Hades' Chosen Prince

56. An Unexpected Turn

A full week has passed since I became a weapons instructor, some Ares and Apollo campers would challenge me into a spar or a target run; which is basically hit the bullseye, but they would always lose. Apparently with every lesson I gave, the better I become, I guess it's because showing someone how to use a sword or a bow counts as training.

As of today I was just finishing my class on archery, I dismissed everyone with a wave of my hand "you can all go back to whatever you're supposed to be doing". The kids smiles and scattered off saying things like "see you next class uncle kitty" or "I bet I can shoot a harpy off the air".

Let me explain why I'm uncle kitty. If you're familiar with the Greek god/Titan family tree then you probably instantly know why, but to those who don't. Hades, my father, is brother to Zeus; Zeus is the father to most of the Olympian gods, that makes Hades their uncle. Back to me, since I'm a son of Hades, some Olympian gods are my cousins. Then when those gods have a kid, that makes said kid my nephew or niece. For example, Apollo is a son of Zeus, which makes him my cousin, that makes his children my nephews and nieces.

If you haven't caught up to this yet, a lot of campers come from my godly cousins, making me their uncle, and I got uncle kitty because I accidentally forgot to pull my ears back in one lesson... Oops?

Currently, I'm lying under a large oak tree, I had literally nothing else to do, my classes have ended for today, visit hours in the infirmary are over for the day, I'm not complete friends with anyone. Yeah the life of a lonely guy returns, or it would.

As I was starring at a branch, a bold eagle dropped down on it, it looked young, it wasn't what you'd call a big eagle. It turned its head towards me and let out a small screech, even if it was small, it still rang on my cat ears way too loud.

I quickly sat up with my eyes closed shut, my hands holding onto my ears. I took some deep breaths to try and calm myself, after I did, my eyes slowly opened. Chloe was standing in front of me, with the eagle on her shoulder.

"good morning sunshine" she said smirking. I rolled my eyes and got up slowly "whatever it is you want, just don't let that thing screech again near me" I said with a hint of annoyance. Chloe giggled to herself and scratched under the eagle's beak "Joey told me to bring his eagle over to you, and that you have to visit him today, not one day late got it?" She asked

I blinked and reached my elbow out for the eagle, it screeched softly and flew into my forearm, "what's his name?... And why does Joey WANT me to go now?" I questioned. Chloe shrugged and looked at me with a smile, but I knew this smile: it was the smile of sorrow, "his name is Mr. Eagle, and I have no clue, but he did want to see you again".

I took Chloe's word, I walked towards the infirmary, but before, I told Mr. Eagle to fly back to my cabin; I had to point it out for him since I have no clue if birds can follow scents. I walked through the infirmary doors and was almost instantly thrown out because I had no injury. I sat on the steps of the infirmary thinking on how I can sneak in; then it hit me like a bullet train.

I stole a single red rose from the Demeter cabin, then I jumped into the bushes and turned into a completely black kitten (still have those dreadful hot pink eyes), once as a kitten, I jumped up Joey's room window, he was lying down on that hospital bed, he wore a hospital gown and about three thick blankets. I turned back into human before jumping off the windowsill "hey Joe, wanted to see me?" I asked softly. Joey slowly turned his head and smiled weakly "yeah. Come here" he whispered.

I walked closer to him, leaving the rose on the nightstand. Joey's eyes were filled with life, but his golden tan had been fading fast, he could even pass by a ghost if he wanted. Joey pulled me down into a hug, his arms were weak, I managed a smile hugging him gently, the hug lasted longer than any other hug I have done. I didn't think nothing of this, until he chuckled softly, I pulled away from the hug and noticed that he had a huge smile on his face. "What's so funny?" I asked, he only nodded at my neck; I looked down and gasped slightly, around my neck was a seaweed string with a half black-half light blue turtle pendant. Joey held onto my hand and whispered "Bri, I trust that this pendant will protect you. It's also my proposal".

My eyes felt heavy, a single tear rolled down my cheek. "Go wear your fanciest tux and meet me here tomorrow during the visit hour. I have everything already planned, just be here on time love" Joey explained, his voice was raspy and low, it was obvious he needed to sleep. I kissed him softly and nodded "I'll be here on time love, now rest, you'll need your strengths tomorrow".

To be honest, I didn't sleep, I kept playing around with my new necklace, it was a land turtle, it looked like it was laying down on my chest, it's head looked up as if looking forward, the night went quick. I rapidly put on the tuxedo that I was given for the ball, I fixed my hair and hid everything cat related. I almost ran to the infirmary, my heart couldn't be happier, if it were to beat any faster it would fly away. Once in the infirmary, Apollo campers (since their father was God of medicine they're naturally found here) all looked at me as I walked through Joey's door.

"Joe! I'm... Here" I mumbled, the room was clean, nothing of Joey was left, all but the rose and a note simply addressed to me. I walked towards it and shakily held it, it was written in greek so I read it without difficulty.

To Brian Grey:

Dear Bri, by the time you're reading this I will have passed away. The months and days I had with you were the happiest I could have ever hoped for. You are a kind, caring spirit and I hope that one day... we shall meet again. And I'm so sorry, but I'll have to postpone that wedding.

Yours truly for the last time my love. Joey Stone, your airhead.