Percy Jackson and the Dark Elites

XXIII

Leo

Leo couldn't remember how he ended up in chains. 

The first thing he saw was Hazel saying his name. A high pitched ring stung in his ears, a blurry African American girl was shouting his name.

Hazel came into view.

"Haz..." Leo's head slumped back down.

"No, no! Stay up! Keep your eyes open."

"You're... older." His eyes focused on her. His head was pounding painfully and he couldn't think straight, but he could see.

A relieved laugh burst from her throat. She wiped a tear from her cheek.

"Thank gods!" She touched her forehead to his chest.

She smacked his arm. "I have lost you TOO. MANY. TIMES!"

"Ow." Leo tried to put his arms around her, but they were strapped down in many different places. "Why aren't you..."

He closed his eyes to resist the urge to vomit.

"I'm so sorry Leo. I don't have a choice. I-I can't move you."

"What's wrong? Where..." He didn't finish. Why was his head pounding so hard? He kept thinking about someone. They were in a hotel, something white with carpet floors.

Was he still there? Or was he really with Hazel?

Leo gasped. "My hood!"

He opened his eyes to see Hazel again. "What? Your... What?"

Leo turned his head. He wasn't wearing his suit. And Hazel knew he was alive! He wouldn't be able to return to the Elites.

His heart jumped uncontrollably in his chest. There was something he wanted.

"Calypso..." He somewhat laughed.

"She's fine," Hazel reassured him. At camp. "But Gaea-"

"Dirt face? I killed her."

"No. No, Leo, she's back. She's going to kill us."

His skull burned but he kept his eyes open permanently. He'd be in pain later. He just wished the sudden smell of cinnamon would leave.

"Go then." He ordered. "You're not bound."

"No, Leo. She has Frank. What are you doing?"

Leo groaned. He set his hands a blaze in a firm line. The metal wrapped around him grew hot.

Hazel leaned back, covering her Jean pocket on reflex.

A chain link broke. Leo felt it relax around his waist.

Hazel helped him lean foreword to get his ankle chains off. He broke the first link.

"Can't you control this?" He mumbled in frustration.

"It's iron and rust. There's nothing precious about it."