I apologize deeply for not posting sooner, I was a having a bit of a writers block for the longest time. And once I started I couldn't stop, which is why this is my longest yet with 12k words. I know I can make easily three or four chapters, but you guys deserve something more than prolonged updates, so here you go. I seriously hope you guys enjoy. Thanks for being patient.
Things are so much clearer. It wasn't as simple or complex as memory loss, depending on how you look at it. The amnesia's protecting me. The veil is making sure that my mind is not going to melt from an overload. It's like a faucet filling a bucket only giving the bucket what it can handle at one time. If it were a fire hose then it's just demolish it in an instant. Even something as simple as talking to Piper flooded my head with so much I nearly lost composure. I can't lose it now. I wanted to run and escape all the hurt I'm reliving. I wanted to hide in a little hole, tuck in my knees, and wait until this whole thing blows over. Yet, I can't. And I know there is more coming. Something much worse over the horizon. The closer my memories try to reach the now my mind becomes hazy or it just vanishes. I don't like it. Still... there is little comfort sitting in this vehicle things with four walls.
Ironically even the sky is mirroring my the state of my mind. Everything as far as my eye could see is blissfully unobstructed. The stars and moon are twinkling with a lullaby's shine. Except for the ominous looking clouds hanging above me hiding something sinister that should be completely visible. Yet, is obscuring the obvious. So mind numbingly obvious everyone not inside can tell what it is. But not me. No, I'm lost inside wondering uselessly within my own head.
The tingling sensation in my brain reminds of lightning that still has yet reached the ground. The flickering of lights dancing amongst themselves in the morally grey grounds of the heavens. Those flashes so distinguished it is drawing my full attention. The twinkle-twinkle of stars blurs away. The dark ashen clouds fighting the bluish light of electricity is my sole focus.
In this storm I am just a bystander. All the roles seem to be reversing as if shadows could be inverted to shine in dark times. The thunder comes as heaven's drum-roll, the invitation for myself to rile up in anticipation. While simultaneously echoing a warning that the truth can be deadly. Though thunder usually comes after, this definitely sounds like a whisper from the skies just before it bares it fangs. It feels all too real, but oh so similar.
My entire world is shaking as I wait for the inevitable. The visible lightning itself as it charges at me.
The zigzagging white serpent sent as a reminder that I'm still here stuck in the storm. In this storm there really isn't a safe place to be. Those fangs strong enough to run me through with horns harsh enough to pummel whatever is left. All while soulless skyey eyes stare me down as it descends. Yet, it feels incredibly slow. The drops of water hanging like lanterns. I can feel my hair stand up on end with a tingle of electricity arching between strands. It is all so sudden, but it feels like the world is slowing down just so that I can catch up.
BBOOOMM* The sound resonated into my very tissue. However, the first thing I noticed wasn't the rumbling, creaking, or thrashing of the vehicle, it was the brilliant white light flooding my irises. Light so bright I felt a little chuckle stir in my lungs. Soon followed by a a high pitch whine stuck in the deepest crevices of my ears. Only then did I even begin noticing the bits of glass flying every-which way. I should be dead!
I still didn't move. I brought both my hands to my face to rub my eyes as a smile creeped onto my face. A giggle overturned in my stomach making it's presence known within seconds.
It was as if the lightning recharged my soul while the rain cleansed, while the thunder resonated so deep in my bones. It felt wrong.
My giggling drifted into a full blown fit of laughter. I didn't even think of moving from my seat. I shouldn't even be laughing! My laughing sent ripples after ripples until those little things turned into waves. It kept growing inside of me. It radiated outwards through my too wide of eyes with a smile too stretched out. I can feel how creepy I must look right now. This moment my soul is filled with hilarity. It's oozing out of me and there is no way I can stop it.
My hands drop off of my face letting my eyes wander to the charred piece of machinery currently blown to bits. I can see little drops of my blood dripping on the exposed cushion. It doesn't pair well with the smell of burnt rubber and hair. I'm surprised I'm doing this fine! Just a burn here and there with a few cuts from glass. Overall I'm doing pretty well I'd say!
This maniac's laughter escaping my lips isn't pretty I bet. It took a few more minutes for it to finally die down to the point I could actually say something, "See! I told you they wanted me dead! HAHAHAAAHH" I bared my teeth at them. My grin so wide it is stretching out my cheeks to the point it hurts a tad. The fit of laughter still forcibly escaping even as I'm trying to hold it back. Honestly I can't hear anything other than the laughter. So I kick open the side door and rush out trying, but failing, to stifle my inner clown.
I know what I have to do. I grab Zoe and Annabeth by their waists and hoist them over my shoulder ignoring their attempts to break free. If I don't get out of here quick then they'll come. And I don't want them anywhere near Piper's house. She still has the chance to live completely free. So time to go. I hurdle over her fence and rush into the backyard past the pretty garden and into the forest further behind where there's a river flowing through. I know full well her pair of eyes are watching me, I just wonder what she's thinking. Here I show up out of the blue after so long then say I have to leave. I wish it didn't turn out like this, but I made a promise. Hopefully I can still keep it. Ugh gods why does it always end up like this?
Luckily as I ran, leaped, and hopped I didn't choke over the frantic giggles swirling in my mouth that shifted into whoops and hollers. Still though, I've been ignoring the two girls kicking and screaming. It only grew when the sound of rushing water drifted by our ears. The river flows fast here with a ton of debris piled on over the years. Once at the river embankment I drifted into a stop and huffed a breath. It feel like I haven't ran in months.
"Percy no! We're not doing this again!" Annabeth pleaded shaking out of my grasp and onto the soft sand landing gently on her butt. On the other hand I lifted Zoe off my shoulder and set her down a little more gently. I was gonna do the same to Wise-Girl, but she beat me to the punch.
"Not doing what exactly?" I rolled my eyes trying to catch my breath. I'm not a complete lunatic. I do have some sense of caring for those I care about. Or should care about. I don't know what to make of Zoe at the moment. So I will try another route this time around. It's the least I could do for them for not trying to kill me. Water travel can be a hassle for me too. I can't even begin to count how many times I nearly lost a part of me down stream because I was already that exhausted.
"Please, it makes me feel sick every time I go through it." Annabeth staired at me with her storm grey eyes. I wasn't going to do it anyway, but that look seriously felt like a punch in the gut. It reminds of- never mind.
"I concur." Zoe mumbled. I thought she'd have a better hang of it, but I guess a huntress's experience doesn't dwell into water traveling all that much.
