The Eye of The Storm - 1. Rememberance

CHAPTER 12 The path in between

When I wake up, I find myself in an improvised bed of pillows and blankets. It takes me time to get used to the surroundings, as I stand up and inspect the room I'm in. It takes some time realizing I'm under the deck of Enzo's warship.

I open the door which leads out of my room and into a narrow hallway. Four similar looking doors face the corridor, presumably harboring rooms with beds for the crewmembers to rest their weary heads. At the end of the hallway is a staircase which leads on the deck. I prepare to climb it, when I hear something troubling.

"She's done it again!"

An annoyed boy's voice shouts filled with rage. I gasp in shock realizing it's Noah's.

"She tried to help." Interrupts another male voice, this time stark and weirdly calm. "She risked her life to help and stop Cetus' rampage. If you would've been in the same situation, you would've done the same, I'm sure."

"She got hurt!" Noah insists, now twice as angry. "She almost drowned! You guys still call this recklessness an act of heroism. It's almost like she's trying to kill herself."

"ALL of us did."

I recognize Enzo's voice. The son of Athena is now displaying a diplomatic approach.

"You shouldn't be too overprotective, Noah." Enzo sighs, as if he's been reading the doctor's mind all along. "A doctor only gives advice, it's up to the patient to follow that or not."

"There's no point in arguing." A girl's voice says slowly, trying to bring peace. June. "We have to continue our journey and stay focused, united."

"Eavesdropping, huh?"

I turn surprised to see Aristoniki behind me. Her brown hair is somehow messy, her icy blue eyes stare at me with curiosity.

"I see you managed to piss off Noah again." She chuckles, rolling her eyes. "I have absolutely no idea why is that so, but tell me honestly: did you really do that move on purpose?"

I pause to think, struggling to remember.

"I don't know." I reply after a lengthy pause. "It just came to me. I was feeling useless and..."

"It was awesome, kid."

Aristoniki puts her hand on my shoulder. Her smile is bright and warm. I hear that, outside, things have calmed down.

"Keep up the good work, solider!" the daughter of Nike adds. "We are so proud to have you around, Phoenix!"

* * *

As I get on the deck, everyone hugs me in the tightest group hug I've ever experienced. Magnus doesn't tag along, but his eyes tell me he's glad I'm okay.

"I'm sorry." I say after everyone lets go of me. "It was such a reckless thing to do."

"Don't worry, it's okay." Noah's smile is as bright as the sun above. I smile back, reassured he doesn't hold a grudge against me. "But, please, I beg you, promise you'll be more careful from now on."

"I will, doc!" I laugh. "I will take care."

"We have wonderful news." Enzo announces gladly. "We are now navigating the Mediterranean!"

"Really?! Then we will reach Greece in no time!"

"That's awesome!"

"But..."