Well, here it is folks: the final chapter. Twenty three pages long, and official word count is 12, 302; biggest chapter to date! I wanted to make sure it was worth the wait and I hope you all enjoy it! It was a lot of fun writing! Ideas just kept coming and I wrote for hours at a time during a number of points. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the previous chapter!
I have no beta so all mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Disclaimer: I own no part of COTT, except for those characters created by myself. I write purely for pleasure, not profit.
Chapter Twelve
"NO!"
Feet scrambling over loose rocks and soft dirt, I scramble through the fissure in a desperate and futile attempt to get to Angela in time. I know I'm too far away, I'm too far away!
A flutter of feathers and a burst of air shoot past my left side and I'm nearly knocked off my feet. I'd know those wings anywhere. "Gal!" I scream, echoing Angela's desperate shriek of fear. That sound will haunt my nightmares for years to come…
Like an Angel of Death, robe clad Galenthias shoots like a black feathered arrow for my sister. Cronus, though, seems to have other plans. Gathering his scythes in his hands, he slices down hard and swift just as Gal's outreached claws reach the back of my sisters green cardigan. Tearing cruelly into Gals back and left shoulder, the scythes spray blood into the air and mark the platform Cronus is grinning from deep red. Still trying to climb down into the cavern, the fissure having been a good thirty feet higher than the cavernous space, I watch in horror as Gal tucks Angela close to her, flips around so her back is to the pool and spreads her wings wide, hitting the green acid with a force great enough to break bone. Green globs of viscous liquid flies, filling the room with an ominous hiss as it begins to land and my knees nearly give out on me as Gals wings act just like a flat rock across water. Skipping across the pool like a black feathered boat, Gal slams into the opposite bank with a pained cry and comes to a rolling stop atop the hard packed dirt, Angie still cradled in her arms. The horrid smell of burning hair and flesh mixes with the coppery scent of blood and I resist the intense desire to vomit.
"ANGIE! GAL!" Not caring I'm still a good ten feet up, or that I still have no brace on my foot, I jump. Landing hard, I wince as an angry pang leaps from my bad heel but I ignore it. Bracing myself with my free hand, estoc in the other, I push myself up into a dead run. I don't think id made it five steps before a gold scythe entered my peripherals, the wicked blade aimed at my face. Harsh cries from my friends echo through the cavern and I drop like a marionette with no strings. The rush of air past my nose isn't nearly as reassuring as Gal's wings had been. Gal, Angie…
"Out of the way, clown!" I yell, doing a fast back flip as Cronus' blades follow me to the ground. The harsh clang of metal on rocks leaves my ears ringing. "I have no time for you!"
"Ah, but I have lots of time to deal with you." Cronus snarls, launching a back-handed swing my way. I counter with the estoc, using what little knowledge of swordsmanship I have. I wish I was better with these stupid things. He swings once again, and the sword vibrates in my hands as the weapons connect, nearly turning my arms numb. "You ever wonder why I didn't just end your pathetic life back in that German alley?"
I can hear my friends behind me, nearly to ground level, but I can also hear a miserable groan coming from behind Cronus as well as a harsh panting. "I could really care less right now!" The estoc might be light and skinny, but it is still unruly in my hands as I begin my own series of slashes and strikes. All of my attacks fail horribly and I find myself back on the defensive after only a few swings. Bringing both his scythes down in the same technique he used on Gal moments before, I raise the blade horizontally above my head to deflect the blow. The curved blades of the scythes curl around my sword, effectively trapping it in their grasp.
"The reason," Cronus leans in, way invading my personally bubble, "is that if I couldn't get your little sister to destroy you, I could watch the look on your face as I cut her to little pieces before your eyes." I grunt as he throws more of his weight behind his weapons, forcing me a step backwards. "Don't worry. It'll be nice and slow so you don't miss anything."
"If you so much as look her again…" I growl dangerously.
"You'll what, boy?"
I never get to answer him as Jay gives a feral yell, suddenly right next to us. He brings his xiphos down in a deadly arc towards Cronus, who steps back and pulls his weapons with him. Still caught in the blade, my estoc rips from my hands and pirouettes through the air before landing in the green pool with a soft splush. I can't help but cringe; Ares is going to kill me for that!
"Go!" Jay yells, eyes never leaving Cronus. "I'll take it from here."
I'm already running past them as I nod my thanks. Thinking fast, I yell over my shoulder, "Neil, with me!" as the sound of clashing blades permeates the air.
"What?" The blonde shrieks, a touch of fear in his voice. Regardless I can hear him follow as I refuse to answer.
In what has to be the fastest sprint I've ever done, I reach Angela and Gal. Avoiding any remaining acid pooled around them, I drop to my knees and grab Angela into a fierce hug. I can feel her trembling in my grasp and can feel her warm tears start to leech through my hoodie as Neil hovers next to me, helping untie the ropes around her small wrists. Cupping Angela's face, I tilt her head to face me. Her bright green eyes are wide and afraid, red rimmed from the steady stream of tears running over her cheeks. I brush away a few wild strands of her orchid hair from her face, looking for injuries, but she seems to be in one piece. That's when I notice the blood on her clothes, both old and fresh. I feel myself grow pale before I remember the woods back in Germany. The new blood is still enough to make my gut clench. "Are you ok?"
She nods vigorously, but I know emotionally she's nowhere near fine. I can feel her trembling beneath my hands but she puts up a strong front. She gestures towards Galenthias with her chin, rubbing her now freed wrists. "Help her."
That's my girl. Nodding I turn my attention to my friend. "Christ, Gal…" She's a mess. There's blood everywhere, pieces of half melted feathers lying in the pool of red that's slowly growing beneath her, and her robe is in tatters. Patches of fur where the acid has hit are missing, the skin red and raw and her wings…they're by far the worse off. They saved her life but god only knows if she'll ever fly again. A low moan nearly makes me jump and I lightly touch her arm. "Hey, Gal can you hear me?" She's lying on her back, her eyes closed but her ears are lying back on her head, a sure sign she's hurting.
Flecks of gold begin to make an appearance as she opens her eyes oh so slowly. Blinking, eyes at half mast, it's like she's looking through me. "Arch…" Her voice is soft and full of pain. She tries to lift her arm off the floor but I quickly stop her.
"Don't move, Gal. I don't know if anything's broken, so you'll have to help me out alright?" Ares had taught me a great deal of field medicine when I had first begun my training at the school. In the heat of a fight, prepare to get hurt. If you can't look after yourself on the battlefield, you might as well just stab yourself! I'm fairly certain I had heard him say that at least twice every day. It had been key, though, that I learn and I often found myself dressing my own injuries after particularly rough sessions, and I'm now eternally grateful as I start gently inspecting Gal for internal injuries. After only a couple minutes, I realize just how lucky she had gotten off. Besides the obvious, she has a dislocated right shoulder from the strike with the bank, a sprained wrist from her desperate grab and a concussion. Nothing in her wings or her back are broken miraculously, only shredded and burned from the caustic fluid.