"Don't worry, we won't. We're just going to go by water until we reach camp." There was a time I would much rather frolic in the waves like a giddy schoolgirl, but the situation always forced me to be quick on my feet. It caused me to rush a lot more, so I've been getting less time to enjoy the things I really want. Lately that number has gone from minimal to about zero.
"So you remember!?" Annabeth bounced off her behind and got really close to my face. That joy in her eyes is real, not something even a pro can fake. It's like a little twinkle.
"Not everything," I scrunched my eyes together on the outside, but on the inside I am focusing hard. Honestly the closer I try to remember things to now from I guess a year ago, the harder the details seem to stitch together. "It's like I remember most of everything from over a year ago, but everything directly around me is encased in fog. The further I walk away from recent memories the clearer the images become." That's the best way I can describe it. The closer the more dense.
"So what? Earlier you said you don't recall the last few years, now it's just the previous one?" Zoe crossed her arm over her chest. I ignored her for just a second and walked closer to the edge of the riverbank. I moved a few branches off the to side revealing a fairly well hidden green canoe big enough to fit us three. I untied one end previously knotted to the tree and pushed it so that it's easy for all of us to get in without a problem.
"Look, I get it. You don't trust me because what I'm saying isn't lining up." I paused after acknowledging her words while holding the rope in my left. Then turned around to face them.
"That's an understatement." Zoe corrected. No one made a move to get a move on.
"But can we please talk about this more as we're moving away from here?" I waved at the little canoe trying to usher them in. Zoe sighed and Annabeth brushed off the sand on her pants. The quickly situated themselves and I pushed off jumping in last second careful to keep us stable. "Thank you." I sighed closing my eyes. With just a little focus I began steering us away from debris and rocks. I also gave us a little push to make sure we're heading down river swiftly.
We slowly drifted along the water avoiding any debris, "Okay, fire away," I said getting ready for the storm of questions about to hit me.
"Explain yourself." Zoe ordered. I expected something else, but this is also fine.
"Well... I guess you could say I've been slowly regaining what I have lost by conversing with those that mean a lot to me. It hit me especially hard with that girl. I- uh -I almost lost it completely," I mumbled rubbing the back of my neck. The whole ordeal punched me straight through my gut.
"You looked fine from where we stood." Annabeth shrugged off.
"Maybe... but my insides felt like millions of fire ants squirming around while biting everything they can get their grubby little hands on." I mentioned squeezing my fists until my hands' bleached almost completely.
"Fine, then who wants you dead? What was that back there?" Right, I completely forgot my little giggle fest from earlier.
"*Scoff* Who doesn't want me dead?" I ran my hand through my hair remembering just how many people I've managed to piss off until now. I'm sure that number has only grown over the past year as well.
"We're serious." Annabeth rested her chin on her hand releasing a tired yawn.
"Fine, fine. Let's just say that I'm pretty bad at meeting new people." I surrendered.
"Your first experience at camp didn't go so bad." Annabeth yawned out. I recall that day. Props to sis.
"I got help from my sister. That wasn't really me."
"Then who is the real Percy?" Zoe, huntress extraordinaire, the one who never let's anything slide.
"Trust me, that is an answer you won't like at all." I want to get off of this canoe now.
"Percy, do you actually remember anything from the past year?" Annabeth coughed into her hand and refused to turn her head. I guess something big happened that I'm not really aware of. That or she doesn't trust my canoeing skills.
"Well," I took a second to think about and only one thing came to mind. "A lot of shadows... Also a bargain, that if it didn't go right my family will end up dead. The idea that I messed up is still looming over me." I told them honestly. I remember being giving an ultimatum, but I only remember half of it. Apparently the half that matters, which is good. "You guys should get some rest. I promise we'll talk more later. I'll wake you if anything comes up." Their backs didn't look too pleased with that.
However, Annabeth took the chance and laid back using Zoe's leg as some sort of pillow. It looked awkward, yet there is only so much room to work with. And we haven't managed to get far away enough for me to feel at ease. I do think the target on my back is pretty big. So no sleep for me.
Zoe didn't try to get comfortable at all. Not when Annabeth's breathing evened out, and certainly not when we managed to hit a calm belt in the river. "You know you can lay back, I don't bite." I shifted my tone trying to lighten the mood a bit.
"I don't get you."
"What do you mean?" I can count the number of people that do get me one on hand. I probably should not be proud of that.
"I've been keeping my eye on you. Sometimes it seems like nothing in the world matters, so you joke and have fun even if it may be inappropriate. Other times you're so damn serious, I question if it's really you Perseus. Your mood shifts as fast as the sea does. At least, it used to. Now I'm not sure what to make of you. More lunacy and barbarism. And that makes you a very dangerous person." Zoe, left it hanging making sure I knew what she meant. I did. I can tell she's glaring even if she's isn't looking at me. If she wanted to, she'd shoot an arrow between my eyes without flinching. That, I'm pretty damn sure of.
"*Sigh* If you must know-"
"I must." Zoe interjected.
"-then know that back in the day my head wasn't exactly in the right place. I made so many mistakes that none of you are aware of, it still haunts me. I started to over-analyze everything little detail because I thought I needed to. It took a toll, a heavy one."
"And now?"
"Now? Now... I'm not sure," I smile sadly, "I feel like I'm missing something big, you know, something important, I don't know how to act. I'm actually feeling pretty damn scared at the moment. But..." Now, how should I put this?
"Come on spit it out." Zoe's an impatient one isn't she?
"I feel like it can all come crashing down if I'm not careful." It's not insane to think about. I am trying to make the prophecy about me so it doesn't fall on anyone else. It's scary to think about. I could end up losing everything.- Oh gods I have to stop thinking like this. It was this line of thinking that got me in so much trouble in the first place. Ugh I feel like I've been stuck in my head for too long.
Zoe didn't say anything back for a few minutes. I thought it was just that, but she sighed, "Listen Perseus, you have people that care for you and that are willing to follow you. Don't take that connection lightly... Even Artemis is intrigued by you. She went to great lengths to make sure you survive. I have little doubt that there are other gods willing to do the same."
"That there is the problem. Not the gods part, that is something else entirely," I've been trying to accomplish that mission for years now, it at least brought refreshing smile to my face. "As for the other thing, I don't want people to follow me. Enough people ended up dead trying to." Their faces flashes across my mind. Another failure to keep my up at night.
"So their sacrifice meant nothing?" That means that they willingly did it for my sake.
"It wasn't sacrifice." I scoffed.
