The Spirits of the Universe (PJO)

Chapter 73--We Make a Plan

Jumping back into a mega whirlpool was dangerous work—even for a son of Poseidon. Sure, there were probably no better ways of healing myself, but . . .

That's not the reason I returned. No. There was something else—something more pressing.

I'd only spotted the white of her clothes as she swam out of sight–but that was enough. I would never mistake her for someone else.

I willed the water currents to push me towards the northeast side of the room. As I rounded a piece of rubble that kind of looked like an unpolished version of the Cloud Gate in Chicago, I found myself staring at the only person I'd wished had died in the explosion.

She was forty yards from me. On ground, she looked elegant with her confident sword moves—but in the water, she was as smooth as a fish on a hook. Ten soldiers surrounded her, all uninjured—probably the guys on the outer fringes, who'd gotten lucky and had dodged my attack.

But not this one.

I held out my hand, and the water beneath them exploded.

The soldiers were thrown high into the air. Some windmilled their arms wildly in panic then bellyflopped back into the water. The others managed to grasp onto protrusions in the ceiling and climb up into the marble bathhouse. They looked downward cautiously. I doubt any of them are going to jump down to save their boss.

Speaking of their boss, Niyomina had unfortunately fared my attack better than her subordinates. When the water had swirled around her feet, she'd immediately lunged for the window—and had gripped the windowsill with her immortal strength to not go flying. Before I could launch another attack, she rode the water out of the temple.

Great, End groaned. We destroyed my temple, and we couldn't even bring down the bad guy.

It's not over, I said. We're not wasting this chance.

I zoomed towards the nearest window, launching myself in the air. I braced my body as I hit the grass, then rolled to my feet. I was fast—but not fast enough.

Niyomina already was a quarter block away. Fortunately, she wasn't unharmed. She speed walked with a limp, and her left arm hung lifeless by her side. The sight of her in pain filled me with satisfaction.

You can't be done yet, End warned. For an immortal, those types of injuries will heal within a matter of minutes.

I know. I uncapped Riptide. Then, harnessing as much of my demigod strength as I could spare, I launched my sword forward like a javelin. I stumbled forward with the sheer force of my throw, but it was perfect.

"Don't you dare try to run away!" I yelled. "Not after destroying my temple!"

Niyomina was so taken aback by my accusation that she stopped and turned around. "What in the name of Eternity are you talking about? That was all you! You're just—"

I wasn't able to hear the last part of her sentence. Because the next moment, Riptide was hilt-deep in her chest.

Nice shot! End crowed. You really showed her who's the boss!

I was aiming for her heart, I said bitterly. Her reaction time's too fast—an injury to her shoulder isn't going to kill her.

Niyomina stared at the silver blood staining her shirt in shock. You're telling me she redirected the attack subconsciously? Her instincts are scary.

"This is nothing but a cheap trick," she growled.

"Is it really a cheap trick if it wins me our battle?" I quoted back at her. "Do you hear how stupid that sounds? I really had to stop myself from cringing when you said it."