"I don't suppose you have any healing spells up your sleeves, do you?" I ask, catching her eye.
"Its white magic that has healing properties. I use archaic black magic. There's nothing 'white' about it." Now fully conscious, I'm grateful to hear her voice is stronger than before. Always a good sign.
Quickly resetting the shoulder with the help of Neil and Angela, my sister then slipped out of her green cardigan, tying the sleeves together to form a makeshift sling. I watch as she works, pride swelling my chest. Even through all she's been through, she wanted nothing more than to help. She was everything I always knew she would be: resourceful, smart, generous, beautiful like our mother had been, and oh so brave. Even as a toddler she had loved things most people would never touch such as spiders. Coming out of my thoughts at another pain-filled moan, I come to the part I was dreading.
"Gal, I need to get to your back so I can try and stop the bleeding. I'm not going to lie; it'll probably hurt like hell." The thought of her needing to move her wings made me ill.
"Just do it." She ground out, a look of steel in her eyes. Moving to her left side, I gently grip her good shoulder and, with a nod to Neil and Angela, slowly sit her up. Gal gives a sharp, quick cry of pain and clamps her left paw down hard on my leg. Biting back my own cry as her claws start digging into my skin, I get her upright and steady.
"Oh I think I'm going to be sick!"
At Neil's words I get my first look at the damage and almost lose my lunch. Covered in blood, her back is a scene of utter destruction. Gal's skin and fur are just…gone. Large chunks of flesh hang loose from her body, eaten away by the vicious green acid, and in some places I can even see the pale white of bone. Pieces of skin, muscle and black feathers were stuck to the floor where she had been, plastered to the floor by the blood slowly seeping from the two puncture wounds in her torso. One wound was frighteningly close to her spine.
Sliding off my hoodie, I can't stop my anger from getting the better of me. Angie's frightened face, Gal's horrific injuries…"Asshole is so dead when I get my hands on him…Neil."
Jumping at his name, Neil flinches when I toss my hoodie at him. Catching it, he holds it at arms length with his thumb an index finger. "Ugh dude, why?"
"It's not going to bite you!" I snap. "Ball it up and hold it against the punctures. Be sure to keep pressure on it. Angela, come over to my side please."
"Sorry, who?" She pauses only a half second, and then I can see the light bulb click. "Right! Sorry…"
"No…" I mutter as she slides next to me. "I'm the one who's sorry. Coral is your name and my mind just doesn't want to listen." It's because if I call you Coral, it'll be like my sister really did die that day…but I need to move on. "Coral, I need you take my position and hold her steady."
"Got it. And her name is Gal, right? I heard you say it a few times." Her hands are remarkably steady as she takes Gal's weight in her hands.
"I am still conscious, you know." Gal murmurs. "You could just ask, young one."
I smile as Angela's – damnit, Coral's! - face goes ruby red. Standing, I nod. "She's a good friend of mine. I owe her big time, so take good care of her." Turning to Neil, who surprisingly hasn't uttered one complaint about ruining his clothes, I give him an appreciative pat on his shoulder. "Stay with them; with your luck they should be safe. Once the bleeding has stopped, try and get them out of here as quietly as possible. There has to be a back door around here somewhere. And pressure, dude, pressure!"
During my little talk, Neil's hand had begun easing up against the wound. With a startled glance at the bloody cloth, he pressed down hard once more. Maybe a bit too hard as Gal gives a low feral growl filled with less pain and more agitation. "Right, I got it." His voice is steady and sure, and if he is still scared he's not letting it show. It strikes me then just how much he's grown over these past few months. Everyone has, really. "What are you going to do?"
I nod towards the rest of our friends, deep in the heart of the fight. It seems the remaining giants had entered the fray during our triage session, effectively splitting the team apart into groups. Grinning as I watch Odie tazer Agnon in the gut with his PRM, I reply, "I have some unfinished business to attend to." Mainly I'm going to make sure Cronus never messed with my family ever again!
"But you don't even have a weapon anymore."
"Doesn't matter." I mutter. "I know where to get one."
Walking towards the fight, I take stock of the situation. Herry and Odie are tangling with Agnon, who's slow to move after the tazer incident. The girls each have their own giants to deal with and both are winning spectacularly, Atlanta kicking the butt of the polar bear hybrid's other half white Theresa's knocking the teeth from the giant with jaundiced skin. The battle I'm looking for is further off. Cronus and Jay are evenly matched; neither is backing down even though I can see a nasty cut across Jay's right arm. Both look exhausted but neither is giving an inch, both so focused on the other. Perfect.
Stalking past the others and their own private battles, Neil's words in the back of my mind, I waltz straight up behind Cronus and kick him straight in the kidneys with everything I have. Giving a cry that's half pain, half surprise, the Titan lands face-first in the dirt. I don't give him an inch.
Another kick, this one to the chest, knocks him back into the dirt. Were it up to me, he's never get up again. "Let's recap, you bastard. You break Robert out of jail, sick him on us like some rabid animal, put those I care for in danger…" another kick, then pause only briefly to begin ticking Cronus' deeds off my fingers, "…get me tossed off a building, nearly destroy my city, stabbed me, threw me through a window, nearly ended me a second time, you took my whip – which I want back, by the way-, stab one of my best friends literally in the back," One more kick, aimed at his face, just misses as he ducks. "See, asshole, if you had just come after me, I wouldn't give two shits, but you came after my family again and again. I really don't like that."
I feel Jay's presence just behind me and am suddenly aware that it's very, very quiet in here. The battles have ceased, even the giants holding back as they watch me and their master. Once again, I'm the proverbial bacteria in the Petrie dish, all eyes on me. Better make it a good show then, eh?
I turn back to Cronus, giving him the chance to gain his feet. The taller they are, after all… "But, as soon as you put your nasty hands on my sister, you signed your own death warrant." I lash out, in anger and sheer adrenaline, my fist faster than Cronus' taxed reflexes can keep up with. The sound of flesh meeting flesh, the crack of my knuckles on his jaw, is quite satisfying. He stumbles back, staying upright but tilting dangerously. "That was for An… for Coral." I correct myself.
With an angry snarl, Cronus throws himself at me but his fight with Jay moments ago has taken its toll. He swings his scythes, no form or technique in his rage. I duck beneath them easily as I feel Jay moving away. He's keeping good on his word, trusting my ability but having my back at the same time. As the weapons zip past, I push back to my feet. The palm of my hand shoved up and connects with the Titans nose. The cartilage snaps easily and blood beings to run down my forearm as the man backs away, dropping his weapons, his broken nose clutched in a fist. Smirking, I fall easily into a fighting stance, taunting him. "That one's for Galenthias."