"How can you be so sure of that?" Honestly, the real question should be why do I still doubt their actions? They were very vocal.
"People don't accidently keep dying around me," I held up my hand and started counting, "Once is happenstance. Twice, a coincidence. Three, a pattern." I said solemnly biting the inside of my cheek.
"YOU KILLED THEM!?"
"It was either me or them," At least that's is what I keep telling myself. I can still remember their warm blood rolling down between my fingers. "Every single damn time I came close to other demigods it always came down to same damn thing over and over again."
"Perseus. What. Did. You. Do?" Of course, even with her it is all my fault. Of course you don't blame the dead.
"...You see me as a threat, don't you? Even though we're on the same side?" She said so herself, but the silent stretched a little too long, "They saw me as a threat too, went so far as to believe the world would be better off without me... Maybe they were right," I am the common denominator in all of this, "I mean, it didn't happen just once so there has to be at least some merit to it," Their words struck through my heart and I subconsciously grabbed my heart and scowled, "And people wonder why I have trust issues," Either that or I've gotten pretty damn good at acting, "Loyal till the very end as they say. Like a victim getting beat, but still coming back because surely they still care." The last few words choked me up. I tried not to sniffle, but how can I not? It sucks. I just wish I could've somehow changed their minds.
"Percy I- It isn't-... My apologies." Zoe finally settled on. I doubt she meant it. If she didn't want to know then she wouldn't have said anything. Like, what else are people going to say after hearing all that? It's not like they know anyway.
"It's fine. It's my burden to carry, no one else's," I wiped away excess snot from my nose choosing to focus on the river around me to not think about it, "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. My life's philosophy," Except, the worst has been happening a lot more than any of the good. Hoping hasn't gotten me much.
"It should not be fine." Zoe's voice was quiet, but her words were very clear. "You try anything and I'll show you how many ways there are to take away your manhood." Now that is a threat!
Zoe decided now was a good as time as any to lay down. She had the gall to stretch her arms out and even pat my shorts down after so clearly not trusting me. It definitely is shocking that'd she use my legs as pillows after, well you know. It's a little annoying too, but since I'm not one to be an a-hole I'll let it slide. I did offer after all. I don't know what she's thinking, or what she wants to get out of this, but I won't drop my guard anytime soon... If it's pity I'll kick her ass. I don't need any damn pity.
After a couple minutes of light shuffling Zoe's posture finally dropped. Meaning that this badass huntress is asleep on my lap. I should not have offered. Now it just looks like a train of uncomfortable napping pillows with one retard at the end still up. Great. Just... great. At least she doesn't snore. Which has brought to my attention the other little sleeper, "I know you're not sleeping wise girl." She didn't budge. It would have been convincing, but I'm not a fool, "You snore when you sleep and so far not a single peep from you." Obviously she heard everything then. Awesome. Let's add more to the pile then, shall we?
Little miss pretender over here still isn't responding. Looks like I'm going to have to take drastic measures. I could just dump water on her head, but I don't want the jolt to wake Zoe. Heaven knows I don't want to say any more to her. I could play a little something? Nah, it's be a waste. Soo-
I heard Annabeth sigh before she slowly got up and stretched her back extending her arms over her head. Plus she rolled her neck earning a few good pops, "I do not snore." That is the easiest argument to fight. It is also just plain stupid.
"Seriously? You're asleep, so how would you know?" If she says something like 'I can tell' or 'Trust me' I will dump water on her head and give her a brain freeze. I don't care who else is in the splash zone.
Annabeth didn't say anything actually. She sat there and stared into the forest's highway carved out from water. Overall, it is dramatic as per usual with anything associated with deities, "... I've been thinking."
"That's not good," I mumbled out of sheer subconscious sarcasm. I didn't even mean to say it, I swear, "Did I say that out loud?"
"Percy I'm trying to be serious here."
"Okay-okay. Sorry." I rose my hands in surrender. Geez, I just want to take a nap.
"Are we really friends?" Her voice sounded so soft.
I don't know what to tell her. It's not like I have the best history with them in the first place. And the immortal ones don't count. Nor the guards in Atlantis. That's a completely different kind of relationship. So what should I say? I could lie. Or make her think about it, "That depends."
"On what?" Damn it! I wanted her to think about it. Not me giving the answer.
"Your definition of friends. Why? What's up?" I do care, I will listen, and I'll try to do whatever I can to help. But not as a friend. I can't afford to do that anymore. That lie has been going on for far too long.
"It's just that recently I've begun to question our entire relationship. I know practically nothing about you. I learned more listening on your conversation with Zoe than anything ever before. I thought I knew, but every single time I think back on it nothing adds up." Annabeth rose her legs and began hugging them while resting her head on her knees. She's really taking this hard. Her voice is so packed with emotions I can't really make out what she wants.
"What do you mean?" I shut my eyes hoping she doesn't say what I think she might.
"It is like you're a master at deflecting while keeping the conversation moving so that no one notices. You say just the correct amount that it brings people closer, but say nothing at the same time. And the more my thoughts dwell on it the more I question why camp wants to associate itself with you. You show up, talk big, vanish, rinse and repeat. It's like you want to be alone." Annabeth hit it right on the nose. That kind of attitude only comes with experience. And with that experience comes a white hot rod of self doubt that constantly sears itself into my skin.
The one thing I've kept using to make sure no one gets too close just came crashing all around me. I sighed and staired upon the heavens above hoping to get lost in the view, yet here I still am, "...Yea, I thought you'd figure it out eventually." She's probably the smartest person I know. Of course she'd be the one to figure it out.
"Percy, this isn't anything new. I've had my suspicions for awhile now... I just never got the chance to ask about it." Then I doubt she's the only one. And here I thought I was doing a pretty good job at keeping it hidden.
"I have issues... A lot of issues. That much is obvious. And it is up to me to deal with it. I won't drag anybody else down because it might make things easier." I told her with full honesty in mind. It's like I'm constantly drowning, tied to an anchor with no hope of escaping. Yet, when others show up they take their place beside me, tied up, alone, and scared as the life slowly escapes with each gasp for breath. However, I always survive because I can't drown. The weight just gets heavier and heavier.
"Isn't that what friends are for?" Annabeth shook me out of my thoughts... Friends, honestly I've never been good at keeping them. Even meeting Piper feels like a mistake.
