Chapter 5 #2
The murmurs quiet at that news, probably because two of our strongest will be staying behind to help them. We haven’t split our group like this before and even though Adrian says it’s necessary, I hate it.
“I’m leaving you in good hands with the best possible chance of survival so we can win this thing.” I clench my fist on the podium.
“Why can’t you stay?” someone yells. “Searching for a hammer seems stupid when we’ll be fighting for our lives.”
“Hephaestus’ hammer is what will turn the tide for us.
If we expect to win, it must be retrieved and returned to the fire god.
Of course, I would rather be here at the start of the battle with all of you.
That’s not what fate demands, though. Fate demands I retrieve it or we lose, and I refuse to lose.
The entire world is on the line this time. If we fail, the world burns.”
The volume of the whispers grows until everyone is talking over each other. The noise pounds in my head like a sledgehammer and I run a hand down my face.
“Listen,” Raven shouts. “We have to do this. Believe me, I know it sucks, but think about all the people you have at home no longer existing because we were scared. Do you think you know better than our oracle who literally saw all the paths to the future?”
“You think I don’t want to be here with my friends to protect everyone?
I have to leave people behind while I go retrieve a hammer.
It sounds absolutely ridiculous when you all will be fighting a horde of monsters and other demigods, but this is what has to happen.
I have to make a sacrifice again for everyone. ” I slam my fist on the podium.
Jayden rubs a soothing hand down my back.
“I will make that sacrifice. I am leaving the most important person in this world to me so that you all have a chance so stop complaining and get your shit together.” Tears burn the backs of my eyes that I refuse to let fall.
“Everyone form a line in front of Sara and Jackson to get your assignments,” Jayden calls over the crowd. “There will be a zone with your assignment. Head to your zone and practice with your zone leader. They will give you instructions.”
Everyone disperses, still whispering to each other but doing as Jayden says.
“C’mon, you should probably see the healer before you leave,” Jayden says. “You need your medical pack.”
“Yeah, I’m worried about that, though. What if we take supplies needed here?” I blow a piece of hair out of my face.
“We’ll be fine. We have healers here; you won’t have access to that.” Jayden places a hand on my lower back, guiding me to the healers’ office.
“We’re all supercharged now. We heal faster than anyone at the academy,” I argue.
“Draven and Kira aren’t as powerful as you and Raven, so they won’t heal as fast. You need medical supplies, Beth.” Jayden opens the door to the academic building.
“Fine, I know you’re right. It’s just… never mind.” I shake my head.
“You’re worried about everyone here while you’re gone,” Jayden says. “That’s understandable. We’ve never left knowing everyone here was going into battle before.”
“Exactly. I don’t like this at all. I want to be here to fight.” I take long strides down the hall.
“You’ll be back to help us end the damn thing. That will be enough. Adrian saw it. You trust him, right?” Jayden asks.
“Of course. I wouldn’t have agreed to split everyone up if I didn’t.”
“Then stop worrying about everything and let’s go get supplies you’ll need.” Jayden pulls open the door to the sterile white office.
“Beth, Jayden.” The healer smiles at us. “What can I help you with?”
“I have to go get another item of power. Can I get my regular medical pack, please?” I hang my head.
“Yes, of course. Is Adrian going? Do you need something for his seizures?” He turns, busying himself by grabbing supplies.
“Not this time. He’s staying here.” I glance away.
The healer grabs everything but the seizure stuff and puts it into the leather bag I usually take with me on these missions and hands it to me. I grip the leather strap harder than necessary.
“Thank you,” I say and turn to leave the office.
“Good luck, Beth. We’re all counting on you.” He smiles.
He probably means to be reassuring or something but the weight of the world presses further on my shoulders. They are all counting on me. Always counting on me to do what’s needed.
The Island of the Lotus Eaters blasts through my mind and I squeeze my eyes shut. If I had failed the test and stayed with the fake Jayden, what would Nereus have done? If I had just said fuck the rest of the world, would we all be gone already?
“We’ve come too far to give up now, love. We have to push through. I know the weight of expectations is crushing you right now, but it’s not forever.” Jayden pulls me into his arms and kisses my forehead.
“His words reminded me of the island,” I whisper. “That place and what I was forced to do there will forever be burned into my memory.”
“I can’t even imagine what that did to you, love, but it wasn’t real, and you won’t have to face that island ever again.” Jayden presses his forehead to mine.
It’s not lost on me that he doesn’t make any promises in regard to having to choose between him and saving everyone. That’s not a promise that he can make right before we all go into battle.
“No, I don’t have to physically go there ever again, but my mind won’t let go of what happened there.” I blink back tears.
“When this is all over, we’ll figure out a way to drown those memories. I promise we will be happy.” He pulls me into his chest.
“One last hurdle. One last mission that we may not come back from.” I sigh.
“Beth,” Raven calls. “Are you ready to go? We should probably head out.”
I cling to Jayden for a second longer not wanting to let him go but knowing I have to do this. If I don’t, the world will burn.