My smirk falls away as the man grins and, reaching into jacket, pulls out my whip. With a flick of his wrist the coils of wire appear, the wicked edged tip appearing to glow from the greenish aura of the cave. Well, this'll be a bitch…
"Archie…" Jay's voice is hesitant, unsure. I throw out a placating hand, shaking my head.
"I know what it can do. Just stay back."
Cronus spits a glob of blood at my feet, still grinning like he's already won. His teeth are stained red. "Even your leader fears this weapon. I think I'll keep it; it has the flexibility and strength I admire."
"Should we leave and give you two a moment?" Jay gives a snort behind me.
"Sarcasm truly doesn't suit you." Cronus snaps the whip next to my face. I don't even blink but I can feel a thin trail of blood run down my cheek.
"Oh, trust me. It suits me just fine." Feinting right, I side-step the vicious barb of my own weapon as Cronus goes on the offensive. He's an idiot if he thinks he can beat me with the adamantium whip, but it certainly will make it harder. Rushing ahead, I use my speed to avoid another swipe at my bad heel. It's an easy jump to make. Cronus had obviously been practicing but he's not an expert with the thing.
Now close enough to see the whites of the mans eyes, I throw myself behind a thick marble pillar as he strikes again. Maybe not the best idea as the whip cuts straight through the stone. A low rumble vibrates the floor as the heavy upper half of the column begins to slip free.
"Archie, move!" Atlanta cries and I take heed. I cover my head, running as stone rains from the ceiling, the black marble slamming to the floor inches from my feet. Like some demonic eruption, dirt and dust ploom into the air in a massive black wall, cutting out the meager light around us. The darkness is complete and suffocating as I choke on the dust, stumbling and tripping over loose rocks that now litter the ground. I doubt I could see my hand in front of my nose. Great…now not only does Cronus have an easy chance to escape, there's the danger of walking right into an acid pool. The thundering of heavy feet retreating at least gives me peace of mind that the giants are no longer a threat.
"Is everyone alright?" Jay's voice echoes from my left. About to answer, I pause as a soft whistling sound cuts through the air. Ducking instinctively, I feel the air rush past the back of my neck.
"Jay! Get-" I'm too late in my warning as Jay screams in pain, the whip finding its mark. I hear his xiphos hit the dirt then, to my horror, something heavier. Like a body.
Scrambling on hands and knees, staying as low as I can, I inch towards where I heard our leader's voice. Ignoring Cronus' cackle of laughter, I'm almost on top of the boy before my hand meets fabric. It's wet under my fingers, but cold. Probably his other injury, but that's not what worries me. It's the fact that he isn't moving that has my hands frantic to find a pulse.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit..." I mutter as quiet as I can, following the sleeve of Jay's sweater to the collar. This would be so much easier if I could just goddamn see! I barely notice my hands shaking as I find Jay's throat, pressing two fingers against where the carotid should be. I nearly pass out from relief as I find a pulse, huffing out breath I didn't know I was holding. It's weak, fluttering under my touch, but it's there.
Jay's sudden moan has me clamping my hand over his mouth, bending low over chest, listening for another attack. None come, thankfully, but as he regains consciousness he gives another cry, muffled by my hand. He starts trying to push me away weakly with his left, panicking when he can't see who's above him. The air is slowly clearing but still thick with dirt as I quietly hush him. "Jay, it's me. It's just me buddy. Try and stay as quiet as you can, alright?"
He stills, giving a quick nod. Lifting my hand, he suddenly grabs hold of my wrist in a vice-like grip. I can barely make out his features in the gloom but it doesn't take a genius to know he's in pain.
"Where did he get you?" I whisper, senses on alert.
"L-leg." He stutters, body starting to shake. He's slipping into shock.
Letting him have my wrist for now, knowing it's anchoring him, I'm about to start triage when a figure suddenly emerges from the darkness before me. Hunching low over Jay, I nearly lash out with a foot before I recognize the red hoodie. Odie's holding out his PRM like a dowsing rod, not doubt a GPS program pointing the way for him. Herry's large figure soon falls in step next to the genius, one large hand on the others shoulder.
"Get the hell down!" I hiss at them and they duck low next to Jay. As much as I state otherwise, Cronus isn't an idiot. If I could find Jay in the dark, so could he. Now that the cloud of debris was settling, it would make it even easier to target them.
"How is he?" their voiced echoed in unison though they had the mind to stay quiet. I might have grinned were the situation different.
"Not good." Turning back to my second charge of the day, I shuffle as far as I can without tearing my wrist from Jay's hand. I find the injury no problem but find myself ducking low as the low whistling of my whip comes again. The others hear it the same time I do and mirror me, the weapon passing harmlessly overhead. In my new position I can see the wound up close, and like I told the others, it's not good. The deep cut runs straight across the top of the teen's thigh, just above the knee, with surgical precision. Also, when I say deep, I mean god-don't-let-that-white-thing-be-bone deep! It's hemorrhaging profusely and I'm thinking it cut an artery…It's then I notice I'm covered in it. Lovely…
Odie's soft voice catches my attention. "I'm going to find Theresa. She has to be worried sick."
Nodding as the boy leaves, I turn to Herry. "Buddy, I'm going to need your help." Using my free hand, I yank on the drawstring on my shorts. The air is much clearer than a minute ago, and we don't have much time. I look down at Jay who, even through the haze, is white as a ghost. Gently prying off his fingers I give him a look. "I need this back for a moment."
Quickly using the drawstring I tie a tight tourniquet around Jay's thigh. By the time this is over I don't think I'll have any clothes left! Our fearless leader gives a groan of pain but stifles it fast. Turning back to Herry, I speak in a rush, "I need you to get him out of here and back to Chiron. I don't care how but you need to be quick. And get his leg elevated. It'll hurt him but it'll help lower blood loss." Helping ease the injured limb into the air, I stand and look around us. The air is much cleaner now, and I can make out shapes in the distance. Odie and Theresa, with Atlanta in tow are all heading our way. I can even make out the others on the opposite end of the pool. Gal is on her feet, but not stable as she's held between Neil and Coral. Hey, I didn't mess up that time! Fact remains, things are looking bad. We need to get out of here and fast.
The others are at our side now and I grab Atlanta in a bear hug. Poor Theresa is in near hysterics next to Jay, having taken up my old spot on the ground. Now that were together, no doubt Cronus is planning to strike…Giving Atlanta a quick kiss, I look her dead in the eyes. "I need you to get everyone out of here for me. We can't keep fighting like this."