Psyche warned me that one day will come where I can no longer hide behind a façade, "Not for me," Are they really friends if I can't trust them? What was going on inside of me at that time was difficult, from the way I behaved it must have been painful. Yet there are times we must protect the self, protect our own hearts and souls if the damage from a friend is too much... Usually I'm the one doing the damage. I wanted to walk with them through any and every storm, but it was akin to being the storm instead. And though I tried, they broke me, literally, in pieces. I have the scars to prove it. So I'm going to make damn sure that it's not my fault again. I would always stay with a friend in any storm, yet walking into the same storm that once left me for dead, not a chance in hell. Once this is over, I want to be left alone. Truly.
"Then what are they for? Please for the love of gods can't you just give me one straight answer without any of the subtle BS for once?" I huffed a puff of air then smirked. Artemis asked me the same question... Where the hell did that come from? When did I talk with Artemis?
"Fine, you know what, fine. You want it you got it, so buckle up wise girl, it is truth spitting time," I didn't mean for it to sound harsh. Maybe if she knows then I can go on living without killing anyone else, "I believe friends are a luxury I can't afford because they keep ending up six feet under. It's either I who cuts their life so short or it's because they're my friends that they end up in Hades realm. Remember Jessica? Yea, that happened because of me. And those so called friends of mine at camp? That's a one sided notion. I can't trust myself around people because I feel like I'm a walking catastrophe waiting to happen. I've kept lying to myself thinking that maybe if I said it enough it would come true, but guess what? The boy you've been chasing has lost it too many times, I've caused people their lives because I couldn't take it anymore and lost all control. So let's get something straight, I don't believe I have any friends because they all end up dead Because. Of. Me. You may, and perhaps some others see me as a friend, but I don't. I can't. And that's not going to change anytime soon." I leaned forward on the canoe careful not to move Zoe. This would be so much easier if we were on land. At least then one of us could stomp off. At least then I could be alone...
"So what? We're not friends? Just like that? Because I'm alive and kicking?" Annabeth finally turned around glaring at me. I guess she got the answer she was looking for.
"...I guess not."
"You're a dumbass. If your brother couldn't dissuade me with a trident then neither can you by trying to scare me away. Your tricks won't work on me." Does she really think I'm deflecting? I couldn't be more honest with her.
"Oh, you think so? You think I'm trying to trick you? And aren't you the one questioning what kind of relationship we have? I'm positive in what I feel," She didn't say nor do anything, "You want to know my story?" She nodded, "Then let me tell you the tale of my first couple of friends after my departure from home. Maybe then you'll see what a bad idea it is to associate oneself with me. I swear that this isn't a lie lest Apollo himself come and blind me." Annabeth nodded again. Zoe pinched me. Guess she's awake. They only want the truth so I'll swear on it. I don't mind if he, he being Apollo, hears this. I don't care who hears this... I just don't give a damn anymore. I'm so tired of pretending. Maybe Psyche was right.
I ran and ran and ran. I didn't stop for cars, I didn't stop for people, I didn't stop for anything until I knew I could take a break. I swore I didn't do it. But no one believed me so I ran. I ran away from monsters, I ran away from people, I just kept on running until I hit something familiar. I hate cities, I absolutely despise them. So the second I saw green, I turned and tried to vanish back towards to what I know. Through the huge forest of murky bark that glistened with a thriving canopy I sprinted. I can't stop. The sensation of rushing past ash, linden, and magnolia, while sparkling light dancing between the branches allowing for disorderly herbs to take advantage of the sloping and slanting ground below put my heart at ease. I don't know how long I've been running and I don't care. I'm safe.
Bundled branches held onto many a tree, and a range of flowers, which clung to any space they could find, enriched the otherwise dark green lower level. A medley of animal sounds, which were caused by birds and insects, filled the air, and were strangely synchronized with the occasional sounds of breaking twigs beneath the feet of larger animals.
I took a deep breath and climbed the nearest tree of magnolia. The rhythmic beats of the forest is far more soothing compared to the chaos of the city. Figures that my second trip into town lead to such a disaster. It's not like I purposely lead those monsters to that monument. Or used said monument to cripple their numbers enough to finish of the rest of them. But did anyone else see it that way? No! They pointed their dirty fingers at me screaming while the ones with authority tried to grab me. Well screw them! They know nothing!
...Gods, did I mess up or what? I laughed a little to myself before taking another deep breath and lounged back on the branch my tooshie is occupying.
Oh would you look at that, the sky has gone to sleep. I think the sky is prettiest when it sleeps. When the stars sprinkle to life juts as dreams do when the darkness takes over. The clouds acting as blurs in the dreamscape while shooting stars come as important revelations. Even the moon has her purpose, even if I don't know what's going on I can always count on the moon because she's always there. Even in the dark she may be hiding, but she's never truly gone.
Though I can't forget who the night really belongs to. Lady Night. Darkness incarnate. Nyx. I wonder what she's like. Now that would be cool. Like imagine hanging out with a cosmic entity that is quite literally night. That would be sweet! If only. Eh, never mind. I doubt that'll ever happen. Just a dream.
Perhaps I should figure out what I can do better next time instead of dilly dawdling. Just because this time was a bust doesn't mean I can't try again. Maybe I should ask Khione for help. Because I, honest to gods, have zero clue what I'm doing. Zero. Zip. Nada. If the sirens and shouting was anything to go by. Welp, that's a problem for tomorrow me.
Sleep sounds good. It actually sounds splendid. Yea... sleeping sounds like a great plan. *Yawn.* I think that's my best idea... yet. Oooh I'm getting drowsy. The good kind.. that settles in my marrow... and lets me relax. It's been awhile... since I fell asleep... fast. Lucky... me...
(I don't remember what I dreamt about, so moving on.)
"Ow!" I shouted feeling something hard nail my cheek. My eyes snapped open darting around to see who did it. I knew it was too good to be true to fall asleep so fast and stay asleep. The sun isn't even over the horizon! I swear when I find who did this I'm going to-
"Quit it! He'll heaw you." A juvenile voice whispered yelled somewhere beneath me. Some one who can't pronounce their r's. I then heard some leaves rustling and finally spotted them about twenty feet away. And hiding very poorly. Their feet are literally sticking out behind them with dark shoes. I can even see their pairs of jackets; one red and the other light blue. They look completely unnatural here. Probably some lousy kids.
I smirked and slipped away from my spot not making a single peep. Swiftly dashing behind them, I made no move letting them know. I crawled down the tree and sat right in the middle of the two a couple of feet behind them. "Dammit! Where'd he go?" Clearly the older one popped his head up and looked around. Yep, I wasn't up there anymore.
