Chapter 11
It didn't take Hercules long to catch up with the others. They were standing just out of Amazon
territory, explaining everything to Jack and Spot. It took them longer to get it than the rest of
the newsies, because everyone seemed to take it upon themselves
to tell their own version of the story. Soon, however, everything was sorted out, and
Jack and Spot forgave Hercules and Iolaus. "So…what now, Herc?"
"Um, I
guess we ought to head back to the Academy, Iolaus. Everyone's bound to be worried." Suddenly, there was a laugh. Not an Ares laugh, an
annoying, high-pitched laugh. Iolaus rolled his eyes and Hercules sighed in exasperation. The newsies gazed at them
apprehensively. The two cadets didn't seem happy at all—was there another god about to show
up? Sure enough, some sort of being
appeared the next second. But he didn't look like a god at all, at least not compared
to Ares. Sure, he was wearing leather
and had black hair, but that was where the similarities ended.
This god
had thin black hair, pasty skin, light blue eyes, and was as lean as Spot. It looked like Les could snap him in half.
"What
do you want, Strife?" Hercules snapped. It was out of his character to be short with anyone, but it had been a
long day. Besides, he wasn't
too worried about hurting Strife's feelings. The lesser-god sauntered over to Hercules.
"Do I
need a reason to spend time with my favorite half-god? You've been gone for weeks,
I've missed making your life miserable." Hercules ignored him and resumed walking,
"I
don't have time for this, Strife. C'mon
guys, we've got about a half an hour's walk to the Academy." Frantically, Strife jumped in front of
Hercules,
"No,
wait! I was, uh," his voice changed
to casual, "hoping you could introduce me to your lady friend." He gestured towards Scamp, who turned a
bright red.
"What? Ew!! If you even
think—" she lunged at Strife, only to be held
back by strong arms as a blur jumped in front of her. The strong arms belonged to Hercules, and the
blur was Iolaus. "Hercules, let
go," she said through gritted teeth.
"I'm
sorry," he whispered, "but I can't let you go up against Strife. Pathetic he may be, but he's
still a god. You'd get hurt, and I won't
let that happen." Still, Scamp
struggled in Hercules' grip. She saw the
logic in his actions, but she was too angry to pay it any heed. 'Twas to no avail,
though, Hercules was too strong. But then, he was Hercules. Meanwhile, Iolaus was inches from Strife's face.
"You
keep your hands off her! That's…ew…just disgusting!" When Strife smirked, about to make a rude comment, Iolaus punched him
square in the nose. The lesser-god stumbled back with a whiny cry, gripping his
nose. When the other newsies saw how it didn't take much to beat Strife, they began to crowd around
him. No one was going to let Strife near
Scamp. Strife's icy blue eyes darted
around nervously at the group who was beginning to surround him. Squeezing his eyes shut, he disappeared. Hercules released Scamp, who glared at him,
"You
should have let me go! I could have
gotten a punch or two in!" Iolaus put his hands on
Scamp's shoulder and turned her around,
"It
was my big-brotherly duty to punch Strife. Hey, don't pout like that. Tomorrow we'll do something to provoke
Strife, and I'll let you punch him all you want."
"Promise?" Scamp asked sweetly.
"Promise,"
Iolaus replied.
***
Spot had seen the god appear and start to make a movie on Scamp. At first he
had wanted to charge Strife like Scamp had but when he saw that Iolaus stand up
for her then act all big brotherish Spot was stunned.
Scamp was his best friend, not some Greek guy's. And the worst thing was that Scamp was happy he had done it
too. Spot stalked up to Scamp and grabbed her
arm.
"We'se need ta
talk," he muttered as he drug Scamp away from the
crowd.
"Spot, what in da world are you'se
doin'?" Scamp asked as she tried to break from
Spot's grip on her.
"Like i'se said...we'se
need ta talk," His voice was cold and hard. As soon
as they were out of hearing rang he let go of Scamp's
arm. "What was wid dat?"
"i donno,
some god guy came and i got mad...is that what this
is about?" Scamp inquired her eye brows arched.
"No it's about that Iolaus guy!" Spot shouted.
"What about him?" Scamp asked her anger flaring, why was Spot getting
so mad.
"I mean you and him! I mean..." Spot was at a lost for words.
"You mean what?" Scamp asked crossing her arms in front of her.
"You mean your mad at me because i have another friend? Is that it?"
Spot opend his mouth and then closed it. Was that
why he was mad at her? Because she had a new friend?
No it was something more, something he couldn't place.
Scamp's face reddened with furry.
"You know what? You've changed Luke! Your not the Spot Conlon that ran away with me! I can't
believe you're mad at me because i have a new
friend!"
"I've changed?" Spot repeated stunned. "What do you'se mean i'se changed?"
"Your...your and egotistical moron! that's what you are...so just...just...just don't talk to
me! and leave me alone!" Scamp shouted
tears welling up in her eyes.
Spot saw how much he had hurt her and how stupid he was being.
"Christy," Spot said softly.
"Leave me alone!" Scamp repeated as she ran off back towards the
group.
Great job Conlon, if she didn't hate you before she really hates you now. Spot thought as he slowly made his way back to the group. When he got there, he could tell that everyone wanted to say something about him and Scamp, but realized that it was better not to. Sensing the tension, Hercules decided it was time to get a move on.
"Alright everyone,
what do you say we head to the Academy now?" This idea was met
with much enthusiasm, as everyone was tired and wanted to rest, and the Academy
seemed like the perfect place to rest. Rubbing his hands together, Hercules took the lead and headed through
the woods. When the woods thinned then dissipated,
they were met by a rise of a hill. Hercules pointed into the distance, "okay, we're almost there. Over that hill is the Academy."