"What about you? Please don't tell me you're going to do something stupid!" There's nothing in her voice but trust, even with the suspicious look in her eye. I can't help but laugh.
"No, I'll be right behind you as a lookout. Cronus hasn't attacked yet which means he's planning something."
"Meaning you're going to do something stupid." She mutters, but I chose to ignore her.
She waves for the others to join us as I look around the cavern once more. The air is now clear of dust and dirt but no sign of Cronus anywhere. As the groups converge, Atlanta points past the platform towards a dark hallway bordered by two more black marble pillars. It seems to be the only way out so we start on our way, Jay secure in Herry's arms. It's slow going as I bring up the rear, eyes and ears peeled for movement. Taking a moment, I walk over to where Coral and Neil were walking their weary charge and placed a hand on Corals shoulder. She glances up at me and smiles. I can't help but smile back, no words needed. Falling back once more, though, I wish someone would talk. It's eerily quiet, no one saying a word and my instincts are screaming at me that something isn't right. Just as the first few members of our group enter the hallway, my suspicions are confirmed.
He appears just off to our left, swinging my weapon around like he owns the thing, aiming the sharp barb at Herry's head. I give a sharp "Down!" and everyone ducks, Jay giving a cry of pain as the tall brunette drops to one knee. The weapon flies easily overhead and cuts yet another of the black pillars. Like a replay of prior events the ground shakes as the pillar hits the floor. There's less dust this time, a majority of it flowing down the hallway, but unlike before an ominous cracking sounds reaches my ears. Glancing upwards I watch as tiny cracks spider web across the ceiling and down the wall, slowly getting larger as they trail their way from where the damaged column once stood to the arch of the hallway. Bits of rock dust and stone begin to rain on us as I open my mouth to yell.
"Everyone get out, now!" Atlanta shrieks faster than I can, the cave-in inevitable as more rocks began to come down. Knowing I'm the last one I push the group forward, yelling for them to move as I dodge a rock the size of a minivan. The rumble of falling rocks drown out my yells as a large portion of the roof begins to come down, propelled by gravity and the hundreds of tons of earth above it.
Once again darkness engulfs the group along with a cloud of dirt and I lose sight of everyone. A cry from Cronus catches my attention at just the wrong moment. A large slab of stone slams into my shoulder as I'm distracted, knocking me down and to the right. I try and catch myself, arms wind milling but all I manage to do is land on my side, my arm bent awkwardly beneath me. Shielding my head, I curl into a ball as the remaining boulders tumble down. One hits my lower calf and I grit my teeth, feeling the limb start to swell near instantly. Another few inches would have been my exposed ankle…
As the last stones fall, I lift my head, spitting dirt and grit from my mouth and brushing it out of my hair. Regaining my feet isn't as easy as I though it would as the muscles on the injured leg beginning to cramp up, but at least it isn't broken. Once upright a bit of pressure on the limb seems to help but I have bigger worries. Reaching out, my hand connects with the cool glossy surface of the last marble support, meaning two things. One, I'm still inside the cavern and doesn't that just suck out loud. Two, the exit should be just to my left then…but all I feel is cool rock under my fingers. Careful not to have a mountain of piled stones come down on my head, I inspect the surrounding area but find no signs of the hallway. My stress levels skyrocket as my mind goes into 'worst-case-scenario' mode. Please don't let anyone be under this!
"Oi!" Cupping my hands I pray someone on the other side can hear me. "Can anyone hear me?"
It's only a moment before Atlanta's gorgeous voice filters its way through the rocks. "Archie? Oh thank god! Are you ok? Are you hurt?"
I smile, grateful she's alright. "I'm pretty sure those last two questions could be categorized under the same heading."
"Real funny, smart ass. Just answer the damn question!"
"I'm good. Coral? The team?"
"Everyone's accounted for." Her muffled voice sounds nervous yet annoyed. "Neil ripped his shirt though and I doubt we'll ever hear the end of it."
I snicker as my shoulders slump in relief. "Good, then go. Get everyone back to Chiron. With all the dust we've breathed in, everyone should be looked at."
"Are you insane?" she shrieks, and I cringe regardless of the stones between us. "I'm not leaving you! Last time I did you…"
I sigh, knowing her feelings. The least I can do is keep the mood light. "Unless you have a backhoe stowed away in your pocket, I'm kind of stuck. Jay and Gal need medical help pronto, so get them to the surface and get Hermes to beam 'em up."
"But Cronus…"
"Is probably long gone by now. First sign of trouble and he runs away. Once the dust clears I'll start seeing if I can dig my way through. Don't worry, 'Lanta. I'm alright."
There's silence on the other end for a long moment, before, "Ok, but don't think you're getting rid of me that easily! I'll be back for you!"
"I know you will, Atlanta. I know." I whisper to the rocks, listening as more muffled voiced slowly move away. "I wouldn't be surprised if she did return with a backhoe."
I pay no mind to the sound of rolling stones around me, remnants of the cave-in tumbling into place. By the sounds of a few of them, they're sill quite large and I pray that the rest of the cavern doesn't follow suit. The moment cold metal hits my neck, though, I realize my mistake.
My reaction time is nowhere near fast enough as the adamantium cable is pulled tight against my skin and I'm dragged backwards by my throat. Cronus gives an evil chuckle as he gives another vicious yank, both back and up, and my startled gasp becomes a pathetic wheeze.
"Not what it was made for, but effective nonetheless." I can hear the smile in his voice. I claw at my neck, desperate for reprieve as my lungs yearn for oxygen. "And what's this about me running from everything? Not a very nice thing to say, boy."
As black spots start leaping into my vision, I throw an elbow back into the guy's gut. It's not as effective as I thought and only succeeds in me being hauled further up. I'm on my toes now and I figure I've got one last shot at this before I black out. Now kids, don't ever try this at home! This is something no man should ever do to another! Bringing my uninjured leg up, I kick back as hard as I can and hoping my aim is true. Judging from the grunt of pain and release of pressure, must have been a jackpot! Coughing quickly turns into painful hacks as I rip the cable first away from Cronus' reach then from my neck. I'm half afraid I'm going to cough up a lung by the time I stumble back and turn to my attacker. Difficult to see with the damn dust clogging my view once again – which is seriously getting old - I have to squint to make out his silhouette. He's on his knees, head bent as he hunches over with his hands over his now tender groin.
"Sorry 'bout that." I cough as I catch my breath. "In all respects though, you did deserve that."
"You'll pay dearly for that!" Cronus…well, squeaked.
