literature

Answering The Call: Chapter 12

Deviation Actions

HazelLevesque24's avatar
Published:
156 Views

Literature Text

Leo
I'm exhausted after the battle. Honestly, I didn't think I would see that Cyclops for a while. James and I had landed on top of some soft sand that cushioned our fall just barely. We're sitting in the Cyclops' camp and giving the girls ambrosia squares. I'm worried about Karmen, though. "How did she find you? I mean, the Cyclops." James looks at me. "Well, we heard you guys screaming so Karmen and I split up. Then I heard her screaming and I ran to help her. By the time I found her, the Cyclops had them unconscious and bound." I answer. I remember when Karmen and I were waiting for the others in the chariot, and then I heard James shout for help. Then I heard Amber, and then Fleur. That's when we split up. But maybe James is right and the Cyclops was imitating voices. It's creepy to think about. I glance out towards the desert. Yeah, definitely creepy. James and I sit in silence for another few moments until he says, "How long have you known Amber?" I raise an eyebrow and smile to myself. "A few months. She came in January, but I really didn't know her then. Then, we were assigned together at Capture the Flag." I hesitate to tell him more. If James has a crush on Amber, then I guess that it wouldn't be wise to tell him anything more. "We became really good friends after that, and she introduced me to Karmen." I add. "Oh." James draws his glance away from me. "You like her, don't you?" I say quietly. James shifts uncomfortably and hesitates. "Maybe." He answers, and a faint smile plays on his lips. "Welcome to the club." I mutter, and James grins. "The club for what? Losers who fall in love with cute girls?" He jokes, and I laugh. "Yeah, something along those lines." He looks out towards the desert, his lips pursed seriously. He pauses for a moment, and then turns back to me. "I couldn't have ever dreamed of that chariot you built. I really think you're the miracle for this quest." His blue eyes gleam, and the realization hits me with a pang. "You think I'm...that good?" I whisper, and James gives a small laugh. "Of course. Gods, who wouldn't?" I break out into a grin, and suddenly, we're both laughing for some reason. Probably all the pressure. "Gee…thanks." I rub my arm and smile to myself. "Get some rest. I'll keep watch." James nudges me. "I can tell you're tired." He adds. "Thanks, man." I nod and lay down as sleep takes over.
I'm at Camp Half-Blood when the dreams come. For a moment, I feel as though the burden of the quest is lifted from my shoulders and everything's okay. Well, until I see the borders. The camp is getting overrun by endless, countless monsters and Greek fire sweeps throughout the fields and cabins. Demigods in armor fight the monsters, but only more take their place. I watch helplessly as the camp burns and campers fall to the ground, spilling blood on the grass. I yell in frustration, but no one seems to hear me. I try to run to help, but my legs feel like Jell-O and an invisible force seems to pull me back. You cannot win. A familiar yet deadly voice croons. "Dirt Woman." I scowl and reach for my hammer. The woman's voice chuckles. Stop fighting, little hero, or everything precious to you- including this camp- will burn to ashes as you see here. I squeeze my eyes shut. "Stop showing me these things!" My breathing gets hard and I clench my fists. Not until you and your friends surrender. The voice answers and the scene fades away.
I open my eyes again, but I'm not in Arizona. I'm standing in front of an old building, disturbingly familiar. An invisible force drags me forward and I float through the doors. A woman leans over a desk, her dark hair falling down her shoulders. She rubs her eyes and examines some kind of blueprint on the table. A baby's laughter echoes throughout the building, and the woman briefly looks up. She pushes back her curly hair and glances towards the door. "Mijo?" She calls, her brown eyes soothing yet worried. A pang hits me and I seem to lose my voice. The woman straightens and opens the door. An old woman wrapped in black robes comfortably sits in a rocking chair, watching the fire. A little boy with curly hair sits at the heart 0f the flame, and the woman screams. She snatches the child out of the fire, running her fingers down his back. "How could you?" The woman screams at the old lady, but the rocking chair is empty. The scene changes, and the same woman and her son, still quite small, are standing next to a building like a machine shop. The woman smiles at her son fondly, who returns it with another bright smile. The woman frowns and checks her pocket. "That's funny. I know I had my keys…wait here, mijo. I'll be right back." She squeezes his hand and gives him one last smile before entering the machine shop. I want to scream, No! No! Don't go in there! I'm forced to be silent, and beads of sweat appear on my forehead. Suddenly, a loud slam echoes through the building and the door locks. The boy runs to the wall and presses his ear against it. He looks frantic and panicked as he taps a message on the wall. "She can't hear you." A sleepy voice croons. The boy whirls around, and his eyes widen with terror.
My eyes fly open and I can hear my quick breathing. The others are awake, and James is looking uncomfortable. "Leo!" Karmen sighs with relief and hugs me. I'm at a loss for words, and my voice is gone. The only thing I can imagine is the machine shop, ablaze with flames.
Okay, I know I've been slacking off on my Answering The Call stuff for a while, but hey- I've got a lot of homework!!! Plus, I've been watching a bunch of Hetalia. That's a good excuse, right?

Leo (c) Rick Riordan
© 2012 - 2024 HazelLevesque24
Comments0
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In