"I told you he wasn't dead." The other one mumbled crossing his arms under his chin and started kicking his feet. This kid's wearing a nice light blue jacket a couple sizes too big, tan cargo shorts, long socks, and black sneekies? I think that's what they're called. The smaller one wore the red jacket, black pants with dark grey sneekies.
"Shut up Gregory. Maybe he fell." The bigger kid shushed the little Greg. Boy, these kids are geniuses. I scoffed. There is no way some little projectile would make me fall.
"Maybe you scared him." I suggested leaning in a little closer. I thought they'd notice me right away, but they are completely oblivious.
"Shows the brat right. Who does he think he is? Peter pan?" The older one smirked. Seriously? I'm right here and they aren't doing anything about it? The other kid, Gregory, just nodded.
"Yea, this is our tewwitowy." Gregory sat back on his knees puffing out his chest. I can not take this kid seriously with his mispronunciation of r. It's adorable! And annoying!
"The guy was just napping." I whispered crawling up between the two watching the direction they stared at for no reason at all, but to mess with them. Who else would pass up the chance to mess with a couple of kids thinking they are all that? Clearly I would not.
"Yeeaaaa in my territory." The light blue jacket wearing one scoffed wrapping his jacket tighter around his body. I noticed something stiff bulging on his backside. It doesn't seem important, so I just ignored it for the time being.
"Ouw." Dear little Greg corrected.
"Right, sorry Greg. Our territory." The big one rolled his eyes smiling a little. I have no doubt that if things got hairy, he'd die for his little brother.
"You aren't scared?" I asked plopping my face on my hand while my elbow rested in the dirt. I wonder how long this will last?
"Why would we- Wait Fischew, why is youw voice deep?" Fischer! So that's his name! That's makes the whole narrating thing in my head so much easier! I can actually call him by his name now.
"What?" Fischer scrunched his eyes and poked his head out a little further. I doubt he'll see anything he wants to. I know children can be stupid, but this is getting beyond ridiculous.
"*Gasp* Did you hurt pubity?" Gregory clasped his tiny wittle hands over his mouth eyes widening in shock. I nearly choked on the air of laughter that tried to escape me. Oh man I can't let this ruse fail now. I'm getting pure comedic gold from these two.
"It's puberty! And you can't hurt it!" His voice cracked, obviously not a sign that puberty is closing in on Fischer, "An- and I was just going to ask you why do you smell?" Poor older Fishcher scrunched his nose up. He's still facing the damned tree I was trying to nap in. And even moving his head around to see from slightly different angles. Should I tell them?
"That's rude. I don't-" I snuck a quick sniff in of my arms pits and recoiled from the reeking stench, "Huh I do smell." I mumbled curling my lips down. I should really wash myself. It's disgusting.
"You know I'm clean! You wewe thewe!" Gregory also sniffed his jacket, but defended himself pointing his finger at the one in question. His finger literally rubbed the tip of my nose and crossed my entire face. Yet, he still hasn't done anything.
"That explains the mango freshness in the air." I knew I recognized that smell. I just couldn't quite place it. It's that fancy shampoo I smelled at the mall like a week ago, I snapped my fingers finally remembering.
"AHHH! Who the hell are you!?" Fischer shouted shoving his hand into his coat trying to grab something. Amateurly he unsheathed the thing he kept hidden. This is the first time I've ever seen one up close. A small, wide, slightly curved blade that glistened off of the first light is held by a grip wrapped in a dark brown, aged, expertly crafted leather. The sharp, dual-edged blade makes this the ideal weapon if you're looking to slice, dice, stab and jab your enemies. This isn't a toy meant for children. It's deadly.
The blade has a wide, curved cross-guard, which makes sure the blade is both balanced and capable of protecting the owner's hands against any sliding sword. The cross-guard has an elaborate coil on each side. Either way, this sword means some serious business. It had a massive pommel in the shape of a fan with grooves along it, this weapon was clearly meant for an important figure.
The blade itself is engraved. A name, either the owner's or the weapon's has been artistically etched into the blade, which just shows how special this weapon truly is. Though I can't make out what it is from this angle. This weapon was used only by those with vast amounts of wealth. Any occasion which requires royalty also requires this weapon by their side. So a symbol and a warriors best friend. A truly wonderfully made celestial bronze sword.
"Now we're getting somewhere!" I enticed smiling and jumping back. I'm not pulling out my cards yet, so I'm holding off getting my swords out to play.
"Fischew! Use Tackle!" Gregory ordered pointing at me.
"This isn't your stupid Pokémon game Greg!" Fischer groaned.
"Yea." I agreed. Even though I have no idea what he's talking about.
"Shut up! No one makes fun of Greg, except me!" Well, that's big brother attitude if I've ever seen one.
"You tell him Fischew!" Greg cheered.
"So tell me kid, where'd you find that?" I said slowly walking in a big circle around them while nodding towards the sword. Those are pretty damn rare to just come by. I don't even have one. I've only got the one arrow and my manifesting weapons.
"I'm not a kid!" Fischer defended keeping his eyes on me.
"Sure you're not." Yea he is.
"It was ouw gwandfathew's." Greg is just so damn adorable! t's a shame that I'm going to have to knock them out.
"Damn it Greg!" Fischer groaned still staring at me slowly moving.
I sighed before losing sight of them behind a tree. I took the chance to climb high and over before dropping behind them. The two didn't even get the chance to flinch as I pinched a nerve in their necks that quickly caused them to faint. As much as I would like for this to be a happy go lucky experience, I doubt they'd willingly go along with me after all that. Plus I would like some answers. As such I scooped up the, I'm assuming, brothers and fit them over my shoulder. Then proceeded to climb a high Ash tree. It was easy to tie them up as a precaution and to make sure they do not fall. Now all I have to do is wait.
I guess this finally gives me the chance to think about what's happened so far. To think I'd run into the goddess of the Hunt and actually get away with an arrow only a few hours after leaving home. Either I'm lucky or cursed. That was, what? A month? Give or take a couple of weeks? That sounds about right. Damn, has it really been that short? So much has happened. I almost died, ran from the hunters, met Piper, met Khione, almost died again, went to town, messed that entirely up, and now I've run into two brats. I'm a brat too, but that hardly matters now.
Damn it, I really need to think about this. Two boys, clearly runaways, but not for too long going by what they said. At most I'm guessing a couple days judging by how clean their clothes are. And their attitude. They are still probably running on adrenaline. Why though? That's something-
"Percy, I'm beginning to get worried. This can't be how it started." Annabeth sat facing me completely now. Though I know she's trying hard to read me, I took a deep breath and stared beyond her. It's been a long time since I recalled this. Even remembering the first few minutes is enough to send my bottom lip into a twitchy mess. This is all my fault. I blinked away the droplets at the edge of my eyes. This is not the time to cry.