"Yeah, I figured." Reeling in my whip like a fishing line I grab the handle and give the weapon a snap. It feels good to have it back in my hand and I can feel my confidence increase tenfold. "Thanks for returning this by the way." Thanks? Sorry? Geez, I'm turning soft me thinks!
Must have been the way I thanked him – the ungrateful bastard – but Cronus leaps at me with an angry snarl. I easily jump out of the way but I wince as a painful twang runs up my now-bad leg. Damn stupid caves and their damn stupid cave-ins! He stumbles by but quickly regains composure, lashing out with a fist. Another easy dodge has me thinking the guy's running out of steam. This is barely a challenge, obscured vision or not!
"I will end this here and now!" Cronus growls, producing his twin black scythes.
"I really wish you would." I taunt because, really, I just can't help myself. "This is getting awfully pathetic." Grinning I watch as he gets to his feet, albeit slowly. "How's the nose, by the way?"
With a frustrated roar he launches himself at me once again. His moves are still jerky and uncoordinated; definitely running out of steam. They're easy to dodge and I taunt him some more as I nimbly leap around him.
"You're losing your touch, old man." Swing and a miss. "No offence but you should trade those scythes in for a walker." Pissed off swing and a miss. "Might do you a bit more good than those things. I thought you were going to end this, big guy."
A snap of the adamantium whip and the scythe in his right fist falls to pieces. Cronus looks dumbly at the stub of wood remaining in his hand. It's a challenge not to fall into hysterical laughter.
My smile slips quickly as a bright red beam of energy shoots towards my face. I dodge, feeling the beam's heat as it passes by my head.
"Damnit!" I curse. A half second late that thing would have taken my head off. I forgot about his freaky laser light show.
I can hear him shuffle from foot to foot, small rocks and pebbles tumbling across the floor. "I didn't want to use such power, but you've forced my hand. And I am going to end it, but you brats are so fun to toy with. Wouldn't want the fun to end so soon."
What a load of crap. He can barely stand is his problem and he expects me to believe that bull? Another laser my way has me shuffling low and out of view. Hopefully he hasn't pulled infrared vision out of his ass quite yet. Using a handily placed stalagmite, with the added protection of the dusty air, I quickly duck out of sight.
Ok, recap. How screwed am I? Let's count the ways. One: I'm stuck underground in a cave-in. Two: The only exit – besides the crevice in the wall I would never find in this mini dirt storm – has been blocked by said cave-in. Three: I'm trapped in here with a megalomaniac Titan so evil he can shoot lasers, has the Gods on edge and probably craps incendiary devices. I still as I hear a menacing groan from above. Let's add a forth tick to that list. If my friends do come back and try digging me out, what's to say the whole roof won't come down on my head? With two pillars gone, the stress of the earth above has to be more than the cave can handle and I'm pretty sure the rock pile at the exit is my only saving grace. As if to prove my point a loud splash echoes around the room, the hiss of acid eating rock following soon after. A drop hits the top of my foot and I give a harsh cry as the caustic liquid eats away at the thin skin. There's no time to wipe it away as another red beam blasts into the stalagmite at my back.
"Now who's the coward? I didn't think hiding like a rat was your style." Cronus chuckles, an irritating sound I'd love to rid the world of. I can feel my foot bleeding as I dash off to my left, whipping my weapon towards where the blast originated. He can't see me but now I can't see him; he's too far away. I hope he falls in the acid pool…
A loose rock skitters beneath my feet and I just know my luck has run out. A well placed shot hits me square in the chest and I can feel my feet leave the ground. The force blasts me into a stalagmite, the sharp rock cutting through my thin shirt as it crumbles under my weight. Completing a very ungraceful backwards summersault I land hard on my stomach, coughing as the last ounce of wind is knocked out of me.
Well fuck that was unpleasant.
Groaning, I push myself to my knees, not really caring about the sound I'm making. At this moment, that's a moot point. The gritty floor beneath my hands digs into my palm as I just focus on catching my breath. I flinch as a sharp pain radiates from my ribs and I unconsciously wrap an arm across my chest. I hope to god they're only bruised…
"Seems my weapons were more that useful." Cronus snickers, voice closer than I'd like it. His form suddenly emerges from the murk, staggering but still managing to exude power. He leers down at me and I glare right back.
"Lucky shot. If you had any real skill I'd be dead right now." Trying to get my feet under me, Cronus' own leather clad foot comes down on my back. I land hard on my side gritting my teeth as my ribs protest the abuse.
It's like time slows down as Cronus points the end of his scythe at my head. The psychotic glee in his eyes makes my adrenaline spike and my stomach flip. "Lucky indeed. It was also a weak shot, barely enough to break skin." He taunts. I watch as the tip of his weapon starts to glow. "This next one will make sure you never come back again."
With nowhere to go, and no way I could ever hope to dodge such a point blank shot, I sigh and close my eyes. Throughout all this crap, the globetrotting and injuries, the denial and the disownment – though short lived – I found the answers I needed. My sister is alive and she's safe with the others. If this is how it has to end, then I have no regrets other than not being able to tell my friends goodbye. Share one last kiss with Atlanta and tell her I love her. I know the prophesy says seven are needed but Cronus is almost done. I doubt he has enough strength to open any portals or he would have already, and whatever he has left is going into this last shot. When the others come for me, they can finish it. Who knows? Maybe this was how it was meant to end. Maybe Gaia's contract sealed my fate down here. Okay, make that one regret: signing a contract I never read. Let this be a lesson for you boys and girls.
Never one to go out without a last word, I open my eyes and give the Titan my best shit-eating grin. The heat from his weapon in intense, and the eerie red light illuminates us both completely. "See you in hell."
His smile is cold. Even the rumble of more collapsing rocks doesn't faze him. "Been there, done that."
I close my eyes again, not too horribly interested in my own demise – it's sure to be messy after all – and wait for the end. The sound of stone cracking and falling to the floor has me hoping Cronus will just get what's coming to him via a house-sized boulder like the Wicked Witch of the West. My amusement turns to curiosity as the heat of the Titans weapon suddenly vanishes and Cronus gives a grunt of pain. Did my last waking wish actually come true? I crack an eye open and watch in wide-eyed wonder as Cronus takes a flying tumble into the dusty gloom followed closely by a wide-eyed, frizzy haired, dirt covered Atlanta.
"Wha…?" A solid hand on my shoulder nearly has me jumping out of my skin. Instinctively I grab the wrist and glance towards its owner. Herry's surprised mug returns my gaze. "Where did you come from?"
"What are you talking about?" Herry quipped. "You didn't hear us clear a path through those rocks?"
"Huh?" Sound like quite the genius, don't I?
