Down in Flames [OC Demigod Fic]

Chapter Nine: "Who Does This Ghost Think He is?"

"He's not who you think he is."

"What do you mean? How do you know him? Why is he 'dangerous'?" I ask, thoughts flying around my head too fast for me to keep track of them all.

"One at a time," Dennis says lightly takes a deep breath. "I've known Rhodes for a long time. I don't know who you are, or why you're with him, but I'm telling you now that you should leave."

I clench my jaw and shake my head stubbornly. "I can't just leave him. He'll get eaten alive."

Rolling his eyes, Dennis says, "Listen, there's been a lot of talk down in the Underworld, and bad things are coming. Rhody's found himself stuck in the middle of it all— don't ask me how. But if you hang around him, you'll be caught in the crossfire."

"There are worse problems going on right now," I recall my father saying at the end of our conversation earlier this week. Hephaestus must know whatever secret Dennis is hiding from me.

I weigh my options, still not entirely convinced that Dennis is trying to help me, as opposed to trying to hurt Rhodes. After all, he had no idea who I was before we spoke; he'd just known I was with Rhodes somehow. Maybe his job in the Underworld is a private investigator— who's managed to steal the look of both Elvis and Sherlock at the same time. I wouldn't have given the guy a second thought if he hadn't gotten into Elysium. That's some good street cred.

"What will happen if I leave?" I says, narrowing my eyes.

"I'm no oracle," He shrugs. "But a war's coming, and there's no way to stop it. Just don't say I didn't warn you. Even the camps won't be safe."

"How do you know about—"

Without hesitation, he unbuttons his overcoat, revealing a faded orange 'Camp Half-Blood' tee. Blood splatters have stained the shirt, and a spear-sized hole has been left in the middle of his torso. I wince at the gruesome sight and he buttons the coat back up.

"I've seen war— it's not pretty. And Rhody? He's powerful enough to start or stop one."

On that terrifying note, Dennis looks across the street, suddenly startled. His hologram if figure begins to flicker away.

"No, come back!" I plead, then look in the direction of his gaze. Rhodes just exited the pharmacy.

"Best of luck, Sabine. I'll try to keep in touch," he whispers as he disappears completely.

Now I'm left with no answers, too many half-explained thoughts, and my life possibly in greater danger than it was before. So this is what it's like being a demigod on a quest. Not that I'm on an 'official' quest, but this trip's certainly had its trials and tribulations so far.

Despite the specter's warning, I think I'll stick it out with Rhodes. If a war really does break our, I can take care of myself. Camp Jupiter's still waiting for me, and Rhodes as well— he has to be a demigod, after all that Dennis said. Perhaps he's a son of Hades; he could have spoken to ghosts like Dennis before without even realizing it. The Mist must have had a stronger affect on him before he left home. I've never met a child of Hades, and it does seem a bit far-fetched to think Rhodes is a one. I always imagined they'd be a little scarier, and less of a scaredy cat...

"Hey," his voice pulls me away from my thoughts. Rhodes smiles warmly at me, but it quickly fades into a concerned frown. "Are you feeling alright? You look as if you've seen a ghost." I can't help but laugh at his choice of words.

"I'll be fine," I reassure him. "...Do you believe in ghosts?"

"I'll believe in most anything, after this week," Rhodes shrugs and the bright smile returns. "I'm glad you're okay. Still, you look like you could use some food," he opens up his backpack and pulls out a bag of gummy bears, offering them to me.

"You're prepared for anything, huh," I raise my eyebrows at him, suppressing a smile as I graciously take the gummies.

"Never know when there might be a candy crisis," he grins. I don't understand how anyone could call him dangerous; he's the human equivalent of a marshmallow.

Rhodes had changed into a mint green t-shirt while he was cleaning himself up, and a tightly wrapped bandage now covers his left forearm. With his sweatshirt off, I notice a metallic bracelet on his wrist. Greek letters are engraved into it, making me gasp lightly. Without warning, I take his hand to get a closer look at the inscription: ΡΌΔΟΣ.

"Oh, that's my name in Greek," he explains, blushing a deep shade of red. I drop his hand to make the situation less awkward.

"Where did you get it?" I inquire. The bracelet is made of celestial bronze; it could be a weapon in disguise.

Rhodes pauses to think. "...I can't remember, honestly. It was in my room one day and I thought it looked cool, so I put it on. I didn't even know it was my name until I looked it up online. It was probably a random gift from my parents or something," he tells me.

The sun sinks beneath the horizon, a beautiful sunset appearing. We stand quietly in the empty parking lot, and if there was ever a good time to speak up, this would be it.

"Hey Rhody... What do you know about Greek mythology?"