It felt like I had a couple of younger brothers for a change. Not girls. In a way, I had plenty more freedom with them. Just guys being guys. Our imagination running so wild and free. It was every kids dream come true... It really was like Peter Pan and the Lost Boys in Wonderland... I never got that until... Right. The original one. A sneaky, sinister, manipulator. That's what they saw. That's what everyone sees.
"Situations don't have to start bad to end badly." Yea, get my hopes up then crush them because that is so much better. I'm fully aware that Zoe is staring. The more people know, the better. Hopefully it will warn people before they fall into the pit trap that is my life.
"They were just kids!" Annabeth pleaded, but I can't change the past.
"Yea, Gregory just turned seven and his older brother, Fischer, was only nine and a half." I remember Fischer constantly reminding me every time I got it wrong. Which was often because the way he cheered his age could light up any room. The memory is etched into my brain. It was meant to be an adventure. A grand one. Now it's just a nightmare.
"...What happened? How could it have led to their deaths?" Annabeth's voice cut through me like a saw. My face drooped... The last time I saw Greg's and Fischer's blue eyes flashed into mind. No life in them. Just blood, blood, and more blood.
"I guess the real me didn't quite live up to the picture." I scratched at my now itchy eyes forcing myself to take my breathing slower. I guess I wasn't the brother I thought I was either.
"Then how can you blame yourself?" Zoe whispered getting up herself... My legs feel cold. My hands are shaking. My lips are quivering... Why is it always me?
"Because... At first, it all started out great, minus the hiccup of me tying them up. And the couple of days of me trying to reassure them I won't harm or return them. Not sure how they began to trust me, but they did enough to share a meal at first. I even got them to talk. And once they started they didn't stop. Gregory and Fischer shared so much about their home life. Like how they were thrown out of their house instead of choosing to run away..." I took in a shaky breathe and closed my eyes trying to compose myself. I would've done anything for them. Even march into their old house just to scare their folks. And I messed it all up, "Also how they went back and stole their grandfather's sword out of revenge. They even told me where the bastards lived," That made it so much worse. It made it much much worse. Now I can't stop my tears from trailing down my face. "In exchange I told them all how I'm just going on an adventure after leaving my family. I told them about my sisters, my moms, and the new addition to the family. All without letting them know about our world. I even began training them a little at a time..." Greg couldn't even lift up the sword, but once he did it could sail smoothly through the air. Fischer was so damn stubborn. He didn't know when to take a damn break. His hands bled with how much he tried... My heart yearns for another chance to make things up. I brought a hand to my face to wipe away my tears. Yet, they kept falling. Faster and faster. More and more, "I showed them all kinds of tricks *Hiccup!* because they were small. Small demigods don't usually last long. *Hiccup!* So I wanted to help. *Hic!*" I can't even see straight anymore. My body's shaking. My chest feels so tight. This is all my fault. I hate crying because it's just proves how much of a bastard I am. I hate it...
"How long?" Annabeth asked. It felt like a blade slid into my chest, reopening old scars. It shouldn't have been long enough to hurt this much. But. But it is only hurting all the more.
"Wo-would you believe-ve me if it I said two-wo months?" I wiped away my snot and tears, finally able to see a tad clearer. And their eyes said it all. Saying it is enough for my heart to go into overdrive. It's sending a wave of hysteria in every which way. And I can't hold it back. "It took two months. *Hic!* For them to rip my heart out! I thought we were brothers!" I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to be angry... Why does this always happen to me?
"Did you ever figure out why?" Zoe crossed her arms looking as stoic as ever.
My jaw opened wide letting out some of my pent up emotions, so I laughed, while my tears stung my face and dripped from my chin, "Did I ever- Hahahhhhaa- Of course I did! Hehhahhahooho! They wanted a grand hero, but I was never one." Laughing and crying at the same time is always ugly, but I can't help myself. I know the why, I just wish that I could change so it doesn't hurt every time I think about it. "I'm getting too ahead of myself here." I grab my head with my hands, pulling at my hair so that I can force it back. I need to calm down.
"Percy?" That was Annabeth. She sounds worried, though she shouldn't be. I want to be alone.
"You see, every couple of weeks I'd send them into town with money I procured so they got food, clothes, or whatever they felt like they needed. I never fussed, they never complained, but the last time they came back they started acting differently," My fit is now toning it down a notch, "It took only one gods damn day for them to see me differently. Only a week. A week to want me dead." I dropped my hands and dug my nails deep into my hand. Pain doesn't feel all that bad anymore. It's better than the alternative, "I ignored whispers, glares, avoidance, because I thought they finally wanted to win. So I let it happen..."
"Okay, that's enough for today." I sighed turning my back to them. I'm calling it early for 've been pushing themselves so hard this week. They wouldn't give up until they are completely exhausted, and that's not healthy. I like the motivation, whatever it may be, but they should really take the chance to sit and relax once in a while. I started walking back to camp concerned that they are pushing themselves too hard. I'm not blind, I know they want to win, and I know they are planning something. Good, forethought is always a good skill to learn. But, forcing too much at one time isn't. Something definitely happened when they came back. I'm curious, but I'm not one to push so insensitively. I'll give them time.
"Hey! We're not done!" Fischer sounded pissed off. I heard him pick up something off the ground, trying to catch me off guard I see, and threw it without any hesitation. I tilted my head avoiding the rock with ease. Jeez, what's his deal? It's not my fault they want to keep going no matter the circumstances.
"Come on Fisch, you guys deserve a break." I whined popping my neck then stretching my back. I know that we are all about the same age, but I'm starting to feel like the adult here. Ugh. If this is what parents have to manage then I'm definitely apologizing when I get back home. I think these kids are trying to kill me.
"Like you know anything about giving bweaks." Greg mumbled crossing his arms and scrunching his eyebrows. I know he's trying to look mad, but he looks like an upset guppy. I can not take him seriously.
"Of course I do, how else could get this strong?" I tooted my own horn. Not exactly right, but flaunting my skill is a bad habit picked up from Khione and various monsters I shan't name.
"Is that why you did it? To flaunt your strength?" Fischer threw another stone, but I didn't dodge. It hit me square in the nape of my neck. His words threw me in for a loop, disorienting me, normally I'd orient towards the familiar, but there is nothing cozy about this. What the hell is he talking about? I turned around and rose my eyebrow in question.
