AN: May not be able to post tomorrow because of a long work shift. The next chapter is going to be especially long so it's not likely that I'll get it on here tomorrow. Might get it in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Anyways, enjoy!
Onesimus leaned back in his hammock, ready to relax; but then the friggin dinner horn was sounded. Onesimus was so startled he almost fell to the ground but managed to keep his balance and stay in the hammock. He contemplated for a second before deciding not to go to dinner. Nobody will miss me anyway. He smiled, content to bask in the warmth of the sun.
He'd almost drifted off when he felt a presence. A dark, depressing, sinister presence. Onesimus' eyes shot open and before him stood a 6-foot tall man with shoulder-length black hair, a serious face that seemed to examine every inch of him and plot his death at the same time, and night-black clothes that seemed to come straight out of a Goth magazine.
Onesimus stood from his hammock, prepared to fight, if necessary. The figure regarded Onesimus with the same seriousness that Onesimus regarded him. After what felt like an eternity, the figure spoke. "Don't know why they chose you." He said while shaking his head disapprovingly. His voice was like iron grating on stone. "You don't look like much."
Onesimus' fists clenched but he remained in his spot. The figure hadn't brandished a weapon yet, and Onesimus was unsure what exactly the best way to attack him was. Onesimus needed the man to show his weapon. "Well I suppose you'll have to do." The figure said without a hint of emotion.
The figure was really starting to piss Onesimus off. "Whoever the hell you are, leave. Now."
The figure laughed but it lacked the usual warmth a laugh usually holds. "That's not very hospitable for the son of the god of travelers. Also, I believe you meant to say 'whoever the Hades' I think I am. I do believe I am Hades." The fire in the god's eyes shone bright as Onesimus' eyes widened in shock at this revelation. Onesimus' mind revisited what the god had said about him being chosen. This did not bode well for his life expectancy. "Have fun at capture-the-flag." He said with a note of mischief that made Onesimus fear for his life.
Eris poked and prodded the tower with plants, weapons, a covered hand, just about anything that came to mind. It wasn't unless she channeled some sort of emotion towards it that she got a response. It was weird, really, as if it had an off and on switch.
She saw an alcove at the top that would be perfect for an outlook perch, but the framework was so smooth, she had no idea how she'd climb it. Then, as if the tower had read her mind, it started sprouting a spiraling staircase leading up to the alcove. It made a scratching, creaking sound and she could feel the tower vibrate as it moved. She took her first step, testing its' stability. She decided it was sturdy enough and ascended to the top.
As soon as she made to the alcove, the steps receded back into the tower. She felt a breeze tickle her cheek and went to the edge of the tower. Through the trees, she could see the lights of the dinner pavilion. Up above, she could see the first star peek from the darkness. She couldn't help but make a wish. She silently wished for the chance to prove herself in other's eyes. That's all I want. . . . That, and to be accepted, but one thing at a time.
A shiver went down her spine and a voice, a deep voice, a voice that spoke with years of experience said in her head: "You must make others see you. Make yourself known. Take your nose away from the grindstone and open your eyes." And with that, the voice went silent.
Eris had only been talked to by her father a couple of times but had never seen him in person. She didn't know if she wanted to, actually.
She heard a readying horn sound in the distance and heaved a sigh. She drew her sword and took a breath. "I'm ready." She said and waited
After Hades had uttered his last sentence, he'd flashed Onesimus a skeletal grin and the ground opened and swallowed him up. No marks were left after the ground crawled together and closed. Onesimus was left staring stupidly at the spot where he'd been.
He stood there frozen for a short eternity until he heard the horn that signaled the beginning of capture-the-flag. Remembering Hades' words, he suddenly wasn't in the mood for the game. He probably would have stayed there, too, but he knew that Alex would need him for something so he unclenched his muscles slowly and moved toward the forest.
On his way, a few of the Ares kids shot Onesimus grins and patted his back. Each one walked away with slightly lighter pockets. His smile returned with each tiny theft. He didn't really like the Ares kids and they usually didn't like him.
About 100 feet from the forest, Alex stopped Onesimus and held out his hand. Onesimus put all the various items from Alex's cabin mates in his hand without hesitating.
Alex and Onesimus were probably the worst enemies, but they also had a lot of respect for each other. They understood each other's strengths and weaknesses and could work together if their goals ever aligned. During those times, they were the best of friends.
Onesimus looked up at Alex, knowing that Alex had a special task for him by the look in his eye. "So how am I going to save your ass today?" Onesimus asked with a grin.
Alex grimaced and seemed to consider not giving Onesimus the assignment, but in the end, pride lost to strategy. Alex took a deep breath and pulled out the blueprint that Onesimus had given him earlier. He unrolled it and began. "From the blueprint, we can tell that they've got a tower. Just one. One single tower. The plans specifically mention that only one person will be guarding it. Which means it's a diversion. They want us to send the mass of our team towards that tower." He pointed towards the forest.
In the distance, Onesimus could see the tower standing ominously above the trees. He nodded at Alex. He understood exactly what Alex wanted him to do without Alex having to say it. Onesimus was by far the fastest child of Hermes and definitely the most agile. But most importantly, the quietest. Alex wanted Onesimus to attack the tower. Alone.
While Onesimus was at the tower, Alex would have his team searching for the flag. Onesimus was ready to go until he remembered Hades' words. Then he reconsidered. He'd be at that imposing, tall tower with only one other person. "Does it say who they got to guard the tower?" Onesimus asked, suddenly nervous.
Alex frowned and said "No." Then he quickly added "But if it's just one person then it won't be anyone too important or skilled. Should be an easy fight for you."
Onesimus nodded, but all he could think about was how easy his death would be to mistake for an accident from that tower.
AN: Hope you enjoyed it, the next part will be the capture-the-flag game. Please leave a review so that we can improve the writing of the story. Also, if anyone has any questions about the writing or the authors, feel free to private message me and I'll be happy to answer the question(s).