Another grunt of pain and a feral yell from Atlanta grab our attention. On my feet in an instant my eyes catch the glow of the Titans weapon. It's radiating like nothing I've ever seen, the muted red light becoming more and more prominent as the dust finally begins to clear; with the tunnel now open I can literally smell the cleaner air. The two are grappling for the scythe, forcing its aim in multiple directions. Herry and I hit the dirt as it's forced our way.
"Atlanta, get away from him!"
Out of the blue Atlanta suddenly releases her grip and lashes out with a powerful kick. Unprepared, Cronus takes the full brunt of the attack to his head. A beautiful knock out, one I'd be applauding if the circumstances were different. The mans arm flies skyward as he drops, the scythe flung from his precious grip…
Oh sweet mother of God…!
Lighting up the room like a second sun, the scythe no longer able to contain it, the blood red ray of power erupts from the weapon with the concussive force of a bomb, blasting Atlanta back towards the exit. The shock wave nearly lifts me off the ground as I watch in awe, the darkness and debris blown away. The dust closest to the beam evaporates into nothingness as the swinging arc of the weapon carves a searing swathe through the room. Blasting into the roof I'm not surprised to see the actual sun as the mountain itself is cut in half. It then slices through the far wall and much of the floor before finally dying off, but the damage done is more than enough. Even before the spent scythe hits the ground, the three of us are on our feet and running as the roof starts to give way.
The way now clear of most of the dust, the exit is easy to see. Dodging around boulders and falling stalactites, my foot throbbing with every step of the way, I stumble to a halt as memory kicks in. Glancing back I spot Cronus, sprawled on his back amidst the collapsing stone, unmoving.
Herry stumbles past, arms raised protectively. "Don't stop, there's no time!"
Screw you, conscience! I hate you so goddamn much! But like Herry said, there's no time. Spinning on my heels, I yell over my shoulder at the brunette, "Help me!"
"Are you joking?" Herry sprints after me as I skid next to Cronus. Grabbing one of the Titan's arms, I pull him up and swing said arm over my shoulder. Herry's right behind me and grabs his other arm. "This guy just tried to off your sis!"
"What, you think I'd forget that?" I scoff at him. Between the two of us, we haul the guy up and start towards the safety of the tunnel. Atlanta's already safe, screaming at us to hurry as the cavern crumbles around us. The roar of the cave-in has me screaming at him. "As much as I'd love to see it, no one deserves a mountain on their head!" I hiss as a stalactite smashes down the side of my leg. "Besides, we leave him, he'll escape!"
Dashing headlong through a torrent of rock, large boulders and mineral deposits isn't my idea of a good time, and its slow going with our extra burden. I don't dare look back, stone chips pelting our backs as boulders shatter against the floor. One chip hits my exposed ankle and I stumble. If not for the added support from Herry, Cronus and I would have biffed it.
Reaching the exit, the two of us take a flying leap into the throat of the tunnel. Not a moment too soon either, as a massive push of air and dirt toss us into the floor. I let go of Cronus, landing on my shoulder and allowing the momentum to roll me…right into Atlanta. The blast of dirty air flows over us like water as the remaining roof collapses seconds later, and I'm pretty sure after all this I'll never be clean again as we're all coated in thick brown dust. The tunnel is thrown back into Coughing and wiping grit from my eyes, I don't see Atlanta take a swing at me until it connects.
I give her my best glare as I rub my now really sore shoulder. "Between you and the rocks I may never have full range of motion in my limb ever again."
"What the hell was that?" She yells, completely ignoring me. "Do you have some kind of insane death wish?"
"I'd rather take him out now then have him kill one of us in the future"
"Well, better we regroup and come back later than have you die now, you dumbass!"
"Well last time I dropped a pillar on him and that didn't work! I am not letting him get away this time!"
I'm not sure if it's what I said, or her resolve finally dissolving, but the wind leaves her sails as fast as it came. "I just hate when you do such reckless, idiotic stunts like that."
I grab her, pulling her into a tight hug. "I`m sorry I scared you. Now, let`s get the hell out of here."
Nodding, she graces me with a fast kiss before turning to the thankfully-still-lit tunnel. Returning to Herry and Cronus, I give my friend a once over to make sure he`s alright. Herry snickers as we hoist a still unconscious Cronus between us.
"You two bicker like an old married couple."
"Shut up."
The way to the surface is relatively painless, so to speak. The collective bruises and other injuries are starting to catch up with me, and I`m running on fumes as the tunnel begins to slowly grow larger. Atlanta`s a great guide, no hesitation in direction even though she`s only been through here once. Before I know it, and thankfully before Cronus wakes up, the wall torches are giving way to natural light, albeit soft and low. Still, as we stumble into the open air onto a small rock ledge along the mountain, I have to squint against the light of the setting sun. The sky is painted a brilliant orange, interspersed with reds and purples. It`s the most beautiful scene I`ve ever seen.
"Took you guys long enough."
Turning, I grin as I spot Hermes not twenty feet away. He`s waving his staff around like a baton, Odie and Neil standing next to him. The blue glow of the God`s portal shimmers just beyond them on the mountain side. That means the others are safely back, getting treatment, or in Theresa`s case, waiting loyally by Jay`s bedside. I give a sigh of relief.
"You guys did it!" The bespectacled teen smiles, running to us along a small trail I only just noticed. The distinctive footprints of the giants are still visible in the dirt.
Exchanging a glance with Herry, we drop our burden onto the trail. "Actually Atlanta`s the star of this show. You should have seen it! That kick was beautiful." Grabbing my whip, I quickly tie Cronus` hands together as I address Atlanta. "Remind me to never piss you off."
"You should have known that already." She gives a small shrug though her smile is mischievous. "It was a lucky hit. We all played our part in wearing him out."
"That`s great, really. Now, can we please leave already? I seriously need a manicure after that one." Neil complains, looking at the dirt under his nails and grimacing.
Laughing I wrap an arm around Atlanta's shoulders, I pull her close. She wraps her arm around my waist as I kiss her temple, briefly closing my eyes. I`ll have to start repaying the guardian angel I have on my shoulder; today was too close but we still came out on top. My luck is never that good…
"You look like shit." She whispers, giggling.
"Why thank you. Just for that I`m throwing these in with your whites."
A low cough behind us ruins the moment. Neil gives a surprised shriek and I know it can`t be good. Spinning, my hear sinks as I see the one person who could royally screw my life.
"Beautiful evening, is it not?" Gaia asks though it`s not the sunset she`s looking at. Steepling her fingers, she gives me a strange smile.
"Oh for the love of…" I drop my arm and roll my eyes skyward. "Really? We have to do this now? All I want right now is to go home and bathe! Seriously!" To emphasize, I smack the side of my shorts. A little ball of dust flies but Gaia just raises an eyebrow.
"This couldn`t wait."
