolakas' lair. The monsters that were causing trouble" I explained.

"They didn't cause you too much trouble now, did they?" I could hear the concern in her tone. Èmile I guess hadn't.

"Oh, yeah we're fine. Terpsichore, thank you for...these wonderful gifts, but we really must be going" he said, already starting up the stairs. I frowned after him.

Tetsu on the other hand was not done just yet. He beamed up at the Muse and bowed. I did the same. She deserved respect, having helped us and showing kindness. Made me wonder if all gods and such were as friendly and helpful. But one thing at a time. I had a new obstacle; dealing with Mr Moody of Aphrodite.