Fortitude

I Got Bit

The light served as my guide in the dark. Positive energy flowed through my body from the light, bringing me joy and warmth from this cold and dark place. Memories, happy ones, appeared in my mind, giving me the best feeling ever. And I know where did this come from, no other than my favorite Aunt in the world, Lady Hestia.

I prayed to her as I followed the light through the dark. It lead me to an old wooden door that seems like unused for the last 6,000 years. I can tell it by the way it looks. I opened it with no hesitation and walked inside. It was dark at first but I see natural light, sunlight, from a hole above, wide enough for me.

I found a rope nearby and tied it to the end of my arrow and shoot it above, hoping it would hit something. I tested if it can hold my weight and then I climbed my way out of this nightmare.

I never hated the sunlight, even though too much of it hurts. It spread across my face, giving me warmth as it goes down the horizon. I embraced the moment while it lasts. A forest appeared, full of tall and mighty trees and weird yet astonishing plants.

This was not Camp half-blood, of course there's a forest but surely this isn't. The light did not disappeared instead I followed it deep into the woods. Not knowing where I'm going can be a little tricky but I trust the light.

The skies began to dim and still I follow the light. I was starrving and exhausted but I see something glowing ahead, besides the floating light. It lead me to a bonfire. A lady in brown robes sat on a big wide rock. The light went straight ahead to the bonfire and settled there.

The lady turned and saw me creating a smirk on her lips. For a moment, I was shocked but I found myself running towards her. I hugged her like I usually do. Her warm embrace made me feel relaxed and at peace. I sat on a small rock beside her.

"You must be hungry." She said. "Lucky for you, I made food earlier."

I accepted the food and began eating. Leaving some food behind enough, I threw the food in the fire,offering it to my dad and aunt. Even though she's beside me. She smiled at me and patted my back gently.

"I'm in a search for a set of demigods, my lady.'' I explained. "Do you happen to see them being kidnapped?"

She chuckled. "I told you to call me Aunt. Just Aunt, okay?" She said. "But I just got here by sunset."

"I'm in need of your help and kindness, Just Aunt. I will continue my search for them."

She gave out a sigh and turned back to fetch something. My backpack. It was the same as the last time I saw it days ago. I figured it out that she's a goddess. She can get whatever she wants.

"I know it's not my job to interfere to demigods' quests." She said. "But you get an exception for me."

I hugged her for the last time, gave me a blessing and bid goodbye. I continued my path into the woods. With Hestia's blessing, I might be able to survive for a couple of days. But every step I take, I can feel someone, something follow me.

I opened my retractable bow and noticed Hestia packed me some extra arrows. I grasped tightly on my weapons, waiting for something to bounce on me. But I am ready.

Then it came. Three creepy lunch-box sized, mechanical spiders. Glad I wasn't an Athenian. I shot arrows at one of them. The other two jumped from branch to branch. The shot was a success but the other two jumped and slashed on my arm with its little mechanical arm.

I had goosebumps about these creepy crawlers crawling on my body. I snatched the other one and threw it above me and quickly shot it with arrows. One left.

Then it suddenly bit me in the arm. I crouched to the ground holding my arm to stop the pain but it won't. I felt the liquid surging through my veins. A silhouette of a man appeared in my eyes. While, black spots started dancing in my eyes.

"The plan worked afterall. That mechanical spider that bit you has a vial of stuff I made." The man says. "Hope you like it."

After that, my visions darkened and I fainted.