Story 11

How to Train Your Sandwich

"Come on, Kieran!"

Mick Jules is a nice guy. He is popular, but not snooty. He doesn't snub anyone-not really. He is smart, funny, athletic, andabitofamanwhore, but that's not important. He is all in all a nice kid. But we all have one of those days… well, to put it bluntly, when we fell like shit. This is one of those days.

Mick has tried, tried and tried to teach Kieran to better his swordplay, but they kid is hopeless. He is in his own little dream world, which is really, really, really, starting to annoy Mick. He feels sorry for him, he really does, but his so, so, so, damn lost. (Yes, I am abusing italicize button, but you have to understand just how frustrated Mick is.)

Sure, he understands that the kid was a sandwich- now that is a story for another time- but does he seriously have to be so…lost?

"Like this?" Kieran asks, and for the thousand time he parries wrong. He has left himself open for an attack.

Mick sighs. "Dear Jesus, I know we aren't on the best of terms, but could you please deliver me from this torture?" This is his silent prayer as Kieran thrusts forward again, this time losing his balance and falling square on his bottom.

Kieran looks heartbroken. He stares at his hands as he wrings them nervously. "I'm…trying, I really am, Mick. You-you know this is important to me, right?"

Mick sighs again, probably for the hundredth time in one hour. "Yeah, I know, Kieran. That's why I'm trying to help you. Now, get up, come on, off your ass, let's try one more time, m'kay?"

Kieran nods excitedly, quickly standing up. Mick takes pity on him because he is so confused. The kid used to be a sandwich for crying out loud.

Mick takes Kieran's wooden sword (he doesn't trust Kieran enough to give him a real weapon) and thrusts it forward again and again before turning it to an effective blocking position.

"Can you do that, Kieran?" Mick asks.

Kieran nods excitedly. "Yes. I know I can!"

Mick sighs and distances himself from Kieran. "Show me what you've got, Sandy."

Kieran's light green eyes are wild as he takes up his wooden sword. "Sir, yes sir!"

After about another hour of training with Kieran, Mick really thinks he will kill himself. Kieran still can't do any of the moves Mick showed him. Kieran sits dejectedly on the floor, drawing circles in the dirt floor. Mick can't help but feel sorry for the kid.

"Do be so hard on yourself, Sandy." Mick says, sitting next to him. "You'll get it…in time."

Kieran frowns. "I'm not even a demigod, how can I expect to get this stuff? Everything is so new and confusing. I feel like don't know anything. I don't even know what I am? Really, Mick, who or what am I?"

Mick looks up at the pure blue sky, searching for an answer. Honestly, he doesn't know what to tell the kid; he's never experienced anything like this, so he has no advice to give out. He shrugs and lies down, folding his hands behind his head.

"Honestly Kieran, I don't know what to tell you." At Kieran crestfallen face, Mick quickly continues. "But, obviously you're here for a reason. I know this sounds cliché, but it's true!" Mick doesn't want to charmspeak, but if it will help reassure Kieran… No. He's not that cruel. "I mean, what are the odds that Ares just happened to be passing when the Giant was about to eat you?"

"Uh-"Kieran starts.

"AND, what about Ares leaving you by Athena and her workplace? And that the chemicals spilt in that exact moment that you were lying on the desk?"

"Well, um-"

"And what about Poseidon! He took you in as his own son! You should feel honored, Kieran…lucky even. You have experienced more in your lifetime

than-"

"Stop!" Kieran stands up, his face flushed.

Mick is silent; one, because he didn't know the kid had it in him to yell and two, because Kieran looks damn scary when he is upset.

"I'm not lucky. I don't know who I am, Mick! Am I a human? A sandwich? A demigod? What? I'm just- so, so, damn lost. I don't know what I am." Kieran hangs his head and his light brown hair (like bread) falls in his eyes.

Mick stands and places a hand on Kieran's shoulder. "Well, you'll just have to make a name for yourself."

Kieran looks up. "How?"

Mick didn't think that far. Lucky- he is saved by Rae Haken running over to them.

"Come to the Big House, quick!" She is flushed and sweaty from running.

Mick takes her by the shoulders. "Why? What's going on?"

Rae looks at him, her eyes filled with tears. She sobs bitterly "It's Rowan, Mick… She's dead."

A/N: Oo…Sorry it took me soooo long! I expected to have this up ages ago, but I got distracted….School. Is. Murderous. Someone. Please. Shoot. Me. Now.