Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 10: Thinking Deeply

A few years later

I walk into the post office with a few letters in hand. We have been walking through the middle of nowhere for a while, making it hard for me to send them. I kept sending Marie letters over the years, she was very happy that I did. I tried calling her, but that was horrible for us. The monsters swarmed us like flies to dead meat. I didn't try it again, and Marie understood. We did pay her a few visits, but it were not many. Sometimes we were weeks away from Richmond, making it hard for us to visit.

Gods, I am fourteen now, almost fifteen. It has been three long years since I came back. I still miss mother from time to time, but I know she is somehow looking after me. It may be crazy, but I just feel that she is happy how I am turning out. As a group, we really became close. Celebrated our birthdays, joked around on the road, even talked about what we wanted to do with our lives or wished for.

And, yes, Luke and Thalia teased me about buying me a girlfriend for one of my birthday. It never happened, but each time they say next year will be the year. Both of them may be... irritating at times, but I trust them to have my back. Always loyal and kind, especially Thalia. It's touching how fiercely loyal she is to us.

Both kept training me and Annabeth. I like to say that Annabeth and I are becoming good at fighting, but they are still far better than us. It won't stop me from trying to be better one day. It also seems that Annabeth has matured a bit... but gods did she became smart and pretty. Always has a plan for each thing we want to achieve. Her mind has no equal, at least, so it seems to me. I feel like we have become as close as sisters.

I still don't know anything about my other parent, but I am willing to wait. It is as my brother said, one with faith will find what they are searching for. I waited for mother for years, I can wait for my other parent as well. When the time is right, my wish to see him will become true.

I walk towards the counter of the postal service. "Good day, three letters to Richmond, please," I say to the lady behind the counter. "Sure thing..." she begins to says and in no time I walk back out the shop. "All set to get go?" Luke asked as I come back out.

I sigh as I nod. "Yeah, but are you sure about this? Last time we went to this safe house, it was crawling with monsters. That wasn't so long ago. How sure are you they have gone away?"

"It has been long enough, and if they are there, we can take them out. They deserve it either way," he says, as he furrows his eyebrows in deep thought.

He has been more aggressive as of late. Ever since, Thalia got injured and treated at his childhood home, he searches for ways to prove himself. I can't help but think he talked to someone while I tended to Thalia and Annabeth. They noticed the change too, but seem not bothered by it. "Alright... but let's not be reckless, alright?"

"Don't worry, Aileen. You'll survive long enough to meet your girl!" he chuckles. Annabeth furrowed her eyebrows at Luke for a moment. I think she is a bit annoyed at what he said. "We shouldn't get reckless, Luke," she says.

Luke smiles at her. "Always on her side, eh. Makes me almost believe that you are her girlfriend," he says with a chuckle. "Don't be ridiculous. I won't allow myself to be surprised by stupid monsters just because we walked straight towards them," she says with redder cheeks.

Thalia laughs a little. "We'll be fine! The four of us survived this long together! We can do this," she says confidently. I sigh softly. "Fine. But let's be careful," I say as we start to move out.

Luke wanted to get to one of the hideouts near the Ferris Lake Forest. Last time we visited, we got attacked, but we managed to escape. It was strange, though. The monsters focused more on the others than me. It was as if it was more of a hit organized by someone. I just hope we will be safe there.

I look at Annabeth as she walks next to me. She seems to be thinking deeply about something as she plays with the ring of my mother with her fingers. "Penny for your thoughts, Wise Girl?"

Annabeth smiles softly as she turns to me. "Nothing worrisome. I am just trying to figure something out," she says. I nod as I look at the road again. Trees are starting to surround us, poles with wires stretch alongside the road, birds chirp as the first rays of the day make their way through the sky. A beautiful day, if I say so myself.

"Let me know if I can help. My brain is not as good as yours, but it can certainly listen and help," I say with a chuckle. She smiles as she looks to the sky for a moment. "I was wondering about something. How did you know you liked girls and not boys?"

"Hmm. That's a good question. I don't dislike boys, but I always... ehm, clicked better with girls, I guess. It's like I feel more myself when I am with women. Sounds strange, maybe. But it's hard to explain," I explain to her. "I see. Thank you, Aileen."

Annabeth seems lost in her thoughts again. "I don't need to be smart to figure this out, Annabeth. You think you may like girls?" I ask gently. She sighs deeply. "I don't know, Aileen. Ask me a question about math, or history and I can give you an answer. But this... I have a hard time figuring this out."

I put a gentle hand on her shoulder and give it a squeeze. "Perhaps you're trying to think too deep about it? Sometimes you just got to accept that you just like that person. Female or not," I say, trying to help her. Annabeth nods with a sigh. "Thanks, I'll think about what you said. We should get ready for the monsters. The hideout is not far."

"Sure thing. Better keep ourselves alive, eh."

This hideout is one of my favorite ones. It's located in a large forest with beautiful lakes, rivers, and spots that offer splendid views. A shame we were attacked last time, which made us cut our visit short. As we walk through the forest, we carefully look around us. To spot any danger and signs of the monsters.

During the whole walk, we remain silent as the only sounds that can be heard are the ones from the forests. Birds, trees, the wind, and the occasional animals passing through the low vegetation. Eventually, the forest clears a bit as an open space come into view. A hut made of woven plants becomes visible. It seems to be empty and silent around the hut.

"Seems safe..." I mutter softly. Thalia seems unconvinced as she scans the surrounding bushes and trees. "Maybe, let's check the hut first. Keep your eyes open, everyone," she says. Luke spearheads the group, to the slight annoyance of Thalia.

In a slow and steady pace, we take a defensive position around the tent. Luke opens the door to get inside to investigate the hut. I keep scanning the forest for anything out of place, but it seems clear, as I can't see anything. By the looks of it, the same goes for Thalia and Annabeth. Luke comes back out after a few minutes.

"Nothing inside, but it's clear they have been here recently. They were after something, I saw recent tracks of something. I couldn't make out what it was," he informs us. "What kind of tracks?" Annabeth asks out of curiosity.

"Some kind of hooves. But it's as if it only has two legs..." he explains. "That could be... oh, shit," Annabeth says before paling slightly. We turn to what she is looking at, and to our shock, we see a running half goat man coming our way. That wasn't the most shocking, because a group of hellhounds is trying to kill him.

Thalia starts to electrify her arms and spear, getting ready for battle. "Annabeth, go left. The right side is for you, Aileen. Luke, you're with me. Stay close and cover each other sides. Let's do this." With that, we start to engage the hellhounds...