"Oh yeah? Even after all that `oh, it could be years from now` bull crap? Can`t give a guy a little reprieve could you?"
"You were the one who signed the contract, not I"
Atlanta clutches my waist tighter as Gaia takes a few steps towards us. Hermes gasps and I can feel his incredulous stare burning holes in the back of my skull. "You did what?"
I ignore him, glaring at Gaia. "What do you want?"
"Such a cold attitude after I practically hand my son over to you." She shakes her head then becomes serious. "I was going to take your sisters life – "
I`m trying to claw my way to her before I realize it. Without Atlanta on me I would be on the old cow already. Herry steps in and helps her hold me back as Gaia shakes her head.
"You even think of going near her, I`ll tear off your head and shove it up your –"
"Such a temper." She tisks. "You obviously missed the `was` in that last sentence." I can feel my temper ebbing as the goddess continues, nodding towards her son. "I saw what you did for him down there."
"It was so he wouldn`t get away, believe me." I growl.
She smiles at me though it doesn`t reach her eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night. Either way, you didn`t have to do that. You put your own life on the line to save him from entombment. You could have easily have left him." She pauses a moment, looking towards her feet. "For that I am grateful and I have…reconsidered my options."
Herry`s hands on my shoulders, along with Atlanta on my waist, help keep me grounded even though my anger`s trying to get the better of me. I can feel Odie, Neil and Hermes` presences behind me, and I couldn`t ask for better backup.
"So now what`s on the table?" I`m almost scared to ask.
"Well," she gives another pause, "blood seals are supposed to be paid in blood, but I like looking outside the box every now and then." She smiles again, but this time is different. It`s motherly and would have lit up the whole damn mountain had it been night out. "I`m an old woman, not as spry as I was three thousand years ago. I have a number of things I need to take care of…some physical labor as you would call it."
My knees go weak in relief. No one has to die…no one has to die!
Atlanta looks skeptical. "You`re the primordial being of the earth. What could you possibly need Archie for?"
I just give her shoulders a squeeze. "Hon, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. Physical labor I can do." I have to admit, I`m a bit curious myself, but who cares? No more blood has to be spilled.
"Then it`s settled!" Before I can react, Gaia crosses the distance between us and sweeps Herry, Atlanta and I in a hug. Odie and Neil look vaguely uncomfortable as Gaia gives us each a kiss on the head. Releasing us, she clasps her hands together. "Now go on, get some rest! I`ll call upon you later."
"Who can argue with that?" Hermes gives the goddess a wary look before ushering us towards the portal. Herry only stops to scoop Cronus over his shoulder before we`re all heading through the portal towards home.
Hey all. Well, what can I say? It`s been about a week now since we've chatted last. And how sad is that, considering this is all in my head? I`m surprised I haven`t been committed yet! Anyway, here…let me fill you all in on what`s been going down, and before you ask, yes everyone is alright. Let`s start at the beginning though.
Ladies and gentleman, Cronus is back in Tartarus! Yeah, let the applause rain down! Thank you, thank you very much. Like I had said, it was a team effort. As soon as we got back to the school, Hades had been contacted and informed on what had transpired. By the time he and Campe had arrived, Cronus was awake and indignant. From what Persephone told us, Cronus let his mouth go a little too long during the transfer to jail that Campe knocked him senseless with her staff. Guess the guy will never learn when to shut up. Hopefully this time he`ll stay locked up for good.
Galenthias and Jay are doing better. Chiron wouldn`t let anyone but Theresa in his treatment room for hours as he worked, for fear she`d break down the door, and let me tell you the guy`s a miracle worker. Gal`s back is patched up and she`s seeing him every day to change her dressings. The centaur is also concocting a potion to help Gal grow her fur back. Her wings are bandaged as well which is just hilarious looking. I call her Frankenstein, she punches me, and we go from there. Chiron says she should have full motion back to her wings in about a month, and until then she`s staying with us in the school. She and Theresa have been sitting down together more often lately; I`m pretty sure she`s teaching the redhead some new tricks. Jay is still in bed, his leg stitched up and on the mend, albeit still pretty weak from his close call. Chiron wants to be sure the sutures don't tear as it was a pretty close call, and now our fearless leader is antsy as all hell. I`ve been letting him borrow a bunch of books from my collection, seeing as the centaur`s are all in Greek. He seems pretty grateful.
Everyone else is pretty chipper but anxious about what we`ll be doing from now on. Without Cronus running amok, there`s no point in us sticking around here. We`re all staying to see out the school year, then who knows…we`ll round that bend when we get to it. Right now our mission is to find the giants and toss their butts in Tartarus too. Oh, and Atlanta`s not talking to me right now; I totally did toss my dirt covered clothes in with her whites and now everything is this strange tan color. I thought it was hilarious!
But on to the most important topic of the evening! My little sis! I sat down with her, along with a few of the Gods, and completely came clean with her And wow, was that ever a weird conversation we had… We had a long chat about what I did, who everyone was, why it was important, blah, blah, blah, and she surprised me by not only excepting everything – I suppose she had already seen enough to know I wasn`t crazy – but befriended the Gods almost right away. Coral asked so many questions, even some I had never bothered thinking about, until she knew almost more about the immortals than I did. Heph even made her her own weapon! A small adamantine dagger with a silver and gold hilt, tiny enough that she can slip it under her clothes and no one would be the wiser. Just in case, Heph had said. A chunk of emerald in the pommel matches her eyes almost perfectly, but I think I`d creep her out if I told her that. Over the week we`ve just been hanging out, me showing her how to use her weapon, swapping stories, me telling her everything about our parents and getting to know one another better. And when I say everything, I mean everything, even the our-dad-was-a-psycho part. She has that right. Oh and did you ever figure she was an artist? She drew me a sphinx that is so good it practically leaps off the page! I`m framing that as soon as I can!
Unfortunately all good things have to come to an end, right? That`s why I`m shuffling my feet beside her, my new brace clicking with each step, making our way slowly down Tal street in Munich. We`ve already stopped by the embassy so I could grab my bike and swung by my crappy hotel to get my stuff, pay my bill and speak to Jozef. He seriously though I had died and when I walked into the lobby he almost burst into tears! I spun some stupid tale about meeting other tourists and going to Amsterdam for a good time. It was good to see him again, and after I had introduced Coral we sat over coffee and talked. His wife made us cookies – which were goddamn amazing! – and then we said our goodbyes. He let me keep my bike at the hotel as Coral wanted to walk, and promised if I ever needed a place to stay his doors were always open. Nice guy, Jozef. As for Coral, I can`t blame her for wanting to take a stroll; the day is beautiful, much nicer than the last time I was here. And I hate it so much.