"Did what?" I questioned rubbing my chin a little. I have the right to ask. I don't think I did anything wrong.
"Don't-"
"Greg! I will do the talking, just be ready. Okay?" Fischer's voice was surprisingly calm as he gazed at little Gregory. I don't understand why, I guess it doesn't matter. His brother clasped his mouth shut and nodded. Maybe acting weird was an understatement, they're plotting, scheming. Oh my spine tingles a little just thinking about it, "Don't act like you don't know!" Fisch immediately swiveled his head towards me and pointed the tip of his sword at me. His eyes started to glisten as the day just began transforming into the night.
"I'm not acting." I responded calmly raising my hands into the air hoping he'd at least take it easy. I won't do anything to these two. I swore them that much.
"Liar!" Fischer charged, sword's end aimed to kill, and I didn't budge. Greg joined charging in from my left. My legs are absolutely still, my arms still risen, and breathing is normal. I promised I wouldn't fight back. Just teach and dodge. "You're lying!"
"I swear I'm not." I breathed out lightly enough for them to hear and to convey that I most definitely do not know what they are talking about. I shifted my toes just an inch to dodge their strikes. They have improved greatly, but come on, it's still child's play for me. They're only a few feet away anyway so it won't be hard to-
"You're just like the monsters in my nightmares!" My body froze, completely shut down. My brain, muscles, bones, all of it, completely catatonic. The blood pumping through my veins froze over. My bones felt calcified. The strands of muscles that fraught my very being tensed up leaving no room for so much as a twitch. Not even my eyes focused. I'm stuck. Terrified. Worse than a sucker punch. It reminds me of Ismene.
Is that what he thinks of me? A monster? Why? What did I do? I'm trying to get rid of these monsters. Especially after- after, especially after... Ismene... I'm not like them, I'm not. I'm a demigod. I save people... Not her though. Oh gods am I really a monster?
Bursts of tearing pain pulsed through my right abdomen and left thigh. My body felt heavy and I could feel dizziness starting to kick in. I am sure it'd all be over soon enough. Pain would never last that long, right? The realization I may be wrong caused a moment of panic. Deep breath, calm down. For a moment I focused on the pain, honing in on every sensation. Where it came from, how badly it hurt and how badly I wanted it to stop. I need to get out of my own head and just feel for a second.
It had seemed like the pain had been there forever and in a way I am getting used to it, but at the same time the fact it might stick a little while longer is sort of relieving. I don't have to think if I'm in pain. But there was no way I could give in to the pain, there was no way I ever give up. I tilted my head and turned just enough to look Fischer in the eye asking, "What did I do?"
"Don't act so innocent! You know exactly what you did two months ago!" Two months ago? That doesn't sound right. All I did was run and run and run. I didn't have time to do anything else. I made one stop, that was it. I swear that was it.
"You mean meeting you two? I'm sorry for the joke on both of you, but stabbing me? Is that really why?" Nothing is adding up. I don't understand. Have they really been holding a grudge against me this entire time? I thought it'd be funny!
"Tch. Of course not. We're getting revenge for those that can't." Fischer headbutted me, then withdrew his sword from my abdomen by kicking me away. Gregory left his dagger embedded in my thigh. The shove was unexpected causing the blade to slide alongside my thigh letting a few droplets of blood to escape. My stomach is no better condition.
"What are you talking about?" I roll over onto my stomach forcing back the cough choking up my throat. I look up towards the mismatched colors of blue, wishing I was in the big blue right about now. What is happening? This has to be a nightmare, it just has to be. Because- because- where did I go wrong? I want to wake up. I want to go home. I want my moms. This can't be happening...
"We saw you on TV," I don't even know what that is! Maybe- maybe they are just playing so they can get the upper hand. Yea, that has to be it. I mean who'd actually stab a friend out of the blue like that? That's crazy, "About two months ago you came, killed, destroyed, and ruined an entire town." It's crazy right?
..."What?" I mumbled, huffing a tad to keep my breathing as steady as possible. No, there is no way I'd ever do that, or did. I got out of there before anything serious happened, I swear. Fischer knelt down right behind my head and tsked with his fingers, wiggling them back and forth. Then he slapped my cheek with the flat of his blade, moistening my flesh with my own blood. Why am I not doing anything right now? Why can't I just fight back like I would normally? The back of my eyes started to tickle.
"They did a special report about you," Fischer continued while Greg circled around until he was right next to my ribs. I tried to raise my hand, but Greg stomped down on it smashing my fingers against the dirt and rock, rubbing it in. I should have felt it, but it didn't register. My mind still focusing on the fact that I killed people? There is just no way. I swore I'd help mortals. Why else would I have trained so much?
I woke up early thinking today would be a fun day. Now this? So suddenly? Please no, for the love of gods, please no! Why is this happening!? Please be a prank, I'm sure I'll laugh about it one day, just please let it be a joke. "H-" My voice won't work! Why won't it work!? I have to tell them it's a lie. I have to say something, anything because this can't be true. I don't want it to be true.
"Had your picture and everything," Fischer's speaking in parts that are making my heart strings stiffen. My chest hurts. The edges of my eyes are tearing up for sure, making it blurry. Greg stomped my hand again. It didn't hurt, not as badly as I thought it would.
"A lunatic running around town with a pack of wild beasts mauling anything that moved," This a lie, a big ole lie meant to thrown me in for a loop. Deception to get the upper hand. You deceived me because I always had the upper hand when we trained, yet instead of using your skill with a blade, you attack me with your words instead. I forgive you, I do. Just please stop this now and we can have dinner. We'll laugh about it tomorrow and I swear that I'll do anything to keep this from happening again. I will protect you guys with all my might. Can we just stop this?
No, of course not. I can see it in their eyes. The eyes never lie. Never did, never will.
"Even vanished, but left his pets," I got it, I'm insane. Silly me. I am crazy after all, this is all just a a delusional concoction my brain made up because I'm actually held prisoner somewhere else. The real situation is more wretched than this one. I mean what else can be worse than finding two people, go so far as to consider them brothers, then kill within two months of meeting each other? There has to be something, though I can't think of one. This is almost as enjoyable as being chased by an axe wielding murderer with chains wrapped around my feet dragging lead weights.
Maybe I'm so crazy that everything up until is just a delusion. Maybe the Greek gods aren't real and I'm not a demigod with powers or hyperawareness. I don't know, perhaps I never met my new sister and my 'moms' are just the caretakers forced to indulge my visions. I mean come on, who'd be dumb enough to get stabbed and do nothing about it? Of course I'm crazy, this is me being crazy.