"You`re really quiet, bro." she muses next to me and I smile as she uses the moniker. I can tell she`s happy to be back home and I don`t want to upset her.
"I`m just thinking…" I start, not really knowing how to finish. I shrug. "Just thinking how great this last week has been."
"It has been awesome!" she beams, almost skipping down the cobblestone. She lightly touches her left side where I know her dagger sits under her shirt. "I still can`t believe it! The Greek gods exist, and you hang out with them on a daily basis. You`re so lucky!"
I snort. "Define luck. I`ve nearly died numerous times, and one time I did." I consciously rub my chest. My medallion is around my neck once more, but now it feels foreign and heavy. Maybe because Coral almost died thanks to it and a certain mad man.
"Yeah, well that part sucks. But come on! Beating up monsters, being able to go anywhere in the world in seconds, saving people!" she punches the air. "Awesome! Oh, and how`s that thing with Gaia going?"
Ah, Gaia. Now there`s a story. "It`s…going." She`s had me doing landscaping! Like, seriously! The goddess of the goddamn Earth needs a mere mortal to clear overgrowth and plant trees. I know damn well she`s doing it for shits and giggles cause she couldn't have her blood sacrifice, which I`m totally ok with. And Atlanta was happy to help plant, so it wasn`t too bad. Who knows what I`ll be doing next, or for how long. Maybe painting her garden gnomes.
We`re silent for a few minutes, walking across the familiar bridge and towards the park, before Coral speaks again. "I`m going to really miss everyone."
"Hey now," I throw an arm around her shoulders, "you know you can come visit whenever you want, right?"
"How am I going to explain that to my parents?"
"Hermes already covered that. I`m not sure what he told them, but your mom threw a dinner plate at him screaming something about weirdoes always being in her house."
She snickers at that, seeming to perk up again. "Sounds like mom." She gives another sigh. "You guys will come visit here too right?"
I squeeze her shoulders gently. "Course we will! This park is too nice not to have a few picnics in. Plus, it`ll get me away from Ares the Slave Driver for a while."
Clearing the trees, she laughs as I spot her home. The street is quiet except for a few birds and a passing car, and we quickly cross the road to her front door. A slight breeze ruffles our hair, cooling my skin from the harsh heat of the sun. Swiping a stray strand of hair behind her ear, she smiles at me. "Don`t let Ares hear you say that."
"Naw, I like living, thank you."
She laughs again, the sound music to my ears. I`m about to say more when the front door to the Sauer residence bursts open and Corals mother is bearing down on us like a tidal wave. I don`t move, possibly from fear, but there are no harsh words as she gathers us both into a back-breaking hug. I can feel her shaking as she sobs on our shoulders and I can't think of anything else to do but pat her back. Coral is speaking softly to her, reassuring her everything`s alright. And I start to believe it myself; it`s all going to be alight.
A movement from the open doorway has me glancing up. John Sauer`s watchful gaze takes us in, but instead of mistrust, I find gratitude. I don`t know what Hermes told them but it had to have been good. He gives me a nod, which I return with a grin. I am so glad not to have that man as an enemy.
"Thank goodness you're both safe!" Mrs. Sauer fusses over the two of us, finally letting us go.
"Mom, could you give us a minute?" Coral asks.
"Of course, hon." Mrs. Sauer gives me a strange look then sweeps me into another hug. "Thank you for saving my baby." She whispers tearfully.
"It was my pleasure ma`am."
Letting me go, she cups my face and kisses my forehead. I can`t help but blush at the gesture, not used to such praise. Giving me a final "thank you" she joins her husband in the doorway, leaving me and Coral alone on the sidewalk.
"Oh, here!" Fishing in my pocket I pull out a small purple PMR. Pressing it into her hand, I smile as she gapes at the device. "That has everyone`s contact information in it, including mine of course. We also have your number too. It also doesn`t matter where you are, it`ll connect every time. Odie wanted to make sure you got it."
Clutching the device to her chest, she gawks at me. "I…I don`t know what to say. Thank you so much!"
"And you know you can get a hold of me any time right? I don`t care if I`m in class, I`ll bail for your call."
"Hey now," she punches my arm in a very Atlanta-like manner, "this is a two way street! Same goes for you too. In fact, I expect it! I want to be in my brother's life."
I pull her into a hug, reveling in how tall she is now. Just can`t seem to get over that… "Oh, you`ll regret saying that. You`ll have so many emails and calls from me you`ll grow sick of me!"
She giggles as she returns the embrace. "Same here. I`ll fill your inbox!"
"I think I can live with that."
"Me too."
It`s quiet for a long time before we finally part. Coral has tears in her eyes and the sight of them nearly breaks me apart. Sniffing, she tries to wipe them away with the back of her hand, unsuccessful as more fall. "So I guess this is goodbye?"
"No, this is see you later!" Knowing it`s the cheesiest thing I could do, I hold out a fist. She giggles as we fist bump, keeping the connection a few seconds longer than needed.
"See you later then."
Not being one to drag out a goodbye too long, I turn with a wave and begin heading back across the road towards the park. My feet reach the opposite curb before I hear Coral shout my name and I turn.
Cupping her hands, she shouts at me, "Can I come visit next week?"
"Heck yeah you can! Just call when you want to swing by!"
"Awesome! See you then!" She smiles before turning with a swing of orchid hair to disappear back into her home with her foster parents, a quick wave over her shoulder before the door closes shut.
"See you then." I whisper, turning back towards the park, a spring in my step. Walking through the trees I can`t help but find everything seems more vibrant – the leaves greener, the sky a deeper blue – than they ever had been before in my life. Making my way back to the hotel I know my days will never again be gray but a brilliant spectrum of color, and I`ve never been more happy to meet the future head on. No matter what may come, or what happens to our ragtag group, I`m certain things will work out just fine.
Digging out my PRM, I quickly dial Odie`s number. The genius answers on the third ring.
"Hey dude, can you let Hermes know I`ll be ready in about a half hour? I`ll be just behind the hotel."
"Yeah, sure dude." Odie`s voice is tinny over the long distance. "Oh, by the way, our history papers are due tomorrow. You finish your yet?"
Oh, fuck my life.
Fin
Well, hope you all liked the final chapter. It`s been a long time in coming! Sorry it took so long to get to this point; I know a few of you have waited for quite a while. And I hate to bear bad news on such an occasion, but this will also be my final multi-fic for COTT. I may come out with a one-shot or two, but I have other ideas for other shows that I want to explore. It`s been an awesome run with COTT and all of my fans here are superb! You`re all amazing! Thanks for all your kind words and tips, it`s been a great help.
Please let me know your thoughts or possibly even suggestions for a few one-shots in the review section. It`s always nice to hear what you all think! Thanks again everyone!
Until next time!
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