"It took them three weeks to get rid of those damn things," ...I'm not crazy, insane, or mentally ill. No, not even the mentally insane become self aware. I am aware. This can't be fake, as much as I want it to be.
My eyes started leaking like a crack in a damn. I am painfully sentient that Greg just stomped my forearm snapping the two bones. The pain immediately flared striking my nerves like lightning as it reached my brain then down my spine, arching, as I gasped for breath and grabbed a handful of dirt with the hand that works. It couple well with the kick to the head from Fischer. Colors fading together so much, I am seeing black and white.
I can't fight them. I would never fight them seriously... I just can't. They're not the enemy. Not my enemy. They are just kids... Brothers?
"You know they are still looking for you," This is real. Not a dream, nor vision, nor Hades punishment. This is very real. How much longer am I going to be in denial? How long am I going to deny they are trying to kill me? Stop, please stop, I'm begging you guys to stop. Please... Please just stop, I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to hear this anymore. Just please...
Brothers can get you like nothing else. Fischer - fiercely loyal and overprotective, like I ever needed that. Though Greg did, what with his quick wit and adorable speech impediment. They don't need me. I'm being hunted down. I messed up. I failed. This is on me. This is all my fault... Maybe killing me will save them. Maybe dying is the only answer. I'm sure that's why they took so long to get to here. There is no other way.
I can accept it if it's from them. I should be able to.
"We couldn't believe it at first, but the hours of footage were undoubtably you," I shock of hope shattered in one sentence. Fischer trampled my face a couple of times breaking my nose. The leakage trickled across my upper lip, down my left cheek, and skimmed by my ear.
I don't want to die... I don't want to.
"We thought it was fake, until we saw the memorial," Again hope, until Fischer stabbed my heart with words alone. While Greg stood by and kicked at the dagger in my thigh slicing my thigh straight across. I shrieked my first scream. A lot of blood is definitely pouring from that. Fischer dropped to one knee gripping the handle of his sword ready to thrust it undoubtably into my heart. All I am seeing is black, white, and red.
I don't know what came over me, one second on I am on the ground, the next I am limping on one leg backwards holding my stomach tightly with one hand and the other shaking uncontrollably at my side. I guess my body doesn't want to die either. Greg and Fischer holding their respected weapons in front of me. Their faces determined to not let me slip away. I tried to open my mouth, all that came out was blood soaked saliva. My tears gathering on my chin until the drops got big enough to fall. My body hurts. It all hurts... Please just stop. Guys I'm begging you. Please?
"Seventeen dead, fourteen in the hospital," Fischer raged taking a few steps closer as I took a couple back. Seventeen? I- I did that? Seventeen? Gods, heavens, anyone, please tell me that's not true! I promised to help people! This isn't right right! I couldn't- There is no way- How could-
"How many more died because of you!?" I don't know how they came up on me, but one knee to the chest with a punch across the face, and I'm already on all fours spitting and coughing. My left hand shaking so badly one kick sent me on my face. A burst of pain crushes my intestines as another round comes around. My left forearm is broken, some ribs broken, nose broken, gash on my stomach and leg... Maybe I do deserve it.
But I don't want to die! Not yet! Not until- until- I want to stay here! Please! Whoever's listening, please! Mom! Mother! Khione! I'm sorry!.. I'm so very sorry. Please...
"A manhunt out for your head, with a big reward," Fischer's still talking, but I don't want to listen. Seventeen... I killed seventeen people, put fourteen more in the hospital, I didn't even do my job and kill the monster... Gods I'm sorry. I'm sorry, okay!? I'm sorry. Please forgive me I didn't more for this-
"What was your plan next?" I choked on my own spit. Next? I don't want there to be a next! Please stop. I'm begging you. You know I'd never do this. Fischer? Greg? Please.
I crumpled onto my forearms screaming with my mouth closed. The pain stitching itself into my mind. My left leg unwilling to move. My throat is dry and nothing wants to move like I'm asking it to.
"To feed them us?" What? I would never!- I'd die for you! I'd sacrifice myself for you! It's my flaw! I'd never do anything to hurt you.
They knelt themselves down to my level, anger leeching from their words like a poison.
"Use us?" No! This is all wrong! You're getting this all wrong... I'm supposed to save you...
"Kill us yourself?" A little part of me broke. I'm shaking. This can't be happening.
"What were you going to do to my brother and I!?" M-Mom! I want my mom! I want to go home! I want to go home. Someone please take me home.
I sobbed and sobbed, whaling away as I tried to crawl away. Everything is shaking, I can feel my bones rattling, my muscles twitching. My body won't stop. I don't think it can.
"My dreams were right from the start. I should have listened and killed you," I tripped over nothing, turning my body over so I can see them approaching me. Their vile smiles brighter than the view around them. I can't see their eyes. I don't feel so good.
I'm going to die. And they are going to kill me. Weak, I feel so weak. I can feel blood running along my body, but my head is too heavy to take a look, my arm is too heavy to lift, everything is too heavy. I feel so weak. The floor is getting colder and stickier. My blood is drying. I must be imagining things, because it feels like everything is going to burst. Even the ground around me is starting to feel like the sea. It doesn't matter, it won't be much longer. I'm so tired. I can no longer feel my legs, this isn't good. I need to get up, get out of here and live, but my body refuses to move. I guess I have no choice but to lay here, helpless. Somebody will help me soon though, I'm sure of it. Somebody will find me soon and save me from this mess.
This isn't going to end well, is it? No. No, it's not. So.. I'm going to die.. This is my end, my final stop. I never thought it would be like this, but so be it. I can't fight any longer, I'm too tired. Too weak.
I can't focus, everything is spinning. It doesn't matter which way I look, with one or two eyes, everything keeps spinning. I feel dizzy. Even with my eyes closed I feel dizzy. It's is like my entire world is shivering, quaking just as much as I am. I can feel it building up. It is building.
"Who knows how many more would have died if it weren't for us," His voice didn't sound right. I take a peek seeing my world collapse around me. Is this what death is like? Feeling a pressure increase until it all falls apart? Until it explodes?
"We'll be real heroes for taking you out," But I don't want to die. I want to live. Mom, Khione, somebody, anybody please save me. Dad, please help me.
"You're worse than any monster out there," Fischer whispered right into my ear.
I sobbed.
"Please stop," I pleaded finally having a voice. Too late. Gregory and Fischer realized too late. As did I.
My father is the Earth-Shaker.